I am originally from Brooklyn, NY, and I graduated from

the State University of NY with a bachelor’s degree in

Elementary Ed and Fine Arts. I taught for a few years in

Upstate NY, then relocated to Northern Virginia where I

continued teaching grades K-6 for 20 more years.

In 2005 I retired from 30 years of teaching.

I have lived in New York, Virginia, Rhode Island, California,

and Florida. I have three amazing children and six awesome

grandchildren. When my daughter’s family decided to relocate

to Western North Carolina in 2020, I opted to join them. After

two years of remote schooling, my two grandchildren became

BA Bulldogs! They encouraged me to come out of retirement

and become involved in their school. In the fall of 2022, I began

substituting and immediately fell in love with Brevard Academy.

In January of 2023, I became the second grade assistant teacher

for Mrs. Conley. It is such a pleasure to work with these

wonderful young Bulldogs!

I love to travel, visit my other grandchildren in California and

Boston, sew, crochet, and walk my dog Obi Wan on the (gentler) trails

in this area. My favorite pastime, however, is Scuba Diving.

I have been diving since I took my first Scuba class in my

Freshman year in college. I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver

Instructor, and I have had the immense pleasure and opportunity

to dive in amazing waters all over the world.

Cathy Viladesau

Caroleen Hodge