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Ms. Ruiz
Track 1 Instructional Assistant
eMail: sruiz@wcpss.net
My name is Sonia Ruiz this is my 23rd year at OCE. I have three children - Kevin is 29 and he is an executive chef, Gabriela is 28 and she is a CNA. Adrianna is 13 and goes to Lufkin MS. They all attended Olive Chapel. I have 2 grandbabies. Sophia is 6 and Natalia is 4. I’ve been in kindergarten, first and second grades. Currently, I am in track 1 kindergarten with Ms. Burleson. This is my first year working with her. I Cannot wait to begin the year 2023-2024 with our upcoming class of babies.
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Ms. Nelson
Track 1 Instructional Assistant
eMail: tnelson3@wcpss.net
My Name is Teri Nelson and this will be my 16th year with WCPSS and my 1st at OCE. I am married for 37 years (wow, right!) and have two grown sons, 32 and 28, who graduated from Panther Creek HS and from UNCW and App State. My experience is in Elementary Middle and Special Programs. I love working one on one with students to reach their potential. I love animals, playing frisbee, skiing, reading, and kayaking in my free time.
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Ms. Cooke
Track 1 Instructional Assistant
eMail: ncooke@wcpss.net
Hi My name is Nancy Cooke. I have worked in Wake County Schools for 17 years. This will be my first year at Olive Chapel Elementary! I look forward to being a Clipper! I will be the 1st grade, track one IA. I have two sons, Jeff and Jason, both Engineers and on their own! I have two cats, Pudge and Axel. I am originally from the Philadelphia, PA area but have lived in Cary for 37 years.
I have a 2 year degree in Electronics Technology. I have worked as an Electronics Technician and in customer service in Banking. But, I have found working in education to be more rewarding!
I love to travel, do puzzles, shop, and go to the beach and pool with family and friends!
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Ms. Jensen Sox
Track 2 Instructional Assistant
eMail: djensensox@wcpss.net
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Ms. Franzone
Track 2 Instructional Assistant
eMail: kfranzone@wcpss.net
My name is Kathy Franzone and I'm thrilled to be part of the OCE family. I have a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and have worked for several hospitals, universities and public-school systems throughout my career. My husband and I moved here from NJ a few years ago with our two wonderful children. We are still discovering all the fun things that NC has to offer. In my free time I enjoy crafts, jigsaw puzzles, reading and exploring new places. I'm looking forward to getting to know all the students at Olive Chapel and being part of their academic lives!
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Ms. Taylor
Track 2 Instructional Assistant
eMail: ajewen@wcpss.net
Hi! My name is Abbey Taylor. This is my 1st year at OCE. While working as a Substitute Teacher for the last two years, I fell in love with working with kids and knew I wanted to do it full-time. I am very excited to join the kindergarten team and help all the new kiddos fall in love with school.
I got married in March of this year and live in Apex with my husband, Quinton, and our cat, Gus-Gus. I love spending time with my family, playing board games, going to the movies, and reading a good book.
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Ms. Armbruster
Track 3 Instructional Assistant
eMail: larmbruster@wcpss.net
Hi! My name is Leslie Armbruster and I am excited to join the Track 3 kindergarten team! I am originally from upstate NY but have worked as a preschool teacher in Apex for the past 13 years. I have an undergraduate degree in child development and a master’s in sociology. My husband, Mitch, and I have three boys: 2 in college and the oldest is working in Greenville.
In my free time, I love to travel, read, and spend time with my family (including our 3 rambunctious cats). I’m looking forward to my first year as a Clipper!
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Ms. Thornton
Track 3 Instructional Assistant
eMail: mathornton@wcpss.net
My name is Mary Ann Thornton and I am happy to be a part of the track 3 kindergarten team. I hold undergraduate and graduate social work degrees from Campbell University and East Carolina University. My work experience has centered on early childhood development. Before joining the Olive Chapel family, I had the joy of teaching and assisting in four year old and kindergarten readiness classrooms. I consider it an honor to love and encourage young children as they learn and grow. When I am away from school, I enjoy hiking, volunteering, listening to music, and spending time with friends & family.
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Ms. Gallimore
Track 3 Instructional Assistant
Email: agallimore@wcpss.net
Hi, my name is Aimee Gallimore. I have been teaching in Wake County Public Schools for 19 years. I've taught third, second, and kindergarten. This is my first year as an Instructional Assistant and first year at OCE! I'm excited to join the first grade team and get to know everyone at Olive Chapel! In my spare time, my husband and I love to travel, go camping, and explore new things.
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Ms. Lantry
Track 3 Instructional Assistant
Email: clantry@wcpss.net
Hi! My name is Cheryl Lantry. I am very excited for my first year as an IA at Olive Chapel Elementary! I am originally from NY but have lived in Apex for 15 years.
My husband, Matt, and I have three children, Aubrey (17), Matthew (15) Joey (6). We also have 4 cats and a German Shepard. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking trips to the beach and working out.
