THE EPISCOPAL DAY TEAM

As a small school, our strength is in our people. The educators and staff at EDS bring not only experience and excellence to the classroom, but also compassion, creativity, and a deep care for each child. It’s more than a team. It’s a community.

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

What a blessing it is to walk through the red doors of Episcopal Day School each day…a school that recognizes and celebrates the inherent worth and needs of each child. An EDS education is about much more than just academics. Thanks to our school’s plentiful experiential learning opportunities, active character education program, and an encouraging, supportive faculty, the mind, body, and spirit of every student is nurtured daily. We know our students and families well—which is why we can support them so thoroughly through the growth and development that happen during these extraordinary early years.

In the Episcopal tradition, we worship together to grow spiritually, gathering in Chapel every Tuesday and Thursday for prayer and thanksgiving for God’s blessings in our lives. We embrace diversity in our school community, enhancing the quality of the education that EDS provides and the development of well-rounded people. We explore Christianity as it relates to the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23) and the world around us to develop an understanding and respect of people and cultures. We serve the world around us by responding to the needs of others through community service, instilling a sense of lifelong responsibility for the world God has entrusted to our care.

Our goal is to develop habits of work and habits of mind in our students to prepare them for the world they will be entering. Our success is reflected in the many graduates who return to campus to visit, volunteer, and tell us of their comfort and success in continued education, the work force, and ultimately in their communities.

We hope you will visit our campus and give us the opportunity to show you our comprehensive program in action. You will see engaged and excited students who truly love learning and being at school. Please join us on this exciting journey.

Warmly,

Jill Connett, Ed.D.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

Canyn Russell

Preschool Teacher

With a degree in early childhood education from Wake Forest, Canyn has over 30 years of experience in preschool and pre-K classrooms. She’s passionate about early developmental milestones and brings both professional expertise and the perspective of a mother of three grown daughters.
Email: crussell@episcopalday.org

Katie Bradford

Kindergarten Prep Teacher

Now in her sixth year at EDS, Katie brings over 16 years of teaching experience—most in Kindergarten Prep. A former EDS parent herself, she loves guiding young learners through their social, emotional, and academic growth.
Email: kbradford@episcopalday.org

Casey Henderson

Kindergarten Prep Teacher

With a degree in Child Development from Campbell University, Casey has 10 years of experience in preschool and Kindergarten Prep classrooms. Now in her fourth year at EDS, she’s passionate about helping young children grow, explore, and learn.
Email: chenderson@episcopalday.org

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Jenifer Risseler

Kindergarten Prep Teacher

Jenifer holds a BS in Education from BGSU and has spent 16 years teaching in early childhood, including 13 at EDS. She’s passionate about fostering independence and character in her students through the Fruits of the Spirit.
Email: jrisseler@episcopalday.org

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Nina Hines

Extended Day Staff

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Alanis Sloan

Preschool Assistant

Born and raised in Southern Pines, Alanis studied Early Childhood and has worked with children since high school. She’s passionate about supporting young learners and excited to begin her first year at EDS.

Susan White

Kindergarten Prep Teacher

Susan holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and brings 12 years of preschool teaching experience to her first year at EDS. A recent Moore County transplant, she’s passionate about early learning and excited to be part of the school community.

Kathryn Sabata

Preschool Assistant

A Southern Pines native and EDS alum, Kathryn is in her fourth year on staff. She holds a BS in Communications from Appalachian State and has years of experience working with young children through teaching and parenting.
Email: ksabata@episcopalday.org

Elaine King

Kindergarten Prep Assistant

Breanna McLeod

Kindergarten Prep Assistant

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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Jen Barton

Kindergarten Teacher

Now in her 10th year at EDS, Jennifer has taught both ECP and kindergarten, with previous experience in Moore County Schools. Originally from Chicago, she holds a Master’s in Teaching and is a proud mom of three college-age kids—and a big fan of the Cubs and Tar Heels!
Email: jbarton@episcopalday.org

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Jan Gatti

Kindergarten Teacher

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Laura McLester

Kindergarten Assistant

Laura holds a degree in Intermediate Education and brings decades of experience—from founding and directing a preschool to teaching at the college level. After retiring, her passion for working with students brought her to EDS, where she’s excited to support both students and staff.

