Meet the team of La Escuelita. These hard working people help make up our community!
Saray Gamez
School Director
​Mrs. Saray is originally from Costa Rica and moved to the USA when she was 16 years old. She has been serving our school as a director for more than two years. Additionally, she has been directing her church for almost six years. She loves to work and is passionate about serving the community, especially working with children, which she has been doing for several years. Her extensive knowledge and dedication are what make the school so valuable.
Johanna Nolasco
Assistant Teacher
Johanna Nolasco is a dedicated assistant teacher known for her warmth and enthusiasm in the classroom. With experience supporting young children’s social, emotional, and academic development, she creates a nurturing and engaging environment. Johanna collaborates with lead teachers to implement lessons and foster bilingual language development, providing individualized attention to ensure each student feels confident and encouraged. Her commitment to early childhood education makes her a valuable asset to the team.
Carol Monaco
Weekly Community Reader
Ms. Carol has been a weekly volunteer at San Marcos for several years, even during virtual school, where she would lead Zoom meetings with the children. Whether it has been tutoring online or reading to the children in person, Ms. Carol has been dedicated not only to our students but students from other schools as well. She is a member of North Mecklenburg Woman's Club.
Perry Chapman
Weekly Volunteer & Tutor
Mr. Perry has been with Escuelita since 2020 as a weekly volunteer. Whether it's developing his own slideshows in order to tutor children, helping the students paint, installing playground equipment or teaching the kids how to play tennis - Mr. Perry truly does it all! Perry spent many years in Mexico and is fluent in Spanish.
Zaza Burgdoff
Teacher
Zaza originally from New York, has an Art Education Major from SUNY Potsdam, over the course of her career, she has taught various age groups from elementary school up to College level, including English in South America
Patricia Huerta
Assistant and Substitute
Patricia is originally from Colombia, South America, where she practiced pediatric medicine for over 20 years. Her passion is working with children. She's also a nutritionist and a Zumba kids instructor. Patricia is a great addition to our Escuelita.
Amber McFern
Assistant and Substitute
Ms. McFernAmber has been a valuable team member at La Escuelita for two years. In addition to her work at the school, she has been actively volunteering for various organizations, including the Lions Club. Amber's passion for working with children is evident in the way she interacts with them. Her warm and friendly personality makes her a favorite among the kids. We are fortunate to have someone like Amber as a part of our school community.
​Hi, my name is Betsy Madden. I am originally from Morovis, Puerto Rico. I earned a degree in Social Work from the University of Puerto Rico, Caribbean University. I initially pursued a successful 12-year career in Business Management before shifting my professional focus to working with preschool children. Since 2018, I have been dedicated to early childhood education, a field I am deeply passionate about. I have 4 years of experience in child development and have worked at institutions such as Village Christian Academy School, Concord Children Academy, and Bright Horizons.
Betsy Madden
Teacher
Board of Directors
These are the dedicated men and women who oversee the vision, direction and organizational strategies of La Escuelita San Marcos:
Courtney Hammock, Board Chair
MTSS Coordinator, CMS
Peter Macon
President, Peter Macon & Assoc.
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Lacy Hamilton, Treasurer
Retired, Duke Energy IT
Mike Tinsley
Architect, HDR
Mary Moss,
Community Outreach Hopewell Presbyterian Church.
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Rob Funderburk
Sales Director at Ferrara
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Lennin Caro
Research Assistant, Camino Research Institute
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Neferterra Estrada Best
Entrepreneur, CCO of PridePR, VP of Integrated Communications, CMRignite
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Jama Fleming
IT
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Ashley Lynn
Academic Advisor
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Ex Oficio:
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Pastor. Alistair Antquetil
Pastor at Hopewell Presbyterian Church.
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Rev. Father Garry Edwards, St. Mark's Episcopal Church
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