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.
Carol Watkins - Director
I was born and educated in the United Kingdom, earning my first degree at Swansea University in Wales and my Masters of Education at Cambridge University. I taught first and second grade in the UK before becoming a stay at home mom to our two daughters. I came to America 24 years ago with my husband and two daughters and got involved with SMPC not long after, when I was a substitute teacher for my youngest daughter's 2-year-old class. We have been a part of the SMPC Preschool family ever since! For 16 years, I taught the older-4's and T-K class. Teaching is my passion and I am excited to begin my seventh school year as Director here at SMPC Preschool.
Mary Lynn Rawls -Financial Administrator
After having both my son and daughter attend SMPC Preschool, I joined the staff 24 years ago as the assistant teacher in the TK classroom. Nine years ago I made the move to the office to become the Financial Administrator. This job change has allowed me to use my experience in the classroom along with my business background.
Having worked in the corporate world, I can honestly say there is no better place to work than SMPC Preschool. The teaching staff is like family and you will not find a more loving and caring environment.
In the classroom
Sheryl Scheckenghaust - lead teacher 2's.
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 12 years. I love every fun filled and crazy moment; they make me happy and keep me young at heart!
Linda Schledzewski- assistant 2's
I am excited to be back working with Sheryl with the 2's. This will be our third year working together, although there was a break between years 2 and 3 due to family relocation! My daughter attended SMPC for 3 years and I'm thrilled to be working with your children and look forward to seeing them grow during the school year. I enjoy creating partnerships in learning between school and home.
Hallie Mitchell - lead teacher four day 3's
My name is Hallie Mitchell and I am thrilled to be a teacher for the 3's class here at SMPC preschool. This is my 5th year teaching preschool and my first 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 past several years that I love teaching preschool and giving children a positive start to their school experience is extremely important.
Lourdes Molina- assistant four day 3's
I’m originally from Miami, Florida, but happy to call the Carolinas our home for 7 years now. After relocating for my husband’s career, I became a stay at home mom to our two boys. Both my sons came to SMPC and I loved how much they thrived and loved school because of all their wonderful teachers. After subbing a few times last year, I realized how much I enjoyed being in the classroom. I’m honored to still be a part of the SMPC family as an assistant teacher in the 3s class. I look forward to being in the classroom and being a safe and happy space for your children.
Tanya Rossouw -lead teacher four day 3's
I am beginning my 18th year at the Preschool this year and am excited to be a lead teacher for the 3's! I love to work with children this age and I enjoy seeing how much my students grow over the school year. I was born and raised in South Africa. My husband, Chris, and I moved to America in 1997 and proudly call the US home. Our daughter Zoe will be a junior in college this year. I love to exercise, read and travel!
Jacqueline Wyatt-Ingram - assistant four day 3's
I am excited to work with Tanya again this year with the 3's -this will be our seventh year teaching together! 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, taught middle school in the UK.
Jill Raymond - lead teacher three day 3's
I am originally from Ohio and moved to Charlotte 15 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 12 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 3's
This is my second 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 4's
I have enjoyed working here at SMPC Preschool for 15 years now. I have 3 boys and I have been married for 34 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 4's
My name is Emily Mannion. I have been working at SMPC for the past 3 years and I am so happy to be working with the 3's this year. I grew up in Texas but have lived in the Charlotte area for 25 years. I have been married to my husband for 32 years and have 3 grown children. I enjoy being outdoors and traveling.
Kim King - lead teacher four day 4's
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 22 years and my favorite part of the job is watching how much the students grow from day one to the last day of school.
Karen Kraig - assistant four day 4's
After 33 yrs spent living at the Jersey Shore my husband and I moved to South Carolina last year. I have two grown children living in Virginia and one granddaughter. I am looking forward to working with your children and watching them grow.
Kim Buskey - lead teacher TK and older 4's
I am originally from Pennsylvania where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I taught 3rd grade for 10 years with CMS School System and have been a substitute teacher the past 6 years at Elon Park Elementary School. My husband Ryan and I have 2 daughters, Anna 16 and Alexa 14, that attended SMPC. I was a substitute teacher while they attended and fell in love with the preschool. I am so excited to be a part of the SMPC Preschool Program teaching TK. I’m looking forward to a great year!
Christina Klein - assistant TK and older 4's
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 11 years now! I am married and have two daughters, one of who currently attend SMPC Preschool! I feel blessed not only to be working where my child is, but also to have the opportunity to teach your precious children! This is my second year teaching at SMPC Preschool and the warm, welcoming environment always makes it feel like home!