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Kelley Adams

First Grade Teacher

Kelley brings 28 years of teaching and leadership experience across grades PreK–6 to her third year at EDS. With a background in education, science, and child development, she’s taught in six states and held roles from classroom teacher to Lower School Division Head. She’s excited to love and lead this year’s first-grade family.
Email: kadams@episcopalday.org

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Amy Smith

First Grade Teacher

With over 12 years of teaching experience in Louisiana, Georgia, and North Carolina, Amy has led classrooms from Pre-K3 through 2nd grade. She loves being part of the Pinehurst and EDS community, where kindness and a love of learning thrive.
Email: asmith@episcopalday.org

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Emily Schwerin

Second Grade Teacher

Emily holds a BS in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts from Central Michigan University and is beginning her fourth year at EDS. After moving from Michigan to North Carolina in 2016, she and her family fell in love with Moore County and made it their forever home. Teaching second grade is especially meaningful to her, as it was the grade she enjoyed most during her student teaching. She’s passionate about helping students grow into the best versions of themselves.
Email: eschwerin@episcopalday.org

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Sarah Kenthack

Second Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Sarah Kenthack. I am beyond thrilled to be teaching second grade here at Episcopal Day School. I attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, earning my B.S. degree, magna cum laude. My education, however, began right here at EDS in Southern Pines! I am so thankful to the Lord that He brought me back to this special school, and to Moore County! When I’m not teaching, you will most likely find me either spending time with family and friends, painting, or walking my Labrador retriever, Trooper.
Contact: skenthack@episcopalday.org

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Kristy Pfeiffer

Fourth Grade Teacher

Kristy is in her third year teaching 4th grade at EDS, bringing experience from multiple states, grade levels, and certifications. She views teaching in Christian schools as a ministry—striving to show God’s love, provide spiritual leadership, and teach with excellence in every subject.
Email: kpfeiffer@episcopalday.org

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Cynthia Carrick

Third Grade Teacher

Cynthia brings 34 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools in Nevada and North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Youngstown State University and a Master’s in Elementary Curricular Studies and Library Sciences from UNLV. Now living in Sanford with her husband and cat, she’s excited to join the EDS community and connect with students and families.
Email: ccarrick@episcopalday.org

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Amanda Belton

Fourth Grade Teacher

Amanda, originally from Indiana, holds a degree from Purdue and will complete her Master’s from UNC Pembroke in 2025. A strong advocate for STEM education, she incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math into her classroom and leads an after-school robotics club.
Email: abelton@episcopalday.org

Stefany Sproul

Third Grade Teacher

Stefany holds a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has 10 years of teaching experience, including time in Thailand and in U.S. classrooms from elementary to middle school. Passionate about fostering both confidence and compassion in her students, she’s excited to bring creativity, curiosity, and connection to her 3rd-grade classroom at EDS.
Email: ssproul@episcopalday.org

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Ashleigh Mann

Fifth Grade Teacher

Ashleigh is a 5th-grade reading and social studies teacher in her 10th year of teaching. She holds a bachelor’s in English Language Arts Education with a minor in Classical Humanities from Miami University in Ohio. With experience primarily at the middle school level, she focuses on preparing students for the next stage while fostering a love for reading and writing.
Email: amann@episcopalday.org

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Bo Boals

Fifth Grade Teacher

Contact:
bboals@episcopalday.org

SPECIALISTS

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Wanda Banks

Spanish Teacher

Wanda has been teaching at EDS since 2014. Originally from Puerto Rico, she moved to the U.S. for college and later pursued a career with the federal government before returning to the classroom. She’s passionate about advocating for children and believes every child deserves love and nurturing.
Email: wbanks@episcopalday.org

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Susie Boals

Librarian

Susie has served as EDS librarian since 2008. Originally from Cincinnati, she loves helping students discover books they’ll enjoy and is proud to oversee a collection of nearly 7,000 titles. She recently introduced a student book exchange to keep the love of reading growing on campus.
Email: sboals@episcopalday.org

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Tracy Corbett

Technology Coordinator

Tracy has been EDS’s Technology Coordinator for 25 years, overseeing all devices and programs that keep the school plugged in and connected. She’s passionate about integrating new technologies to enhance learning and is proud to be part of a true “Gator family.”
Email: tcorbett@episcopalday.org

