• Meet Our First Grade Teachers

     

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Ms. Christie

First Grade Track 1

Class Website

My name is Lesley Christie and I am excited to be teaching first grade this year at Olive Chapel Elementary. My family and I moved to North Carolina from New York in 2005. While in NY, I taught preschool for several years before moving to NC where I have been teaching Kindergarten and First grade for almost 20 years. I graduated from Mercy College in NY with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Behavioral Science. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher. When I am not teaching, I enjoy being outdoors. I love to garden, camp, hike and work with my hands (DIY and woodworking projects). I have three, mostly-grown children who are working and attending college right now. I am looking forward to working with your child this year and to helping them to reach their fullest potential!

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Ms. Butler

First Grade Track 1

Class Website

eMail: mbutler7@wcpss.net

Hi, my name is Ms. Butler and I am so excited to be your 1st grade teacher! I am looking forward to all of the amazing things we will do this year! I grew up here in Apex and I am honored to be back serving my community. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2023 and started working at Olive Chapel shortly after. I love integrating Social Studies and Science into all content areas and I am excited for all the fun projects we will do!

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Ms. Walker

First Grade Track 2

Class Website

eMail: jwalker5@wcpss.net

Hello! My name is Jessica Walker and I am so excited to be a part of the OCE family. I am originally from Ohio and grew up in a very small town with my mother, father and younger brother! I studied Inclusive Early Childhood Education at Bowling Green State University and right after college I moved to the Raleigh area! I have claimed this as my home ever since. I taught three years of kindergarten before I decided to make my transition to first grade. I am so excited to experience this with you!

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Ms. Dunn

First Grade Track 3

Class Website

eMail: jdunn3@wcpss.net

Hello! My name is Jennifer Dunn, and I'm very excited to be a part of the OCE 1st grade team. I enjoyed working at Olive Chapel for several years. I’m looking forward to another exciting year! My husband and I have two children, both of whom were students at OCE. Outside of school, we love to work in our garden, go to the beach, and hang out with family/friends.

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Ms. Smith

First Grade Track 3

Class Website

eMail: ksmith18@wcpss.net

Hi! I am Mrs. Smith. Welcome to first grade! I have lived in the Apex area my whole life and even went to Olive Chapel for first and second grade. I graduated from Meredith College in 2013 and have been teaching ever since. During my time as a teacher, I have taught kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. 
 
My husband and I have 2 children, Jack and Maggie. We also have a dog named Filson. We live in Apex on a pine tree farm not far from school. In my free time I love to bake, go for runs, and spend time with my family. I am so excited to experience first grade with you! 

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Ms. Costa

First Grade Track 4

Class Website

eMail: dcosta@wcpss.net

Hello! I am so excited to start another year at Olive Chapel. I have over 20 years teaching experience. I have spent these years in a variety of general and special education settings in MA, NH, and NC. I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown of Pennsylvania and a Masters degree in General Special Education and Behavioral Disorders from Rivier University. 

I have 2 children, 2 cats, and a dog.  I love animals. Owls and monkeys are my favorite!  I love spending time outside.  Some of my favorite hobbies include exploring new places, going to the beach, reading and relaxing on my porch.

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Ms. Alligood

First Grade Track 4

Class Website

eMail: lalligood@wcpss.net

Hello!  My name is Laura Alligood and I am thrilled to be teaching first grade at OCE !  I received my Master's in Early Childhood Education in 2002 from Old Dominion University.  I have been teaching for 14+ years.  During that time, I have taught K-3 and intervention, with a majority of those years teaching first grade. 
 
My husband and I married in 2015, and we moved to Cary/Apex area in 2017.  When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with family and friends, get outdoors, travel and explore new places, and read.  Our favorite place to escape to is the beach.   I look forward to getting to know your family and helping your child grow this school year!

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Ms. Obrien Cobb

First Grade Track 2

Class Website

eMail: pobrien@wcpss.net

I have been in the teaching profession for over 20 years. My favorite grade to teach is 1st grade because I love to help students become good readers. I also enjoy running and biking outside and going to the beach to relax. I am so lucky to have many blessings in my life, three daughters, three grandchildren and an awesome husband.  I'm feeling very excited about this school year with my new class.