My name is Magaly Alicea. I am excited to begin my journey at South Lakes Elementary with an amazing group of students, parents and teachers. I have been teaching in North Carolina for thirteen years. I received my Master’s in Literacy from UNC-Chapel Hill. I’ve always had a passion for reading and a love of books. Besides being a classroom teacher, I have also been a Literacy Coach, Reading Specialist, and ESL teacher. I am originally from Brooklyn, NY. My husband and I moved to NC about 15 years ago and we love it here. My parents are from Puerto Rico “La Isla del Encanto” (Island of Enchantment).

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.