Academic Teams
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Pre-K
About Ms. Rosas
Hello! I am Gabriela Rosas and this is my first year at SLES and I am excited to be here. I attended University of Mount Olive, Early Childhood Education, B-K. I chose the educational field because I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of our future leaders. I enjoy baking sweet treats, reading, and spending time with my five nieces and nephews. I have a fluffy dog named Hank and a sweet kitty named Tater! I am looking forward to a fun and exciting school year with you all!
About Ms. Raza
I love spending time with my family. I enjoy painting, doing house projects, camping, going to the beach, and working on my vehicles.
About Ms. Unknown
All about Ms. Unknown
About Ms. Delhoum
I have more then 10 years of experience in education with special needs and pre k students ; as well as an associate degree in information technology. my hobbies are going for walks and enjoying the sunset, snuggling with my kids and cooking! I take many interests in helping others with love and kindness! My husband and I have 3 kids who attend wake county schools. Yasmin and Adam at Willow Spring High and Zach at Fuquay Middle. We love to travel and watch movies together!
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ECS
About Ms. Moore
I hold an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice (Wake Technical College 2013), a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice (North Carolina Central University 2015) and a Masters Degree in Special Education Adaptive Curriculum (loading 2024 *fingers crossed); I have one daughter Iylan (Island) who will be entering her sophomore year in college. My hobbies are cooking, watching documentaries, and spending time with family and friends.
About Ms. Polich
I began my teaching career in Greenville, North Carolina after graduating from East Carolina University. This year will be my 5th year in WCPSS at South Lakes Elementary! I am fully invested in each of my students and committed to delivering positive learning experiences. I am looking forward to another great school year with the Sea Turtle Family!
About Ms. Shattuck
I have been at South Lakes since February 2021. I have lived in Fuquay all of my life and now live here with my husband and two kids. We have two dogs and three cats. I love to do most anything outside, especially in the spring and fall.
About Ms. Adams-Hill
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About Mr. Fortner
Coming into this year, I have 2 years experience as an IA in an ECS classroom. I am from Ohio, and moved down here a year ago and am just enjoying learning about my family.
About Ms. Meneau
I was born and raised in Wisconsin (GO PACK GO!) and relocated to North Carolina in August 2020. Prior to becoming an Instructional Assistant, I earned my Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing and spent 13 years in Fundraising Consulting and Project Management. I am a mom to three wonderful kiddos (one in college at Western Carolina University and two at South Lakes Elementary with me) and two sweet dogs, Luna and Gracie. When I’m not at school, you can catch me hiking, volunteering, or coaching my kids’ sports teams. I look forward to another successful school year, creating a positive learning environment and making a meaningful impact on my students' lives!
About Ms. Elliott
Stuff
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Kindergarten
About Ms. Lelito
Animals, gardening, cricut
About Ms. Huber
All about Ms. Huber
About Ms. Schultz
Hello Sea Turtle Family! I am so excited to be apart of the Kindergarten family here at South Lakes! I have been teaching kindergarten since my teaching journey began in 2014, I graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, and have had the unique opportunity of opening 2 schools in our area. My greatest joy is watching your little ones grow as learners and tiny humans! I am a mom to 2 amazing boys which means recently I spend my free time looking for worms, snakes, frogs, and all sorts of bugs. I am also an animal lover and have 2 sweet dogs, Bombay and Copper. I enjoy gardening, canning, and spending time creating memories with my little ones.
About Ms. Lozano Elizondo
Hi everyone! This will be my fourth year working as an Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten at South Lakes and it has been a wonderful journey! I have a BS in Industrial Engineering and was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. I have two amazing kids, a 12 year old daughter and a 10 year old son, and I have been married for 16 years. We have a mini Aussie who’s just so sweet! Her name is Brownie. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games, reading and watching TV shows.
About Ms. McKay
Hello! This will be my fifth year teaching kindergarten at SLES, my 12th year in my teaching career. I’m originally from Romeo, Michigan and attended college at the University of Western Michigan, Go Broncos! I moved to NC in 2005 and don’t miss the snow one bit! I am married to my wonderful husband and have 2 amazing daughters. I love to travel with my family as well as read, shop and relax!
