Preschool Staff

We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful, experienced, and caring staff here at Guilford Park.

Our turnover rate is very low, but because our teachers are professional, there may come a time when one of them will decide to return to a full-time position

Director - Debbie Huneycutt
Debbie moved to Greensboro in 1988 and enrolled her youngest son in GPPS and has been here ever since! She taught 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year classes at GPPS and then became Director in 1996. Debbie is a graduate of WCU earning a BS in Elementary Education with a Reading Concentration. Debbie taught in both Henderson and Davidson Counties for ten years prior to coming to GPPS. Her desire is to help children reach their full potential in all areas of life. Debbie and her husband, Lynn, have three grown children, Josh, Katie and Jake. Debbie’s love of children is enormous and the GPPS family is extremely blessed to have her as our Director.

Office Assistant - Barb Boehmer
Barb is a former GPPS parent and Preschool Committee member. She joined our staff after her daughter graduated in 2006. Originally from Illinois, she and her husband Mark come to us via St. Louis and Dallas, finally settling in Greensboro in 2003. Barb and Mark have two children, Steven and Gillian. Barb enjoys a good book, walking, traveling, music and volunteering at her children’s schools.

Crib Room
Lead Teacher - Nancy Jessup
Nancy joined our staff in 2000. She graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Reading Education. Nancy loves spending time with the babies. She creates a loving and language-enriched environment for the babies during that crucial first year. Her smile and soft spoken gentleness puts the babies at ease very quickly. Nancy has two children, Eric a high school student and Suzanne a college student.

Assistant Teacher - Carrie Ivey
We are excited to welcome Carrie Ivey as a staff member this year. Before becoming a mom, Carrie studied Biology at UNCG and was a Medical Assistant at Wesley Long Hospital. Carrie is married to Brad and they have two daughters, Kelsey and Paige who attend the Preschool. We have been fortunate to have her as an active member of the Parent Committee for several years. Carrie loves spending time with the girls teaching them to garden and also enjoys cooking and reading.

Toddler Room
Lead Teacher - Michelle Jacobson
Michelle started with GPPS in 1998 as Lead Teacher in the Crib Room, then moved in 2003 to be Lead Teacher in the Toddler Room. She worked for several years at a daycare as a lead teacher for infants, toddlers and twos before joining the staff at GPPS. Michelle is known for her patience and understanding of developmental stages of infants and toddlers, as well as her love for the individuality of each child. She has an Associates Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Michelle loves spending her spare time with her two sons, Casey and Kevin.

Assistant Teacher - Jane Hawkins
We are excited to have Jane on staff full time this year. Jane is a familiar face as she has chaired the Preschool Committee for three years and recently started subbing for us. Jane grew up in Lynchburg, VA and met her husband Jay while she was attending Peace College in Raleigh. She and Jay have three children Janie, Preston and Noah, who are all graduates of GPPS. In her spare time, Jane enjoys shopping, walking and taking trips to the beach, as well as volunteering at the kids’ school.

Two A & B Class
Lead Teacher - Melanie Garner
Melanie joined our staff in 2008 as a classroom helper and then Lead Teacher in the two year class until the end of 2008. Melanie graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Psychology and Child & Family Studies. Melanie and her husband Glenn have two children Lilli who will be attending Northern Elementary and Jaxon who attends GPPS. Melanie creates an environment that is calm, yet full of discovery.

Lead Teacher - Beth Williams
Beth joined our staff as an interim teacher for the school year 2008-2009. She started the year as the Pre-K teacher and ended the year as the Lead Crib Teacher. She comes to Guilford Park with an array of experience and expertise. She graduated from UNCG with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught Kindergarten in the public schools and been a Pre-K teacher for many years. She will bring knowledge of children’s development, creativity and loving patience to the 2 year olds.

Assistant Teacher - Nicole Purdie
Nicole is joining us after being an active sub last year. She is a graduate of UCLA with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling Psychology. Nicole and her husband Charles are the parents of four children ages 11, 9, 6 and 3. Nicole brings love, patience and laughter to our preschool.

