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Meet Our Staff
Preschool teachers are the first educators your children will have. Our teachers will inspire a love of learning in your child and prepare them for kindergarten. They will encourage children to explore and try new things through imaginative play and learning activities.
Beth Meador
Director
My name is Beth Meador and I am the Director of St. John’s W.E.E. School. I have been a part of the W.E.E. School for 16 years. I began my time at the W.E.E. School teaching music for one year. I then moved to a 4 year old class as an assistant teacher for 6 years and I assumed the Director role in July of 2014. I am also an active member of St. John’s UMC.
I am originally from Virginia and graduated from Radford University with a Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and a minor in Psychology. I have lived in Fort Mill for 17 years with my husband Bryan. We have 2 children, Chandler (25) and Lauren (22). We also have a cat named Hokie. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and grand puppy, traveling, especially to Disney World, reading and scrapbooking.
It is such a joy to watch the children at W.E.E. School learn and grow, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
We would love to have your family join our W.E.E. School family.
Tonda Reynolds
Monday-Friday
4 year olds
I was blessed to join St. John's UMC W.E.E School staff as a 4 year old teacher in 2017. I have earned degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies (BS K-8) and Early Childhood Education (MAT). I began my career teaching at the elementary level for several years before moving to the magical world of preschool.
Outside of the W.E.E. School, I like to read and spend time outdoors with my family, including my husband and 3 children, Ella, Jude and Eden. I am originally from east Tennessee, but have now lived in 5 different states. After many moves, I am so glad we landed here in 2014. We love everything that our beautiful town of Fort Mill has to offer! I am looking forward to a memorable year with each of our 4 year old students.
Amy Shaheen
Monday-Friday
4 year olds
My name is Amy Shaheen and I have been a teacher at St. John's W.E.E School for 13 years. I am so grateful to be part of this amazing program. My husband and I have four children and a cat named Lacey. When I'm not working I enjoy hiking, golfing, and doing puzzles.
Janelle McBride
Monday-Thursday
4 year olds
My name is Janelle McBride and I am excited to start my first year teaching at St. John's UMC W.E.E. School. I started subbing at the school last year. In addition to subbing, my son was in the three year old program and I loved being able to volunteer for special events and help in the school as needed. I am so happy to join the staff full time this year!
I am originally from Long Island, New York. My husband Greg and I moved here to Indian Land two years ago. We have a 7 1/2 year old daughter named Gwendolyn, a 4 1/2 year old son named Cameron and two 8 1/2 year old Boston Terriers name Mack and Rudy.
In my spare time, I like to make photo books, picture projects and gifts and write personalized event poetry. I am a huge hockey fan, Let's Go Islanders! Our favorite family vacations are in Disney World.
I am looking forward to meeting your children and watching them learn and grow throughout the year. I can't wait to get started!
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Melanie Edwards
Monday-Thursday
4 year olds
My name is Melanie Edwards and I am honored to be assisting in the Monday - Thursday four year old class at the W.E.E. School this year. I have been a parent and a substitute at the W.E.E. School since 2012 and have also served on the W.E.E. School Board. The school holds many wonderful memories for my youngest two boys who attended and completed the 4 year old program. Speaking of my boys, I am a proud mom of three, ages 16, 13 & 11. We enjoy spending our time at marching band competitions, scouting events, flag football and our favorite family activity is hiking and being outdoors. When I am not enjoying my time with family I love to be creative and do all things crafty. This year, I am excited to bring creative activities and
encourage your children to learn new exciting things. It amazes me the progress and growth that happens as the school year progresses.
Darra Dane Brown
Monday-Thursday
4 year olds
My name is Darra Dane Brown and I am so excited to join the staff at the W.E.E. School this year! I love to teach four year olds and can't wait to help your children learn and watch them grow this year. We will have many adventures! I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and have worked with preschool aged children for over 16 years. I have three daughters ages 12, 9 and 5. My youngest just graduated from the W.E.E. School in May. This school has such a special place in my heart and I am so happy to be a part of it now. Our family along with our three cats live near downtown Fort Mill. In my spare time I enjoy embroidering, working in my gardens reading and traveling with my family.