About Ms. Kennedy
This is my fourth school year working at South Lakes, and my thirteenth year working with kids! I previously used to be a daycare teacher, camp director, and figure skating coach, before working in the school system! I love working with kids and being a part of the growth and progress they make each school year. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, and our two kids (3 year old son and 1 year old daughter)! I also enjoy reading, visiting local parks, and doing crafts! One fun fact about me is that I was a competitive figure skater as a child. I earned the title of US Gold Medalist at the age of 16, and continued coaching for several years after my competitive journey was over! I cannot wait for another successful school year with our sea turtles!
About Ms. Doherty
My name is Kate Doherty and I am thrilled to be part of the South Lakes family. This is my 21st year teaching here in Wake County. I grew up on the North Carolina coast and attended Meredith College. My husband, Tom, and I have 3 kids. Sarah Kate is a senior at UNC Chapel Hill, Amanda is a senior at Middle Creek High School and Jake is a junior. When we are not on a field watching baseball or soccer or in the gym watching wrestling, my family enjoys boating, riding 4 wheelers and playing with our pups, Deacon and Roxie.
About Ms. Huber
All about Ms. Huber
About Ms. Pendergrass
I am originally from NJ and moved to NC in 2007. The 24-25 school year will be my 21st year teaching. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 kids. We enjoy traveling and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes.
About Ms. Yonkovich
I have been an Instructional Assistant for almost 20 years for Kindergarten, 1st grade and Special Education. I have been married for 32 years and have one daughter. We love to travel and see new places and spend time with our family.
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1st Grade
About Ms. Perry
I began my career as a fourth and fifth grade special education teacher in Boston, Massachusetts, where I was born and raised. Four years later I moved to North Carolina. I have taught 4th and 1st grade in Wake County. This will be my 25th year teaching. I earned a Master's of Education Degree from Fitchburg State University after earning a Bachelor's in special education and psychology from American International College. I have enjoyed being part of the South Lakes family. I believe that teaching is my calling, and I'm dedicated to making a difference in the lives of my students. My husband Scott and I have a 16 year old daughter named Marie and a cute Pomeranian named Mookie. My daughter is a junior at Garner Magnet High School.
About Ms. Moxin
Originally from Massachusetts, I moved to NC back in the 1900’s (1996). My WCPSS career began at Fuquay-Varina Elementary School. I taught there until I moved to South Lakes Elementary when the school opened in 2020. I have taught 4th grade, small remediation groups, 3rd grade, 2nd grade, and now 1st grade. I have been married for 22 years to my husband, Ed and we have 2 daughters (Eve-19 and Catherine-16) and 3 dogs. We love to spend time at the beach with family and friends.
About Ms. Ceci
I am so excited to be a part of this amazing First Grade Team at South Lakes. I am originally from New York and have lived in North Carolina for 9 years now. I have a bachelor's in History from Western Connecticut State University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Long Island University. This will be my 14th year teaching. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, being a new mom to my baby, and enjoying time with my husband and our kitties Stanley and Archie.
About Ms. Huffman
I received my Bachelor's degree in Education from Campbell University and received my Masters in Education from Gardner-Webb University. My husband and I have two beautiful daughters and two sweet dogs! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to exercise classes, and napping!
About Ms. McCoy
I am originally from Ohio. This is my 11th year in education. I spent my first 8 years of education in Las Vegas, Nevada. During that time, I taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, and spent time as a learning strategist. This is my third year teaching first grade in Wake County. I am married with three little ones! My husband and I have a 7 year old daughter, 4 year old daughter, and 3 year old son!
About Ms. Hayes
I enjoy spending time with my family, doing projects around the house, going to the lake and beach.
