Staff Directory - Pine Lake Prep

Tracie Aldridge

Titles: Teacher Associate

Degrees: B.S. in Elementary and Special Education
Master of Arts in Education (Counseling)

Locations: Lower

Email:

Biography:

I teach because I love helping bring about that "a-ha" moment for students of every age and ability level. I enjoy being challenged to figure out how students think and what will most effectively engage them. I teach always, because I can't help it. I teach even when I'm not at school.

Preston Allison

Titles: IT Specialist

Degrees: IT Diploma and Certificates Mitchell Community College

Locations: Upper, Lower, Administration, Middle

Email:

Biography:

Studied various forms of technology at Mitchell Community College. Also worked for ISP (TDS/Continuum) for 4 years before joining the PLP team. I enjoy coaching MS football and taking on new technology challenges.

Rosicler Augustineli

Titles: Spanish 3rd and 4th Grade Teaching Assistant

Degrees: Degree in Education and Master in Literacy at Tuiuti University - Brazil

Locations: Lower

Email:

Biography:

I moved from PA to NC in 2020. I was born and raised in Brazil, I used to be a teacher in my home country for almost 20 years, teaching kids from Kindergarten to Elementary School. Then my family and I moved to Mexico, where I learned to speak Spanish. I love to travel and explore different cultures. My philosophy is "by embracing our differences we can use diversity to learn from one another and promote empathy." I'm so happy to be part of PLP team, and I'm looking forward to exchanging experiences with the students to aid in their growth!

Karen Bailey

Titles: Teacher Associate - Kindergarten

Degrees: Bachelor of Science

Locations: Lower

Email:

Biography:

It is a joy to be a part of the kindergartner journey! My boys attend PLP and are both in middle school. When we are not at their soccer games we enjoy hiking, lake days and taking new adventures.

Andrea Baron

Titles: Teacher Associate

Degrees: Physical Therapy

Locations: Lower

Departments: First Grade

Email:

Biography:
I was born and raised in Colombia. Spanish is my first language. I earned a degree in Physical Therapy. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Cesar, for seventeen years. We have two amazing children, Daniel and Catalina. Prior to working at PLP I worked for five years in various educational settings. Currently, I am in my second year at PLP. My passion is teaching. I hope to inspire and to challenge children to love learning.

Wilter Blanco

Titles: 2nd Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor in Language Teaching, Major in English .

Locations: Lower

Departments: Second grade Spanish Immersion

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Biography:

There's something truly special about being part of a community that embraces different cultures. Witnessing my students grow not just academically, but also as individuals with strong character, in an environment that celebrates diversity, is incredibly rewarding.

Helen Borbor

Titles: Third Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor's Degree in Spanish

Locations: Lower

Departments: Third Grade Spanish Immersion

Email:

Biography:

I am originally from Brooklyn, NY and moved to Charlotte in 2005. I am a mother of 3 wonderful boys. Nicholas is PLP class of 2015, Marcus is class of 2018. Nicholas graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill in 2019 and Marcus graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2021. Zacharias has been at PLP since kindergarten and is currently a Junior. As a family we love to travel and learn about different cultures. My philosophy in life is as follows: "Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Thank how really precious is the time you have to spend,whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored". - Earl Nightingale

Hannah Brantley

Titles: 5th Grade Science Teacher

Degrees: Bachelors in Elementary Education - UNC Greensboro
Masters in Curriculum Specialist- Appalachian State University

Locations: Lower

Departments: Fifth Grade, Science

Email:

Biography:

I believe in hands on learning where students discover the curriculum with my support and coaching. I foster relationships with my students to help develop a classroom community of respect.

Bridgett Brower

Titles: 5th Grade ELA and Science Teacher

Degrees: College of Charleston

Locations: Lower

Departments: Fifth Grade

Email:

Biography:

I grew up in California and Texas, but, lived all over the country, and even Guam. I loved my past life of traveling and experiencing the excitement of a new environment every few years, but happy to be here in Mooresville, my forever home. I have 3 amazing kids, grown and on their own. They are my pride and joy.

School should be a place students feel free to learn, explore, and socialize without worry of judgement. There is no better place for that than PLP. Fostering a love of reading is my biggest passion. Reading is the key to opportunity and happiness.

Jennifer Clarke

Titles: 3rd Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in English - Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish - UNCC
Master of Arts in Teaching, Grades K-6 - Queens University

Locations: Lower

Departments: Third Grade

Email:

Biography:

I joined the Pine Lake PRIDE in 2008, and I have enjoyed teaching students in grades 3-5. Teaching is my calling, and my goals are to celebrate the unique gifts that each student brings to our class and to grow my students into lifelong readers, learners, and problem solvers.

Leslie Clegg

Titles: Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education

Locations: Lower

Departments: K-5th Grade, Visual Arts

Email:

Biography:

My belief is that school should be a place where students feel excited to be and respected. In my classroom I love it when my students feel free to explore art and see that creativity is limitless. My husband would say this is my passion and I would have to agree. I have lived in some pretty amazing places (Germany, Greece, Saudi Arabia and several US states) which makes for some fun stories in my class. I love to ignite within my students my love for travel, looking at the beauty in the smallest of things and that art is a universal language regardless of place or age.

Nandini Connell

Titles: Teacher Associate

Degrees: Master of Science in Interior Decoration

Locations: Lower

Departments: Kindergarten

Email:

Biography:
I am passionate about educating and inspiring young individuals to explore, learn and build a life of good character and integrity. I love every moment being in the midst of children and learning from them as much as they learn from me.
I joined Pine Lake Prep in 2013 as an Associate Teacher for Kindergarten. All of us at PLP are like pieces of a puzzle that make the picture complete. I am an art enthusiast who loves interior decorating and gardening.

