My name is Angela Velazquez, and I have been teaching in Wake County for 21 years. This will be my 13th year teaching 3rd grade! I am a native of the Fayetteville area, a 1999 graduate of Meredith College, and a life-long NC State fan! My husband Edi and I have 2 daughters, Isabelle (8) and Maya (4), and a poodle named Oliver. The best part of my job as a teacher is the school family I am privileged to be a part of each year. Learning and growing together throughout a school year is an adventure.

Hello! My name is Courtney Clark and I am honored to be your teacher! I am originally from Massachusetts where I began my teaching career in 3rd grade! I love 3rd grade and I am passionate about helping students learn and grow! In 2000, I moved to sunny California where I started my own family and continued teaching in PreK and elementary education. In 2015, my family (husband, 3 children, cat and dog) moved across our country to settle in North Carolina. I am happy to be on the east coast again and to call North Carolina home. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, exploring what the outdoors has to offer, playing games, and baking yummy treats. I am so excited to be a SLES sea turtle with you this year!

Hello, I am Jessie Preston! I taught 1st grade during my senior year for my student teaching at Campbell University, taught 2nd grade for my first year of teaching, and now I will be teaching 3rd grade this year! In my free time I love to cuddle with my 3 rescue kitties, golfing, bike riding, and going to the beach. I am a pescatarian and I love chocolate and Trolli sour gummy worms!

I grew up in Rockland County, New York. My husband and I moved to NC in 2005. I have been teaching for 15 years. I have taught Kindergarten, third, and second grade. I love being with children and watching them learn new things to become excited about. They are open to new experiences and they love to be silly. When I'm not teaching I am hanging out with my two children Brandon (13) and Kylin (9). We like to watch movies, dance, and check out new restaurants.

Hello! My name is Katie Raftice and I am thrilled to be a South Lakes Sea Turtle! I was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from The College of New Jersey where I dual majored in Elementary Education and History. My husband Brian and I moved to North Carolina several years ago and have been loving it here ever since! In the past year I had a handsome little boy named Connor and became a National Board-Certified Teacher! I am super excited to be part of the SLES family! See you at the Lake!