About Ms. Canuelas
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About Ms. Kuppler
I have been an Instructional Assistant for over 20 years. I graduated from Elon in '88. I was an international travel agent for American Express before having my children. I stayed home for 7 years then started working as a teacher assistant. I have been married for 31 years and have 2 children. They are both married and we are Hurricane fans! I love to travel and have been to 5 of the 7 continents (one being Antarctica). I love to read, play with my puppy, watch the birds at the bird feeders, and spending time with my family.
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2nd Grade
About Mr. Croucher
I graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, ESOL and Reading, and a minor in Exceptional Student Education. I began teaching in Wake County 15 years ago, teaching Fifth Grade and found my true love of teaching in First Grade & Second Grade. I love teaching, and truly can't imagine doing anything else! It is amazing to see the "lightbulb" moments that students have throughout the school year as they discover and explore their abilities and strengths. I love being a part of that process. I am thrilled to be a part of this school and cannot wait to see what the future holds for me and my students at South Lakes Elementary!
About Ms. Preston
I graduated from Campbell University, where I received my degree in elementary education. I was born and raised in our lovely town of Fuquay-Varina! I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade and cannot wait to see what fun this year brings us!
About Ms. Rood
I have been teaching for 16 years, with the 2024-2025 school year being my third year at South Lakes Elementary. I graduated from East Carolina University twice (Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Instructional Technology). GO Pirates! I am also a huge Buffalo Bills fan! I live in Willow Spring with my husband, 3 beautiful daughters and yellow lab named Bubba. In our free time we enjoy spending as much time outside as possible. I love working in the garden, camping and spending time on our boat soaking up sun rays and lake waves!
About Ms. Pelli
The 2024-2025 school year will be my third year at SLES. I spent two years teaching third grade here, but am truly excited about teaching second grade this year. I enjoy living in North Carolina, but have lived in other wonderful places such as South Carolina, Florida and California. I have been happily married for over 30 years and have two kids, both of whom have recently graduated from Appalachian State University. My family and I love outdoor activities like camping, hiking and kayaking. I am a plant lover and spend a lot of time tending to both my indoor plants and outdoor gardens. I like to read and spending time with family every chance I get.
About Ms. Gardner
I am excited to begin my 28th year of teaching! During the course of my career, I have taught kindergarten through fourth grade. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time outside, taking care of my dogs, cats, and fish, gardening, reading, cooking, and shopping.
About Ms. Whitehead
I have been part of this wonderful community for nearly three years now. Outside of work, I am a proud parent to two young boys who keep me busy and joyful. I enjoy hiking, driving on the beach in our Jeep, and unwinding with a good TV show. I am looking forward to another year as a Sea Turtle! 🐢
About Ms. Ferguson
My name is Kellie Ferguson and am the second oldest of 6 children. I was born in California, but my family moved to St. Petersburg, FL when i was young. In 2000, my family traded sand for snow when we relocated to Maine. My mom homeschooled us. As a young adult my hobby was owning and riding horses. I moved to NC about 6 years ago. I have been working with kids for over 12 years in Daycare, public schools, as a nanny, and babysitting. In 2022 I completed my required Intro to Early Childhood Education course. I especially love to work with children with special needs.
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3rd Grade
About Ms. Stokes
I am excited to start my fourth year as a South Lakes Sea Turtle and my 11th year of teaching. I grew up in New York and Connecticut, where I double majored in Elementary Education and English, before making my way south to Apex in 2000. My family migrated to Fuquay-Varina in 2005. I am the proud mother of 5, grandma of 2, and cat mama of 4. I love spending time with my family. We love to go bowling, swim, workout/do yoga, puzzles, beading, singing, cook and bake, and much more. I'm looking forward to a great year.
About Ms. Bryant
Hello! My name is Diana Bryant and I am starting my 19th year of teaching in Wake County! My family and I just moved to this area of Wake County so I am new to the South Lakes family. I am excited to join the 3rd grade team and do amazing things together. One of my favorite things as a teacher is to encourage and create a warm and respectful learning environment where students feel comfortable and will take risks, make mistakes and grow, grow, grow! We will both work hard and play hard together. My true passion is teaching reading and writing and encouraging daily literacy in my classroom throughout all the subjects. This year my own family has a high schooler, middle schooler and one at SLES with me. Lots of new starts and adventures for the Bryant family! We hope to continue playing baseball and basketball, attending church and find some great restaurants in this area. My daughter and I love to make crafts, paint and sing. I look forward to meeting all of my new families soon and getting to know you all!