Anne Cook

Titles: 2nd Grade Teacher Associate and ML Coordinator

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology

Locations: Lower

Departments: Second Grade

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Biography:

Always do the next right thing and do it with kindness. You will never go wrong if you simply take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other and lead with with a kind and open heart.

Dave Crowe

Titles: Lower School Music Teacher

Degrees: BA - University of North Carolina Charlotte

Locations: Lower

Departments: K-5, Lower School, Music

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Biography:

It was my greatest teachers, Ms. Zajac, Mr. Butera, Coach Bosworth, Uncle Jim, Joe Webb, and Ben Keeney that have brought out the best in me. It is my aim as a teacher to do the same for each of my students.

Kim Eroh

Titles: EC Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Davidson College
Graduate Certificate in Special Education, UNC Charlotte

Locations: Lower

Departments: Exceptional Children

Email:

Laura Finney

Titles: Lower School Counselor

Degrees: Masters in Community Mental Health Counseling - UNCC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

Locations: Lower

Email:

Biography:

Hello! My name is Laura Finney and I am the counselor at the lower school. I am so excited to be a part of Pine Lake Prep! I hope to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of each student. I have been working with children and families for over 19 years. I live in Mooresville with my husband Kevin, my children, Casen and Hanna, and our goldendoodle, Conan. In my free time I enjoy gardening, boating, and spending time with my family.

Rob Flory

Titles: Math Specialist K-5

Degrees: Masters in Elementary Education and Reading - State University College at Buffalo

Locations: Lower

Biography:

Every student is capable of learning, you just need to find their motivation.

I am originally from Buffalo, New York and have taught 6th grade and was a Math Specialist for many years. I have two children who are starting 6th and 4th grade this year. I love baseball and coached many house teams and travel softball. Football is my other favorite sport, go 49ers.

Debbie Godsell

Titles: Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education

Locations: Lower

Departments: Third Grade

Email:

Biography:

To me teaching is more than a job, it is a calling. I believe in providing students with a safe learning environment where they can learn to their fullest potential and take risks without fear of making a mistake. My hope for my students is that they, like me, will love learning and become lifelong learners. I love to read, hike, and travel with my husband in my free time. I also love spending time with my kids and my grandkids!

Anna Gordon

Titles: Lower School EC Teacher

Degrees: Bachelors degree, Appalachian State University

Locations: Lower

Email:

Biography:

My name is Anna Gordon and I am starting my second year at PLP. I have been teaching special education for 16 years. My husband Matt and I have three daughters, Madelyn, Alivia and Caroline. We love watching our girls do all the things they enjoy like playing softball, riding horses and playing soccer. I look forward to getting to know more students and families this year at Pine Lake.

Nicole Gross

Titles: Math and Reading Intervention K-5

Degrees: Master of Science: Communication Disorders, Western Kentucky University
Master of Science: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Touro College
Bachelor of Science: Education, Elementary and English as a Second Language, University of Delaware

Locations: Lower

Email:

Jamie Hamlin

Titles: Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor in Early Childhood Education
Masters in Early Childhood Reading and Math

Locations: Lower

Departments: First Grade

Email:

Biography:

I was raised in Augusta, Georgia and began my teaching career in the same county I attended school as a child. My husband, Steve and I moved to North Carolina in 2008. Since then, I have been blessed to work at PLP and teach third and first grades. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two daughters, Emmaline and Magnolia.

• I believe that every child has the right to a quality education.

• I believe it is the role of the student to engage in learning and take responsibility in the classroom.

• I believe in the involvement of families in every child’s education.

• I believe that teachers should be actively involved in the community.

• I have a sincere passion for teaching and strive to make a difference in the lives of my students.

Amy Hatcher

Titles: Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
National Board Certified Teacher

Locations: Lower

Departments: Fifth Grade, English Language Arts

Email:

Biography:

I believe the learning process is different for each individual and everything influences each of us. You are the sum of all that you have ever experienced. Therefore it is vital to make sure that the experiences I give students are positive. I make it a point to find the good in each child, something I love about each of them. Children respond and thrive when they know that not only are you there to teach them but that you also care about them. As a parent and an educator, I am constantly aware that my words and actions matter. It is important to me to love and respect my students in the same way that I hope my own children are being treated by their teachers. I am willing to show my personality to my students, have passion for my subject, and reflect on my practice to make improvements when needed. Excitement for learning and kindness for others are both contagious.

Krista Haun

Titles: Teacher

Degrees: Bachelor of Science Early Childhood & Elementary Education

Locations: Lower

Departments: Fifth Grade

Email:

Biography:
I began my teaching career 20 years ago when I moved to Charlotte from Pennsylvania. I am married with three beautiful daughters who also attend PLP and we live in Huntersville. In my spare time I enjoy baking, camping, exercising, spending time with family, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Donna Hicks

Titles: School Counselor- Lower School

Degrees: B.S. Spanish Education; B.A. Dance Studies- Appalachian State University
M.A. School Counseling- Appalachian State University

Locations: Lower

Email:

Biography:

This is my second year as a school counselor at Pine Lake Prep. I received both of my degrees from Appalachian State University. When I am not at school, I enjoy going to Boone, spending time with family and reading. This school year, I will be the school counselor for first grade, third grade, and fifth grade.

Colleen Hiner

Titles: EC Teacher

Degrees: Master of Arts in Teaching - UNC Charlotte
Graduate Certificate in Teaching - UNC Charlotte
B.A. in Psychology - East Carolina University

Locations: Lower

Email:

Biography:

One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility. - Eleanor Roosevelt