Hi! My name is Eilidh and I have been working with children for 6 years, as an intern and then as a teacher. I love it a lot. Every day is magical and I wouldn't change it for the world! I grew up in Australia and moved to Asheville in 2012 to become an Asheville City Schools graduate, and am now proud to work for the same school system. I look forward to more amazing days with amazing children to come!

Hi! My name is Camilla Bellows and I am so excited to be at Asheville Preschool as an Asheville City Schools alum myself. I am passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment that welcomes teachers, students and families to learn, play, and grow together. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Furman University and I am currently in graduate school at Appalachian State University pursuing my Birth through Kindergarten licensure. When I am not in the classroom, I can be found going on walks with friends and family, visiting coffee shops, and taking trips to the farmers market!

I’m in my sixth year of teaching with Asheville City Preschool. I have had the privilege of working with young children for 12 years in a variety of roles. In addition to teaching preschool, I have also provided child care to infants and toddlers, and taught ballet and tap dance lessons to children in preschool and elementary. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts from Ball State University and hold a North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten teaching license from Western Carolina University. I was born and raised in Indiana but I moved to Asheville after graduating from college and I’ve enjoyed living here for over 12 years. In my free time I love being outdoors, working on craft projects, going to see live music, reading, working out, and practicing yoga. On the weekends you can often find me hiking with friends and my sweet rescue dog, Cedar.

Elisa is a native of NC and has lived in Asheville since 1997. She has a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design and a Birth to Kindergarten Degree from Western Carolina University. She has been teaching preschool since 2006 and currently teaches at Isaac Dickson. She loves kayaking and camping with her husband, their 2 boys, and friends.

Hello all, I'm Mishaunta.

Hi, I’m Ms Lauren. I have worked in various early childhood education programs since 2008 and have worked as an Instructional Assistant within the ACS preschool program  since 2013. I have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration. I have a son and a daughter, both teens. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and being outdoors.

Hi! I'm Melody Sentelle. I moved to Asheville from Charlotte in 2020. I taught public preschool for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System for 8 years and I began working for Asheville City Schools in 2021. Asheville is home! I live with my husband, Sam, and our 2 cats, Nettles and Walnut. I love to spend my free time hiking, watching sunrises and sunsets, dancing to live music, and painting with watercolors. I am also studying and learning how to create with stained glass!

Hi, my name is Ana Sparkman and I have been a teacher with Asheville City Schools since 2015.  I decided to return to school and get my Birth-Kindergarten teaching degree from WCU after participating as a parent teacher in my son’s cooperative play school.  I realized that I loved spending my day with young children and wanted to make teaching my career.  I moved to West Asheville in 2003 from Atlanta and feel grateful to work in a school that serves the children and families in my neighborhood. 

I am the mother of a son and daughter who have both attended Asheville City Schools..  When not at work, I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and playing in our beautiful mountains with my family, friends, and dogs.

I’ve been at Asheville City schools since 2011! I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Montreat College. I’ve worked with children from a young age and have a passion to see them achieve new goals. Love seeing them smile and excited about new things! In my free time I enjoy running and doing CrossFit. I love reading too. I also like being out in our wonderful mountains! I have a older sister who moved back from Japan and now closer to NC! She has 2 kids who I love to spend time with! 

Hi! My name is Paula and I’ve been teaching young children for 30 years. I am a graduate of Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I’ve taught kindergarten and first grade but spent half of my career teaching preschoolers at Asheville City Schools Preschool. Previously I was the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for our program and will be going back into the classroom this year due to budget cuts.

My husband Gary and I are “Empty Nesters” and we live in Fletcher. I have 2 daughters. Katie is 20 and lives in Hendersonville and Brianna is 25 living in Raleigh. In my spare time I enjoy making many types of crafts, going to the beach and occasionally joining my husband on his hunting trips in Georgia. I love my job and sharing my joy of teaching with the students and families in our program. I believe that LOVE is the best motivator for learning and growth.

Hi, I am Gina Woody, I have worked in the child care field since 1987. I have worked in the Asheville City Schools since 2000. I am the teacher assistant at Asheville High Pre-k. I love working with the high school students and helping them prepare for a career in Childhood education.

My husband and I have one grandchild. I love spending time with my family, friends, and my church family.  

My favorite quote is from Dr. Suess: “So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains.”

Teaching preschoolers is my joy - I love it!