Robin starts new with us this year, but is a familiar face from subbing and also working with Fitness Flippers. She and her husband Brian have been married 24 years and have two girls, Lindsay and Katherine. Robin has her BS in Business Management from Elon. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with family

Three-A
Lead Teacher - Rosemary Worthington
Rosemary has a degree in Elementary Education and joined us in 1998. In the past she taught four-year-old classes as well as 1st and 3rd grade in the elementary school. Even while she lived in Japan she didn’t stop teaching! Rosemary brings enthusiasm and love into her classroom, along with a vast knowledge of developmentally-appropriate activities to stimulate each child’s knowledge and curiosity. Rosemary and her husband Richard have three children and four grandchildren.

Assistant Teacher - Alison Buchanan
We are happy to have Alison back for her second year at GPPS. Originally from Denver, she attended Guilford College where she graduated with a BS degrees in Sociology and Elementary Education. She taught 2nd grade at Southwest Elementary until her first child was born.
Alison enjoys spending time with her husband Steve and their two boys, Logan and Gavin, who are both graduates of GPPS. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading or scrapbooking with friends.

Three-B
Lead Teacher - Rebecca Willoughby
Rebecca has been with Guilford Park since 2006. She started with us as the Assistant in the two-year class, then moved to Lead Teacher in the 3B Class. Rebecca graduated from High Point University and taught for five years at Southwest Middle School and then two years in the MOPS program at Westover Church. She is married with two daughters, Lauren and her youngest Sarah who is a 2006 graduate of GPPS. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband David and the girls, as well as sewing and taking pictures.

Assistant Teacher – Lowry Hill
We are excited to have Lowry move from the 2s to our 3B class. Lowry appreciates each child’s unique personality and helps the children feel very confident in new situations. She began in 2005 and comes to us with a BA in Industrial Relations from UNC-CH. Lowry and her husband Jeff have two children; Jackson, a graduate of GPPS and Kate, a member of the two-year-old class. Lowry’s favorite way of spending downtime is going to the beach with Jeff and the children.

Fours
Lead Teacher - Marilyn O’Callaghan
Marilyn graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She has taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade as well as Special Education, Title 1, in many different states. Most recently she taught in the Guilford County Public schools. She has been with GPPS since 2004. Marilyn has two children and has lived in North Carolina since 1997. She brings a vast knowledge of various learning styles to the classroom.

Assistant Teacher – Shirley Drew
Shirley has nearly 31 years of experience teaching the children of Greensboro. She taught 10 years at First Baptist Church, and this will be her 22st year here at Guilford Park. She played the organ at her church for 22 years and enjoys sharing her love for music with her “Songbirds” in the Four-Year and Pre-K.
Shirley enjoys writing and is a published poet. She and her husband Ron have four children and eight grandchildren.

Pre-K
Lead Teacher - Linda Metcalf
Linda has been with us since November 2001. She has a Masters degree in English from UNC-Charlotte. Her knowledge of how young children learn, her enthusiasm, experience, and her child-centered philosophy is very much apparent when you observe her classroom. Linda has an understanding of how to integrate the children’s play and exploration with the readiness and foundations needed for kindergarten. She has been a lead teacher of four-year-olds and also founded and directed a preschool in Maryland. She has also taught in an elementary school here in Guilford County. Linda’s son Kevin will be attending college in the fall, opening up a new chapter in her life.

Assistant Teacher - Kristin Brackett
This will be Kristin’s fourth year in our Pre-K class. She was with us for two years as Assistant in the TwoYear classroom and then rejoined us in 2005 as our Classroom Floater. She has a degree in Commercial Arts and loves doing art projects. Kristin and her husband Kevin have twin boys, Matthew and Michael. who are 2000 GPPC graduates.




