Waypoint preschool staff

Living in Durham for the most of her life, Amy considers herself a Durham native.  She loves Durham and hopes to raise her 4 children Mckenna (15), Ellison (13), John (9) and Cayden (7) here alongside of her husband of 19 years, Cleve.  In addition to being a mom, wife, and partner to a church planter, Amy has taught in various capacities over the past 19 years.  She has had the privilege of teaching both elementary and middle school, preschool, and working as a children’s minister.  Directing allows Amy to do what she loves… equip and resource children, teachers and families so that children and their whole families can thrive and meet their fullest potential.  While Amy keeps things running behind the scenes at Waypoint Preschool, her best days are found among the children and their families.  She looks forward to walking with you in navigating the social, emotional, spiritual and academic needs of your children.

Hobbies: strolling or biking downtown, camping, hanging with friends, eating and cooking great food.

​Caroline has lived in Durham with her husband and 3 children for 16 years, returning to her home state after a long sojourn in Ohio and Delaware for college, graduate school and jobs. 

She loves children’s literature and incorporating great stories and imagination games at Circle Time with her Twos.  She is active in her church, rarely misses her daily walk and enjoys reading, cooking, and watching sports with her family.

A native of Flagstaff, Arizona, Jessalyn received her degree in Art Education from Northern Arizona University. While in Arizona she taught middle school and high school Visual Arts at BASIS Flagstaff Charter School. Before that, Jessalyn was the Lead Teacher for the 3 and 4 Year old class at Pinecone Preschool. 

She loves children and enjoys being creative and silly with them. Jessalyn and husband Jeff are blissfully busy with their newest addition to the family, daughter Rosalie.

Hobbies: theatre, pottery, painting, playing guitar, hiking, and reading.​​

Diane was raised in Mississippi with two wonderful sisters, Judy and Pam, by a terrific mother. Growing up on a farm led to a lifelong love of the outdoors.

After graduation from Methodist University, earning a BA Degree in Early Childhood Education, Diane began a teaching career that lasted for 30+ years.  During those years she worked with children preschool through fourth grade. She is grateful to continue her life’s work here at Waypoint Preschool.  The excitement, energy, and curiosity of little ones make it all worth while.

Diane and her husband, Brad, have one son, Brett.  Diane loves the one year old 'Ducklings,' watching them grow and learn at such an amazing rate, they are so much fun to work with.

Hobbies: Traveling, jogging, gardening, cooking and reading.

Yvonne is from Boston, MA but has lived here in Durham, NC since 1991. She is married to Luke and has one daughter named Tarrah.  While living in Boston, Yvonne worked at an investment firm for 14 years. 

Upon arriving in North Carolina, Yvonne was a private childcare provider for 20 years in her own home. In 2011, Yvonne joined the Waypoint Preschool family!

Yvonne is “EXCITED to have the opportunity to LOVE on the two-year-olds, as well as being a part of their development.” 

Michelle was born and raised in Northern New Jersey but has been a resident of North Carolina for over 23 years.  She lives in Durham with her husband and two children. She has been teaching preschoolers for over 20 years and recently received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from UNCG. 

Michelle says, "I believe it is my calling to work with young children and I am extremely blessed to work with a wonderful staff and caring families.  I am very excited to see what my students will teach me this year!"

Hobbies:  Reading, walking, hiking, camping, kayaking and biking. 

Autumn Rainey is a Greensboro native who is known for being a versatile as well as dedicated performing artist. While she excels in vocal performance, she also has years of experience playing flute and piano. She is a recent graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she majored in Jazz studies and was a member of the Vocal Jazz ensemble. Prior to that, Autumn was a member of the family band, Rainstorm, that performed together for six years all around the east coast, while also being a member of the Triad Youth Jazz and Blues Society, located in Greensboro North Carolina. 

Autumn's accomplishments include features in the North Carolina Central University vocal Jazz Ensemble CD "Take Note," solo performance in "The Jazz" at Lincoln Center Rose Theatre, and a feature on the soundtrack of the HBO film The Immortal story of Henrietta Lacks. Autumn now works as a professional musician in the triangle area. Autumn is mother to daughter, Raina, and she and her husband are expecting a child this summer.

Autumn's hobbies are dancing, drawing, and taking nature walks.​

Tammy moved to Durham, NC with her husband, Pete, to be closer to their granddaughters.  She was a resident of Southern New Jersey for 56 years prior to moving to North Carolina, and spent 15 years working for the agricultural department in New Jersey.

Tammy spent many years working with children through church as well as in a public & private school setting. She enjoys her time spent teaching children, reading, scrapbooking and going to the beach. 

Maggie was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and moved to North Carolina 6 years ago. While in California, she was a Preschool and 2nd grade teacher. She obtained her degree from Cal State Northridge with a focus on Early Childhood development and Adolescent Behavior. She and her husband Todd, have 3 beautiful children, Isaak-14, Evan-8, Milani-5. 

Hobbies: traveling with family, skincare, nutrition, and DIY home projects. 

Lisa is beginning her sixth year as a Waypoint parent, and now her first year as an assistant teacher! Originally from Oklahoma, Lisa received her degree in elementary education from Oklahoma State University. Soon after graduating, she moved to Durham where she taught third grade for five years before staying home with her three kids. Lisa is married to Charles and they have three active kids: David (6),  Abigail (4) and Bennett (1).  In addition to teaching, Lisa enjoys spending time on the lake, helping out with high school youth group at church and building puzzles. Lisa is excited to be back in the classroom this year with your sweet kids!