Mandy Sallee

Mandy is a local whose family moved to WNC when she was in second grade. Her love for our area is a big part of her! She began exploring the idea of being a teacher at a young age when she enjoyed playing school in addition to other pretend play with her siblings. She went on to become a NC Teaching Fellow and this opportunity and commitment led her to stay in this beautiful state. Mandy is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where she majored in Special Education: Learning Disabilities. She went on to obtain a Master’s in Literacy Education early in her career. She taught special education in Charlotte and Raleigh for 13 years before her visceral connection to the NC mountains brought her back to the area to raise her children here with her husband, Patrick.

Mandy loved every minute of her teaching days where she worked with students of all ages and abilities. The beauty of working with a variety of adults with the common goal of supporting students was a highlight of her days. She strongly believes that a successful school community leads to incredible outcomes for all learners. When her children were small, her focus shifted and she began to explore other ways to be involved in education. Over the last 10 years, a variety of experiences ranging from being an online teacher, program coordinator for a reading program at a local nonprofit, curriculum development leader, and instructional designer have culminated in her current role as Instructional Facilitator here at FernLeaf. 

In her spare time Mandy loves to travel with her family. Mandy’s love for travel started in middle school when she took a three-week trip around the country with her grandparents for her grandfather’s 50-year class reunion in California. She experienced a loose re-creation of this trip in college with a month-long camping trip across the US, visiting many of the same national parks and sites with a new perspective. She also found affordable ways to explore Mexico, neighboring islands, and did some backpacking in Europe during her college years. Those experiences sparked a travel bug, which she continues to satisfy with her family. Her favorite part of traveling is seeing the way others experience daily life. This opens a new perspective and appreciation for the amazing world in which we live.

When she is not busy at FernLeaf or with her family’s activities, Mandy can be found reading, taking long walks with her Aussiedoodle, exploring the neverending natural beauty in our local area, or traveling with her family.