ECE Faculty & Staff

Meet the Faculty and Staff of the Early Childhood Department

Cathy Cody, Department Chairperson

ccody@abtech.edu

Phone: 828.254.1921 x373
Fax: 828.281.9736

Learn more about Cathy

Dianne Hughes, Faculty

dhughes@abtech.edu

Phone: 828.254.1921 x466
Fax: 828.281.9727

Learn more about Dianne

Pam Kirby, Faculty

pkirby@abtech.edu

Phone: 828.254.1921 x474
Fax: 828.251.6355

Learn more about Pam

Adjunct Faculty

Eliza Dean- edean@abtech.edu

Kirsty Schenkel - kschenkel@abtech.edu

Rhonda Steele- rsteele@abtech.edu

Cathy Cody

Education

• BS—Western Carolina University
• MS—Western Carolina University

Teaching Experience

In a birth to five year old setting I have been an assistant teacher, a teacher and a director.

I was also an Early Childhood Trainer at Western Carolina University.  I worked with child care centers in seven different counties, training center staff.

I have been the chairperson of the Early Childhood Education Program at A-B Tech since its beginning in March, 1993. 

Personal

I was born and raised in the South.  I have lived in Western North Carolina since 1971 (boy, that sounds like a long time ago!) and in Buncombe County since 1982.  I LOVE living and working here.  I have a son, a daughter-in-law and three grandpuppies who live in Raleigh.  My husband and I live with our three dogs.  Our yard is a Certified National Wildlife Habitat—at least the part without the dogs. My first love is spending time with my family.  I also love reading, gardening and weaving.  I am passionate about making the lives of young children and their families the best they can be.  Teaching at A-B Tech allows me to do this.  I am very blessed to be a part of the amazing Early Childhood Education team at A-B Tech.

Dianne Hughes

Education

• B.A., Mars Hill College
• M.A.Ed., Western Carolina University

Teaching Experience

Prior to teaching at A-B Tech, I taught preschool and elementary school.

Experience at the college; I have been teaching for the A-B Tech Department of Early Childhood Education since 1994.

Personal

My husband Bud is a partner in a local CPA firm. We were high school sweethearts and have been married for 36 years. We live in the Weaverville area with Lucy and Gunner, our golden doodles and Cookie our cockapoo.

Our older daughter Shanna works as an Occupational Therapist.  She and her husband Brandon live in West Virginia.  They are the parents of our three grandchildren. Avery is our beloved five year old granddaughter. Aidan is our precious three year old grandson.  Our third grandchild is scheduled to make his appearance this spring! They also have our newest grand puppy Spanky.

Lindsay is our younger daughter. She is a first grade teacher in Cary, NC.  She has her Master’s Degree and her National Board Certification in Education. She loves teaching in a year round school because she teaches for 9 weeks and then gets 3 weeks off!  Her baby is Laska, our sweet American Eskimo grand puppy.

Pam Kirby

Education

• B.S., Radford University
• M.A.Ed., Western Carolina University

Teaching Experience

Prior to teaching at A-B Tech, I taught preschool, elementary school, and high school.

Experience at the college; I have been teaching for the A-B Tech Department of Early Childhood Education since 1995.

Personal

My husband and I moved to Asheville in 1983 from Newport News, Virginia. We left for one year in order for my husband to teach at NYU, but I’m happy to be back in Asheville. My husband is the chair of the Music Department at UNCA. We have two children and a dog, Nellie. Our daughter graduated from UNCG with a degree in theatre. She lives in West Hollywood, CA. and is pursuing acting. Our son attends A-B Tech and is a musician. My personal interests include reading, art, music, and gardening. I thoroughly enjoy teaching college students and advocating for children.