Hi!!  My name is Lauren Bell. 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 teaching. 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 (12yo 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. This is my third-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 maintaining a positive mindset.

¡Hi! My name is Ivonne Duarte, and I am a first-grade teacher at Jeffreys Grove. I am originally from Bogotá, Colombia. I graduated from Universidad la Gran Colombia as an English and Spanish teacher, and I also graduated as a master of TESOL at Greensboro college in 2018. I have more than 10 years of experience as a teacher, and I feel very passionate about my job. I enjoy go hiking, traveling, going on cruise, doing extreme sports, and I love spending time with my family.  

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.

I have been an instructional assistant for 12 years and have been lucky enough to be at Jeffreys Grove since 2010.  Kindergarten is my specialty!  I am also a mother of 23-year-old twins, Tim and Jenn.  I enjoy exercise, movies, reading and spending time with friends.

I graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, New York with a B.A. in Psychology.

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