The Wilmington Preschool of the Arts
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Each of the Wilmington Preschool of the Arts teachers and staff brings elements of excellence to the WPA team. Every WPA teacher is CPR and First Aid certified. Each of our lead teachers has a bachelor's or associate's degree and even our teacher's assistants are more than qualified with years of childhood education experience. We also complete yearly furthering education classes with Smart Start of New Hanover County as well as attend the National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina each year.
Each of the Wilmington Preschool of the Arts teachers and staff brings elements of excellence to the WPA team. Every WPA teacher is CPR and First Aid certified. Each of our lead teachers has a bachelor's or associate's degree and even our teacher's assistants are more than qualified with years of childhood education experience. We also complete yearly furthering education classes with Smart Start of New Hanover County as well as attend the National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina each year.
Margie Butts
Margie Butts
Owner
Owner
Masters in Education
UNC Charlotte
Lindsay Sanderson
Assistant Director
Lindsay Sanderson
Assistant Director
Associates in Early Childhood Education
Cape Fear Community College
Level II Admin
Jessie Johnson-Cook
Assistant Director​
Jessie Johnson-Cook
Assistant Director​
Associates in Arts
Cape Fear Community College
Level I Admin
Tandra Canty
Pre-K
Tandra Canty
Pre-K
Bachelors in Family Studies
Mid Atlantic Christian University
Working towards a Masters in Marriage and Family Studies at Liberty University
She has 9 years of experience
Allison Jackson
Allison Jackson
3 year olds
3 year olds
Regents Bachelors of Arts with heavy emphasis in Early and Special Education
West Liberty University
5 years of experience
Lynne Freedle
Lynne Freedle
3 year olds
3 year olds
Over 30 years of experience in Early Childhood and Special Education
Taylor Saucier
Taylor Saucier
3 year olds
3 year olds
Associates in Medical Assisting
Wayne Community College
10 years of experience
ECE Credentials
Julie Rukstelis
Julie Rukstelis
Pre-K
Pre-K
9 years of experience
ECE Credentials
Kelsey Feit
4 year olds
Kelsey Feit
4 year olds
Bachelors in Early Childhood Education The State University of New York College at Oneonta
4 years of experience
Sarah Smith
4 year olds
Sarah Smith
4 year olds
Working towards an Associates in Health Science at Cape Fear Community College
Taylor Greiner
3 year olds
Taylor Greiner
3 year olds
Working towards a Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education at Liberty University
1 year of experience
Katie Yale
Art
Katie Yale
Art
Working towards an Associates in Arts at Cape Fear Community College
2 years of experience
Molly Hamilton
Dance
Molly Hamilton
Dance
Associates in Arts
Cape Fear Community College.
Ballet Instructor at The Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts who has preformed in over 20 productions here in Wilmington
Estefania Lizarazo
Afternoon/Spanish
Estefania Lizarazo
Afternoon/Spanish
Working towards an Associates in Early Childhood Education at Cape Fear Community College
1 year of experience
Nibbles
School Bunny
Nibbles
School Bunny
A sweet bunny who loves giving cuddles and kisses. She can be found hopping around WPA and brightening everyones day!
5 years of experience
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
"I love being able to take part in helping children learn and grow. Seeing a child achieve their goals that they've been working so hard for is such a great feeling, especially seeing the pride in their faces."
Julie Rukstelis - 4 year olds
Julie Rukstelis - 4 year olds
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
"I really enjoy working with 3-year-olds. This age is super fun! I learn the most from these children every day; their honesty, creativity, resilience, and endless energy keep me on my toes! It is up to me to guide them in their development and shape their character, in a positive way. Children motivate me to be a better person and helping them and their families is the most rewarding job I can think of!"
Lindsay Sanderson - 3 year olds
Lindsay Sanderson - 3 year olds
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
"I love being able to make a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of children. Watching them gain knowledge
and confidence is beyond rewarding; I am grateful every day for this opportunity."
Estefania Lizarazo - Afternoon Teacher
Estefania Lizarazo - Afternoon Teacher
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
"I enjoy working with children because it's such a joy to pour into their lives and see them grow. I believe children are special gifts from God and I treat them all accordingly."
Tandra Canty - Pre-k
Tandra Canty - Pre-k
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
"Being able to nurture and incorporate play with learning is not only rewarding but a blessing!"
Lynne Freedle - 3 year olds
Lynne Freedle - 3 year olds
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
"When I first started working with kids it made me realize something. That I will never have another unhappy day as
long as I am teaching and helping these little people grow. Nothing in the world makes me happier!"
Allison Jackson - 3 year olds
Allison Jackson - 3 year olds
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
Read what our teachers have to say about their love for teaching!
"I love working with kids because it makes me happy to watch them learn and grow, and I get to be a big part of that."
Taylor Saucier - 3 year olds
Taylor Saucier - 3 year olds