Hi!!  My name is Lauren Bell and I wanted to share a little information about myself with you. I am from Detroit, Michigan. I went to Central Michigan University for my undergrad degree in Elementary ed, and NC State for my Masters in the science of Ed. I began my teaching career in 6th grade in Michigan, then moved to 5th grade in Durham. Now I am thoroughly enjoying teaching the 1st graders at JGE.  I am also a swim coach and instructor, and spend a lot of time in the pool. I have 1 son (14yo in 6th grade). Our family loves spending time together, going to the beach, pool, and baseball. I am passionate about helping my students develop a “growth mindset” and fostering independence. I like to start each school year off by building positive relationships with students and providing a clear understanding of how to SOAR at Jeffreys Grove.

Hello,

My name is Safira Whitaker. I am from Eastern Carolina. I have a MS in General Psychology as well as a BS in Psychology with a concentration in Behavior Analysis. I am married with 6 children. This is my fifth-year teaching for Wake County Public Schools. Before I moved to Wake County, I started my teaching career in Guilford County in 2019 as a Teacher assistant for EC. I became a classroom teacher in 2020. Outside of the classroom, I am a natural hair stylist , I love to travel, and spend time with family. It is my goal to teach my students in a structured environment, helping them to excel beyond measure as well as maintain a positive mindset.

Hello Jeffrey’s Grove families, I’m Srta. Duarte. I’m so excited to meet everyone and start our learning journey together. I have been an educator for 14 years and I look forward to another year of teaching 1st grade at JGE. 

I'm originally from Bogotá, Colombia. I have a strong educational background, having graduated from Universidad La Gran Colombia as an English and Spanish teacher, and I also hold a Master’s degree of TESOL from Greensboro College, which I earned in 2018.

I have a deep passion for teaching. Outside of my profession, I enjoy an active lifestyle, including hiking, traveling, and going on cruises. I'm also a fan of extreme sports, and most importantly, I love spending quality time with my family and my baby dog.  

Hi everyone! My name is Diana Rodríguez, and I’m from Bogotá, Colombia, a wonderful country full of welcoming, hard-working people, vibrant colors, delicious food and coffee, and breathtaking landscapes.

I love to travel and collect memories from the places I visit. I enjoy playing board games and classic video games, practicing kickboxing, learning Italian, and spending quality time with family and friends.

I’ve been happily married for 16 years, and my husband and I have an amazing 11-year-old son who brings so much joy to our lives. I’m very close to my entire family; they’re a big part of who I am, and I deeply cherish the time we spend together.

Professionally, I’ve been a preschool and elementary self-contained teacher for about 18 years. I’m truly passionate about my profession and love working with children; there’s nothing more rewarding than watching them grow and succeed.

I’m excited to continue learning and to bring all my energy, knowledge, and expertise to this amazing community as a Spanish Immersion teacher at JGMES!

Hello everyone! My name is Denisse Rosales. I was born in Durham, North Carolina and raised in Raleigh. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University in 2024. I recently completed my first year of teaching in second grade at Franklin County Schools. I am thrilled to begin this new chapter at WCPSS as a first grade teacher at Jeffreys Grove! 

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, scrapbooking and drawing. I also enjoy staying active by playing basketball, tennis, and going on walks. I am always open to picking up a new hobby and trying new things!

Coming from a family with Mexican heritage, I deeply value diversity and strive to make every student in my classroom feel seen and appreciated. I am excited to join Jeffreys Grove, where building global citizens and celebrating diversity is essential to the school’s mission. I look forward to a successful school year and having the opportunity to learn and grow with my students and the wonderful JGMES staff! 

Hello! My name is Erica Ghanim. I am from Huntsville Alabama, but my son and I have lived in Raleigh for many years. I am excited to join Jeffrey’s Grove Magnet School as a K/1 Instructional Assistant. I’m a newly retired classroom teacher that has taught for over 20 years teaching young children. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also love being outdoors fishing, boating, and traveling. 

My Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University

Associate Degree in Office Administration from J.F. Drake State Technical College

I have been an instructional assistant for 18 years and at Jeffreys Grove for 14 years! I am from Long Island, New York and have a bachelor’s degree in psychology.  I enjoy reading, exercising, cooking, and time with friends.

Hola!  My name is Angelica Betancourt and I am an Instructional Assistant for one of the kindergarten Spanish Immersion classes. I have been working for the North Carolina Public School system since 2016. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. I enjoy traveling, baking, and spending time with my husband and my sweet dog Lulo.

My Education: 

French degree from Universite Paul Valery III, (Montpellier, France).

Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management from Instituto Superior Mariano Moreno. (Bogota, Colombia).

Associate in Arts from Brunswick Community College.

I’m almost done with my teaching degree; Bachelor of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) from Western Governors University.

Hello, my name is Beatriz Mosquera. I’m from Venezuela and I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Integral Education from the National Experimental University Simón Rodríguez. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved everything related to working with children — it’s my passion and something I truly enjoy.

In my country, I worked as a teacher in both early childhood and primary education, and that experience has been very valuable in my professional journey.

I’m also a mother of two, and for me, education is a way to help, support, and contribute with love to the growth of young children.