		Mission Statement and Philosophy Preschool Classes Class Descriptions Calendar Registration Procedure and Fees Preschool Staff Preschool Summer Camp Summer Camp Registration & Fees		Preschool Staff Meet our Staff 2011-2012 School Year We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful, experienced, and caring staff here at Guilford Park. Our turnover rate is very low, but because our teachers are professional, there may come a time when one of them will decide to return to a full-time position Director - Debbie Huneycutt Debbie moved to Greensboro in 1988 and enrolled her youngest son in GPPS and has been here ever since! She taught 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year classes at GPPS and then became Director in 1996. Debbie is a graduate of WCU earning a BS in Elementary Education with a Reading Concentration. Debbie taught in both Henderson and Davidson Counties for ten years prior to coming to GPPS. Her desire is to help children reach their full potential in all areas of life. Debbie and her husband, Lynn, have three grown children, Josh, Katie and Jake. Debbie’s love of children is enormous and the GPPS family is extremely blessed to have her as our Director. Office Assistant - Barb Boehmer Barb is a former GPPS parent and Preschool Committee member. She joined our staff after her daughter graduated in 2006. Originally from Illinois, she and her husband Mark come to us via St. Louis and Dallas, finally settling in Greensboro in 2003. Barb and Mark have two children, Steven and Gillian. Barb enjoys a good book, walking, traveling, music and volunteering at her children’s schools. Crib Room Lead Teacher - Nancy Jessup Nancy joined our staff in 2000. She graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Reading Education. Nancy loves spending time with the babies. She creates a loving and language-enriched environment for the babies during that crucial first year. Her smile and soft spoken gentleness puts the babies at ease very quickly. Nancy has two children, Eric a high school student and Suzanne a college student. Assistant Teacher - Carrie Ivey We are excited to welcome Carrie Ivey as a staff member this year. Before becoming a mom, Carrie studied Biology at UNCG and was a Medical Assistant at Wesley Long Hospital. Carrie is married to Brad and they have two daughters, Kelsey and Paige who attend the Preschool. We have been fortunate to have her as an active member of the Parent Committee for several years. Carrie loves spending time with the girls teaching them to garden and also enjoys cooking and reading. Toddler Room Lead Teacher - Michelle Jacobson Michelle started with GPPS in 1998 as Lead Teacher in the Crib Room, then moved in 2003 to be Lead Teacher in the Toddler Room. She worked for several years at a daycare as a lead teacher for infants, toddlers and twos before joining the staff at GPPS. Michelle is known for her patience and understanding of developmental stages of infants and toddlers, as well as her love for the individuality of each child. She has an Associates Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Michelle loves spending her spare time with her two sons, Casey and Kevin. Assistant Teacher - Jane Hawkins We are excited to have Jane on staff full time this year. Jane is a familiar face as she has chaired the Preschool Committee for three years and recently started subbing for us. Jane grew up in Lynchburg, VA and met her husband Jay while she was attending Peace College in Raleigh. She and Jay have three children Janie, Preston and Noah, who are all graduates of GPPS. In her spare time, Jane enjoys shopping, walking and taking trips to the beach, as well as volunteering at the kids’ school. Two A & B Class Lead Teacher - Melanie Garner Melanie joined our staff in 2008 as a classroom helper and then Lead Teacher in the two year class until the end of 2008. Melanie graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Psychology and Child & Family Studies. Melanie and her husband Glenn have two children Lilli who will be attending Northern Elementary and Jaxon who attends GPPS. Melanie creates an environment that is calm, yet full of discovery. Lead Teacher - Beth Williams Beth joined our staff as an interim teacher for the school year 2008-2009. She started the year as the Pre-K teacher and ended the year as the Lead Crib Teacher. She comes to Guilford Park with an array of experience and expertise. She graduated from UNCG with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught Kindergarten in the public schools and been a Pre-K teacher for many years. She will bring knowledge of children’s development, creativity and loving patience to the 2 year olds. Assistant Teacher - Nicole Purdie Nicole is joining us after being an active sub last year. She is a graduate of UCLA with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling Psychology. Nicole and her husband Charles are the parents of four children ages 11, 9, 6 and 3. Nicole brings love, patience and laughter to our preschool. Assistant Teacher—Robin Kivett Robin starts new with us this year, but is a familiar face from subbing and also working with Fitness Flippers. She and her husband Brian have been married 24 years and have two girls, Lindsay and Katherine. Robin has her BS in Business Management from Elon. