My name is Mary Lai and I am thrilled to be part of our CCR team! I am entering my 8th year at Stough and have enjoyed teaching in special education, kindergarten and first grade. I received my Licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education from Peace University. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and baking. My goal is to provide a loving, nurturing and supportive learning environment for your child.

I'm #StoughProud because: Stough is an amazing second home to me! I love coming to school to see my kids each day and to work with such an incredibly supportive staff.

Ms. Hunt is originally from Connecticut but made Monroe, NC, her home in 2002. In 2017, she relocated to Wake County when she got engaged to her husband. Her educational journey has been diverse and enriching. She studied at South Piedmont Community College, earning an Associate in Arts with certifications in PreK and PreK-Special Education. Ms. Hunt continued her education at UNC Asheville, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies. She later attended Wake Technical Community College, where she obtained an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.

In her free time, Ms. Hunt enjoys playing video games, catching up on her favorite shows, reading, doing paint-by-diamond art, and spending quality time with her family. Her favorite seasons are Fall and Winter, and she has a soft spot for the Harry Potter series, proudly identifying as a Hufflepuff.

I'm #StoughProud because: Ms. Hunt appreciates the way Stough embraces diversity and actively reaches out to the community, making it a special place to work. She is passionate about supporting students and helping them thrive in such an inclusive and welcoming environment.

I am very excited to be at this beautiful school!

I’m originally from Alexandria, VA, and I studied Health & Physical Education at George Mason University. Outside of school, I enjoy riding my bike, practicing yoga, swimming, and spending time with my two cats, Lily Rue and Bubba.

My goal as an educator is to provide individualized instruction that meets the unique needs of each student. I strive to create a positive and nurturing environment where every child can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

I was born in Xiamen, China. Xiamen is a beautiful island which is very close to Taiwan. I graduated from Guangxi University Xingjian College. My bachelor's degree major is English. I like oil painting, belly dancing, and cooking. I was a belly dancing coach and I have a chunky belly! LOL! 

I'm #StoughProud because: I was born in the horse year under the Chinese zodiac. (Stough's mascot is the stallion or horse.)

Ms. Sharpe, born in Chapel Hill, NC, and raised in Haw River, NC, is a dedicated educator with a strong background in early childhood development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Ms. Sharpe is currently pursuing another Master’s degree in Birth-Kindergarten at the University of Pembroke.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Sharpe enjoys spending time with her baby, friends, and family. She loves exploring new restaurants, shopping, and traveling. As a twin, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Ms. Sharpe chose to join Stough Elementary because of her passion for building meaningful relationships with Pre-K students with special needs and supporting their growth and development.

My name is Suzanne LaHurd and I'm super excited to work in the preschool classroom at Stough this year. I began teaching elementary school in 1989. I've been a classroom teacher for grades K-4, a substitute for grades K-8, taught preschool in a private setting, worked in special programs including CCK and ECS, and I've been a one-on-one. In addition to my career in education, I raised 2 kids who attended Millbrook High School and Broughton High School. I enjoy cooking, entertaining, organizing, musicals and concerts. I love Diet Coke, sushi, cheeseburgers, blue hydrangeas and dogs! Here's to another great year at Stough!

I'm #StoughProud because: nothing makes me happier than passing a student in the hallway and they greet me with a "Ni hao!". During my 2 years at Stough, I have learned so much about different cultures, including Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures. One of my favorite parts of the day is working in the before-school program. Yes, it's an early start but the students and staff are extremely enjoyable and wonderful to be around! I am proud to work at Stough and I'm proud of all our Stallions!

Hello! My name is Sue Hladik, and I’m excited to join the Stough ES family as the ESL teacher. I retired in July 2024 after a 40-year career in education in NY, CA, and NC. During my year of retirement, I missed learning with students and teachers. I grew up in NY’s beautiful Hudson Valley and developed a love of learning, especially while rambling through the woods behind my house across the creek. There was always something interesting to explore during each of the seasons. I’ve earned a bachelor and two masters degrees throughout my career.  My husband, Dr. Josephus Brown, is a retired WCPSS PE teacher. The youngest of our two daughters, Karyn HB Wilson is a media coordinator at Green Hope HS. We are a family of educators and love to talk shop. I enjoy reading, especially mysteries and thrillers. If you visit Kure and Carolina Beach, you may see me riding my bike on the trail or sitting on a swing by the pier. shladik@wcpss.net

I'm #StoughProud because: I value diversity. My life has been enriched by the friends I’ve made from other cultures. Stough ES Magnet with its Mandarin immersion program is a superb example of a diverse learning community in which we strive for excellence together in a warm, caring environment.