I am thrilled to be a Raven and to have the opportunity to serve the Riverwood community! I am a graduate of NC State University (GO PACK!) earning my BA in Business/Marketing Education in 1999 and Gardner-Webb University with a MS in Executive Leadership Studies in 2015.  Prior to starting my teaching career, I served as the Assistant Director of Sports Marketing in the NC State Athletic Department for five years.  I began teaching Business/Marketing classes in 2004 at Wakefield High School in Raleigh. While at Wakefield, I served as CTE Department Chair, Varsity Cheerleading coach, Senior Class and Student Government Advisor, and DECA Advisor. I was honored to be selected as WHS Teacher of the Year and was a semi-finalist for WCPSS Teacher of the Year in 2012-2013. In 2015, I moved to an Assistant Principal role, serving at both Enloe Magnet High School and South Garner High School. I was the 2020-2021 WCPSS Assistant Principal of the Year. 

A native of Johnston County, I currently live in Clayton with my pandemic puppy, a miniature dachshund named Oakley. I love the beach, cheering on the Wolfpack, and going to concerts in my spare time. I strive to make an impact on every student, each day. They are my "why" and I am excited to work with the staff and students at Riverwood Middle, where the focus will be high academic student success while fostering a collaborative culture with all stakeholders.

I have been at Riverwood Middle as an Assistant Principal for 3 years going into my 4th year.  My father was my Principal K-12 grade so I swore I would never go into education.  As it would happen, I was laid off from my corporate job as Lead Information System Analysis, in 2003 so I turned to education.  I started out in JCPS in 2004 as a computer teacher at a local middle school. I then decided to follow in my father's footsteps and applied for the Principal Fellows program and earned my Master's degree from ECU. Prior to coming to Riverwood, I was an assistant Principal at the High School, Middle and Elementary levels.  Riverwood is a wonderful school and I look forward to serving the students/community this upcoming school year.

Greetings to my new Riverwood family, I am so elated to be a Raven! I am Marcellena Gore, your new Assistant Principal at Riverwood Middle School. Here’s just a little snapshot of who I am. I have over twenty years of experience in education. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio where I began my career in education as a third-grade teacher. I then transitioned to an eighth-grade science teacher. I held the roles of instructional coach and building supervisor in Ohio. My family and I moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 2006 where I was a middle school assistant principal for fifteen years. My credentials include a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master’s in educational administration and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership (superintendent). I am married to James Gore and we have a son also named James and a dog named Cletus.

It is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the new Assistant Principal of Riverwood Middle School.  I am honored to have the opportunity to help lead a school with such persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community.  I feel very fortunate to be part of this school and to support the staff, students, and families. I want to thank Ms. Sawyer and the rest of the wonderful administrative staff here at Riverwood for welcoming me with open arms.

I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than seventeen years.  I have worked with students ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th grade in a variety of roles. I have been a teacher assistant, third, fourth and fifth grade classroom teacher. I have also served as an AP at West Johnston High School and most recently at East Clayton Elementary.  I am thrilled to bring my skills as an educator and leader to Riverwood Middle School and to work with you as a partner in education.

I was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. I am married to Morgan Jones, who teaches 4th grade at Princeton Elementary! We have 3 kids who always keep us busy. My oldest son Avery is 16. My daughter, Abbie is 12 and my youngest son, Conner is 10. We can't forget about our furry dog, Pixie! I graduated from East Carolina University in 2009 with my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. After a few years in the classroom, I went back to East Carolina University and received my Master's Degree in School Administration in 2016. Even though I graduated from East Carolina University with my Bachelors Degree and Master's Degree, I am a HUGE UNC Fan! Go HEELS!!