Rooted in Faith, Growing Together

I grew up in Ohio and have lived in several states as an adult due to my husband’s job. I have been in North Carolina and at Appleseeds since 2005. My main goal in teaching preschoolers is for them to have fun while they learn.

I am originally from Akron, Ohio, but I now consider myself a Fuquay-Varina local, having lived in the Triangle since 2016. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 2009 and previously worked in the healthcare industry. After a career break to be with my children, I am grateful for the opportunity to teach and support young learners as they begin their lifelong journey with learning. I love all things cozy and warm and still believe in magic.

I was born and raised in South Carolina and am currently pursuing my Birth–Kindergarten licensure at Wake Technical Community College. Teaching young children is my passion, and I strive to create a warm, welcoming classroom where every child feels valued. I love teaching art because it allows children to express themselves freely and explore their creativity in meaningful ways. My goal is to inspire kindness, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling and discovering new stories through reading.

I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up as the oldest of four children. I am married, and together we have five grown children—two boys and three girls—and three dogs: Duke, Achilles, and Evie. My hobbies include crocheting, gardening, and exercising. I am a Christian and attend Triangle Community Church, where I teach Sunday School and serve as an AWANA leader. I am currently in my senior year at UNC Pembroke, working toward my bachelor’s degree in Birth–Kindergarten. I have been teaching preschool for 11 years and have worked with children from infants to age five, though 4- and 5-year-olds are my favorite age group!

Originally from North Carolina, I am married and have two wonderful children. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree and have experience teaching in the public school system. I have always loved working with young children and watching their curiosity and confidence grow. My goal is to create a joyful, nurturing classroom where every child feels loved, valued, and excited to explore and learn through play each day.

Hi! I’m Ms. Macie, and I’m so excited to be a Lead Preschool Teacher here at Appleseeds! I’m currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and am also a certified postpartum doula. I have over five years of childcare experience and two years of teaching experience. I’ve always had a passion for helping children learn, grow, and discover the world around them—it brings me joy every day. Fun fact: I attended Appleseeds Preschool myself as a child!

DIRECTOR

director@appleseedspreschool.org

I grew up as a military child and had the opportunity to live in many different places, which shaped my love for community and connection. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech. I taught elementary school for 16 years and authored a kindergarten math curriculum.
My husband, Thomas, and I live in Fuquay-Varina with our three daughters—Eliza (11), Molly (9), and Hadley (4). Outside of school, I enjoy photography, reading, and gardening. I am honored to lead Appleseeds Preschool, guided by my passion for children, learning, and my calling to serve others through Christian education.

I am a native of Apex, NC. My mother was a Wake County teacher, and I always knew I wanted to teach as well. I have been teaching since 2006. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wake Technical Community College and am currently finishing my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I have been married to my husband, Chris, since 2017, and we have two children—Ellis (4) and Philip (2)—both of whom attend Appleseeds. We attend The Summit Church. I love serving our community through donating clothes, food, and handmade blankets, as well as organizing a “serve through mowing” ministry at my church.
My favorite children’s book is Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran. My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all of your heart.”

I have worked at Appleseeds for over 10 years, and young children have always been my passion. I grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, and graduated from the University of New Brunswick. I am married and have two adult children. My husband’s job with Nortel moved our family from Canada to the UK in 1998 and then to Holly Springs in 1999. We lived abroad again from 2005–2009 before returning to Holly Springs, where we have lived since.

I graduated from the University of Michigan, where I earned a teaching degree in secondary education. I have taught high school, middle school, and preschool for many years. I have five amazing kids—Nolan (16), Clara (14), Crosby (11), Stella (9), and my stepson Jacob (11). We are an active and busy family living on a small farm with Highland cows, pigs, chickens, a horse, and ten goats. My hobbies include farming, soccer, running, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. I love working with children because they remind me to see the world with wonder and curiosity.

I began my career in early childhood education after earning an Associate of Science in Social Science in 2019. I started working in a daycare in 2020, where my passion for teaching quickly led to a promotion to assistant teacher. I began pursuing my degree in Elementary Education at Old Dominion University and will be completing my degree at a local college in North Carolina. With experience as an assistant, co-teacher, and now lead teacher, I am dedicated to helping young learners grow through curiosity, creativity, and care.

My passion for teaching children began when I started babysitting for neighborhood families at age 12. After exploring several majors during my time at ECU, I found my way back to my true calling and earned my degree in education. Working at Appleseeds provides the perfect opportunity to share my love for children in a Christian environment, combining my faith with my passion for helping young learners grow.

Hello! I am thrilled to be teaching at Appleseeds again this year. This has been a dream of mine for years. Building confidence and watching kind hearts grow are true passions of mine. I have lived in Fuquay and the surrounding areas for 21 years. I graduated from Wake Christian High School and attended Meredith College and Wake Tech. I love to travel or spend rainy days at home cuddling my cats. My hobbies include film, painting, and mini golf. Teaching at Appleseeds feels like home, and I can’t wait to share this special year with your children.