Mariah McDaniel is a Charlotte native and inspired educator that strongly believes in the importance of being a life-long student. After taking time to further her own studies and pursue an interest in tech, she is excited to return to teaching. Her goal is to foster an early love of learning through engaging teaching methods and an individualized approach in order to help students nurture a positive relationship to learning itself. 

With a background in teaching English as a Second Language, Mariah has had the opportunity to teach students from various cultural backgrounds and in diverse settings. Her extensive experience in ESL education allows her to connect with students from all walks of life, while creating a supportive learning environment tailored to their individual needs. Mariah believes in inspiring curiosity and critical thinking skills by designing lessons that align with each student's interests and strengths.

In addition to her teaching career, Mariah is an experienced web developer and a multidisciplinary artist. Her technical skills and artistic talents enable her to bring a fresh perspective to the classroom, integrating creativity and technology to enhance the educational experience.

Dimetra Hilas was born and raised in a large Greek community of New York and spent the first part of her career working in the medical field for 25 years as a surgical coordinator for a large Ear, Nose and Throat/Head and Neck surgery practice. After moving to North Carolina in 2016, she entered a new chapter in her professional life. Inspired by her cultural heritage and the vibrant Greek community in Charlotte, she embraced teaching as a second career, bringing her rich life experience and professional expertise to the classroom. She began working as a substitute teacher at Socrates Academy, where she taught Greek language and math to students from kindergarten through high school, giving her valuable experience observing the whole range of child development. Her dedication to teaching and her ability to connect with students quickly made her a beloved educator. 

She is a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and in her spare time she loves to spend time with her husband of 24 years and her teenage daughter watching movies, traveling and baking. She is excited to be a part of the first year of The St. Sophia School.

Born in Charlotte, NC, brought up in Athens, Greece, and returning to the U.S. later to begin her college studies as a young adult, Anastasia Holevas encountered two very different cultures, broadened her perspective, and gained an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of human expression.

Studying various foreign languages over the course of her life, namely Modern Greek, English, French, Ancient Greek, Latin, German, Spanish, and currently Italian led her to pursue a career that would allow her to share her love of learning with young and old alike. Anastasia obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Magna Cum Laude, and secondary certification for grades 9 -12 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She earned a certificate in teaching Modern Greek as a second/foreign language through the 9-month online “Diadromes” program offered by the Center for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki, Greece. She has taught the Greek language to children and adults since 1991 in private and group settings. She has served as a director and teacher at the St. Nektarios Greek Language School in Charlotte, NC for 6 years in the past and currently since 2023. Previously she was a teacher at the Holy Trinity Greek Afternoon School and a teacher at the Holy Trinity Preschool in Charlotte, NC. She has developed and led interdisciplinary summer Greek language camps promoting the Orthodox Christian faith and the Hellenic language and culture for elementary-age children through multimodal activities at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC. Continuing her education by reviewing research on educational issues, especially in foreign language methodology, and seeking ways to enhance her teaching and positively impact students' learning is a favorite pastime of hers.

Anastasia believes that foreign languages are passports to our world. One can never know where life might lead him/her. She is a living testament to that. Anastasia aims to empower learners, help them identify their strengths, and increase their intrinsic motivation through engaging and creative lessons. Teaching at St. Sophia School will be very rewarding to her because it will allow her to transfer her passion and enthusiasm for learning foreign languages to children. When she is not teaching, she enjoys reading, writing, gardening, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband and son.

Email Anastasia at anastasia@thestsophiaschool.org

Nino Japaridze Vashakidze is deeply committed to childcare and education, with extensive experience that includes serving as a Lead Teacher at COS KIDS and a Catechism Teacher at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church Sunday School. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and holistic learning environment, especially one rooted in Greek Orthodox values, which aligns perfectly with our school’s mission.

Originally from the Republic of Georgia, Nino’s background is enriched by her country’s rich Orthodox Christian history, dating back to the 4th century. This heritage deeply influences her values and commitment to education.

In addition to her professional background, Nino is a proud mother of three. Her eldest has graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her two younger children are set to graduate from NC State. Raising and educating her own children has given her invaluable insights and profound empathy, which she brings into her role as an educator.

Nino is committed to contributing to the success of St. Sophia School and nurturing the development of young learners. We look forward to having her as part of our wonderful community and supporting our students’ growth and achievements.

Email Nino at nino@thestsophiaschool.org