Karina Reyes

Teacher, Knollwood Elementary School

Native of Dallas, TX

Industry: Education

Karina Reyes has found her place as a fourth-grade teacher at Knollwood Elementary School. She is Hispanic and moved to Rowan County from Dallas, TX, with her parents when she was a year old. At Knollwood, many of the students speak a second language, she says, and the school is passionate about the Hispanic community. 

She is impressed with the Rowan County educational system and sees a shift coming for more resources. As a Catawba College student, she did her practice teaching at Knollwood, then worked as a long-term substitute teacher at the school before becoming a full-time teacher. 

“From a very young age, my dream was to become a teacher,” she says. “I was able to achieve that without having to leave home by attending Catawba College. I have a passion for working with kids and being that ‘missing representation’ that I didn’t have when I was growing up.”

She is also part of an outreach group working with the Hispanic community to make sure that Hispanic voices are heard and that the community is aware of resources available in Rowan County. 

She sees the meaning behind the county slogan, Be an Original,™ as “finding what you are passionate about and using that to help others.”

She and her husband, Diego, and their children, Kaiden, 7, and Penelope, 4, enjoy outside activities in Rowan County, particularly at Sloan and Dan Nicholas   

county parks. “We’re looking to entertain the children,” she says.

The family’s favorite events are the ’Tis the Season holiday parade and the Rowan County Fair. “We’re always thinking of the children and making sure that they are having fun,” she says.

Mykonos Grill is her favorite restaurant. She always has a positive experience there, she says. She also likes the variety of restaurants in downtown Salisbury and likes to shop local. “I always look to support small business owners, whether it be a boutique or a hair salon,” she says.

Her home county offers a balance, she says. You can enjoy the feel of a small town and also a busy city with developing opportunities.