PURPOSE
We exist to empower the students of Rowan County as they discover their strengths and establish pathways to their future success by providing access to information, guided experiences, and opportunities to prepare themselves academically, personally and financially.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jessica Vess
Jessica is an alumna of Chowan University and began working at Crosby Scholars in 2013. Her favorite place to visit is Hawaii. She also enjoys singing and spending time with her husband, Jeremy, and daughter, Josie.
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM MANAGER
Eric Brooks
Eric works with grades 9-12. He graduated from Durham School of the Arts and is an alumnus of both Winston-Salem and Appalachian State University. He loves everything Duke basketball, has 2 busy kids, and enjoys listening to the Beatles and Jay Z!
HIGH SCHOOL OUTREACH SPECIALIST
Melissa Raymar-Waller
Melissa was born and bred in Rowan County, She graduated from West Rowan High School and is an alumna of UNC Charlotte. She is also a mother of four with two being Crosby Scholars. Melissa loves backpacking, hiking, horses, running, and reading.
HIGH SCHOOL OUTREACH SPECIALIST
Andrea Garrido-Lecca
Andrea graduated as a Crosby Scholar in 2017 from East Rowan High School and in 2021 from Catawba College. She majored in Politics and minored in Environmental Sustainability. She enjoys going to concerts and listening to history podcasts.
SENIOR PROGRAM CONSULTANT
Mary Allen Conforti
Mary Allen is from Mississippi and is an alumna of Emory University and Duke University. She is a mother of 3 who enjoys hiking, reading non-fiction and biographies. She loves ACC basketball and SEC football.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Michelle Strong
Michelle is from Florida, graduated HS in Japan, and is an alumna of Liberty University. Her favorite place is England; she has lived in 3 countries, 9 states, and 1 island. She has 2 Crosby Scholar children, is the youngest of 10, and writes poetry in her free time.
MIDDLE SCHOOL OUTREACH SPECIALIST
Hanson Saryee
Hanson graduated from Salisbury High and is an alumnus of UNC-Pembroke. He is from Philly and loves the Philadelphia Eagles. He played 4 sports (basketball, track, soccer & football) and won 3 state championship rings (track & soccer).
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
Mai Xe Vang
Mai Xe graduated as a Crosby Scholar in 2017 from North Rowan High School and in 2021 from UNC Chapel Hill. She loved her time in college and earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Science. She enjoys watching movies, playing board games and hiking.
PASSIONATE
KNOWLEDGEABLE
HELPFUL
INTERESTED IN WORKING AS A SENIOR ADVISOR?
