**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: Kristina Villate

Ms. 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. Villate -- I started working at White Oak in 2021 as an instructional assistant for special programs, but I'm excited to branch out and work with Pre-k developmental delay. I'm currently attending UNCW online to receive my bachelor's in elementary education, but plan on extending my knowledge and passion for special education in the future. In my free time, I love to exercise, cook, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

Degrees/Certifications: Associate in Arts

Ashley Denis — adenis@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter — Instructional Assistant: Silpa Romy

Ms. Denis: Hello!! I am so excited to be back in the classroom and working at White Oak this year. For the past 4 years I have been 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 7 years and have a daughter who is 13 and a son who is 10. 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

Ms. Romy: Hi! My name is Silpa Mohan Romy and I am so excited to continue to be a part of the White Oak preschool team as an Instructional assistant. I have been part of wake county school systems since 2013. My husband and I  have lived in Cary for the past 12 years  and have two boys. I  enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling and camping. I am looking forward to another great year at White Oak elementary.