Liza Mills
Monday-Thursday
4 year olds
Hi! My name is Liza Mills and I am thrilled to be assisting in one of the Mon-Thurs four year old classes at W.E.E. School this year. I have a passion for early childhood education with a degree from Clemson University. I have over a decade of experience working with young children, both as a daycare provider and a kindergarten assistant at two elementary schools. This gives me unique insight into what future kindergartners need to be successful. I love to create fun and engaging activities for my students, who inspire me with their curiosity and energy.
Outside of the classroom, I am a proud Clemson Tigers fan, a boating lover and an avid reader. I have lived in Fort Mill for 10 years with my husband Ken and our four children: Aaron (22), Addison (15), Noah (13) and Grady (12). Noah and Grady are W.E.E. School graduates!
I am looking forward to a great year with your children!
Dawna Spilmann
Monday-Thursday
3 year olds
Hi, Welcome to St. John’s W.E.E. School! I’m Mrs. Dawna and I’ve been working here at W.E.E. School since it first opened in 2006. I moved to Fort Mill in 2004 from Atlanta with my husband and three kids. I teach the 4 day 3 year olds and LOVE it!! All three of my kids went through the Fort Mill school system and graduated from Nation Ford High School. My two daughters live and work together in Rock Hill and my youngest went into the Army after he graduated in 2021. When I’m not trying to spend time with my kids(which doesn’t seem to happen too much), I enjoy traveling, cooking, watching football, and spending time with my friends.
Carrie Crocker
Monday-Thursday
3 year olds
My name is Carrie Crocker. I am the assistant in the M-Th 3 year old class. This is my third year teaching at St. John’s WEE School. I have a degree in Health Science from Clemson. I am married and have 3 kids and 1 sweet dog. My kids all went through the W.E.E. School program. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and walking trails with my dog.
Nancy Neal
Monday Wednesday Friday
3 year olds
Hi! My name is Nancy Neal. I am excited to start my 16th year of teaching preschoolers at St. John's UMC W.E.E. School. Teaching preschoolers is my passion and I love to watch children learn and grow throughout the school year. I am originally from North Carolina. Ooh! I love my home state! My husband, Craig and I reside in the heart of the town of Fort Mill. Craig and I are recent empty nesters which hits me with mixed emotions. As my family dynamics have changed, I am thankful for the gift of children in my career. I thrive in the wonders of children with their enthusiasm for learning, their laughter and their sweet hugs!
Both my husband Craig and my son John are Michigan State University Alumni. Therefore, we are big Michigan State followers. Go Green! My son Jacob is a junior at the The Citadel. Go Bulldogs! We also love the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes.
Our family has three pets including two cats and a dog. Kit Kat (Kat) and Ranger are our feline friends and Gretel is our precious pup.
A few of my hobbies include walking with my Fitbit, flower gardening and antiquing/thrifting. Some of my favorite things are chocolate, coffee and cheese!
Rachel Guy
Monday Wednesday Friday
3 year olds
Hello parents! My name is Rachel Guy, assistant in the MWF 3's class. After starting as a sub at the W.E.E. School, I am entering my second full school year this fall. The preschool has had a place in my family's hearts long before I started working here. My daughter spent 3 fantastic years working her way through W.E.E. School. During her time here, I loved being able to volunteer for special events and help as needed, getting a glimpse into her beloved "school days," as she called them. I am so grateful to still be a part of the W.E.E. School family as a teacher, even though she has moved on to elementary school.
Originally from Louisiana, my husband and I have called Fort Mill and the Carolinas home for over the last 10 years. Along with our 7 year old daughter, we have a 9 year old son and an 11 year old sheepadoodle named Hank. We love being outside fishing, kayaking, hanging at the greenway, playing sports and gardening. On my days off, I also work as a sub for the FMSD, usually at my kid's elementary school. This year I have the honor of serving on the preschool board and look forward to helping our beloved school continue to grow and continue to be an extraordinary place for Fort Mill preschoolers to call home!
