• Meet the Special Programs Team

     

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Ms. Johnson, CCR Teacher

My name is Stephanie Johnson. I have worked at Wendell Elementary for 8 years.  I was the EBS II Instructional Assistant for 7 years and a first grade Instructional Assistant for 1 year.  I recently graduated from William Peace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a minor in Psychology. I have been married to my husband for 24 years and have two children.  My daughter Madison attends UNC-W pursuing a teaching degree. My son Maverick attends Wake Tech pursuing a welding degree. I love special programs and feel that is where I was meant to teach. I love seeing the progress my kiddos make academically, socially, and emotionally.  I love spending time with my family, playing with my chocolate labs Reese and Daisy, and going to the beach.

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Ms. Hampton, CCR Teacher

As a graduate of UNC-Charlotte with a Master of Arts in Teaching and an educator of 19+ years in special education and 2 years in general education (2nd grade), I am passionate about working with students with/without disabilities. God has blessed me with two wonderful adult children, Joshua and Jasmyne, and four awesome grandchildren: Alayziah, Ma'Kiyah, Lorenzo, and LaMarco.  My hobbies include but are not limited to:  writing (self-published author on Amazon), sewing/designing, reading, and travelling.  Thank you parents for entrusting me and allowing me to teach your child.

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Ms. West, CCR Instructional Assistant

My name is Ashley West, and I have been part of Wake County Public Schools for eight years. I began my career working with high school students before transitioning to the K–5 setting, where I discovered my passion for early learning. I currently serve as a CCR Instructional Assistant and truly love the work I do each day.

Outside of WMES, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, traveling, and exploring new places. I am also a proud mother to my smart, kind, and beautiful daughter.

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Ms. Cone, EBS 2 Teacher

I had no idea that teaching special education was my calling until I joined Wake County Public Schools as a teacher assistant in the ECS/ID-Mod program and then the Structured/Autism PreK classroom.  I graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Speech and Communication. I later became a licensed teacher through the lateral-entry program. I taught CCR students at Wakelon Elementary in Zebulon before moving to Pitt County and working with Autistic students at J H Rose High School. I am happy to have returned to Wake County and love teaching here at Wendell Magnet Elementary.
 
As a child, I loved reading and wanted to be a Librarian. Now as a teacher, I am certified in the Orton-Gillingham method and enjoy helping students master basic reading skills. It is exciting to pass on my love of reading to my students. I have also had the opportunity to meet Temple Grandin and attend her workshops and trainings. She has shaped my belief that students with Autism can each succeed in their own way! 
 
I enjoy travelling and going to the beach with my family. My mother and I recently traveled to Spain and Portugal with a group of high school students, including many with Autism. I have a daughter at Arizona State University finishing her degree in Chemistry. I visit Arizona often and we enjoy spending time in Sedona and Flagstaff. 

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Ms. Liz Bolanos, EBS 2 Instructional Assistant

My name is Lizeth Bolaños. I am originally from Nicaragua and have lived in North Carolina since September 2018. I am married, a mother of four children, and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Managerial Economics.
 
I have worked with Wake County Public Schools since November 2018. I began my career in the cafeteria department and currently serve as an Instructional Assistant – Special Programs, a role that has deeply impacted both my personal and professional life.
Before dedicating myself to education, I developed a strong professional career in senior management positions within well-established and large companies in my home country, working across the industrial, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Later, I became the General Manager of my own business, focused on catering services, event planning, and equipment rental, assuming high levels of responsibility and leadership.
 
Although I have held demanding and well-compensated positions, nothing compares to the fulfillment I have found working in education. Supporting children—especially those with special needs—gives me a sense of purpose that goes beyond any monetary value. Getting to know each child’s unique personality, helping them navigate emotional challenges, and offering comfort during difficult moments fills my heart. This role has allowed me to discover a vocation I never imagined and gives me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our community every day.

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Ms. Zepeda, EBS 1 Teacher

Passionate educator with 17 years of experience shaping young minds in special education programs. Master's degree holder, proud military family, beach lover always seeking new ways to inspire and support students. 

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Ms. Atkinson, EBS 1 Instructional Assistant

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Ms. Leventhal, CCK Teacher

I've been teaching in Wake County for 10 years, but Special Education since I graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1996. I'm passionate about teaching students with disabilities and have taught in a variety of settings from self-contained autism to CCR in elementary and middle school settings . I am thrilled to build new relationships with students and their families. Outside of school I enjoy spending time in nature as well as with my friends and family.
 
“I don’t need easy. I just need possible.” – Bethany Hamilton

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Ms. Burke, CCK Instructional Assistant

Hi! I started at WMES in 2025 as an Instructional Assistant with the CCK kiddos. I have been working with preschool to sixth grade students as a teacher and an IA for the past 30+ years. I took time away to raise our children, then returned to teaching when our youngest started preschool. Now, they are (young) adults living their best lives in Knoxville, TN. My husband and I grew up in Central New York and enjoy hiking, traveling and loving on our senior dogs—2 labradoodle littermates. Working with children is my passion and my happy place. I am blessed to work with such an amazing staff at WMES—it is a truly wonderful place!

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Ms. Dyke, CCK Instructional Assistant

Hey, y'all I'm Andrea Dyke. I have been teaching k-8 now for 7 years. I started in 2nd grade and made my way to EBS 3-5th grade, and then middle school where I taught CCR, BST, and 6-8 self-contained as a lead teacher.  I have several certifications and my BA in Psychology from William Peace University. Also currently working on my Master's through Arizona State!  I'm a mom, and a fur mom.