Kasey Chesser, Director

B.S., Early Childhood Education

Hello, I am Kasey Chesser, Director at Laurelwood Community Preschool. I graduated from The College of Charleston in 2017, where I received my degree in Early Childhood Education. While in college, I had the honor of working in a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool on campus. I fell in love with teaching at an early age in my life, but this is where I fell in love with the Reggio philosophy. I knew this is where I belonged.

I taught many different age groups for 7 years. While I loved teaching, I felt that pursuing a path in administration would change everything. It would help me to make changes in a bigger way. Whether it be in the classrooms, making families happy, or making the lives of children and staff easier and more exciting. I wanted to use my skill set more directly to help make schools a home away from home.

I received my Level 3 Administration Certificate from South Piedmont Community College. Soon after, I helped to open a new school in Charlotte, N.C. where I became the Executive Director. While it was a great experience for me, ultimately the drive was too far. I was excited to relocate closer to home in S.C. and join the Laurelwood staff!

Being an administrator has helped me to see the bigger picture of preschool life. It is so inspirational to know that I am making a difference in both the children’s and teacher’s lives everyday whether it is big or small. Laurelwood has provided a home away from home for me and so many others, and I cannot wait to see where this journey takes all of us.

Whitney Prewit, Pedagogical Coordinator

B.A., Art History
Post Graduate Certificate, Art Restoration

Hi, I am Whitney Prewitt and am excited to be part of the Reggio-inspired philosophy at Laurelwood. As Pedagogical Coordinator, I work with the educators and children on extending their classroom and outdoor experiences with a focus on the visual arts in alignment with the Reggio Approach. It is inspiring to be part of a learning environment where children are free to express themselves creatively without judgement or restrictions. What a wonderful gift that will be for a generation of lifelong learners!

I have always been in love with art; my favorite childhood activities were visiting art museums and art camps. I got a BA in Art History from North Carolina State University and obtained a post graduate certificate in Fine Art Restoration and Conservation from the Art Institute of Florence.

I moved to Waxhaw in October of 2023 from Franklin, TN. While in Tennessee, I taught art at a Reggio-inspired preschool and out of my home studio.

I’m a mother of three and married to a childhood friend. Our fathers have been friends since they were teens. Together, we love spending time on the water (pools, lakes, rivers, oceans- we don’t care), nature adventures, traveling and making costumes for Halloween. I love animals of all sorts, gardening and creating art.

Susan Paschall, Educator

B.A., Early Childhood Education

Hello! My name is Susan Paschall. I am excited to be joining the Laurelwood Community Preschool family.

I began my teaching career in 2005 after graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. I have been actively working with children since 2006. During my time as an educator, I have come to believe that children learn best in a hands-on environment that is both engaging and interesting. I believe that questions can be both created and answered through exploration and play.

I am originally from Union County, South Carolina but have lived in Union County, North Carolina since 2014. Some things that I love doing are spending time with my family (especially outdoors), cooking and photography. I also have a love for scarves. I most enjoy spending time with my 6-year-old son Brader, our two cats, Noel and Kit Cat, and our dog Simon.

Looking forward to working with the children and families of Laurelwood!

KellyAnne Sullivan, Educator

A.A.S., Early Childhood Education

Hi everyone!

My name is KellyAnne Sullivan, and I was born in Long Island, NY but have called North Carolina home since I was five. We moved here after my dad retired from the NYPD after 20 years, where he now works as a school resource officer at Marvin Ridge High School. After seeing all the relationships and bonds he has created over the years and the life lessons he has taught me, I was inspired to teach children.

Once I knew I wanted to become a teacher, I got a job at the studio where I used to take dance lessons. I taught all ages from 3 to 18 year olds, but the little ones were always my favorite to watch grow and learn as individuals. After my time there, I found Laurelwood, and it felt like home to me. The staff and children were very welcoming, and they all made me feel so comfortable. I began as the Operations Assistant while I was pursuing my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2025, I obtained my degree and became the Lead Teacher in the two’s classroom. I love being a part of the Laurelwood family and learning alongside the children in the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

When I am not at school with children, I’m enjoying the other children in my life: my nephew and niece. I love spending time with my family, going to the beach and hanging out with my boyfriend.

I am so happy to be an active part in the lives of these amazing children as they grow and blossom every day!

