1st Grade 

Grade Level Website

Meet the Team

Crystal Roberts — ciroberts@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter 

Ms. Roberts:  I am passionate about teaching and really work hard to help every child become the best possible versions of themselves academically, socially, and emotionally, serving in first and second grade positions for the past 12 years. 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 to visit 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, two dogs and a cat. We are an "outside" family and love playing in water, going on hikes, riding bicycles, and doing anything together to enjoy the sunshine!

Degrees/Certifications:BS Elementary Ed, Google Level 2 Certified Educator, Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified

Brittany Mellin — bmellin@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter 

Ms. 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 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, 2 year old son Tanner, dog Murphy, and box turtle Little Buddy. Also, my family is very excited to add a new little baby boy to our family in September. In my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, walking/running/exercising, 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. 

Lindsay Osgood — losgood@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter 

Ms. Osgood: Hi everyone! My name is Lindsay Osgood and I am excited to be joining the White Oak family this year! I am a passionate seventh-year teacher. I began my career in my home state of Virginia where I taught second grade for three years. After relocating to Apex, NC with my husband and our dog, Sadie, I have been teaching first grade in Wake County ever since.

I am thrilled to be your child’s first grade teacher! I love watching my students grow and discover new things. It is my hope to instill a love of learning in your child that will last beyond our time together in the classroom.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, exploring new places, taking spontaneous shopping trips to Target, and spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to partnering with you to make this a successful and fun year for your child!

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelors in Elementary Education from Radford University

Gladys White — gwhite@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter 

Ms. White: My name is Mrs. White and my passion is teaching Firsties! I am looking forward to getting to know my new little explorers. I attended the University of Phoenix and LSU. I have a Master in Elementary Education and a Bachelor in Science in Management and Administration. My philosophy for learning is that each child is unique, and each child learns in a different way. I believe in hands-on experiences, and learning creatively differentiating students learning and contributing to their academic achievements. My priority is to make sure that each "Firsty" moves to his/her next level of excellence.

Degrees/Certifications: Master in Elementary Education; BS in Management and Administration (Doctorate in Household Administration - AKA MOM -  :)  

April Kellogg — adkellogg@wcpss.net— Website- Twitter 

Ms. Kelloggg: I taught for 2 years as a teaching assistant at a private school before moving to North Carolina in 2003.  I taught first grade for two years in Granville County.  In 2005 I began teaching first grade in Wake County at Highcroft Drive Elementary.  In 2013 I left the classroom to stay home with our first child, Riley and we welcomed our second child, Jack in 2016.  I was able to keep up my teaching skills by tutoring K-5 students while away from the classroom!  I am excited to be at White Oak Elementary and back to teaching first grade!

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Gordon College located in Wenham, MA

Lindsay Raymer — lraymer@wcpss.net — Website -- Twitter 

Ms. Raymer: Hello! My name is Lindsay Raymer and I am happy to be a part of the White Oak staff and the amazing first grade team! This will be my 9th year teaching, five of which have been in first grade (it’s the best!). In May of 2012, I graduated from Biola University with a B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in mathematics. I followed that up with a master’s degree from NCSU in 2014. My family recently returned to North Carolina after spending three years in Colorado. I love to read, visit the beach, spend time with my friends and family, and take my dog, Bella, on a walk on the greenway. I am so excited to meet you and look forward to making this the best school year yet!

Degrees/Certifications: BS and Master’s in Elementary Ed with Mathematics Concentration 

Instructional Assistants:

Ms. Sheth: Hello and welcome to White Oak Elementary! I have been a part of the Wake County school system since 2013. I was a part of Fuller Magnet Elementary for almost 3 years before moving to White Oak. I have been an instructional assistant in first grade since White Oak opened in 2016. I love my work, especially the opportunity to see so many students grow and learn through the year. It is truly amazing when you witness a student's journey from Kindergarten to 5th grade and I have been blessed to be a part of many here at White Oak.
I have a family of four, my husband, my daughter; who will be a junior at Green level high school this year, our 1-year-old dog Goose, and myself. We lived in Massachusetts for many years before moving to NC in 2013. A few things I love to do when I am not working are traveling and being outdoors with my family. I am an avid photographer, and I love art and exploring vegan baking. I am so excited to meet you and I cannot wait to start learning, discovering, and finding fun ways to overcome challenges and see you grow!

Degrees/Certifications:Bachelor of Commerce, MS University, Baroda, India, Early Childhood Education state certification from State of Massachusetts

Ms. Issler: Hi WOE families. My name is Lisa Issler and I am excited to be assisting in first grade this year. I grew up in Delaware, but moved from Nashville, TN to Cary sixteen years ago. I love going to the beach, running, and spending time with my family. I have three wonderful children, who 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. Valdini: Hello to all our students and their families. My name is Mrs. Valdini. I have been working with Wake County for over 20 years and with White Oak Elementary since it opened 6 years ago. Kindergarten fo rthe first two years and then moved to 1st grade. I love and enjoy working with all ages but especially elementary school students. Celebrating the seasons is my favorite things to do in school and home. My family and I love all outdoor activities especially the beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter. I am looking forward to another great year and can't wait to meet all our students.

Degrees/Certifications: Secondary Education

Ms. Bennett: Hi! My name is Jennifer Bennett. I’m honored to be a part of your child’s first grade journey at White Oak Elementary, supporting them as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I am from Tennessee (Go, Vols!), resided in Boston for 12 years, and relocated to beautiful N.C. 15 years ago. I’m a huge Red Sox and NE Pats fan! I love to read, watch movies, be outdoors, and spend time with my family and dog.

Degrees/Certifications: B.A. English Language and Literature