TESTIMONIALS

The following testimonials are provided by incredible leaders who have worked with Dr. Beth Rice, prior to the launch of Wellbeing4Learning.

Susan Brigman

Section Chief ~ 21st CCLC and ELISS, Office of Federal Programs

NC Department of Public Instruction

Collaborating with Beth to revitalize support for Alternative Education in North Carolina was amazing. The focus of our work together was building community and empowering alternative educators to create safe and supportive educational spaces for all students regardless of their past experiences or backgrounds.

Aja Winstead, Ed.S.

Adult High School Coordinator,

Cape Fear Community College

Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Beth Rice as we helped to rebuild and reenergize the North Carolina Association of Alternative Educators. Her leadership and collaboration laid the foundation for meaningful change by fostering a trusted community of practice that empowered alternative learning professionals to grow, connect, and lead with purpose. Her work has brought lasting value to our field by strengthening networks, elevating voices, and advancing the shared mission of equitable and student-centered education.

MATT RICE

Principal, Booker T. WashingtonLearning Center, NCAAE ExecutiveBoard Treasurer

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Beth Rice. Her deep knowledge, flexibility, and warm, encouraging demeanor made collaboration both productive and enjoyable—she brought fresh insight, helped reframe challenges, and was always willing to support and problem-solve with care and professionalism.

JoAnne Garay, M.S. CAS

Student Services Coordinator,
Kannapolis City Schools

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Beth Rice for over 10 years in various capacities at the school, district, and state levels. Her unwavering focus on educator and staff well-being has always been at the heart of her work, recognizing its essential role in supporting student success. I am eager to continue to learn from her through Wellbeing4Learning - she’s leading the way in creating healthier, more sustainable learning environments for educators and students alike.

Samantha Durrance

Program Specialist, SERVE

I worked with Beth Rice for several years and have always been in awe of her passion for educators and students, capacity for drawing people from different backgrounds together, and the emotional intelligence she demonstrates in every interaction. Beth is one of those rare people who can immediately make almost anyone feel comfortable and willing to share, and this serves her well in her work. She is also a thoughtful and detail-oriented planner and never begins a meeting she's facilitating without having carefully considered what needs to be accomplished and the best way to get the participants to that goal. If you are looking for support for your organization, you could not be in better hands.

Meagan Crews

Director of Mental Health,

Jackson County Public Schools

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Rice for years on both state and local initiatives focused on wellbeing and systems change. Her ability to lead with both clarity and compassion has made her an invaluable partner in providing meaningful professional development across our region. I’m excited to continue collaborating through this new chapter and know her work will continue to impact educators and students in powerful ways.

JAN CRUMP

Director of Curriculum & Instruction/ Federal Programs,
Polk County Schools

In my former role as an elementary principal, I had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Beth Rice, our school psychologist. Her expertise in student behavior and mental health deeply informed our decisions and strengthened our interventions, helping to create a safe, supportive learning environment. Our collaboration ensured that every decision was rooted in both educational leadership and a deep understanding of students’ individual needs.

Kimberly Morrissey

Principal Holly Shelter Middle School,
New Hanover County Schools

My work with Dr. Rice has been instrumental in my success as an educator. She helped me to prioritize the wellness of each student by fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where physical, emotional, social, and academic needs are equally supported. She provided me with the tools to incorporate mindfulness, social-emotional learning (SEL), and restorative practices into my school to support the mental and emotional well-being of every student.