About OASIS
Our Passionate Staff
The staff of OASIS NC has knowledge, experience, and is unparalleled in its enthusiasm for teaching the whole child. They understand the key to learning is forming a relationship of trust, honest communication, and mutual respect. Teachers get to know each student personally and are able to capture their interest with engaging, student led, creative lessons, while administrators continually develop and adjust programs to challenge students academically and socially. OASIS NC believes that administrators, teachers, and students are all equal and support each other unconditionally.
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Erika Merriman, M.Ed
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Erika Merriman, M.Ed
Erika is a certified Exceptional Student Educator in North Carolina. She graduated from the University of Miami (FL) in 2004 with Bachelors of Science Degree in Exceptional Student Education and Psychology, with an additional ESOL endorsement. In 2005, she received a Masters of Education Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Texas. After starting her teaching career in Texas as a math resource teacher, Erika moved over to North Carolina for her dream job in the Intensive Social-Communication Support program. This role confirmed her love of teaching social-communication skills and led to her co-founding OASIS NC in 2011. Since then, Erika was nominated as one of WILMA’s 2017 “Women to Watch”, graduated from the Wilma Leadership Institute in September 2018, received a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, and became a certified Health Coach. Outside of OASIS, Erika enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, taking yoga classes, and advocating for kids, animals, and the planet!
Program Coordinator/Co-Founder
Kim Reinhardt
Program Coordinator/Co-Founder
Kim Reinhardt
Kim began working as a special educator teaching students with learning disabilities in North Carolina’s public schools from 1989. In 1995, she began teaching children with autism and discovered a passion for teaching social, communication, and life skills. Along the way, Kim found time to get her R.N. degree from Cape Fear Community College and more recently, became certified in Plant-Based Nutrition through eCornell and the T.Colin Campbell Center for Plant-Based Nutrition. After co-founding OASIS NC in 2012, Kim retired from the public schools where she currently combines her passion for special education and health and wellness programming. Beyond the classroom walls, Kim is also dedicated to animal welfare and spends much of her free time caring for rescued farmed animals at a local sanctuary or visiting with her family in Raleigh.
Director of Development and Operations/ Head of School
Angela Pollock
Director of Development and Operations/ Head of School
Angela Pollock
Angela graduated from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor’s in Adapted Special Education. After teaching Functional Academics in the public school system for a few years, she returned to UNCW Wilmington and earned her Master’s in Public Administration. Angela has been at OASIS NC since 2017 and is now the Head of School for SEA Academy and works alongside the amazing team of teachers, staff, and administrators! Outside of work, Angela was a founding member of the Cape Fear Enrichment Program until 2022, and she was also the founder of the “I Am Beautiful Fashion Show”, an event that highlighted the confidence and beauty of individuals with disabilities, that ran from 2013-2019. Angela now volunteers with Blueberry Lane Farm Animal Sanctuary, loves to spend time with her dogs and loved ones, creating, painting, and enjoying life!
Teacher
Ms. Madison (Madison Canady, B.S.)
Ms. Madison (Madison Williamson, B.S.)
“I am grateful for every staff member, student, and parent that has been a part of this journey.”
In 2011, Madison graduated from East Carolina University (Go, Pirates!) with her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education (Grades K-6) and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. Madison’s career began in her hometown, New Bern, NC, working for Craven County public school system. In 2015, she accepted a position with Craven County's Department of Special Education, working as a Language Facilitator in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. In 2017, she parted with Craven County public schools and traveled abroad to gain new life experiences and put her TEFL/TESOL certification into real practice. In 2019, Madison landed in Wilmington, NC, and decided she didn't want to leave. She resumed online teaching and started working part-time for the local ASNC. In 2020, Madison joined OASIS NC/SEA Academy and it has been the highlight of her teaching career. Outside of the classroom, Madison can be found exploring a variety of hobbies, traveling/visiting friends and family, taking care of animals at Blueberry Lane Farm Animal Sanctuary, thinking about her awesome students and their upcoming plans, and of course, hanging out with her fur child, Lulu.
Teacher
Ms. Elizabeth (Elizabeth MCLamb, B.A.)
Ms. Elizabeth (Elizabeth MCLamb, B.A.)
Elizabeth graduated from Meredith College in 2001. During college, she was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. She has taught in South Carolina, Rhode Island, and North Carolina. She has lived and taught in Wilmington since 2005 and has earned her National Board Certification. She has been with OASIS NC since 2016 and has taught elementary, middle, and high school during her time at SEA Academy. She and her husband have four children, a cat, a dog, and love to spend time at the beach!
Teacher
Ms. Sidney (Sidney Hinson, B.A.)
Ms. Sidney (Sidney Hinson, B.A.)
“In the classroom I try to ensure my students are laughing, feel loved and are challenged to be the best version of themselves.”
Sidney graduated from UNC Wilmington in 2019 with her Bachelor’s in Adapted Special Education. She has been fortunate enough to support individuals with disabilities across many different settings. These settings include communication classes, academic classes, community, and vocational settings. Each of these settings have added valuable experiences and shaped the educator she has grown to be. Sidney found her home here at OASIS in 2020 and has loved every second of it. Outside of the classroom, Sidney has a daughter named Addison, and a sweet dog named Benny. They are her entire world! In her free time, Sidney enjoys the beach, traveling, and playing ice hockey or beach volleyball.