• Meet Our Third Grade Teachers


     

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Ms. Calabrese

Third Grade Track 1

Bio coming soon!

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Ms. King

Third Grade Track 1

Class Website

eMail: klking@wcpss.net

My name is Mrs. Kisha King and I am excited to be your child’s 3rd Grade Teacher at Olive Chapel Elementary. I have been teaching at Olive Chapel for nearly five years, and I can’t wait to get this year started! In my free time, I enjoy traveling and reading. I also sneak away to the beach any chance I get!

As a teacher, I am committed to being a lifelong learner and I hope to contribute to your child’s love of learning all year long.

Originally from California, I have lived in several places throughout my life. We made our way to NC from Georgia in January 2020 (right before quarantine!) I married my college sweetheart 20 years ago. We have a daughter who currently attends Clemson University and a son who is a student at Apex Friendship High School. We also have two fur babies, Jake (Labradoodle) and Vegas (Terrier mix), both rescue pups.

I look forward to working with you to make 3rd Grade an amazing year for your child!

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Ms. Chegash

Third Grade Track 2

Class Website

eMail: achegash2@wcpss.net 

My name is Ms. Chegash, and I'm so excited to be a part of the 3rd grade team here at OCE. I graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024, and have been teaching at Olive Chapel since the 2024-2025 school year! I grew up in Apex, and I'm so excited to be back and able to contribute to the community I grew up in. I love finding ways to make learning hands-on, collaborative, and fun, and so I'm looking forward to all that we will do this school year. When not at school, I enjoy going on walks and hikes, taking vacations to the mountains and beach, and reading a good book. 

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Ms. Turnau

Third Grade Track 2

Class Website

eMail: vturnau@wcpss.net

Hello! My name is Mrs. Ginny Turnau, and I am so excited to be a part of the Olive Chapel Elementary family. Teaching is my passion! I have been teaching for 20 years in grades preK-3rd! I cannot think of a more rewarding career than being a teacher who inspires children to love to read, helps each student reach their full potential, and guides them to appreciate and love all learning that takes place each day!  When I'm not teaching, you can find me on a pickleball court, relaxing on the beach, reading a book, or spending time with my husband, family, and pets.

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Ms. Maier

Third Grade Track 3

Class Website

eMail: mmaier2@wcpss.net

Hey y’all! My name is Ms. Maier and I am a North Carolina native with a military brat background. I come from a family of teachers and it is definitely my passion! This is my 11th year teaching and most of those have been in 3rd grade. When not teaching, I can be found buying way too many books and exploring brunch spots around Raleigh.

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Ms. Riedinger

Third Grade Track 3

Class Website

eMail: criedinger@wcpss.net

Welcome to third grade! I am so excited about being your teacher this year. My name is Camille Riedinger, and I have been teaching for more than 10 years. I got my undergraduate and master's degrees from SUNY Geneseo. My focus was literacy. My husband and I live in Holly Springs and we have a pet dog named Mila. When I'm not teaching, you can usually find me reading. Most often, I'm reading Harry Potter for the thousandth time! I also enjoy walking and swimming. I can't wait to make new memories and have amazing times in third grade this year!

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Ms. Knapp

Third Grade Track 4

Class Website

eMail: tknapp2@wcpss.net

Hi, I am Ms. Knapp and I am thrilled to be the newest member of the third-grade team (#BestGradeEver). I cannot wait to learn all about you and what it means to be a clipper! I am originally from Mexico City. I attended NKU for my undergraduate degree and UNCW for my graduate degree in Elementary Ed. I am ESL certified and speak Spanish fluently. This year marks my 19th year of teaching (ten years in second grade, and the remaining in third - which I truly love). I come from a very small Mexican family which I visit as often as I can. I enjoy spending time with my kids: Mateo (19), and my daughter Sofia (14). When I am not teaching or creating something for my classroom, I love to travel, read, watch movies, and learn new things! I love my job as much as I did 19 years ago and look forward to sharing my passion for education with my future Knappers!

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Ms. Malamutt

Third Grade Track 4

Class Website

eMail: mmalamutt@wcpss.net

Hi! My name is Mrs. Malamutt! I started my journey as an educator in 2008 and have been at OCE since 2017! This year is going to be amazing and filled with projects, collaboration, learning, & FUN!
 
Here’s a bit about me, I grew up in NY & moved to NC in 2008 with my husband. We have 2 amazing kiddos, Nate (high school) and Laina (elementary school). At home we have a sweet dog, named Max, and some fish, including a pufferfish named Hufflepuff & a clownfish named Nemo! You will hear all about my crazy crew this year! In my spare time I LOVE to play with my kids, read, and watch Disney movies & NY Mets games! I can’t wait to meet you!

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Ms. McPherson

Third Grade Track 4

Class Website

eMail:dmcpherson@wcpss.net

Welcome to 3rd Grade! I am so very excited for the new school year! My name is Dawn McPherson. I grew up outside of Atlanta, GA, in Peachtree City. I am the youngest of 4 children. I graduated from the University of Georgia in 1993. GO DAWGS! I have been teaching since 1993 and there is still nothing I would rather do!