**Please note that Pre-K students do not directly enroll at White Oak Elementary. They are assigned by the WCPSS Office of Early Learning. Click on this link for more information on preschool programs.

Pre-K Team

Meet the Team!

Marni Ostrander — mostrander@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter — Instructional Assistant: Ashley Denis

Mrs. Ostrander: Hello! My name is Marni Ostrander and I love being part of the White Oak Preschool team! I am originally from upstate New York and then moved to Michigan for a few years before making Apex, North Carolina my home. I have a degree in early childhood and elementary education and a Masters degree in elementary education. I am early childhood National Board certified. My husband and I have three children and I spend most of my time outside of school cheering them on during their many activities. Our classroom motto has become “ it’s OK, try again!”, with the sincere belief that perseverance and acceptance will lead to growth and success.

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Master's degree in Elementary Education, National Board Certified.

Ms. Ashley Denis: Hello!! I am so excited to be back in the classroom and working at White Oak this year. Last year I was the pre-K structured teacher at White Oak. I have also served working as an Instructional Assistant at White Oak in the ECS and Pre-K classrooms. Prior to joining White Oak in 2019 I was a Special Education teacher for ten years. I taught in New York specializing with children on the Autism spectrum as well as in Wisconsin where I worked with kids with varying special needs. I grew up on Long Island, New York and shortly after I married my husband Josh we moved to his hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin. We have been living in North Carolina for 8 years and have a daughter who is 14 and a son who is 11. Our family loves to go to the beach, play golf, visit our family, and travel. Special Education is truly where my heart is, and it is a privilege to work with and watch your children grow! 

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Master's degree in Elementary Education, Master's Degree in Special Education

Erin Surmacewicz — esurmacewicz@wcpss.net — Instructional Assistant: Silpa Romy, Thilagavathi Senthil (Ms. T)

Ms. Surmacewicz: Hello Pre-K explorers and WOE families! My name is Erin Surmacewicz and this is my 6th year working within special education in WCPSS. For the past two years I have worked at White Oak as an instructional assistant in our pre-k structured classroom, and this year I am excited to be the lead teacher. Prior to working in special education, I worked for over ten years with children and families in the child welfare system. I have lived in North Carolina with my husband and two daughters for 15 years. I am very passionate about early education and I’m so excited to create a nurturing and engaging classroom for my students!

Ms. Silpa Mohan Romy: This is my fifth year as an instructional assistant at White Oak.I enjoy working with little kids and helping them learn and grow. I look forward to another successful school year!