Administration

Principal

Topher Dow

My name is Christopher “Topher” Dow, and I am privileged to serve this wonderful community of learners, families, and educators. My journey in education began almost 20 years ago, driven by a desire to help students discover their full potential, overcome challenges, and develop a love of learning. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Education from UNC-Wilmington, a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State, and a graduate certificate in School Administration from Appalachian State University. I am also pursuing my doctorate in Educational Leadership at Gardner-Webb University. 

Throughout my career I have served as an elementary school teacher, a middle school math teacher, an assistant principal at a middle school, an elementary school principal, and now the principal of Crest Middle School. These experiences have given me a better understanding of what makes a school thrive. I strongly believe in building positive relationships with students, staff, and families because collaboration is key to helping every student succeed. At Crest Middle, we focus on creating a positive school climate so that every student can achieve academic and social success. 

I firmly believe that strong partnerships between school and home are essential to student success. Open communication, collaboration, and mutual trust will continue to be at the heart of everything we do. I am here to listen to your ideas, address your concerns, and celebrate your student's achievements. Thank you for your continued support!

Warmly,

Christopher Dow

Christopher Dow

Assistant Principal

Janie Hamrick

My name is Janie Hamrick, and I am excited to join Crest Middle School as the new Assistant Principal of Instruction. With over ten years of experience in education, including nine years as a classroom teacher and additional experience as a substitute teacher, I am honored to continue my educational journey at Crest.

I come to Crest from Shelby Middle School, where I taught science and math for four years. Before that, I spent five years teaching science at Blythewood Middle School in Blythewood, South Carolina.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies from Gardner-Webb University. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in developing curriculum, pacing guides, and instructional resources to support student success. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, students, and families that make Crest such a special place.

Outside of school, I am blessed with a supportive husband and two wonderful children who are excited to cheer on the Crest Dragons alongside me. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Dragon family and look forward to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and success.

Go Dragons!

Assistant Principal

Jessica McSwain

My name is Jessica McSwain and I am thrilled to be joining the CMS team. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administration. I have spent 18 years teaching at the elementary level and have loved building relationships with students and families while fostering a positive learning environment for all.

I am married to Matthew and we have three children: Makinlee (13), Hayes (10), and Claire (7). When I’m not teaching, I spend my evenings and weekends cheering on my children at their many sporting events and enjoying the company of my friends and family.

I am looking forward to this new adventure as Assistant Principal and hope I can continue to bring my love and passion for education to CMS each day!

Assistant Principal

Christin Downs

Principal Intern

Laura Toms

My name is Laura Toms, and I am excited to join Crest Middle this year as a Principal Intern! I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a major in Middle Grades Education. I taught 9 years of middle school math in other districts before moving back home and teaching 2 years of high school math at Crest. I grew up in the Crest community, and it is an honor to be back and serving as a teacher and now administrator.

Outside of school, you can find me hanging out with family, going for a run, or at Crest football games!