About Ms. Suarez
This year will be my 20th year of teaching. I moved here from NY in 2005. I began my teaching career at Fuquay Varina Elementary and was there for 15 years. I have been at South Lakes since it opened. I've taught Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade. I love working with children everyday. They bring out the kid in me. I have been married for 22 years and we have a son and a daughter. Brandon, my son, is a senior at Willow Spring HS and he plays football. Kylin, my daughter, is an 8th grader at FVMS and she plays volleyball. I have 2 pitbulls and 1 shih tzu that I am obsessed with. I love to do puzzles and watch shows on Bravo.
About Ms. Raftice
Hello! My name is Mrs. Raftice and I am super excited to be teaching 3rd grade again this year. I was born and raised in New Jersey where I met my husband Brian. We moved to North Carolina several years ago and have been loving it ever since! We have an adorable little boy and a little girl on the way. :) In my spare time I love spending time with family and friends. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey where I dual majored in Elementary Education and History. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher! I am looking forward to a great school year!
About Ms. Lam
I am so excited to be a sea turtle here at South Lakes Elementary! I am a proud graduate of Campbell University, where I received my degree in elementary education. I am originally from Staten Island, NY, and moved to Wake County with my family almost ten years ago. I am the oldest of three, and have two younger sisters named Katie and Shannon. I also have three Golden Doodles at home named Schatzi, Honey, and Nova. When I am not teaching, I really enjoy reading, baking, traveling, and crocheting. Teaching is my passion and I could not imagine doing anything else. I can’t wait to meet the new and returning sea turtles this year!
About Ms. Fass
I am a graduate of Campbell University. I enjoy reading, traveling and gardening. This will be my 4th year at South Lakes. I have taught Kindergarten through Third Grade. I am excited to continue this adventure in Third Grade!
About Ms. Vazquez
All about Ms. Vazquez
About Ms. Leonard
I have 12 years experience as an instructional assistant with WCPSS. Before entering the world of WCPSS I specialized in medical social work. I have a Master of Social Work from Howard University and a BA in Sociology from Catawba College. My son Jackson is in graduate school at NCSU and Davis is in Florida at Jacksonville University. When not at home, you will find my husband Kevin and I in Spain. I love history, reading, and watching sports, especially soccer and rowing.
About Ms. Wolfe
All about Ms. Wolfe
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4th Grade
About Ms. Koenig
I was born in Racine, Wisconsin, but grew up in St.Louis, Missouri. I went to college at Truman State University where I graduated with a degree in Communication and minors in Psychology and English. Once I graduated, I joined Teach for America and began my teaching career in 2015. I taught Special Education for 6 years. During this time I often helped in the cross categorical classroom alongside doing resource. I ended my SPED/EC career in the Emotional Disabilities classroom. I have taught general education for the last 4 years. I spent two years teaching 4th grade, and last year taught 5th grade. I am back in 4th grade for my 10th year of teaching! I am so excited to continue to work with kiddos on their academic, as well as their social emotional, learning. I am also excited to continue working as a coach for Science Olympiad this year! Outside of the classroom, I live with my two dogs and husband. I love to read, play games, watch movies, and have begun to get into crocheting. I look forward to getting to know, and work alongside, you and your child this year!
About Mr. Gordon
Hello! I'm Mr. Gordon and am looking forward to starting my 24th year of teaching. I attended App State University and obtained my AIG certification at Duke University. I grew up around Pilot Mtn State Park and loved farm life. I moved to the Raleigh area 3 years ago. I married my partner, and we have two dogs, Jules and Jae. My hobbies are, working out, reading/collecting comics, gardening, and yard work. This will be my 3rd year at South Lakes and I am looking forward to a successful year with the students.
