Kasey Chesser, Director

B.A., 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.

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!

Oksana Seldiukova, Educator

B.A., Pedagogy and Methodology of Secondary Education

Hi Laurelwood families!

My name is Oksana Seldiukova, and I am originally from Ukraine. I have been living in America for five years and can speak Ukrainian, Russian, and English. I graduated from Pedagogical University in Ukraine and worked with middle school students for 16 years and can’t imagine my life without school and kids. In the USA, I have experience working at child development centers and am looking forward to continuing my career at Laurelwood Community Preschool.

Helping children (and their families) is the most rewarding job I can think of! Knowing that my job is to help kids achieve their full potential and to help them feel happier and better about themselves brings a smile to my face. I love finding an individual approach to each child and helping them grow as a unique person.

I have a husband and two daughters. We love to travel to the ocean and collect seashells. I dream of having a farm with horses and plenty of animals someday. And most importantly, I pray that the war will stop in Ukraine and that Ukrainian kids will live in a peaceful world.

Leah Sinclair, Educator

A.A., Early Childhood Education in progress

Hello, I am Leah Sinclair, and I will be a co-lead teacher in the pre-k classroom. I am so excited to join this wonderful school and get to know everyone. I have been working with young children for almost ten years at five-star rated preschools and have obtained my Early Childhood Education Certificate, Preschool Certificate, and Infants, Toddlers, and Twos Certificate. I am close to completing my A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education.

Teaching young minds has forever been a passion of mine. I have always looked up to my grandmother, Elsie, who was a kindergarten teacher. Because of her example, I wanted to follow in her footsteps and work in the field of education. My goal is to teach, love, and inspire!

I live in the small town of Pageland, S.C. and enjoy spending time with my family and my two dogs, Rossko and Kody. I love watching movies but also enjoy being outdoors. Can’t wait to make a positive impact in this amazing school!

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. Five years 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.