4th Grade

4th Grade Team Website

Meet the Team

Robyn Lillis — rslillis@wcpss.net — Website  -- Grade Level Website

Mrs. Lillis: I live in Apex with my husband Kevin, daughter Ryan (22), and son Kevin (20). I am originally from Long Island, NY. However, I moved to NC twenty-seven years ago. When I moved to NC, I was a police officer with the City of Raleigh for about three years. Then I decided to change careers and have been teaching for 25 years. This is my 6th year at White Oak Elementary. I look forward to working with everyone to make this an amazing year.

Degrees/Certifications: Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Campbell University, Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from State University of New York at Brockport, National Board Certified Teacher Middle Childhood Generalist, Orton-Gillingham Trained, LETRS Certified

David Copperwheat —dcopperwheat@wcpss.net — Website 

Mr. Copperwheat: I am originally from Rochester, New York and moved to North Carolina for the sunshine and warm weather. I began my teaching career in Nashville North Carolina, where I taught 2nd and 3rd grade. I moved to Wake County in 2000 and taught 3rd grade at Dillard Elementary followed by nine years at Salem Elementary. My wife and I are the proud parents of twin girls, who are in their 2nd year at NC State.

Degrees/Certifications: B.A. Elementary Education

Emily Speake —espeake@wcpss.net — Website --  Grade Level Website

Ms. Speake: Hello Explorer families! I'm incredibly excited to be joining the fourth-grade team this year. I am a Cary/Apex native, having attended both Salem Elementary and Middle, followed by Apex High School. I stepped away from the Triangle to earn my B.A. in Elementary Ed. at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. It was here that I fell in love with paddleboarding. Couple that with some camping and hiking, and the lakes in the area become my perfect weekend getaway. I'm thrilled to help make this another fantastic school year at White Oak!

Degrees/Certifications: B.A. Elementary Education with a concentration in Math and Technology.

Mark Kellogg — mkellogg@wcpss.net — Grade Level Website

Mr. Kellogg: This will be my second year teaching at White Oak! I grew up in Marshall, Michigan, graduated from Western Michigan University in 2000, and spent the first six years teaching and coaching at a small, private, Christian school. In 2006, I relocated to Raleigh, teaching at a charter school for four years. In 2008 I met my wife to be, April, and life has never been the same. In 2010, we were married. I taught 5th grade for 14 years at Highcroft Drive before teaching 4th grade here last year. I'm very excited to be teaching 4th grade again and we are looking forward to being together as a family this year because my wife teaches 3rd grade at White Oak! Our son Jack is a 4th grader at WOE and our daughter is starting middle school at Apex Friendship! We enjoy dance parties, singing, going to the pool and reading together. In my free time, I enjoy coaching my kids' sports, biking, disc golfing, and cheering on the Michigan Wolverines!

Degrees/Certifications: B.S. Elementary Education,  Western Michigan University: Triple Minor (Math, Science, Physical Education)

Donna Sells — dsells@wcpss.net — Grade Level Website 

Mrs. Sells: Hello, White Oak Families! My name is Donna Sells and I am thrilled for another exciting year at White Oak in 4th grade! I grew up in the foothills of North Carolina in Morganton. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. I have had the privilege of teaching in a variety of grade levels for 26 years.

I live in Apex with my husband and daughter. In my free time, I enjoy reading and baking.

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Science-Elementary Education from Appalachian State University, North Carolina Licensure-K-6 Elementary Education

Rachel Crawford —rcrawford@wcpss.net -- Website --  Grade Level Website

Ms. Crawford: Hello everyone my name is Rachel Crawford. I am thrilled to be apart White Oak again this year. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2024. I grew up and still call Apex my home. I attended Olive Chapel Elementary, Lufkin Road Middle School, and Apex Friendship High School. Outside of teaching I love to spend time outside by hanging out at Jordan lake paddle boarding or going to concerts with friends. I’m looking forward to a great school year! 

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in math, science, and technology from Appalachian State University