Meet the people who make Laurelwood feel like home.

Director

Kasey Chesser

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, 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 seven years. While I loved teaching, I felt that pursuing a path in administration would change everything. It would help me make changes in a bigger way—whether in 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 open a new school in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I became the Executive Director. While it was a great experience, the drive was too far. I was excited to relocate closer to home in South Carolina and join the Laurelwood staff.

Being an administrator has helped me see the bigger picture of preschool life. It is inspirational to know that I am making a difference in both children’s and teachers’ lives every day, whether 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.

Pedagogical Coordinator

Whitney Prewit

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 earned a B.A. in Art History from North Carolina State University and a post graduate certificate in Fine Art Restoration and Conservation from the Art Institute of Florence.

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

I am a mother of three and married to a childhood friend. Together, we love spending time on the water, nature adventures, traveling, and making Halloween costumes. I love animals, gardening, and creating art.

Educator

Susan Paschall

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. I love spending time with my family, especially outdoors, cooking, and photography. I also have a love for scarves. I most enjoy spending time with my son Brader, our two cats Noel and Kit Cat, and our dog Simon.

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

Educator

KellyAnne Sullivan

A.A.S., Early Childhood Education

Hi everyone! My name is KellyAnne Sullivan. I was born in Long Island, New York, but have called North Carolina home since I was five. After seeing the relationships, bonds, and life lessons my father created through his school work, 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 children from ages three to eighteen, but the little ones were always my favorite to watch grow and learn as individuals. After that, I found Laurelwood, and it felt like home. I began as the Operations Assistant while pursuing my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

In 2025, I obtained my degree and became the Lead Teacher in the twos classroom. I love being part of the Laurelwood family and learning alongside the children in the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

When I am not at school, I enjoy time with my nephew and niece, family, the beach, and my boyfriend. I am happy to be an active part of the lives of these amazing children as they grow and blossom every day.

Educator

Leah Sinclair

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 children to learn.

I’m from the small town of Pageland, South Carolina. Outside 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 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 will create together!

Operations Assistant

Heather Mogan

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

Hi, I am Heather Mogan. I have over 16 years of experience in early childhood education, including substitute teaching preschool and elementary-age children, tutoring, and more than 14 years teaching four/five-year-olds—my absolute favorite age. I currently serve as an Operations Assistant at Laurelwood, and my favorite place 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 career and led me to assume various roles at Laurelwood. In early 2021, I accepted a teaching position in the Magnolia classroom, and it was the best choice I ever made for my early-childhood education career. I learned more in that time than in all my previous 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 reggae concerts and travel, and our son continues to make us proud. The blooming, curious mind of the preschool years inspired me to return to school in 2011 and learn all I could about early childhood education and child development.

I love experiencing that same magic year after year with children. Children remind us 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.

Educator

Kaiti DiApice

A.A.S., Early Childhood Education

Hello Laurelwood Preschool Families!

My name is Kaiti DiApice, and I am so excited to be a part of the Laurelwood Community Preschool family! Working with young children has always been a passion of mine, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help create a nurturing, engaging, and joyful learning environment for your children.

I have several years of experience in early childhood education, serving in both teaching and leadership roles. My Associate’s Degree is in Early Childhood Education, and I have completed other preschool certifications. Throughout my career, I have loved building meaningful relationships with children and their families while creating hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. I believe every child learns best when they feel safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

Outside of school, I am married to my wonderful husband, and a step mama to a beautiful 10-year-old girl. Much of our free time is spent at the softball field cheering her on, so you could definitely say I'm in my "softball mom" era! When we're not at the ballpark, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, managing my husband's BBQ side hustle, and making memories together.

I look forward to getting to know each of your children and partnering with your family throughout the school year.