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international families: español 中文 français Việt Nam 한국어 العربية हिंदी

Elementary ES

Middle MS

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Special/Optional Special

Pre-K Classrooms

Pre-K Classrooms

Shantavia Avery

My name is Shantavia Avery, but I prefer to be called Ms. Shay. I am a PDST Teacher, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in University Studies with a Pedagogy in Early Education and a Minor in Human Development and Family Science from East Carolina University. I have over 11 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator.My Philosophy: My goal as an educator is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore their world.

Monica McMillan

I have been in education for over 10 years and with the school system for 8 years. I currently hold an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, and I am pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Birth through Kindergarten. I am proud to be an Instructional Assistant in the Part Day DD classroom at the ELC. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, shopping, eating at my favorite restaurants and spending time with my loved ones.
Grace Luy

Grace Luy

I am a National Board Certified teacher with 17 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. As a TEACH NC Early Childhood Scholar, I completed my Masters in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2024. I was born and raised in the Philippines. My husband Paul and I are blessed with 2 children and 2 dogs.

Instructional Assistant

Xiomara De Jesus

Hola! My name is Xiomara DeJesus. You can call me Ms. DeJesus. I started as a volunteer at Millbrook ES for 2 years. This is my fifth year working with Pre-K. I studied a Bachelor's Degree in Office Administration at Interamerican University in PR and various courses in Special Education. I completed my Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. I was born in New Jersey and grew up in Puerto Rico. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my family, visiting different restaurants and playing outdoors. I'm married and have two beautiful daughters.

I enjoy working with students and making a positive difference in their lives.
Kia McCarthy

Kia McCarthy

My name is Kia McCarthy. I graduated from Shaw University with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have over thirty years of experience working with children from infants to preschool, as an Early Childhood Educator. My teaching philosophy has always been to "treat others like you want to be treated". By doing this, I create a welcoming environment with an invitation for imagination, choices, and ideas. Each child is unique and learns in a different way. My job is to help your child discover his/ her individuality and work alongside you to help them maximize it. On a personal note, I’m married with six children. I have three grandchildren and three dogs. I’m very excited to be here and I’m looking forward to a great school year!

Instructional Assistant

Marquita Gaines

Hello, my name is Marquita Gaines. My birthplace is Washington DC, born and raised. I have also lived in New Jersey, Virginia, and now North Carolina. I have an associate degree in Child Development as well as training and certificates in other areas of Early Childhood Education. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree. I have over 15 years of teaching experience from birth to 13 years of age. With my previous experience, responsibility, dependability, and love for children, I have a keen desire to continue to assist children and teachers in all aspects.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, family, friends, organization, and sorority. I also enjoy traveling, shopping, cooking, dining out, watching movies, listening to music, helping & giving back to the community, and, most of all, relaxing!

As an educator, my educational philosophy is that I want to help children meet their fullest potential by providing a safe and collaborative environment and by nurturing the children first, then educating our young learners.
Serena Reddick-Lofton

Serena Reddick-Lofton

Hello, my name is Serena Reddick-Lofton, and I am currently a Teacher at The Early Learning Center at Memory Road. I have been a preschool teacher for 20 years. I am a proud graduate of The University of Mount Olive. I obtained a BK Licensure from North Carolina Central University and am pursuing a graduate degree from Shaw University. My Head Start Teacher inspired me to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. I proudly served ten years of service in the United States Army. I have a true passion for working with young children. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures growth and development.

Instructional Assistant

Michelle Ray

My name is Jacquelyn Michelle Ray. I prefer to be called Ms. Michelle. I’m so excited to work with the students and families at the Early Learning Center at Memory Road. I was born in Tennessee and have lived in North Carolina for the past 16 years. This year I will be going into my 4th year as an Instructional Assistant with Pre-K. I received a B.S. from the University of Tennessee.
Cynthia Smith

Cynthia Smith

I love teaching Pre-K! This is my 29th year of teaching young children. I have taught Head Start in Pennsylvania, Pre-K in Georgia as well as Kindergarten and Pre-K in North Carolina. I grew up near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a double major in Early Childhood Education and Young Exceptional Children. I currently live in Apex with my husband, Dennis. We have two daughters and 4 wonderful grandchildren. Spending time with family is our priority. Most weekends you will find me playing with my 3 grandsons. I enjoy traveling, gardening, and reading. We love traveling to Clemson to visit our granddaughter.

I love to learn and play. Young children learn best while playing. Our classroom is a busy place full of singing, dancing, building, and exploring. By working in partnership with families, we can give children the skills to be ready to learn and to enjoy learning. My goal in teaching young children is to instill a love for lifelong learning.

Instructional Assistant

Reyna Roman

Hello, my name is Reyna Roman and I have worked in Prek for 8 years with Ms. Cindy Smith. I love teaching Pre-K students! I have also worked in a daycare with infants and toddlers. I enjoy playing with and helping children learn daily.

During my personal time, I enjoy shopping and spending time with my family. My family and I love to cook. During the summer, I love to travel around the country.

Program Instructional Assistants

Renee Petway

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” —A.A. Milne

Truly excited to be a part of the Early Learning Center family! It’s a pleasure to assist teachers and impact students every day. I’m a kind, friendly, patient, creative, enthusiastic, and hardworking Instructional Assistant. I have a passion for inspiring and helping all children reach their best potential.

I’m a full-time Instructional Assistant with over 8 years of experience supporting in the Pre-K classrooms. I understand the important impact teachers have on reaching and educating students and how my role as an Instructional Assistant helps them complete their responsibilities.

I have many skills I offer as an Instructional Assistant. These include excellent communication, classroom arrangement, behavior management, relationship building, and bonding skills I’ve developed during my educational and professional life, which I hope to add to the legacy of the Early Learning Center.

Renee Petway lives in Knightdale, NC. Married to Richard Petway II, blessed with a beautiful family of 5. I attended North Carolina Central University in English Communications-Electronic Media and Raleigh Biblical Studies. I love to inspire, sing, dance, and create! My one funny fact is I love to watch baking and cooking shows daily, but I can’t cook lol.

RENEE loves people.

RENEE loves ministry.

Renee loves creating.

Candice Pearson

Hello, my name is Candice Pearson. I'm thrilled to be working as an instructional assistant at the Early Learning Center at Memory Road. For the past 12 years, I've worked in transportation for WCPSS, working with children from pre-kindergarten through high school. I'm now pursuing a bachelor's degree in B-K Leisure and Early Childhood Education. I relocated to North Carolina from New York in 2005 and have been here ever since. I'm a military wife with five amazing children. I like to travel and spend time with my friends and family. In my new role, I'm excited about serving my community while also developing professionally as a teacher.

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