1st Grade 

Grade Level Website

Meet the Team

Lindsay Carter — lgcarter@wcpss.net — Website — Instructional Assistant: Christine Renus

Ms. Carter: Hi Explorers!  My name is Lindsay Carter. I am so excited to join the team at White Oak!  This will be my 9th year in education, with 5 years of experience in Kindergarten and now my 4th year teaching first grade.  I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and later returned to school in 2020 to pursue my Master’s degree from Meredith College. I’m passionate about helping my students grow both academically and personally, and I strive to create a classroom where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn! 

Degrees/Certifications: M.Ed. Elementary Education from Meredith College, B.A. Elementary Education from UNC Chapel Hill 

Brittany Mellin — bmellin@wcpss.net — Website      Instructional Assistant: Deepali Damle

Mrs. Mellin: Hello Explorers! My name is Brittany Mellin and I am so excited for another year on the first grade team at White Oak. I have a passion for helping young learners discover the joy of reading, writing, and exploring the world around them.

 
I am originally from Ohio (Go Buckeyes!), and graduated from Bowling Green State University. I have been living and teaching in North Carolina since 2010. I live in Fuquay Varina with my husband Keith, two sons Tanner and Reese, dog Murphy, and another baby boy on the way. In my free time I enjoy baking, reading, walking my dog, and spending time with my family.

 
I look forward to meeting and working with you all, and having a wonderful school year!

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from BGSU, OH, License in Elementary Education with a Pre-K/Kindergarten Add-On, LETRS Certificate of Mastery (Science of Reading)

Crystal Roberts — ciroberts@wcpss.net — Website        Instructional Assistant: Aditi Sheth

Mrs. Roberts:  Ms. Roberts: Hello Explorers! I am passionate about teaching and really work hard to help every child become the best possible version of themselves academically, socially, and emotionally, serving in first and second grade positions since 2009. I absolutely love helping your child come into their own as a young learner!

I grew up in Mount Airy, NC, and attended Meredith College to major in English and of course, Education. I've had the privilege of visiting almost all 50 states and a handful of countries. Even though I love to travel, I am so glad to call North Carolina home.

Mr. Roberts and I now live in Fuquay with our two children. We are an "outside" family and love playing in the water, going on hikes, riding bicycles, and doing anything together to enjoy the sunshine!

Degrees/Certifications: BA Elementary Education, Youth Mental Health First Aid, LETRs, Google Level 2

Abigail Su — agsu@wcpss.net — Website        Instructional Assistant: Ramya Kannan

Ms. Su:  I am so excited to have recently joined the White Oak family! I am a NC State graduate (go Wolfpack!) and am from the Cary area. I graduated from high school just down the road at Panther Creek! Before coming to the classroom, I worked at the YMCA coordinating Youth programs (like before and after care) and summer camp. I am thrilled to be back in the classroom and get to know your students!

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration from NC State University, Elementary Education (K-6) License, Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12) License 

Gladys White — gwhite@wcpss.net — Website           Instructional Assistant: Lisa Issler

Ms. White: Hello Explorer Families: I’m Mrs. White, a proud National Board Certified Teacher and Science of Reading certified. I attended the University of Phoenix and LSU, earning a Master’s in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration. 

I’ve been teaching in WCPSS for many years, and White Oak has been my favorite since I joined during its second year. I’m grateful to be part of the WOES family and love working with our incredible students and families.

I believe every child is unique and learns in their own way. In our classroom, we explore through hands-on activities, creativity, and collaboration—always aiming for the next level of excellence.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy time with my husband, our young adult kids, and our two playful cats—Oreo and Waffles—who are full of personality!

I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, laughing, and growing together.

Degrees/Certifications: National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), Science of Reading Certified, Master's in Elementary Education, Elementary Education (K-6) License, Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration.

Jill Long — @wcpss.net— Website        Instructional Assistant: Christine Renus

Ms. Long: 

Degrees/Certifications: 

Instructional Assistants:

Ms. Sheth: Hello Explorer families, and welcome to first grade! I’m so excited to meet you and begin a wonderful year together. My name is Aditi Sheth, and I’ll be your instructional assistant.

My family and I moved here from Boston, and I’ve been part of the White Oak community and first grade since 2016 when it first opened. Besides first grade, I also help fifth grade students with math and reading. My family and I love traveling and exploring different cultures and foods. I have a daughter who is currently a sophomore in college, and we also have a cute dog named Goose who keeps us on our toes!

In my free time, I enjoy photography, baking, reading and I also create art for commercial spaces around Cary.

First grade is such a fun and exciting year of growth and learning—I can’t wait to support and celebrate all the milestones ahead with you!

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelors Degree in Accounting, Early Childhood Education certification from the state of Massachusetts.

Ms. Issler:  Hi WOE families! My name is Lisa Issler and I am excited to be assisting in first grade again this year. I grew up in Delaware, but moved from Nashville, TN to Cary in 2005. I love music, going to the beach, working out, reading, and spending time with my family. I have three wonderful children that keep me very busy. I am looking forward to a fabulous year!

Degrees/Certifications:   B.S. Elementary and Special Education; M.Ed. Speech Language Pathology/Audiology

Ms. Renus: My name is Christine Renus and I just completed my second year at White Oak Elementary as an Instructional Assistant and am looking forward to my third year! This will be my sixth year in Wake County Schools.

I was born and raised in Upper State New York. I have three children, one girl and two boys, as well as three young grandchildren. In 2020 I moved to North Carolina following my youngest son. I love spending time with my family (being a grandma), kayaking, baking, weight training and dogs. My goal is to help young children grow and achieve independence while having fun.

Degrees/Certifications: AAS Degree and New York State Teacher's Assistant Certification

Degrees/Certifications: AAS Degree and New York State Teacher's Assistant Certification

Ms. Damle: Hello families!! My name is Deepali Damle. This is my third year at White Oak Elementary school as an Instructional Assistant for 1st Grade.

I live in Cary with my husband and two boys. Our younger son is a senior at Green Level High this year and the older one graduated from UNC last year and is currently working as an EMT in Orange County.

I am excited to begin this new school year and meet new students and families.

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Arts from Mumbai University