About Ms. Velazquez
This is my 26th year working in Wake County and my 5th year at South Lakes. I graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC with a Psychology degree and my teaching certification in 1999. I have been a Nationally Board Certified teacher since 2004. I am the mother of two beautiful girls (Isabelle, 12 and Maya, 8), an avid sports fan (Go Wolfpack!), and a native of Fayetteville, where my family still resides. I'm so excited to work with our Sea Turtles on this 4th grade journey!
About Ms. Williams
This will be my 14th year teaching and my third year at South Lakes. I am very excited to be teaching third grade! I grew up in Michigan and attended Michigan State University. Later, I moved to Florida, and then my husband and I moved to North Carolina 7 years ago, and we love living in this area! I have a son, Lucas, who is 4 years old, and we enjoy bike riding as a family, playing games, and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy sewing, knitting, and gardening. I am looking forward to having a great year!
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5th Grade
About Ms. Palmer
I have been teaching for 20 years in NC, 5th year at South Lakes Elementary, originally from upstate NY, and adamantly believe that the upper elementary grades is where my comfort zone is best met. I absolutely LOVE what I do and the children with whom I have the privilege of establishing long-lasting and valuable relationships. I have two boys of my own, one of whom also attends South Lakes Elementary as a 2nd grader. At home, I additionally am a mom to an energetic and adventurous 3-yr.old who has a desire to experience every part of what life has to offer. New hobby: Learning how to keep plants alive. Continuous hobbies: playing with my two boys, (usually involves monster trucks, trains, Nerf guns, non-scary dinosaurs, and cars), boating, swimming, camping, learning how to cook, spending time at the beach crab hunting or digging in the sand, cleaning...
About Mr. Miltenberger
This is my tenth-year teaching in Wake County and my fourth-year teaching fifth grade at South Lakes Elementary! Before moving to North Carolina, I lived for 13 years in Central Pennsylvania and have lived in North Carolina for last 10 years. I received my degree in Elementary Education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2010. Prior to receiving my degree, I worked at Bellefonte Area School District as a substitute teacher, learning support classroom aide, and varsity/junior high football coach. I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog Sadie, cooking/eating, reading, watching sports (especially football), going to the movies, working out, and outdoor activities. I have one older brother, two younger brothers, three nieces, and one nephew. My father was in the Army for 23 years and during that time I had the opportunity to live in a variety of places, including six years in Germany. I am very excited about being a part of the South Lakes Family and looking forward to working with students, parents, and colleagues to make this year a very enjoyable and successful school year!
About Ms. Eiseman
Born and raised in Bahama, North Carolina, I began my teaching career in Harnett County before moving to Wake County two years ago. With thirteen years of experience teaching fourth and fifth grades, I am passionate about the upper elementary level and feel it is where I truly belong. My goal is to ensure that my students are well-prepared and confident as they transition to middle school the following year. I currently reside in Willow Spring with my husband and our two children, Andrew (10) and Harper (7). Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, and traveling.
About Mr. Anderson
Hello, my name is Michael Anderson and I'm excited to be part of the South Lakes family. This will be my 7th year in education and my second at South Lakes Elementary School. I've earned a Master's Degree in both Education and Criminal Justice, but my goal is to earn my Doctorate in Education. I was born and raised in southeast Michigan and I have been married to my amazing wife for 26 years. We have two children, ages 18 and 25. I enjoy traveling with my family, snorkeling and kayaking with my daughter, and watching college football. I previously worked in law enforcement (U.S. Army and Federal Government) for 18 years, before deciding to make a career change to education. Helping my students become lifelong learners is a deep passion of mine, and it's such a joyful moment to watch a student light up as they accomplish a difficult task. I truly believe that every student can be successful when provided with a positive environment, continuous encouragement, and the opportunity to be themselves. I‘m so excited to have your child in my class as we begin our journey through 5th Grade. This year will be filled with fun, learning, and new challenging adventures.