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Ms. Duguid
Track 4 Instructional Assistant
eMail: sduguid@wcpss.net
I am married to David Duguid and we have been blessed with three sons, all of whom are adults - Dawson, Dylan and Devin. We also have two very sweet Manx Kats - Keeper and Emmie.
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Ms. Nasrallah
Track 4 Instructional Assistant
eMail: snasrallah@wcpss.net
My name is Soha Nasrallah. I'm originally from Lebanon. I graduated from the Lebanese University with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. I've been living in the USA since May 1991. My husband and I have 3 amazing sons who attended OCE. We moved to Apex in 2001 and I started subbing in some schools in Cary and Apex. In 2004, I was offered a job at OCE and have been a part of the school staff since then. Outside the school, I love to spend time with my family, shop and bake.
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Ms. Hornbeck
Track 4 Instructional Assistant
eMail: ehornbeck@wcpss.net
I grew up in Sparta, NJ and went to school in Scranton, PA (shout out to The Office fans 😊) Early in our relationship, I followed my now-husband to Scottsdale, AZ and we loved it out there, but our goal was to come back East. We settled in NC in 2011 just before we got married! We had 4 dogs at one point, but we are now blessed with our puppies Max and Maisie. We have 2 adorable children that both attend OCE, Emmet and Emmerson. Previously, I was with Grow Preschool in Apex since 2014 (with a small break to be a dog walker in between) and adore watching these children blossom each year. I love to play, craft with friends, watching movies, sudoku, and being the comic relief in serious situations!
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Ms. Messaour
Track 4 Instructional Assistant
eMail: nmessaour@wcpss.net
My name is Naima Messaour, I am a wife and a mom of 3 kids; 21, 20 and my baby is 9 years old. I was born in Algeria where I had my education. I speak Arabic, French and English. I have been working with kids since 2001 with different age groups, from 6 weeks to 5 years. I enjoy being part of their growth and development, and building profound relationships with young people.
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Ms. Manning
Track 4 Instructional Assistant
eMail: eamanning@wcpss.net
I am originally from south Florida and moved here 6 years ago. I have a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in business and a project management certificate. In my spare time I like to craft and read. My weekends are usually spent at the soccer field or ice rink (hockey practice) with my husband and kids. My son attends Olive Chapel and my daughter is in middle school. I am excited to be an Olive Chapel Clipper!
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Ms. Austin
Track 4 Instructional Assistant
eMail: eaustin@wcpss.net
My name is Elaine Austin. I grew up in Cary and attended Wake county schools myself. After graduating from Apex High school, I set off to college at UNCW in Wilmington. It was there that I met my husband Lyman. We have been married for 33 years and have two amazing sons. Our oldest son, Trent lives in Charleston S.C. with his wife Katie. Ben, the youngest, also lives in Charleston, S.C. They are both wildlife biologists for the state of South Carolina.
I have been a Teacher Assistant in Wake County for over 20 years. Dillard Drive Elementary was the first school I worked at. While at Dillard, I worked with all grade levels, two years as the library assistant, helped with creating displays/props for school productions and was Teacher Assistant of the year. Then I took a job at Olive Chapel to be on a year-round schedule. This is my third year at Olive Chapel in first grade, which is my favorite. The teachers I work with are amazing! I love helping children to achieve their best, share experiences with them, and inspire them not only academically but personally!
Personally, I enjoy art, cooking, dancing, the outdoors, and spending time with my family and friends!
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Ms. Brahmanapalli
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Email: gbrahmanapalli@wcpss.net
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Ms. Bunn
Special Education Instructional Assistant
eMail: pbunn2@wcpss.net
I am excited to be at Olive Chapel as an ECS 1 IA. Olive Chapel is a positive and supportive environment for students and staff members. I have worked for WCPSS as a school bus driver previously since 2009. I have 5 children and 1 grandchild! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends ( and my cute dog) and enjoy reading and listening to books.
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Ms. Camel
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Email: acamel@wcpss.net
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Ms. Faizal
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Email: sfaizal@wcpss.net
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Ms. Laious
Special Education Instructional Assistant
eMail: rlaious@wcpss.net
My name is Raouaa Laious, but my nickname is Rosie. I came to the United States from Qatar State in 2019. I used to work as an Elementary Social Studies teacher for 9 Years overseas. I'm passionate about teaching and adore working with kids. As a naturally outgoing individual, I consistently wear a cheerful smile, radiating positivity! I am genuinely thrilled about the opportunity to meet and work with your child.
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Ms. Sallam
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Ms. Truitt
Special Education Instructional Assistant
eMail: vtruitt@wcpss.net
After 60 years of living in South Florida I relocated to Apex with my daughter and her family in 2018. I am a fully certified educator with over 22 of experience. I hold a license in Florida with a BS in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University as well as, an MS in ESL from Nova Southeastern University. I am thrilled to be part of the OCE Strong family. I am looking forward to continuing my career in ECS 2 for the coming year.