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with family Three-A Lead Teacher - Rosemary Worthington Rosemary has a degree in Elementary Education and joined us in 1998. In the past she taught four-year-old classes as well as 1st and 3rd grade in the elementary school. Even while she lived in Japan she didn’t stop teaching! Rosemary brings enthusiasm and love into her classroom, along with a vast knowledge of developmentally-appropriate activities to stimulate each child’s knowledge and curiosity. Rosemary and her husband Richard have three children and four grandchildren. Assistant Teacher - Alison Buchanan We are happy to have Alison back for her second year at GPPS. Originally from Denver, she attended Guilford College where she graduated with a BS degrees in Sociology and Elementary Education. She taught 2nd grade at Southwest Elementary until her first child was born. Alison enjoys spending time with her husband Steve and their two boys, Logan and Gavin, who are both graduates of GPPS. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading or scrapbooking with friends. Three-B Lead Teacher - Rebecca Willoughby Rebecca has been with Guilford Park since 2006. She started with us as the Assistant in the two-year class, then moved to Lead Teacher in the 3B Class. Rebecca graduated from High Point University and taught for five years at Southwest Middle School and then two years in the MOPS program at Westover Church. She is married with two daughters, Lauren and her youngest Sarah who is a 2006 graduate of GPPS. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband David and the girls, as well as sewing and taking pictures. Assistant Teacher – Lowry Hill We are excited to have Lowry move from the 2s to our 3B class. Lowry appreciates each child’s unique personality and helps the children feel very confident in new situations. She began in 2005 and comes to us with a BA in Industrial Relations from UNC-CH. Lowry and her husband Jeff have two children; Jackson, a graduate of GPPS and Kate, a member of the two-year-old class. Lowry’s favorite way of spending downtime is going to the beach with Jeff and the children. Fours Lead Teacher - Marilyn O’Callaghan Marilyn graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She has taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade as well as Special Education, Title 1, in many different states. Most recently she taught in the Guilford County Public schools. She has been with GPPS since 2004. Marilyn has two children and has lived in North Carolina since 1997. She brings a vast knowledge of various learning styles to the classroom. Assistant Teacher – Shirley Drew Shirley has nearly 31 years of experience teaching the children of Greensboro. She taught 10 years at First Baptist Church, and this will be her 22st year here at Guilford Park. She played the organ at her church for 22 years and enjoys sharing her love for music with her “Songbirds” in the Four-Year and Pre-K. Shirley enjoys writing and is a published poet. She and her husband Ron have four children and eight grandchildren. Pre-K Lead Teacher - Linda Metcalf Linda has been with us since November 2001. She has a Masters degree in English from UNC-Charlotte. Her knowledge of how young children learn, her enthusiasm, experience, and her child-centered philosophy is very much apparent when you observe her classroom. Linda has an understanding of how to integrate the children’s play and exploration with the readiness and foundations needed for kindergarten. She has been a lead teacher of four-year-olds and also founded and directed a preschool in Maryland. She has also taught in an elementary school here in Guilford County. Linda’s son Kevin will be attending college in the fall, opening up a new chapter in her life. Assistant Teacher - Kristin Brackett This will be Kristin’s fourth year in our Pre-K class. She was with us for two years as Assistant in the TwoYear classroom and then rejoined us in 2005 as our Classroom Floater. She has a degree in Commercial Arts and loves doing art projects. Kristin and her husband Kevin have twin boys, Matthew and Michael. who are 2000 GPPC graduates.