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!

I am so excited to be a new part of the South Lakes Elementary Family! I am a newly graduated teacher from Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC where I earned my Bachelor's Degree. I am originally from Staten Island, NY, and moved to Wake County with my family almost six years ago. I know that teaching is my passion and I could not imagine doing anything else.I am so grateful to finally be fulfilling my dream of being an educator and making positive differences in the lives of my students. As an educator, my belief is that all students come from different places with different levels of education. As teachers, it is our job to tend to students' different ways of learning and ensure that each of our students have an opportunity of equity and equality to learn. I am the oldest of three, and have two younger sisters named Katie and Shannon. I also have a Golden Doodle named Schatzi, which means sweetheart in German. I really enjoy reading and catching up with friends.

I am married with two children who attend Appalachian State University (one is now an alumni). I love being outside doing activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, scuba diving and gardening. I also enjoy relaxing, reading, spending time with family and friends, and completing DIY projects. I was a Graphic Artist before becoming a teacher.