**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!

Lee Anne Smith — lsmith13@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter — Instructional Assistant: Linda Johnson

Follow the Class: Contact Ms. Smith to join Brightwheel

Ms. Smith: I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Elementary & Special Education from Carlow University in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I am beginning to work towards my Masters of Education in Early Childhood Intervention & Family Support at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. For the last twelve years, I have taught students with disabilities in the self-contained classroom setting. I live in Durham with my wife and family of animals. I am thrilled to begin my fifth year with the White Oak Elementary School family and our classroom's wonderful Instruction Assistant, Ms. Linda Johnson.

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelors of Arts - Elementary & Special Education

Ms. Johnson: My name is Linda Johnson I live in Holly Springs with my husband and 2 teenagers. I earned my degree from Western Carolina University and worked in special education for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools before moving to Wake County to raise a family. I worked in the Wake County Infant Toddler program before joining the school system in early 2015. I am looking forward to another great year at White Oak Elementary.

Degrees/Certifications: Western Carolina University - Bachelors of Science in Child Development and Family Services. Certified Infant Toddler Family Specialist.

Marni Ostrander — mostrander@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter — Instructional Assistant: Sriparna Chakraborty (Mimi)

Follow the Class: Contact Ms. Ostrander to join Remind.

Ms. Ostrander: Hello! My name is Marni Ostrander and I love being part of the White Oak PreK 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. Denis: I am so excited to be back in the classroom and working at White Oak this year. Prior to moving to Apex in 2016 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 Apex for 3 years and have a daughter who is 9 and a son who is 6. 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 students grow!