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Ashleigh Corsino

Art Teacher

Ashleigh is a lifelong artist who works primarily in soft pastel and watercolor. She holds a Master’s in Family Therapy and has taught youth art classes across Moore County. An active member of the Artists League of the Sandhills, she’s excited to share her creativity and passion for the arts with EDS students.
Email: acorsino@episcopalday.org

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Lisa Gessner

Music Teacher

Lisa has taught music at EDS for over 20 years. A Berklee College of Music graduate in Music Composition, she’s a singer/songwriter who has performed across the U.S. and Europe. Passionate about fostering creativity in children, she incorporates the Orff Schulwerk approach into her teaching. Email: lgessner@episcopalday.org

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Sarah Hopkins

Physical Education Teacher

Sarah, EDS’s Physical Education teacher, grew up in Southern Pines and is passionate about teaching children the value of movement, nutrition, and teamwork. Outside of school, she enjoys competing in triathlons, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Email:

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Lucy Noble

Sacred Studies Teacher

Lucy is in her fourth year teaching Sacred Studies at EDS, where both of her children once attended. She holds a BA in Bible and Religion with a concentration in Ministry to Children and is passionate about making Scripture come alive for her students.
Email: lnoble@episcopalday.org

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Lauren Hunt

Longleaf Academy Teacher

With 15 years of teaching experience, Lauren is passionate about literacy and helping every child succeed. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher in North Carolina after earning her degree from Salve Regina University and later completed a master’s in reading education. Now a learning specialist, she supports students of all ages through individualized, multisensory instruction, including the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Email:

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Brooke Carubba

Resource Support Coordinator

Brooke holds a degree in Sociology and Elementary Education from Colorado College and a master’s in Special Education from Lesley University. With 17 years of experience in both independent and public schools, she has taught multiple grade levels and served as a special education teacher and reading specialist. She’s excited to be part of the EDS community and help students reach their full potential.
Email: bcarubba@episcopalday.org

Jill Dejak

Longleaf Academy Director

EXTENDED DAY

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Lisa Hilt

Extended Day Director

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Kaylee McClay

Extended Day Staff

Tamla Long

Extended Day Staff

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Chloe Modlin

Extended Day Staff

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Natasha Plair

Extended Day Staff

STAFF

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Jill Connett

Head of School

Jill began her teaching career in 1989 and, as a military spouse, has taught in three countries and six states, working with students from preschool through college in a variety of roles. After moving 10 times in 25 years, she and her husband have made Southern Pines their permanent home, with their son now serving in the Army. She is grateful to be part of EDS, where there is a true commitment to developing the whole child in a supportive, enthusiastic community.
Email: jconnett@episcopalday.org

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Jill Hutchison

Assistant Head of School

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Sabrina Laws

Administrative Assistant

Sabrina is the Administrative Assistant at EDS and enjoys building connections with students and families. Originally from Louisiana, she holds a B.S. from the University of Southern Mississippi. She loves gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and three dogs.
Email: eds@episcopalday.org

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Richard Lyles

Custodian

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Julie McDonald

Business Assistant

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Steve Millender, II

Chaplain

Now in his fourth year as chaplain at EDS, Steve is passionate about helping students live out Jesus’ Greatest Commandment—to love God and one another. A lifelong Episcopalian, he grew up in North Carolina and has served in youth ministry and children’s worship for many years, most recently at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where he helped grow the Alleluia Chapel program from just a few children to nearly 20 each week.
Email:

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Angela Scott

Business Manager

Angela is beginning her 21st year as finance manager at EDS. Originally from Spartanburg, SC, she grew up in Southern Pines and is proud that her children and grandson are EDS graduates. A sports enthusiast, she loves cheering on her family’s basketball and football teams.
Email: ascott@episcopalday.org

Rebecca Scogin

Development Director

Donna Siler

Co-Lunch Coordinator

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Rachel Stone

Co-Lunch Coordinator

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Nancy Thrasher

Administrative Support Assistant

Nancy is the Administrative Support Assistant at EDS and has been part of the school community for over 25 years as a parent, grandparent, teacher, and administrator. She enjoys spending time in the ECP classrooms and getting to know the youngest learners.
Email: nthrasher@episcopalday.org