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.

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!

Linda Schledzewski- assistant 2s

I am excited to be back working with Sheryl with the 2s. This will be our fourth 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 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 6th 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.

Lori Loftus - assistant four day 3s

My name is Lori Loftus, and I am so excited to be working with the 3s class this year at SMPC. I am originally from Buffalo, New York, and moved to Charlotte about 22 years ago. I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a master’s degree in elementary education. I have experience in both the preschool and elementary school setting. Both of my children attended preschool at SMPC, and I am so happy to be back. I’m thrilled to be working with your children and look forward to watching them grow during the school year!

Tanya Rossouw -lead teacher four day 3s

I am beginning my 20th year at the preschool this year and am excited to be working with the 3s! 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. I have a daughter, Zoe, will be a senior in college this year. I love to exercise, read and travel!

Jacqueline Wyatt-Ingram - assistant four day 3s

I am excited to work with Tanya again this year with the 3s -this will be our eighth 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, I taught middle school in the UK.

Jill Raymond - lead teacher three day 3s

I am originally from Ohio and moved to Charlotte 16 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 third 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 five day 4s

I have enjoyed working here at SMPC Preschool for 16 years now. I have 3 boys, and I have been married for 35 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 five day 4s

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 25 years. I have been married to my husband for 33 years and have 3 grown children. I enjoy being outdoors and traveling.

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 23 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 4s

After 33 yrs spent living at the Jersey Shore, my husband and I moved to South Carolina a couple of years ago. 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 4s

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 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and was a substitute teacher at Elon Park Elementary School. My husband, Ryan, and I have 2 daughters, Anna and Alexa, 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 4s

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 12 years now! I am married and have two daughters, one of whom is currently attending 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 third year teaching at SMPC Preschool and the warm, welcoming environment always makes it feel like home!