Mrs. Flynn is the principal of Poplin Elementary School, appointed in June 2026.
Mrs. Flynn began her teaching career in Union County, where she taught fourth and fifth grades at Sun Valley Elementary. She then became an instructional support specialist, deepening her knowledge and passion for literacy and coaching and mentoring teachers. Mrs. Flynn was accepted into the Leadership Academy program at High Point University, where she earned her master's degree in school administration. During this time, she served as a principal intern at Benton Heights Elementary and was later appointed assistant principal of Unionville in December 2023.
Mrs. Flynn believes in the power of educators to shape the future of their students. She views education as a vital tool for creating opportunities for all and is committed to being a lifelong learner to continually grow and adapt to meet the needs of all students. In her free time, Mrs. Flynn enjoys reading, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Molly Russell is an educational leader originally from Long Island, New York, and currently resides in Union County, North Carolina. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Human Services at the University of Scranton and a Master of Science in School Counseling from Long Island University, Mrs. Russell further advanced her expertise with a master's degree in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte through the NC Principal Fellowship Program.
Currently serving as an assistant principal at Cuthbertson Middle School, Mrs. Russell demonstrates strong leadership skills by overseeing various initiatives and fostering a culture of collaboration among staff and students. Additionally, Mrs. Russell was a site-based administrator for the UCPS Summer Reading Camp program, where she implemented strategies to enhance student engagement and literacy, ensuring a successful and enriching experience for all summer campers.
Mrs. Russell has held several leadership positions throughout her career. She was instrumental in launching and implementing the Peer Group Connection mentoring program, which focuses on student leadership, support, and collaboration. Additionally, she has actively participated with the school leadership team and the UCPS School Counselor Advisory Council, working closely with middle and high school administration to develop a mentorship program that helps 8th-grade students transition smoothly into high school.
A strong advocate for meaningful relationships, Mrs. Russell is dedicated to supporting educators and students while promoting innovative, effective, and impactful educational practices. Her vision is to inspire growth and excellence within her school community. Outside of her professional commitments, Mrs. Russell enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Pete, and their three children: Peter, Charlie, and Caroline, who attend Union County Schools. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and engaging in outdoor activities.
