O’Neal Welcomes New Faculty for the 2025–2026 School Year
The O’Neal School is excited to welcome a talented and diverse group of educators to our faculty this year. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, academic expertise, and a shared commitment to student growth and learning across all divisions of the school.
Upper School
- Marilyn Asmussen joins the Upper School as an English teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and film studies from the University of Colorado at Denver and a master’s degree in film studies and feminist theory from the University of Southern California. Ms. Asmussen has taught at several institutions, including the University of Colorado at Denver and Sandhills Community College, and continues her research in poetry, female autobiographical narratives, and 20th-century American literature. Her daughter also joins the O’Neal community as a student.
- Dr. Kenneth Lota also joins the Upper School English department. He earned his Ph.D. in English from UNC–Chapel Hill, focusing on 20th- and 21st-century literature. Dr. Lota has taught at UNC–Chapel Hill, Jesuit High School in New Orleans, and the Salisbury School in Maryland. His academic work has been published in journals on contemporary fiction and pedagogy.
Middle School
- April Smitley brings over 25 years of teaching experience to her new role as a middle school English teacher. She has taught grades 4–6 and recently worked in academic coaching and instructional support. Mrs. Smitley holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UNC–Asheville and completed her English teaching licensure at St. Andrew’s University.
- Alison Kelley joins the middle school as a math teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in athletic training and a Master of Science in secondary education from Duquesne University. Mrs. Kelley has taught science for over a decade and previously served as O’Neal’s middle school administrative assistant. She is also a parent of two O’Neal students.
Lower School – Early Learning Division
- Gabby Bender joins as a Pre-K teacher assistant. She holds degrees in early childhood education and learning disabilities from Rowan University and is Montessori certified. Mrs. Bender has 15 years of experience and is the parent of three O’Neal students.
- Emily Borland will teach Pre-K 3. She has a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Arizona and has worked in early childhood research and teaching. Mrs. Borland is the parent of four O’Neal students.
- Shaunna Bundy will teach junior kindergarten. She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and experience teaching kindergarten and 1st grade at Village Christian Academy.
- Alyssa Zurndorfer joins as a Pre-K teacher assistant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science and public health education from James Madison University and is a U.S. Army veteran. Mrs. Zurndorfer is also the parent of two O’Neal students.
Lower School – Primary Division
- Heather Daily will teach 3rd grade. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and five years of experience, with a focus on STEM instruction. Mrs. Daily’s three children are also joining O’Neal.
Student Support and Library Services
- Michelle Goetzl is O’Neal’s new school librarian and media specialist. She holds a master’s degree in library and information science from UNC–Greensboro and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from UC Berkeley. Ms. Goetzl has worked in publishing and as a school librarian in Moore County.
- Kimberly Nieto joins as a learning specialist, supporting students across all divisions. She holds degrees from UNC–Chapel Hill and Webster University and has extensive experience in educational support services and academic coaching.
Athletics
- Thomas Macagg joins the Athletics Department as a physical education teacher and athletics coordinator. He will teach PE across multiple grades and coach cross-country and track & field. Coach Macagg earned his degree in recreation and sports management from Southern Wesleyan University and has experience in independent school athletics and professional sports.
We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding educators and look forward to the energy, expertise, and care they will bring to our students and school community.
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
© The O'Neal School