Joe P. Eblen Intermediate School

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

07/18/2026

Hi! My name is Taylor Gouge. I’m so excited to be joining the Eblen team this year. This will be my sixth year teaching. I’ve spent the last five years in 3rd grade, but look forward to teaching 5th grade math this year! The Erwin community holds a special place in my heart as I was born and raised here. I met my husband, Jackson, while we were students at Erwin High. My husband is currently a trauma nurse in the area. We are proud parents to a one year old little boy named Baker. He and our spunky Golden Retriever, Winnie, keep us very busy! Can’t wait for a great year, go warriors!

07/17/2026

I lived in South Carolina until I was 12, then moved to Northern California, where I taught for 13 years. My husband and I moved to Burnsville, NC, in 2019. I ran a curriculum development business for 8 years, mostly as an elementary math specialist. I missed teaching, so I joined the team at Buncombe County Schools last year. I am transferring to Eblen now to have an easier commute to work, as well as have the experience of teaching at such a big school! I’m so excited and look forward to meeting everyone for the 26-27 school year.

07/16/2026

Hello! My name is Smriti Shrestha. I’m originally from Kathmandu, Nepal. Since moving to the United States, I’ve lived in Georgia, Colorado, and now Asheville, North Carolina.

I live here with my husband, Chris, our son, Bodhi, 13 chickens, a cat, and a dog. We have our own little urban farm! 😆

I love everything outdoors. We’re a hiking, camping, and traveling family, and we’re always looking for our next adventure.

I’m also a huge foodie! I love cooking and trying cuisines from all over the world. Whether it’s discovering a new restaurant or making something from scratch at home, I’m always up for a good meal.

Music and dancing are a big part of my life too—especially line dancing and Latin dancing. So if you enjoy dancing and are looking for someone to hit the dance floor with, I’m your girl! 🤠

07/14/2026

📸 Warriors, show us what you’ve been up to this summer!

Share a picture in the comments of:
☀️ Your favorite summer adventure
📚 A good book you’ve read
🍦 Your favorite summer treat
🏖️ Your favorite place you’ve visited

We can’t wait to see your summer memories!

07/13/2026

📚✏️ School is just around the corner, and we wanted to share our 5th & 6th Grade School Supply Lists so families can get a head start!

We’re looking forward to an amazing year with our Warriors! ❤️🤍 Be sure to check out the supply lists below, and let us know if you have any questions.

06/30/2026

I am excited to join the Eblen Intermediate community as one of your assistant principals. I earned my undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and I hold a master’s degree in School Administration from Western Carolina University. I bring more than 16 years of experience in education across elementary, middle, and high school settings, most recently serving as a sixth-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Koontz Intermediate.

I am committed to fostering academic excellence, building positive relationships, and creating a supportive school culture where every student can thrive. I look forward to becoming part of the Warrior family and contributing to the great work happening at Eblen Intermediate.