About Dr. Patience

Dr. Brian Patience is starting his first year as principal of Sun Valley Middle School. Dr. Patience has been the principal at Porter Ridge Middle since 2015. He had been an assistant principal at Porter Ridge for several years before accepting the principalship. Prior to joining the Porter Ridge Community, he worked two years each as an assistant principal at Monroe and Weddington High.  Dr. Patience started his educational career as a math teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before being selected as a North Carolina Principal Fellow and transitioning into school administration. Dr. Patience was nominated for UCPS Assistant Principal of the Year three times in the past few years and received the award in 2014-2015. 

Dr. Patience believes his primary responsibilities are keeping children safe and nurturing their academic, social, and behavioral growth.  Dr. Patience is married and his wife is a third-grade teacher in Charlotte. He enjoys traveling with his wife, reading, and watching his favorite sports, including hockey, baseball, and football.

Contact Dr. Patience

• Email: brian.patience@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Ms. Hart

From 2013 to 2020, Ms. Hart worked as a 7th grade English/Language Arts teacher at Porter Ridge Middle. In 2020, she was hired as the Culture Coach for Parkwood Middle and High where she served the Parkwood community until February of 2023. Ms. Hart returned to Porter Ridge Middle as the 6th Grade Assistant Principal at the beginning of March 2023 until she was named assistant principal of Sun Valley Middle in July 2025. She earned her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education/English from The College of New Jersey and is currently pursuing a Master’s in School Administration from the University of North Carolina Charlotte where she will graduate in May of 2025. She’s a passionate advocate for students and teachers, and she believes that every child can reach academic and social success when provided with the proper support. 

Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Hart resides in Union County and in her spare time loves to read and travel.

Contact Ms. Hart

• Email: corrine.hart@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mr. Hurst

Prior to his current role, Mr. Hurst fulfilled the role of assistant principal at Porter Ridge Middle and principal and assistant principal at Shiloh Valley Elementary School. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree in educational leadership from Wingate University. 

As a Union County graduate himself, Mr. Hurst is excited to be in this position and elated to bring his skills as an educational leader to the school. He is looking forward to working with you as a partner in education to ensure your child’s success.

His wife, two beautiful daughters, and two dogs keep his life entertaining when he is at home.

Contact Mr. Hurst

• Phone: 704-225-7555
• Email: cole.hurst@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Biggerstaff

Mrs. Biggerstaff was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  She moved to North Carolina in 2003 and enrolled at UNC-Charlotte and received her K-6 Elementary Education teaching license.  While teaching, she realized she wanted to have an impact on the whole school and enrolled at Gardner Webb University, where she graduated with her Masters in Executive Leadership.  

Mrs. Biggerstaff also attended Harper College after high school and earned an Associates Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.  She moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Studies and Human Development.  

She has been employed with UCPS for 19 years.  During this time, she has taught both at the elementary and middle school levels.  She has taught fourth, fifth, and most recently, Sixth Grade Science.  

Mrs. Biggerstaff resides in Monroe, NC with her husband, son, and black lab.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her family and cheering on her son at the baseball fields.  She enjoys time with family, the beach, and being outdoors when the weather is nice.  

She is looking forward to joining the Sun Valley Middle School Spartan Family.  She is excited about getting to know and supporting her new students, staff, and families.

Contact Mrs. Biggerstaff

• Email: larae.biggerstaff@ucps.k12.nc.us

• Dr. Kim Fisenne

• Principal: Dr. Brian Patience
• Representative: Mickie Lethgo

Sun Valley Middle School will be the highest-achieving middle school by empowering all Spartans to thrive and grow as we shape leaders through an innovative and inclusive education.

Sun Valley Middle School exists to promote academic excellence, cultivate durable skills for lifelong learning, and empower all as productive contributors to society.

• Students First
• Relationships Driven
• Growth Mindset
• All Belong
• Family Oriented

Igniting Learning, Empowering Leaders