SJDS Staff

Amy Taylor

Ms. Taylor received her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Davidson College and her Initial Elementary Education Teacher's Certification from UNCW.

What drew you to teaching? "All children are precious to me! Seeing a child feel safe and loved brings me great joy. And the look on a child's face when they figure out that they are capable is priceless. What a delight and privilege it is to work with children at SJDS!"

Favorite Snack: "Fruit, followed closely by brownies."

Hidden Talent: "Memorizing important dates, especially birthdays!"

Ms. Joni Buckner

Ms. Buckner received her Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

What drew you to teaching? "Cherished memories of helping my mother with our Church nursery is what drew me to teaching. I love watching the children play, explore, learn, and achieve. Being a witness to their blossoming personalities and growing independence is truly heartwarming."

Favorite Snack: "Cookies with milk"

Hidden Talent: "Champion Jenga Player"

Stephanie Burney

Ms. Burney received her Bachelors of Arts in Education from St. Lawrence University. She minored in French Literature and Developmental Psychology.

What drew you to teaching? "It's the only job where you get paid to play. And because children sparkle."

Favorite Snack: "Oreo Cookies"

Hidden Talent: "I can do the splits."

Ms. Mitzi Daughtry

Ms. Daughtry has her Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Pre-K through 5th Grade.

What drew you to teaching? "I had two things. I have a few family members who were teachers and wonderful role models to me. The second reason is when I was in 4th grade I struggled in math. My teacher helped me so much. I have never forgotten her and what she did for me. from then on, I wanted to be a teacher and help children the way she helped me.

Favorite Snack: "Trail Mix"

Hidden Talent: "Running"

Ms. Courtney Easley

Ms. Easley received her Bachelors of Arts from College of Charleston and her Teaching Certificate from Meredith College and UNCW.

What drew you to teaching? "My love of children! It's so rewarding to see how much each child learns and grows in such a short amount of time that you spend with them in the classroom."

Favorite Snack: "Pretzel Chips"

Hidden Talent: "Painting"

Ms. Jordan Hooper

Ms. Hooper received her degree in Communications and Non-Profit Studies at NC State University and her Masters in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte.

What drew you to teaching? "My love of children led me to teaching. I taught first grade before I had my two boys. The balance of stay at home momming and teaching the toddlers two days a week is perfect!"

Favorite Snacks: "Gum, Skittles, Snickers."

Hidden Talent: "Decluttering and Organizing"

Ms. J.K. Thomas

Ms. Thomas attended North Carolina State University.

What drew you to teaching? "I love watching children have fun while learning how to play interactively. I believe that preschool is such an important first step of their journey in education! I enjoy the creative aspects of teaching that help children learn and develop crucial life skills. For me, there is no greater reward than seeing a child accomplish a task, knowing that I played a small role in guiding them towards reaching that goal!"

Favorite Snacks: "Gummy Bears, Pretzels, Diet Coke"

Hidden Talent: "Hmm... this talent is so well-hidden that I don't even know where to find it!"

Mrs. Patti Whitley

Ms. Whitley received her degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.

What drew you to teaching? "Originally, I had planned to obtain a "Masters in the Art of Teaching" once my children were middle school age but the love of preschoolers from my subbing days convinced me to become a preschool teacher. At the earliest age, children are so eager to learn and I love that enthusiasm along with the extra special hugs and thumb kisses."

Favorite Stack: "Popcorn"

Hidden Talent: "Checkers Champion! (among family and friends)"

Mrs. Shannon Leas

Mrs. Leas attended Appalachian State University and studied Culinary Arts at Ashville.

What drew you to teaching? I am able to create, play, laugh, smile, sing silly songs, jump, and make fun crafts everyday with precious little children. Teaching is a work of the heart!

Favorite Snack: Crackers and Cheese

Hidden Talent: I can Skurf

Chloe DaSantos

Ms. DaSantos received her B.A. in Geography from University of Texas Austin.

What drew you to teaching? "I love watching children grown and figure things out! I find it fascinating how each child is different in development and I enjoy finding ways to help each child reach their milestones."

Favorite Snack: "Chips & Salsa"

Hidden Talent: "I can make friends with anyone!"

Mrs. Jan Bridgers

Ms. Bridgers received her degree in Art from East Carolina University. Her love of kids drew her to teaching.

Favorite Snack: Popcorn

Hidden Talent: Ping Pong

Ms. Marsha Bonner

Ms. Bonner recieved her B.A. in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and her Masters in Counseling from Campbell University. She was drawn to teaching by her own preschool age children. They are her inspiration.

Favorite Snack: Goldfish

Hidden Talent: I can still slalom.

Shannon Lockamy

Ms. Lockamy received her Associates and Bachelors Degrees from Peace College.

What drew you to teaching?

"I had an early start in teaching by teaching dance at 16. I have always been drawn to teaching the children. I worked in Wake County Public Schools before moving to the Wilmington, NC area. I enjoy watching the children grow throughout the years.

Favorite Snack: Fruit (except strawberries)

Hidden Talent: "I play the bagpipes and I clog dance."

Ms. Kristie Brown

Ms. Brown has a BA in Education, a BA in Psychology, and a MA in Counseling Psychology.

Mrs. Allen Lee

After graduating from New Hanover High School, I studied at NCSU and have a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design.

Mrs. Carla Schiffel

I graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a BS in Nursing in 1981. I have worked in many fields of Nursing: NICU at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC; Public Health in Orange County and New Hanover County, and on the Surgical/Medical floor at Cape Fear Memorial Hospital. For many years I taught Childbirth classes in Wilmington.

Mrs. Sara Anlyan

Mrs. Anlyan graduated from Cape Fear Academy in 2004. I graduated from CFCC with an associate's degree in criminal justice in 2008.

Mrs. Jamie Brown

Educational background: I have a Bachelor's degree in Communications from NC State University and a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from NC Central University.

Ms. Susan Braxton

Educational Background:

Ms. Nancy Bailey

Educational background: Graduated from UNC-CH in 2004 with degree in Communications and Media Production

Ms. Anne Norris