Ms. Sarah Champie (CCR)

Hi! I’m excited to be entering my second year at Baucom ES, and my 21st year (I think) teaching! I earned a BA in Child Development & Language Studies with a minor in Special Education from Georgetown, University in Texas (my home state). I have taught every grade from Pre-K to 8th grade in some capacity, some in general education and some in special education. I have learned so much from every group of students I have worked with, and I’m excited to meet new faces for 2025-2026!  I’ve been married 20 years to my husband, who is a US Army Veteran, and I have one son entering his sophomore year at the new Felton Grove High School, and another son beginning his second year at East Carolina University.  We also have a corgi named Chili who might be a tad spoiled. When not teaching, I enjoy playing piano and leading worship at my church, going on walks, and watching Broadway musicals.

Email: schampie@wcpss.net

Ms. Kelly Vandermolen (CCR)

I am Kelly VanderMolen, a special education teacher in my fourth year of teaching CCR, committed to supporting and empowering students. I hold a BS from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Education from Loyola University. With 17 years of teaching experience overall, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my classroom. Outside of teaching, I’m a proud parent of two children—one of whom attends Baucom—and a dog lover with two furry friends at home.

Email:kvandermolen@wcpss.net

Ms. Allison Washburn (CCR)

Hi!  My name is Allison Washburn and this is my first year at Baucom teaching CCR.  I graduated with a BA from Elon University, double majoring in Elementary & Special Education.  Over the past 20+ years, I have taught 4th, 3rd, 2nd, been a Developmental and Behavioral Therapist & taught CCR.  I have been married for 20 years.  We have lived in Holly Springs for almost 20 years and have 2 kids, Camden and Kaylin.  Camden is a Freshman at UNC Chapel Hill studying Music & Business as well as plays Saxophone in the Marching Tarheel Band.  Kaylin is a Sophomore at Holly Springs High School and plays on the Varsity Basketball Team & plays AAU.  We have a dog named Odee.  I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach and watching what my kids love to do.  I am excited for a great year at Baucom!

Email: awashburn@wcpss.net

Ms. Lorraine Ateshian (Pre-K)

Hello! My name is Mrs. Lorraine, and I’m the teacher in the Part-Day Structured Pre-K class at Baucom Elementary. I’m originally from Long Island, New York, and I relocated to Apex 19 years ago with my family. I have four amazing children and two adorable grandchildren. 

I have a background in Therapeutic Recreation and have worked in a variety of special education settings. For the past twelve years, I’ve focused specifically on special education Pre-K and that’s truly where I love to be. I enjoy working (and playing!) with young children, helping them grow, learn, and reach their full potential.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy being active outdoors, spending time with my family, and visiting both the mountains and the beach.

I take it very seriously how important these early school years are in a child’s life, and I’m so happy to be part of the beginning of your child’s educational journey. I’m looking forward to a year of fun, learning, and lots of adventures in Pre-K! 

Email: lateshian@wcpss.net

Ms. Rebecca Thomas (Pre-K)

Hey Friends! My name is Rebecca Thomas and this is my 21st year teaching at Baucom in the full day structured preschool classroom.  I am originally from upstate NY but I have been here since 2001.  My husband and I have a black lab Rowan that we take to the beach (Morehead City) almost every weekend.  I love to bake, do anything outside, and spend time with family (they all moved to NC too except one brother).  I am always excited to meet the kiddos and the families that make Baucom such an amazing place to work!

Email: rgthomas@wcpss.net

Ms. Leah Robison (ECS 1)

My name is Leah Robison, and this is my 9th year teaching in the ECS1 classroom at Baucom Elementary.  I graduated from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. I taught third grade in a private school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for 8 years. I have a husband, Chris, and two teenage sons- Lucas is 19 and Kyle is 16. I have two Boston Terriers- Frankie and Bobby Brown. We have lived in Apex for 19 years. When I’m not working, I love to read, bake, walk my dogs, and watch my son play soccer.  I’m excited to begin the new year with my incredible team.

Email: lrobison@wcpss.net

Ms. Sherri Zoldos (ECS 2)

My name is Sherri Zoldos. I graduated from Penn State with a BS in Elementary Education and received my Master’s degree  from GCU in Special Education. This will be my 15th year in a self-contained classroom. Baucom has been my happy home for 5 of those years. I live in Durham with my husband, Bobby, our daughter, Miss Kathleen and our 4-legged son Pierce (a liver spotted dalmatian). When not working I enjoy cheering on the Durham bulls and visiting our 2-legged son, Bobby in Nashville. Making a difference in children’s lives has been the most rewarding part of the job and I’m looking forward to another wonderful year!

