Sara Bigley joined the SERVE Center team in 2017 and is a Program Specialist. She previously served as the State Coordinator for Foster Care Education. She is a lifelong educator and has worked in a variety of capacities during her career. She began working at the community college level as a counselor where she did extensive outreach in middle and high schools to help students graduate and attend college.  This work sparked her passion for working with children at a younger age. She became an elementary school counselor, assistant principal and principal. Most recently prior to coming to the SERVE Center, she was an assistant director for student support services.

Throughout her career, she has worked diligently to support at risk students so that they can be successful in school and reach their goals. She has collaborated with community agencies to better facilitate cross-system work and to more effectively serve children, youth and families. Sara has consistently focused on creating positive environments that will enhance student success.

Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Industrial Labor Relations, a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development and a Master of Education in School Administration.  She was a North Carolina regional principal of the year in 2012, has served on the State Superintendent-Principal Advisory Council and has completed the Distinguished Leadership in Practice (DLP) program.

When not working, Sara enjoys horseback riding, hiking, gardening, cooking and spending time with family.