Staff | smpcpreschool

Our Staff and Teachers

Our staff are all extremely experienced and participate in annual continuing education in the field of early childhood development. Average tenure in the program is over 10 years of service and turnover is very low. Every class has two teachers to allow for a small teacher-student ratio.

In the office

Tammy Winchip - Director

The first five years of life are vital to every child’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development. Keeping this in mind, I strive to help children build a strong foundation in understanding who they are and whose they are - not simply a child, but a child of God.

I received a bachelor's degree in childcare administration from Montreat College, a master's degree in Christian education from Presbyterian School of Christian Education and a doctorate in educational ministry from Columbia Seminary. Over the years I have served as a director of Christian education, children’s ministry director, TK-1st grade teacher, worship leader, and curriculum coordinator.

Chris Dee - Office Assistant

My daughter attended preschool at SMPC for 2 years. When she went off to kindergarten, I started working here as an assistant teacher and enjoyed 18 years of working with kids! In 2020, I semi-retired, but continued to sub for the past 3 years. I'm really excited to be back on staff and I'm looking forward to meeting all of our families!

In the classroom

Sheryl Scheckenghaust - lead teacher 2s.

I am originally from Connecticut and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After marrying my husband we moved around a lot - five different states - and eventually settled in Charlotte. I have been teaching the 2's at SMPC Preschool for 13 years. I love every fun filled and crazy moment; they make me happy and keep me young at heart!

Rekha Subramanian- assistant three day 2s.

I am excited to start working with the 2s class at SMPC Preschool this year! My daughter is in the 3s class. I have a Masters in Business Administration and have moved from Minneapolis with my husband and 2 children. I love working with children and am happy to be a part of this preschool family.

Jennifer Nguema- assistant two day 2s.

I moved to Charlotte in 2020. I have been a preschool teacher for 4 years. My first teaching experience was a small school in Africa. Since coming to the states, I have taught at a full-day center and now at SMPC Preschool. I have three daughters, ages 2, 11, and 14.

Hallie Mitchell - lead teacher four day 3s

My name is Hallie Mitchell, and I am thrilled to be a teacher for the 3s class here at SMPC preschool. This is my 8th year teaching preschool and my third at SMPC. My own children attended preschool here at SMPC and the teachers really are like family! I have a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work and worked with children and youth in community and school settings prior to having my own children. I have found these last several years that I love teaching preschool. Giving children a positive start to their school experience is very important.

Jacqueline Wyatt-Ingram - assistant four day 3s

I am excited to work with Hallie this year with the 3s. I was a sub at SMPC Preschool for about 4 years before joining the staff, and my youngest daughter attended here. I have four children, 3 boys and 1 girl, and I am originally from the UK. I have a teaching degree, and before I had children, I taught middle school in the UK.

Jill Raymond - lead teacher three day 3s

I am originally from Ohio and moved to Charlotte 17 years ago. I received my bachelor's degree from Elon and went on to receive my master's degree in school counseling from the University of Dayton. My husband, Scott, and I have two amazing children - Carter and Harper. My daughter Harper attended the preschool at SMPC for three years. I was an assistant at SMPC for three years, and I am excited to continue my experience with the preschool as the lead teacher for the 3-day threes this year.

Stefanie Jacobs - assistant three day 3s

This is my 4th full year working at the preschool, having previously worked as a sub in many of the classes. My daughter attended the school for 3 years. I can honestly say this school is a caring and nurturing environment for children, and I am excited to be a part of it.

Liz Sayresmith - lead teacher four day 3s

I have enjoyed working here at SMPC Preschool for 17 years now. I have 3 boys, and I have been married for 36 years. Each year I am reminded of what I love the most - the sense of community and the way teachers and parents work together, allowing us to see the growth within each child throughout the preschool years!

Emily Mannion - assistant four day 3s

My name is Emily Mannion. I have been working at SMPC for the past 4 years, and I am so happy to be working with the 3s this year. I grew up in Texas but have lived in the Charlotte area for 26 years. I have been married to my husband for 34 years and have 3 grown children. I enjoy being outdoors and traveling.

Christina Klein - lead teacher in four day 3s

I am originally from New York, which is where I got my degree in early childhood education. North Carolina has been my home for almost 13 years now! I am married and have two daughters who both went to SMPC! This is my fourth year teaching at SMPC Preschool and the warm, welcoming environment always makes it feel like home!

Kim King - lead teacher four day 4s

I grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Central Connecticut University. Bob and I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren, who are the love of my life. I have taught at SMPC Preschool for the last 24 years, and my favorite part of the job is watching how much the students grow from day one to the last day of school.

Barbara Suppa - assistant four day 4s

Barbara originally hails from New Jersey, but has lived in Mint Hill and now Matthews. She has worked with infants through twelve year olds, with the most experience with ones to fours. She loves children and is looking forward to being a part of Ms. Kim's class.

Stephany Bergan - lead teacher fours/TK

Stephany comes to us most recently from Denver, CO. She moved to Charlotte with her husband and son. She found her way to SMPC preschool through her son, who attened last year. As he goes of to elementary school this fall she is getting back into teaching. She has a Masters of Education and Elementary teaching experience at a ECE-5th grade IB Denver Public School in Colorado. She's ESL trained and Orton Gillingham certified as well.

Neha Tandon - assistant fours/TK

I've lived in Charlotte for around 12 years and have two wonderful children—a son and a daughter. My daughter attended SMPC preschool for two years. I earned my MBA in Finance from India and have worked as a substitute teacher at SMPC for a year. I'm excited to join here as an assistant teacher and can't wait to work with your kids!