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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 17 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 18 years with my husband Bryan. We have 2 children, Chandler (26) and Lauren (23). 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.
Darra Dane Brown
Monday-Friday
4 year olds
My name is Darra Dane Brown and I am so excited for my second year of teaching at the W.E.E. School. I love to teach four year and five year olds. We will have many adventures this year as we learn together, play together and explore the world around us. I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and have worked with preschool aged children for over 17 years. I have three daughters ages 12, 10 and 6. This school has such a special place in my heart, my youngest graduated from here, and I am so happy to be a part of this special community now. My family along with our two cats live near downtown Fort Mill. In my spare time I enjoy embroidering, working in my garden, reading and traveling with my family.
Amy Shaheen
Monday-Friday
4 year olds
My name is Amy Shaheen and this is my 15th year teaching at St. John's W.E.E. School! I am the assistant in the Mon-Fri 4's class. This will be my 8th year with the "big kids." I am so grateful to be part of this amazing program! I love working with the children and helping them to prepare to enter kindergarten. I love to see how they grow throughout the year.
I received an English degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and have lived in the Indian Land area for 17 years. My husband and I have been married for 29 years and have four children Nicholas (25), Patrick (23), Matthew (21) and Lizzy (19). Lizzy and Matthew both attended St. John's W.E.E. School. We also have a grumpy cat named Lacey. When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, golfing and doing puzzles. I am looking forward to another great year!
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Janelle McBride
Monday-Thursday
4 year olds
Hello parents! My name is Janelle McBride and I am excited to start my second year teaching at St. John's UMC W.E.E. School. I started subbing at the school two years ago when my son was in the three year-old program. Last year was my first full year teaching at the school. I have been so blessed to join such an amazing team of teachers.
I am originally from Long Island, New York. My husband Greg and I moved here 3 years ago. We have an 8 year old daughter named Gwendolyn, a 5 year old son named Cameron and two 9 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. My favorite tea is the New York 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 the 2's, 3's and the 4 year old program. Speaking of my boys, I am a proud mom of three, ages 17, 14 & 12. 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.
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 and this will be my 4th year at St. John's W.E.E. School. I am also a member at St. John's UMC. I am a native of South Carolina and have lived in Fort Mill for 21 years. I am a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Health Science. My husband, Rhett, and I have 3 children and all are W.E.E. School graduates. Ella is a sophomore at Clemson, Henry is in 11th grade and Luke is in 6th grade. We also have 2 sweet rescue hounds named Otis and Annie. In my free time, I enjoy watching our kids sporting events, going to Clemson football games, spending time with family at the lake, reading and walking trails with my dogs.
Nancy Neal
Monday-Thursday
3 year olds
Hi! My name is Nancy Neal. I am excited to start my 17th 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. Oh! I love my home state! My husband, Craig and I reside in the heart 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!
I have two sons, John and Jacob. John recently wed his beautiful bride, Victoria. I am thrilled to have a sweet daughter! Both Craig and John are Michigan State University alumni. Therefore, our family are big Michigan State followers. Go Green! My son Jacob is a senior at the The Citadel. Go Bulldogs! We also love the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes.
A few of my hobbies include flower gardening, walking and antiquing/thrifting. Some of my favorite things are chocolate, coffee and cheese!
Tonda Reynolds
Monday-Thursday
3 year olds
I am excited to begin a new adventure in the energetic three-year-old classroom! I was blessed to join St. John's UMC W.E.E School staff in 2017 and enjoyed 7 years as a teacher with the 4-year-old age group. In 2024, I began to embark on a career addition outside of school, so I made the decision to transition to an assistant role. I have earned degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies (BS K-8) and Early Childhood Education (MAT). I began my teaching career at the elementary level before having my own children and 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, we found our way to Fort Mill in 2014. We love everything that our beautiful town has to offer! I am looking forward to a memorable year with each of our 3- year -old students.
Suzanne Fisher
Monday Wednesday Friday
3 year olds
Hello! My name is Suzanne Fisher and I am the lead teacher in the Monday/Wednesday/Friday 3 year old class. This is my second year teaching in the 3 year old class, however, I previously taught in the 2 year old classroom for 6 years.
I am originally from Ohio, but have called Fort Mill home for 16 years. I am a graduate of Ohio University and worked as a meeting planner before I had my daughter. My husband and I have one daughter in 8th grade (a W.E.E. School graduate!) and we are active members here at St. John's UMC. Our family enjoys watching sports and spending time around the fire pit together.
I look forward to an amazing year with your children
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 third 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 12 years. Along with our 8year old daughter, we have a 10 year old son and an 12 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 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. I am excited to begin my second year teaching in the two year old classroom. I joined the W.E.E. School as a substitute teacher and gained first hand experience in each of the classrooms!
I am a Fort Mill native! My husband Dave and I have been married 16 years and we have 3 children ages 6, 9 and 11 who are all W.E.E. School graduates! I received a Bachelor's degree from Francis Marion University and worked as a paralegal prior to becoming a stay at home mom. I love lattes, working in my yard and cheering on my kiddos at their sporting activities!
I am excited to get to know your children and look forward to a wonderful year!
Jen Bolek
Monday Wednesday Friday
2 year olds
My name is Jen Bolek, assistant in the MWF two year old class and this will be my second year teaching at the W.E.E. School. My husband Chris and I have been married for 11 years and have 2 sweet children who are both W.E.E. School graduates. My son, Miles, will be in 2nd grade this year and my daughter, Lila, is headed to Kindergarten.
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
Hello WEE School families! My name is Molly Meier and this will be my 2nd year working at St. John’s WEE school. I was an assistant teacher for the 2 year olds last year and will be the lead teacher for the Tuesday/Thursday class this year. Before joining the WEE School staff, I spent 5 years as a stay at home mom to my two children: Ellis, a soon-to-be 1st grader, and Sutton, who will be in the 4s class! Prior to staying home, I was an elementary teacher for 7 years. I have my bachelors in elementary education and a masters of education in curriculum and learning. I live in Fort Mill with my husband and children, but am originally from Iowa/Minnesota! GO HAWKEYES! In my free time I like to exercise, play with my dog, and travel. I am so excited to watch your little ones learn and grow this year!
Liza Mills
Tuesday Thursday
2 year olds
Hi! My name is Liza Mills and I am thrilled to be assisting in the T/Th 2's class at the 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, as a W.E.E. School teacher in the 2 & 4 year old classrooms as well as a kindergarten assistant in two local elementary schools. 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 over 10 years with my husband Ken and our four children: Aaron (23), Addison (16), Noah (14) and Grady (13). Noah and Grady are W.E.E. School graduates! I am looking forward to a great year with your children!
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!