Email: szoldos@wcpss.net

Ms. Roselyn Ballstadt (CCR IA)

Hello! My name is Roselyn Ballstadt, but the kids lovingly call me Mrs. B. I taught PreK for four years and feel incredibly blessed to have joined the Aviator crew in April 2024. Since then, I’ve been grateful for my sweet one-on-one assignment and we’re both excited to move up to third grade this year.

I live in Fuquay with my wonderful husband of ten years and our daughter Hannah, who will be in second grade here at Baucom. Our family also includes our orange cat, Mario and about 20 lively freshwater fish. 

Outside of school, I enjoy tending to my indoor and outdoor plants, playing with my daughter, traveling with my little family, going for walks, practicing yoga, and indoor cycling. I am passionate about supporting children not only academically but emotionally. I believe in instilling the importance of respecting others- as well as themselves, being kind to others and always being polite.

Email: rballstadt@wcpss.net

Ms. Tamara Smith (CCR IA)

Hello My name is Tamara Smith I have been working with Wake County Schools for 9 years 8 years of them in the class room. I have loved working with children in the special education department and looking forward to many more years to come. I have a wonderful husband and 2 children at home that keep me busy when I am not at work. We can be found at the ball field watching football, baseball or watching women's lacrosse. I love to go to new places and try new things and make memories with my friends and family. When it comes to work I am all about supporting my children anyway they need and helping them figure out what works for them. I am looking forward to what this year will bring and meeting your wonderful students!

Email: tmsmith@wcpss.net

Ms. Michelle Von Dauber (Pre-K IA)

My name is Michelle Von Dauber, and I am an Instructional Assistant in the Part-Day Structured Pre-K class. My husband and I are originally from upstate New York and moved to North Carolina 25 years ago! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from SUNY and have been working in WCPSS in special education for the past 10 years. We have three adult daughters, a sweet dog named Stella, a grand-puppy (Tallie), and two adorable grand-cats (Fezzy and Winnie). Outside of school, I enjoy reading, walking, pilates, horseback riding, and my new obsession—Mahjong! I am passionate about supporting young kiddos and believe every child deserves to feel valued, safe, and included. I’m SUPER grateful to be part of a fantastic team that celebrates each child’s unique strengths and fosters an inclusive space where everyone can thrive. Email: mvondauber@wcpss.net

Ms. Valliammai Arunachalam (Pre-K)

Hi All !!! I am Valliammai Arunachalam. This is my second year in Baucom Elementary serving as an Instructional Assistant(IA) @ Part-time structured Pre-K Classroom. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science[ Ethiraj College for Women, TN, India]. It’s been close to 10 years since we moved to NC from Boston,MA. I live with my husband and two lovely kids in Apex. My elder one(son) is a freshman @ UNC, Charlotte and my little one(daughter) is beginning her middle school life this year @ Mills Park Middle. I love listening to music, going on walks and spending a lot of  time with my family and friends. I started my career as a teacher in Kumon of Apex around eight years ago. I love teaching, especially Math as it's my favorite subject. 

I am so happy and excited to be back this school year to teach and learn more. Hoping and eagerly looking forward to having a fun filled year with the cute little ones.

Email: varunachalam@wcpss.net

Ms. Manju Ramakrishnan (Pre-K IA)

Hello! My name is Manju Ramakrishnan. I’m an Instructional Assistant in a Full Day Structured Pre-K classroom and I enjoy helping our little ones learn & grow. This is my 7th year working at Baucom. I’m originally from India. Now I live in Apex with my husband and 2 daughters - Gauri is 20 and Keerthi is 8. I love to go walking with my friends and spending time with my girls. I’m looking forward to having a great year with my amazing team.

Email : mramakrishnan@wcpss.net.

Ms. Durga Thuthika (Pre-K IA)

Hello! My name is Durga.  I'm excited to be starting my first year as an instructional assistant in the  Pre-k classroom . My journey in education began in India, and I've been dedicated to working with young learners ever since. I have experience in Pre-K classrooms and have also served as a substitute teacher. 

I have two kids . My daughter is in 5th grade and my son is in Kindergarten. As a family, We love to spend time outdoors, traveling and exploring.

 I've always loved teaching little kids and am so excited to help our students learn and discover new things. 

Email: dthuthika@wcpss.net

Ms. Priya Muraleedharan (Pre-K IA)

Email: pmuraleedharan@wcpss.net

Ms. Danielle Ellington (ECS IA)

Email: dellington@wcpss.net

Ms. Jennifer Sidebotham (ECS IA)

Email: jsidebotham@wcpss.net

Ms. Jeana Stephenson (ECS IA)

Email: jstephenson5@wcpss.net

Ms. Kathleen Zoldos (ECS IA)

Email: kzoldos@wcpss.net

Ms. Kimberly Sullivan (OT)