Susan Wilkinson
Miss Susan works with two year olds five mornings a week, with Maria Coble in the MW twos and with Miss Dodi in the TTh twos and the Friday playgroup. She was a favorite substitute for us before joining our staff. Susan was originally from Charlotte, graduating from West Charlotte High School. She received a BA in Elementary Education from UNC – Charlotte and did post graduate work there also. She is a member at Front Street UMC where she has worked with children of all ages in Sunday School, Children’s Church and Vacation Bible School. She and her husband have two sons, both of whom attended our playschool. She also served on our Playschool Parent Board for three years.
Dodi Beamon
Miss Dodi teaches twos on Tuesdays and Thursdays, working with Miss Susan. She and her husband, Michael, have two daughters who attended Front Street Playschool. She has recently completed a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Jennifer McGill
Miss Jennifer works with Karen Martindale in a the two year classes five days a week.
Hi, I’m Jennifer McGill, and I am thrilled to be a part of Front St. UMC playschool. I have an MBA from Elon University, and a Bachelor’s degree from NC State. I am married to Jim McGill, Jr., a teacher and coach at Williams High School, and we have a son, Andrew who attended Front St. UMC playschool. I have two amazing stepchildren Jack and Kate who keep us busy with their activities. Jim and I love spending time with family, being involved in our community and watching our children grow and learn.
Tonya Joyner
Miss Tonya will be teaching five mornings a week, in both the MWF and TTh three year old classes working with Bobbi Jean Williams .
My name is Tonya Joyner and I live in Elon with my husband, Jim, and our three children, William, Thomas and Emma Kate. I grew up in Johnston County, which is just east of Raleigh, and I am a graduate of UNC-CH. I am looking forward to another great year at Front Street.
Staci Poplin
Miss Staci teaches four year olds with Tammy Woody on MWF. She is an Alamance County native who graduated from UNC-G with a major in Elementary Education, a minor in English and K-12 liscensure. She has taught previously in our program, and at both Eon Elementary and Highland Elementary Schools. Staci has two sons: Ethan, a Front Street graduate, and Logan, who will be in our threes this school year. Staci is also the past secretary of our Parent Board.
Mechelle Mullis
Miss Mechelle will work with Miss Heather in the 5 day four year old class.
I have lived in Burlington most of my life. I married my childhood sweetheart (Mike) many years ago. We have three fantastic children together; a daughter, Bri, and two sons, Dylan and Chance. Our family also includes a very feisty Westie named Java, a parakeet named Gabbie and many aquatic animals in three aquariums (too many to list). I was a stay at home mom for many years with my own children. I have always felt that God lead me to Front Street Playschool. I am a very patient, energetic, flexible person. This comes in very handy working with the four year olds! While working at Front Street I have completed the NC Early Childhood Credential. Front Street is a wonderful place to work; we are family, not just co-workers. We care about each other just like we care about your children. We nurture and grow each and every day at Front Street. As a parent and a teaching assistant, I have always thought that playschool is the stepping stone that builds the foundation for all further learning.
Tammy Woody
Miss Tammy assists Miss Staci on MWF.
My name is Tammy Woody. I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC. I have three brothers and one sister. I am married to Keith Woody. We have two boys, Austin and Chase. I worked for Labcorp for three years until my first child was born; then I became a stay at home mom. Both of my children went through the Front Street Playschool program. We became a part of Front Street in 2002 and I just couldn’t leave! I started working at Front Street in 2008. Best decision I’ve ever made! I consider myself as being fair and fun, and I love to read and sing to the children. I thank God for Front Street Playschool every day!
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Bobbi Jean Williams
Bobbi Jean began working at Front Street last year as our in-house-sub/Jill-of-all-trades, going wherever she was needed. She did a fantastic job. This year she will be working with Tonya Joyner in both the MWF and TTh three year old classes. Bobbi Jean is an Alamance County native. She is certified in Effective Teacher Training.
Our Wonderful Music Teacher
Joyce Smith
When I retired, after 33 years in the public schools, Front Street Playschool was the farthest thing from my mind, Who says “you can’t teach an old dog (that would be me) new tricks?” Playschool has afforded me the opportunity to learn something new. I have the utmost respect for our playschool teachers as I watch and listen to how they interact with two, three, and four year olds. They have taught me so much! I would also add that I have become very attached to these little ones. I have left their rooms many times with tears in my eyes over something that was said. Their honesty is quite humbling! I perceive my job to be more than just teaching a new song. I share my love of music with the Front Street Playschool family just two mornings a week. I believe the enjoyment of music comes from being a participant so my goal is to plan activities that will engage every child. We smile and we laugh as we make music. We become friends and quickly learn that each of us is important. My short time at playschool each week challenges me to “train up a child in the way he should go.” I am quite involved as a volunteer with the music ministry of my church. Singing in the choir, handbells, instrumental ensemble, and children’s music require lots of rehearsals. These are very supportive groups of people with whom I enjoy spending time. I also love to read and “play” with African violets. Mr. Smith and I have been married 43 years. Our three children (plus a son-in-law and daughter-in-law) would probably be what I enjoy talking about most. As a family we have grown up around baseball and also watching college basketball – still two of my favorite things. Miss Joyce loves to get in the kitchen and make a carrot cake or fry chicken when we all get together.