PPK Teachers & Staff
Maggey Wallace
2-year-old Teacher
I have been in both 2-year-old classrooms and the Wiggles and Tunes teacher starting in 2023. I am married to my high school sweetheart. I graduated from ECU with my marketing degree. I am also a Realtor with the Firm NC. My family attends aSToney Creek Church. I was born and raised in Wayne County. I am a PPK graduate and my mom taught at PPK in the early 2000’s. I have two sons, Liam and Waylon, who have gone and will go through all classes at PPK.
donna strickland
3-year-old Teacher
I grew up right here in Goldsboro. I graduated from high school in 1987, went to college, and then returned. I am happily married and have two great kids, Austin and Emily. Both of my children attended PPK and then I homeschooled them for 10 years. I was a substitute teacher at PPK for six years before I became a teacher here in 2019. PPK means a lot to our family. I am honored to teach the children that are put into my care and it is my hope and prayer that I make a positive impact on each child and family that I have the pleasure to teach. I feel like even though these precious kids might not remember when they are grown, the foundation that I help lay for them will stay with them for their whole lives. That’s what makes my job so rewarding.
Erin Gurley
4-year-old Teacher
I’ve bene blessed to be a part of the PPK crew for 15 years! Experiencing and exploring the world through the hearts and minds of children is the best job ever! My love for children has also led me to volunteer in my home church children’s ministry and support my husband, Brian, throughout his career in youth ministry. I have a 16-year-old son, Landon, and a 7-year-old daughter, Emmy, two dachshunds, and 10 chickens! One of my favorite things is coming to the table with my family at the end of the day. It’s so simple but so special to me. In my 4-year-old class I like to say it gets a little serious and requires more focus because I am preparing your child for kindergarten. However, FUN is a huge priority along with meeting your child in their exact place of need with the upmost love and respect.
Danna Brown
4-year-old Teacher
I’ve been at PPK so long that I can’t recall not being here! I’m an original California girl and the Air Force brought us here. North Carolina is now home! I’ve got three grown children and lots of pets. I’ve loved everything about this wonderful school and staff!
Brittany Guzman
2-year-old Teacher
I taught the 4-year-old class at PPK starting in 2022, and this will be my first year as a 2-year-old teacher. I’ve grown up in Eastern NC and attended the University of Mount Olive for my bachelor’s degree. I taught high school prior to having kids, and then transitioned to teaching littles. I love this stage so much and enjoy getting to watch them learn and grow. I’ve been married to my husband for almost 10 years. We have two kids that have been through or are currently at PPK and a baby that will join us here in a couple of years. We love the PPK family!
Vennie Overman
3-year-old Teacher
I am originally from Texas and I have lived in NC for several years with my husband and our three beautiful daughters, all of whom attended PPK. I’m a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Exercise Science however I have loved the transition to teaching! I am so thankful to stay at home with my kids while also teaching the 3-year-olds at PPK.
Terri Davis
4-year-old Teacher
I teach the 4-year-old 4-day class at PPK. I have an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive. I have been in early childhood education for 29 years. I have been married to my childhood sweetheart for 41 years. We have 3 amazing sons, 3 daughters-in-love, and 9 precious grand blessings. I love the PPK family!
Abbey Steele
Kindergarten Teacher
I am excited to be the kindergarten teacher this year. This is my 10th year teaching. I have previously taught both kindergarten and third grade at Fremont Elementary School. This is my second year teaching at PPK. My goal each year is to create a loving environment where your student feels safe to take the risks necessary to learn. I have a husband, five children, and two pups. All of my childen have either gone through or are currently enrolled at PPK.
Erin Gray
Kindergarten Assistant
I have been part of PPK for over 20 years. I first started volunteering in my mom’s classroom when I was in high school. I then graduated fro nursing school at ECU and continued to help any chance I had. I got married and had two children, both of whom attended PPK. This will be my fifth year as the kindergarten assistant. I enjoy being with the children each day and love seeing their growth through the year!
Dorothy Crocker
Music Teacher
Saralynn Vied
Director
Michelle Sherman
Kindergarten Assistant
I have lived in Goldsboro for 32 years. I have been married to my wonderful hsband for 40 years. We have three daughters and six grandkids. I have 20+ years of preschool experience and have always subbed at PPK. This is my second year working at PPK as a teacher’s assistant and I am looking forward to a great year!
