River Oaks Family,

It is not only a joy, but a privilege to be selected as your new Assistant Principal. I am excited to join this community, and I’m committed to the school motto of “One School, One Team”. I look forward to being a part of the amazing growth our students will make in the years to come.

Over the past 15 years in CMS, I have worked as a teacher and Dean of Students with a strong focus on student growth and achievement in schools through fostering relationships between home and school. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and began my teaching career at Druid Hills Academy in 2007 as a kindergarten teacher. While teaching kindergarten and first grade I received my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Winthrop University in 2011. In 2012, I moved to Mountain Island Lake Academy where I taught 1st-4th grade and returned to graduate school at Queens University of Charlotte. I received my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in 2016. In 2016, I taught my final year in the classroom as a 3rd grade teacher at Whitewater Academy after which I was promoted to Dean of Students. I enjoy the art of teaching and learning.

I am a CMS parent of a rising 3rd grader and a two year old Shihpoo. As a family, we enjoy playing games, walking trails, bike riding, the beach and any good book. You can also find us spending time with family and friends, or finding the next best restaurant around the Charlotte area.

Although I’ve enjoyed the past five years as Dean pf Students, I believe there is no better time than now to join the River Oaks Academy family. Together we can make a difference in the lives of children, families, the community, and each other. The learning and growth opportunities are endless. I can’t wait to get to know this community by learning more about each of you and each of our students. I am looking forward to contributing to the amazing growth of our students and the community, alongside each of you!

Layla Egleston

Assistant Principal

River Oaks Academy

I am honored to be selected to join this school and be able to work with such amazing educators, staff, students, and families. I can’t wait to see how much our scholars will grow!!

I have been in education for 24 years. I have spent 17 of those in CMS. During my time with CMS, I have taught 1st and 4th grade. I have also been an academic facilitator for five of those years and am beginning my 2nd year as Dean of Students. I have been a part of various work teams with CMS, to include working with the Literacy department to develop pacing guides, digital curriculum, and prepare and facilitate professional development district wide.

I am solutions oriented with a strong focus on student growth and achievement in schools through fostering relationships between home and school. I earned my Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Queen’s University and began my teaching career at Bain Elementary. After 10 years teaching at Bain, I moved to Mountain Island Lake Academy as the Academic Facilitator. While working at MILA, I received my K-12 Principal and Curriculum and Instruction license. I served as K-2 Dean of Students at MILA before transitioning to ROA as Dean of Students. 

I am a graduate of Garinger High School and have two children that both graduated from Independence High School. Molly is a lawyer in SC and Jesse is completing his studies in the Music/Worship Ministry. I have been married for 32 years and we have a dog (Obie) and two cats (Ellie and Luna). 

I believe that this year we will continue to build upon the great work that ROA achieved in student growth last year. I know that by building strong school and family relationships we will achieve great things. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and working together for the benefit of all of our scholars. 

Mia Harmon

Dean of Students

River Oaks Academy