Welcome to Smithfield Middle School: Home of the Knights!

I am thrilled to enter my ninth year serving our Smithfield Middle students, staff and SSStrong community! I am a product of Johnston County Public Schools, and I had the honor of serving Smithfield Middle as an assistant principal prior to my appointment as principal. I have truly enjoyed working with the Smithfield community in the capacity of a school administrator, and I look forward to building stronger relationships with students, staff, parents, and all other invested stakeholders. 

I am devoted to helping our students reach their full potential and to understand the importance of becoming curious, lifelong learners through the AVID mindset and the IB MYP framework. After graduating high school, I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow majoring in History and then completed a Master's in the Art of Teaching at Wake Forest University. Through the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program, I was able to obtain a Master's in School Administration from North Carolina State University. Before joining Smithfield Middle as an assistant principal, I was a high school social studies teacher and an elementary school administrative intern in the Southeast Raleigh community. When I am not at Smithfield Middle, you can find me traveling, hiking or exploring nature with my fifteen-year-old daughter. 

I believe education is a partnership, and I value the contributions of all through healthy dialogue. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding Smithfield Middle School. In addition, please follow us on X @SmMSKnights and visit our Facebook page for school information and announcements. Go Knights!

Phone: 919-934-4696
Email: lashundafaison@johnston.k12.nc.us

Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts in History, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master of Arts in Education, Wake Forest University
Master of School Administration, North Carolina State University

It is with much enthusiasm that I am a part of the Knight family once again. It is an honor to have a positive impact on the lives of our students, along with the support of a dedicated staff and a strong community.

I am a native of Johnston County. As an educator, I have had the pleasure of serving five schools within the district. My teaching career began at Smithfield Middle School, where I taught sixth and eighth grade Social Studies. It speaks volumes that many of my former teaching colleagues have continued to encourage and empower our students, and have remained an influential part in the success of our future leaders here at Smithfield Middle.

I am a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, with a degree in Business Economics. I received a Master’s Degree in Education from North Carolina State University. I am also a graduate of East Carolina University, earning a Master’s Degree in School Administration. 

My journey as an educator is a large component of what defines me. Beyond the scope of teaching and learning, the relationships that develop in the process are what makes the experiences all the more meaningful.

Please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I truly believe that we are better together.

Phone: 919-934-4696
Email: angelshepherd@johnston.k12.nc.us

Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Economics from North Carolina A&T
Master's Degree in Education from North Carolina State University
Master's Degree in School Administration from East Carolina University

I am excited to serve as an Assistant Principal at Smithfield Middle School and truly honored to be part of the SmMS community.

I am a proud resident of Johnston County, where I live with my wife and our two children. I bring 11 years of classroom teaching experience and 11 years as an Assistant Principal to this role. My leadership is grounded in building authentic relationships with staff and students, because I believe strong connections are the foundation for success.

I am rooted in the belief that every staff member and student can achieve at high levels when given the right support and encouragement. I approach each student as I would my own children—caring deeply for their well-being while holding them to high expectations. This balance of compassion and accountability drives my work every day.

Academically, I hold an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Keene State College in New Hampshire, a Master’s in Teaching from Sacred Heart University, and a Master’s in School Administration from North Carolina State University.

Whether partnering with teachers to refine instruction, guiding students through challenges, or connecting families to resources, my focus remains the same: to create an environment where everyone feels supported, capable, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

I look forward to working alongside our incredible staff to ensure every member of the Smithfield Middle School community reaches their fullest potential and to continue building a school culture where both staff and students thrive.

Phone: 919-934-4696
Email: nicholastaylor@johnston.k12.nc.us

Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Education and Communication, Keene State College
Masters of Arts in Teacher, Sacred Heart University
Masters of School Administration, North Carolina State University