School Leadership

Meet James Byrd, Principal
RBMS Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2010

Experience 
I started my career at my alma mater, North Wilkes High School, where in addition to teaching English, I sponsored the school Quiz Bowl team, was an assistant wrestling coach at North Wilkes Middle, and coached track at both NWHS and NWMS.   After nine years of teaching, life led me to Bunker Hill High School in 2010, where I also taught English and assisted with the track team.  During my time at BHHS, I also had the honor of coaching wrestling at River Bend Middle School.  I took my first job in administration in November of 2013 at North Wilkes Middle School where I served as assistant principal until 2017.   I came back to Bunker Hill that fall as assistant principal and stayed for the next six years, out of which I also held the role of athletic director.  In the 2023-2024 school year, I was the principal at Mill Creek Middle.
 

Education
BSEd, Western Carolina University.  MA English Education, Appalachian State.  Executive Leadership Studies licensure add-on, Gardner-Webb University.

Why I Became an Educator
I believe I was destined to become an educator.  After watching my parents teach Sunday school and bible school all throughout my childhood, I had an idea of what teaching would look like.  My mother worked as an assistant teacher in special education programs, and though she is retired, she continues to serve that community.  My father demonstrated to me at a young age the value of research.  If he did not know something, he modeled picking up a dictionary or encyclopedia and digging until he found answers.   The value of education that I learned from my parents is something I want to share with others so they may find opportunities in their lives.
 

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is River Bend Middle School. This place feels like home!
 

Favorite Activities
I like reading, specifically graphic novels, science fiction, and fantasy.  I am also a bit of a newspaper junkie.  I love trivia and word games.  I also like hiking and fishing whenever I can get the chance.
 

Something Unique About Me
I've always had a thirst for knowledge that has never gone away.   I tend to get obsessed with a subject for a while, research it, study it, and then move onto the next thing.   I might circle back to it now and again, or I might forget about it totally, but that's not bad, because it will give me the chance to start learning about it again.
 

I am grateful to be a part of Catawba County Schools.  This system is geared towards guiding young people to future successes, and I love being part of that.                                  

Meet Yecenia Pastrano, Assistant Principal
River Bend Middle School

Joined River Bend Team - January 2025

Experience

I am proud to serve as Assistant Principal and bring over 12 years of experience in education to the school community. I began my career as a High School Science teacher, where I discovered my passion for helping students grow both academically and personally. Fostering high expectations, encouraging lifelong learning, and ensuring that every student feels valued and inspired to succeed. My greatest joy comes from building meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff, and working together to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and being involved in the community I serve. I  look forward to continuing to support teachers, students, and families as we work together to make this school year the best one yet!

Education

• BA Chemistry, Lenoir Rhyne University

• Masters in School Administration, Gardner Webb University

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal" -Winston Churchil 

Meet Heidi Jones, Secretary
River Bend Middle School
Joined Team CCS - 2012                                                     

Experience 

I have been a parent, substitute teacher, substitute cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver and data manager in Catawba County Schools before I became River Bend's secretary.

Education 
Central Piedmont Community College  &  Catawba Valley Community College

Why I Became an Educator
I want to help make the world a better place.

Favorite Activities
Spending time with my grandchildren, the beach, sewing and crafting.

Something Unique About Me
I got my 1st job at 14 years old.
 

I want to help make the world a better place.

Meet Karen Myatt, Data Manager
 River Bend Middle School
Joined Team CCS  -   January, 2000                                      

I was born in Catawba County and have lived here all my life. I attended Balls Creek Elem. Then
graduated from Bandys High School in 1980. I have two sons, named Ryan and Zac. I also have
a little rescue dog, named Peanut.

In January 2000, I began working for Catawba County Schools as a Teacher Assistant at St. Stephens Elem. In July 2002, I moved to the position of data manager at St. Stephens Elementary then transferred
to Mill Creek Middle School in July 2006. I decided to further my own education and went back
to school part-time at Catawba Valley Community College in January 2010 while continuing to
work full-time. I completed my studies in December 2015 and graduated in May 2016 with High
Honors in Accounting, AAS and Business Administration, AAS. In July 2016, I began splitting my
weeks between Catawba Elem and Mill Creek Middle Schools. And then in 2021 split between Mill Creek and River Bend Middle. 
 

I love working at two Middle Schools.  It's confusing sometimes but never boring!                                                                                                                                                                                            

I love working at two middle schools. It's never boring!

Meet Katie Carr, School Nurse

I was born and raised in Salem, Oregon so the PNW will always hold a special place in my heart. I love the mountains, the ocean and all things outdoors but some of my favorite activities include rock climbing, trail running with my dog, cycling, surfing, skiing and camping. I moved from Oregon to Colorado in 2022 where I met my husband and we decided to move back to his home state of North Carolina in May 2025. I have loved exploring the new territory of the east coast and I am excited to continue to learn about Catawba County and be a part of the Riverbend community. 

I received my Bachelors of Nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2018 and I found my way to school nursing in 2024 after trying out many different nursing specialties. I began working in the hospital on a medical telemetry/intermediate care unit, then a neuro step down unit. I gave travel nursing a try, then decided to leave the hospital setting all together and worked in home health then a GI clinic. I loved getting a glimpse of so many areas of nursing but once I found school nursing, I was sold! School nursing allows me to help students with acute or chronic health conditions succeed in school and build life skills they will use beyond our time together. I am passionate about teaching students how to advocate for themselves and their health needs while also educating them on areas they are unfamiliar with. Healthy students learn better, and it is my goal to collaborate with students, staff and parents to keep our students healthy and in school learning. 

Please feel free to contact me regarding any health concerns, illnesses, injuries or medical procedures your student may have. I look forward to working with the Riverbend community! 

katie_carr@catawbaschools.net

Work Cell: 828-639-1802

Meet Chera Jones, Receptionist
River Bend Middle School
Joined Team CCS -  2025