staff.html

The Talent Search Staff...

of Western Carolina University

Russ, Cassie, Stacey, Patty, Todd and Katrina

(we know we're a bit warped)

Program Assistant

Patty Harley: I am very excited to be a part of this energetic, adventurous, kid friendly team. I have two sons at Smoky Mt. High School who are members of Talent Search. I enjoy most outdoor activities and am open to new adventures and learning new things.

Outreach Counselor

Cassie Dickson: I worked as a Talent Search Counselor from 1994 to 2002. (Now I'm back!) For the past four years I have worked as a college counselor at an Episcopal boarding school in Vicksburg, Mississippi. My husband and I returned to North Carolina this summer. I have two children. My son, Wicks has enjoyed the past four years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and my daughter, Cody is a junior at the University of Mississippi. My interests include; weaving and fibercrafts, basketry, and teaching dance. I am a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. I love working with students and I’m looking forward to being apart of the Talent Search team once again.

Outreach Counselor

Stacey Thompson: I’m originally from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, but my family lives all over the United States, so I like to travel. I went to school at Clemson University (go Tigers) and got a degree in Animal Science. Then I ended up going back to school to get my Masters in Counseling because I realized that I enjoy working with the two-legged creatures even more than the four-legged types. I like being outside whether it’s hiking or just playing with my dogs, doing just about any kind of craft, and seeking out new adventures!

Outreach Counselor

Russ Harris: I grew up in Texas, Arkansas, and Virginia, where I graduated and went on to college at James Madison University. I got a degree in Business Administration, but my biggest lessons learned were that I enjoyed working with students and being outside. After spending a few years at a wilderness based school for youth, I went back to school for a Masters in education from Radford University. I enjoy spending time with my wife, hiking, fishing, playing basketball, reading, traveling, and watching my daughter learn new things.

Project Director

Todd Murdock: My roots are in Mitchell County NC. Like many of you hope to be, I am a first generation college graduate (WCU '85, '93). It took me so long to get my Master's degree in Counseling I thought they might name a building after me. I worked at Talent Search as an outreach counselor for 8 years until I was demoted to the Director. My boss felt that since I stopped maturing at about the age of most middle schoolers, I was fit to be an administrator. I have been the director of ETS since 1994.

Things I love to do: play at the park with my son Griffin , paddle creeks, go places on my bike, climb, hang out with students at school, and take my dogs to the river.

My two biggest fears in life: that I get paid what I am really worth, and that I get what I really deserve.

My favorite T.V. show...

See ya out there!

Hey, where'd they go?

Amanda Buchanan: Our beloved Amanda is now at NCSU working toward her DVM! Go Amanda. You da man girl.

Maggie Donahue: Maggie is now a school counselor at Reynolds High School in Asheville. She's a Rocket now!

O.K. Enough of this...

I want to go back to Talent Search