Our Staff
Deborah Hofland, MSW, Interim Head of School, Philips Academy
Deborah Hofland received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. Deborah is serving in the newly created position of School Counselor. She has extensive experience working in a school setting and interacting with special needs students and their families to develop Individualized Education Plans. Previously, Deborah spent eight years as a school social worker in a public school in Edina, Minnesota.
Paul Slane, M.A., Director, Career Development
Paul Slane is a two time graduate of The Ohio State University. His undergraduate degree was awarded in the field of Physical Education with a certification to teach students in grades K—12. Paul’s graduate degree is in Sport Management. His teaching and professional experiences range from working in small self-contained classrooms to overseeing the youthful offender and adult education programs at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s office.
Matthew Hull, Director, Bridges Program
Matthew Hull graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Houghton College. Since 1993, he has worked in different capacities to serve individuals with learning disabilities and other challenges. Before becoming Director of the Bridges Program, Matt provided program oversight in group home settings. An avid supporter of Special Olympics, Matt is a Certified Coach and member of the Mecklenburg County Special Olympics Steering Committee.
Amy Firth, M.Ed., Director, Philips Academy
Amy Firth graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Bob Jones University. She is certified in Biology for Middle and High School Grades. Teaching in a variety of special education classrooms in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and even Australia, Ms. Firth is very adept at reaching students with diverse learning needs, as well as planning long-term curriculum needs.
Michelle Hull, B.A., Faculty, Philips Academy
Michelle Hull graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Houghton College. For several years she worked with adults with developmental disabilities in both group home and day treatment settings. Mrs. Hull has two sons and enjoyed being home with them during their preschool years, while also caring for other children. Mrs. Hull comes to us from CMS where she was a pre-kindergarten teacher’s assistant for two years. She has enjoyed coaching Special Olympics basketball with her husband.
Laura LaFlure, B.A., Faculty, Bridges Program
Laura LaFlure received her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching from UNC Charlotte. Laura is certified to teach in the areas of special education and general curriculum. While Laura is new to teaching, she comes to Philips Academy with experience working with adults with disabilities.
Leslie Shannon, B.A., Faculty, Philips Academy
Leslie Shannon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology. She earned her teacher certification in special education from UNC Charlotte. Leslie worked for five years in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system in an adapted high school classroom. While there she created a school buddy program for Special Olympics, scheduled and facilitated Individualized Education Plan meetings and established new job sites in the community.
Bill Cassidy, Faculty, Bridges Program
Bill Cassidy received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. He has extensive experience working with adults with developmental disabilities in residential and community settings. Prior to coming to Philips Academy, Bill spent seventeen years working for Residential & Support Services (now called InReach) in Charlotte where he worked with individuals to ensure they received quality support services that allowed them to live as independently as possible.