SVSM Counselors

Landy Magaña Pérez

Head Counselor

Appalachian State University, MA in Educational Media & Instructional Technology (2017)

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, BS in Elementary Education (2010)

I am a former Summer Ventures counselor. I currently teach High School Spanish, I am the District Job Alike (World Languages Curriculum Revision Lead) in Cabarrus County Schools, certified in Elementary Education, Middle Grades English Language Arts, Spanish K-12, TESOL K-12, and Technology Specialist. 

Olivia Crescitelli 

I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC.

I attended Warren Wilson College and earned my bachelors degree in archaeology. 

I own an art business and sell my paintings and jewelry. I love long walks on the beach. 

Judy Duren

My undergraduate degree is from Belmont Abbey in Educational Studies with a Minor in Psychology. I hold a master’s in teaching from University of North Carolina with a concentration in Special Education. 

My current areas of Licensure areas are: 

Exceptional Children: General Curriculum (K-12)

School Administrator: Principal

Curriculum Instructional Specialist

I am honored to be working for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for 23 years and Summer Ventures for the past 4 years. Teaching is my passion. I believe that parental support is paramount as we begin to challenge students to think about learning differently as we incorporate rigorous activities in each lesson. I am committed to building the necessary personal relationships with families and creating ways for school and home to work together to strengthen our students, school culture, and communities

Vashti Mosby

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, PhD candidate for Urban Education, Curriculum and Instruction (2026)

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, AIG Certificate (2025)

National Board Certified Teacher (2024)

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck NJ MA in Educational Leadership (2012)

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck NJ MAT in Elementary Education (2001)

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va BS in Psychology (1989)

I work at Northridge Middle School as a 6th grade STEM science teacher with 26 years of experience in education. I love inspiring curiosity through hands-on experiments and engaging activities. My goal is to foster critical thinking and a passion for science in my students. This is my fourth year as a Summer Ventures counselor at UNC Charlotte.

Phillip Osborne

Phillip is a Charlotte, North Carolina native and graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing and Management. He has over 18 years of experience in education, including 12 years in higher education, serving in admissions leadership roles at Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Livingstone College.

Currently, Phillip teaches 11th and 12th grade Leadership and Financial Literacy at a charter school in Charlotte. He also serves as the Head Baseball Coach and leads the school’s Minority Male Initiative, mentoring young men and promoting mental health awareness, leadership, and academic success.

Beyond education, Phillip is a professional artist known for creating large-scale murals, designing custom clothing, and developing educational coloring books that celebrate culture, creativity, and community. He is passionate about using both education and art to inspire, empower, and create lasting impact.

Amber Shelton

Western Carolina University, BSEd Middle Grades Education, Mathematics and Science

I currently teach 7th grade mathematics at South Davidson Middle and High School. I have also taught 8th grade mathematics and Algebra at Allen Jay Middle School, 

6th grade mathematics and science at Southern Guilford Middle School, and 7th grade mathematics at Wiley Magnet Middle School.

O’Qaysha Smith

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Bachelor of Science in Biology

I currently teach high school Chemistry and am passionate about creating engaging, inquiry-based science lessons that inspire curiosity and critical thinking. My professional experience includes teaching science, providing academic tutoring, and working as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, where I developed strong laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills. I am committed to fostering student success by connecting real-world science to the classroom and creating meaningful learning experiences for all students.

Makiyah Stewart

Independence High School Graduate (Class of 2024)

Currently, as a young entrepreneur, I have successfully owned and managed my own business while developing strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills. My experience has taught me how to build meaningful relationships, solve problems, stay organized, and manage responsibilities in a fast paced environment. I am passionate about creating a positive, welcoming atmosphere and serving as a dependable role model for others.

Suzannah Seriff

North Carolina State University, Raleigh, BAS in Environmental Science (2026)

I am a recent graduate of NC State and have been working as an intern with a water quality laboratory within the Center of Applied Aquatic Ecology. During the school year, I also worked to conduct research and habitat restoration at Walnut Creek Wetland Center in Raleigh, NC. Before this, I spent lots of time at UNC Charlotte volunteering with the Center for STEM Education for the Regional Science Fair and Science Olympiad.