Leah Sinclair, Educator

A.A.S., Early Childhood Education

Hello, I’m Leah Sinclair and a Co-Lead Teacher in the fours/fives classroom. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and have spent over a decade teaching in 5-star rated preschools. Being a preschool teacher is truly my passion.

From a young age, I looked up to my grandmother, Elsie, who was a kindergarten teacher. She inspired me to follow in her footsteps and dedicate my life to working with young learners. My goal each day with the children is to love, foster a sense of independence, and inspire the children to learn.

I’m from the small town of Pageland, SC. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and my two dogs, Rossko and Kody. I also love watching movies and being outdoors.

I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of the Laurelwood community and to have the opportunity to help each child grow, explore, and shine. I look forward to all the memories we’ll create together!

Sue Hamrick, Educator

Early Childhood Education Certificates in progress

My name is Sue Hamrick, and I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. I moved to North Carolina 20 years ago and met my husband, Jeff. We have been married for 19 years and have a seventeen-year-old son. I also have two stepchildren with Jeff, and they have made me a proud grandma of three.

I have always been passionate about children and love working with them. I believe it is important for children to be heard and loved away from home the same as they are at home. I spent much of my younger years working with children in a professional setting as well as becoming a nanny for a little boy from the age of six weeks old until he turned three. Also loving animals, I opened a groomery for dogs and cats and spent many years as a business owner. When I left the grooming industry, I transitioned back into teaching and for the past year and a half I have been co-teaching in a Transitional Kindergarten class. I also worked as Head Teacher for the elementary age after school program at this school.

After researching the Reggio Emilia Approach to learning, I knew this type of teaching and exploring the world with children is exactly what I wanted to pursue. I am very excited to be a part of a center that uses this philosophy. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with other teachers who feel the way I do about children and to work with children who always inspire me.

Lucy Langer, Afternoon Care Teacher

B.A., Commercial Art

Hello, I am Lucy Langer and am originally from New York. I am married and have a sweet Lab and talkative African Grey Parrot. In 2018, ago my husband and I moved to Waxhaw from South Florida where we resided for twenty years.

I graduated from Hunter College in New York with a B.A. in Commercial Art. My husband and I have enjoyed many years of photography, even developing black and white photos using our bathroom as our darkroom.

I have been employed at Laurelwood for the past 5 years and have enjoyed watching the children grow and have new experiences. They make me laugh and amaze me with their creativity and how they wholeheartedly interact with nature. I am happy and excited to have the opportunity to share my experiences and wisdom with the precious children of Laurelwood Community Preschool.

Shelby Potter, Afternoon Care Teacher

M. Ed., Elementary Education
B.S., Human and Organizational Development

I have had the pleasure of working at Laurelwood Community Preschool since 2020 after moving to Waxhaw with my husband and two daughters from the Chicago area.

I have an undergraduate degree in Human and Organizational Development and graduate degree in Elementary Education, but I’ve spent the better part of my professional career in the field of early childhood education.

The Reggio philosophy has held a special place in my heart for many years, and I feel lucky to get to spend my afternoons with so many creative and energetic kiddos in such a magical place.

Heather Mogan, Operations Assistant

B.S., Merchandising and Apparel Studies
Early Childhood Education Certificate

Hi, I am Heather Mogan. I have over 16 years’ experience in early childhood education, which includes substitute teaching preschool and elementary age children, tutoring, and over 14 years of teaching four/five-year old's (my absolute favorite age!). I currently serve as an Operations Assistant at Laurelwood, and my favorite place to be is in the classroom learning alongside the children!

In 2017, while teaching at a part-day preschool, I attended an Educator Exchange Day at Laurelwood to learn more about the Reggio Approach. The experience profoundly impacted my teaching career, leading me to assume various roles at Laurelwood since then. In early 2021, I accepted a teaching position in the Magnolia classroom, and it was the best choice I ever made for my ECE career. I learned more in that time than all my years of teaching combined. Laurelwood is truly a gem that sets the standard and serves as a source of inspiration for other schools and educators in the region.

My husband and I enjoy attending reggae concerts and travel. Our 22-year-old son continues to make us proud. My fondest memories of him are remembering the blooming and curious mind of the preschool years. These pivotal and magical years inspired me to go back to school in 2011, long after earning my Bachelor's of Science in Merchandising and Apparel Studies, and learn all I could about the field of early childhood education and child development. I love experiencing the same magic year after year with children!

Children serve as a powerful reminder that true joy often resides in life's simplest pleasures, and that is why the Laurelwood family holds such a special place in my heart.