I am thrilled to get to know your kiddos this year! We will learn so much together, but have the most fun while doing so!
Suzanne Fisher
Tuesday Thursday
3 year olds
I am the lead teacher in the Tuesday/Thursday 3 year old class this year. This will be my first year teaching 3 year olds, however, I taught 6 years in the 2 year old class. I am so excited for this new opportunity!
I am originally from Ohio, but have lived in Fort Mill for 15 years now. I am a graduate of Ohio University and worked as a meeting planner for 12 years. My husband and I have one daughter in 7th grade ( a W.E.E. School graduate!) and we are active members at St. John's UMC.
Suzanne Bayko
Monday Wednesday Friday
2 year olds
My name is Suzanne Bayko and I am the lead teacher in the MWF 2 year old class. This will be my first year teaching at the W.E.E. School. I have been a part of this wonderful preschool for the past eight years as my 3 children are all W.E.E. School graduates! Last year I was a substitute teacher and had first hand experience in each of the classrooms!
I am a Fort Mill native! My husband Dave and I have been married 15 years and we have 3 children ages 5, 8 and 10. I love lattes, working in my yard and cheering on my kiddos at their sporting activities!
I look forward to watching your child learn and grow this year!
Jaime Barnard
Tuesday Thursday
2 year olds
My name is Jaime Barnard and I’ve been teaching in the Tuesday/Thursday 2’s class since 2019. I joined W.E.E. School as a substitute teacher in 2016 when my youngest entered the 3-year-old class and worked in all the classrooms during that time.
I grew up in Canandaigua, NY, a small town in Western NY. I received my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Oswego State University. I worked in the Insurance Industry before having kids.
My husband, Jeff, and I have 3 children, Madisyn (17), Tyler (15) and Andrew (10).
In my free time I enjoy cheering on all 3 kids on the soccer field, reading a good book and taking walks.
Jen Bolek
Monday Wednesday Friday
2 year olds
My name is Jen Bolek, assistant in the MWF two year old class. I was a sub last year, but this will be my first year teaching at the W.E.E. School. My husband Chris and I have been married for 10 years and have 2 sweet children. My son, Miles, is a W.E.E. School graduate and will be in 1st grade this year. My daughter, Lila, has attended school here since she was two and will be in her last year here in the 4's class.
In 2019, we had the opportunity to move from the suburbs of Chicago, IL to Fort Mill and we are so glad we did! My family and I love to spend our free time outdoors, playing sports and hiking at the Greenway. I look forward to watching your little ones grow and learn this year!
Molly Meier
Tuesday Thursday
2 year olds
My name is Molly Meier and I am excited to be starting my first year at the W.E.E. School! I have been a stay at home mom to my two children for the past 5 years. My son, Ellis, just recently graduated from the W.E.E. School and is headed to Kindergarten, and my daughter, Sutton is currently in the 3's classroom. Prior to staying home, I was an elementary school teacher for 7 years. I taught 2nd and 3rd grade in a district in Minnesota. I received my BA in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa (GO HAWKS!) and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia St. Paul.
I currently reside in Fort Mill with my two children; my husband Brad; and our dog, Eli. In my free time i enjoy exercising, walking my dog and traveling.
I am very excited for this new adventure and can't wait to be a part of your child's early childhood educational experience!
Mallory Capps
Music and Chapel
Hello! My name is Mallory Capps and I am the Music teacher here at St. John's W.E.E. School. I also serve as the Children and Youth Director at St. John's UMC. I have been with the W.E.E. School since February 2022 and have loved every minute. I have all classes once a week so I have the privilege of working with all of our children. In my spare time, I love to cook, go on walks with my dog, Luna, and travel to Walt Disney World. I believe everyone deserves a little magic and music!