Welcome to Kindergarten!
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Mrs. Duke
About: I enjoy hiking, camping with my family, and being in the mountains. I live in Umstead State Park with my park ranger husband and two children.
Alumni: University of Georgia (Hunker Down You Hairy Dawgs!)
Favorite Children's Book: The Hello, Goodbye Window
Favorite Quote: “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
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Mrs. Lovette
About: I'm Crystal Lovett, a kindergarten assistant at Hilburn Academy. I have been an instructional assistant for over 20 years! I have a loving husband, a blended family of 4 adult children (2 sons & 2 daughters) and 4 grandchildren (2 girls & 2 boys). I was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune in 2019, so dreams do come true! I love people and believe there is always something to be thankful for in our lives.
Alumni: Wake Tech
Favorite Children's Book: Green Eggs and Ham
Favorite Quote: All things are possible if you believe.
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Ms. Dixon
About: Hello, my name is Barbara Dixon. I have two daughters and seven grandchildren. I have been in education for 25 years and I really love my job!
Alumni: Fayetteville State University
Favorite Children's Book: I Love You Forever
Favorite Quote: I'm the girl who is always there for people when they need a friend. I'm also the girl who faces many issues alone, but will still do anything to see someone else smile.
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Ms. Mann
About Ms. Mann: I grew up in Raleigh and have seen many changes. Hilburn has been my school home for over 15 years. When I'm not teaching Kindergarten, or planning for Kindergarten, or thinking about Kindergarten, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also like to be outside ~ hiking, gardening, or just reading in the hammock.
Alumni: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Meredith College
Favorite Childhood Book: My favorite children's books are any books by Karma Wilson and Mo Willems.
Favorite Quote: "I've learned that people forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou
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Ms. Mills
About: Hi! My name is Lisa Mills. I was born and raised in NC and have lived almost my entire life in Raleigh. I graduated from Meredith College, earning degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education. I have been teaching kindergarten for over 20 years! I love to work with young children, to see the excitement in their eyes as they explore and learn new things. I have three adult children (2 daughters, 1 son), 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. When I am not working, I enjoy reading mysteries, gardening, and spending time with my family and friends. I love to be outside around nature.
Alumni: Meredith College
Favorite Children's Book: Any and all Winnie the Pooh books
Favorite Quote: "Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of much more than you imagine" -Roy T. Bennett
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Ms. Thompson
About: Hi, I am Malea Thompson and I feel so privileged to be a Kindergarten teacher here at Hilburn Academy. I began my teaching career in 1991-1999 for Durham Public School as a Reading Specialist, working with students K-8. Then I became a stay-at-home mom for my 3 outgoing children, two who are now in college attending ECU and NCSU and the oldest starting out in her new adventures in life. Returning to the workforce, I began subbing for Hilburn, which has led me into another year teaching Kindergarten at Hilburn! I love teaching Kindergarten as they are full of so much curiosity and energy.
Alumni: East Carolina University
Favorite Children's Book: The Rainbow Fish
Favorite Quote: "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."- Winnie the Pooh
