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 (14), Ellison (12), John (8) and Cayden (6) here alongside of her husband of 18 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.  This is Amy’s 6th year as Director of Waypoint Preschool; the best six years in education so far!  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 Armacost has taught at Waypoint for seven years. She 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.  When not watching her kids in their sports and school activities, she enjoys reading, cooking, and watching sports with her family.​

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

Joe was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida but grew up right here in Durham, North Carolina, living in this area for 48 years.  Joe has been teaching preschool for 18 years.  His first twelve were at a wonderful local preschool that unfortunately had to close.  Joe feels that he “found a new home to teach at as well as a wonderful new family. God has truly blessed me with my job here at Waypoint Preschool.” When Joe is not at school, he is at home taking care of his family. While Joe is a part time teacher, he is a full time Dad.  His wife, Michelle, is a Nurse Manager at Duke University Medical Center on the Pediatric Units where she has worked for 30 years. Joe and Michelle have been happily married for seven years and have an ten year old daughter named Megan and a 16 year old son named Joshua. Both of them keep them very busy with all of their afterschool activities.

Joe is “excited to be teaching the Koalas again this year with a co-lead teacher, Senora Winslow.” He is “really looking forward to getting to know my new students and all the FUN we are going to have learning many new things together.”​​

Jessalyn moved to Durham last year from 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 is “looking forward to meeting everyone here at Resurrection... especially my students!”

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

Myra starts her 7th year at Waypoint preschool as the assistant in the 1’s class.  She has been teaching preschool for 11 years now, teaching ages 12 months to 4 years. 

Myra is originally from Henderson, N.C where her parents still reside, but currently lives in Durham, NC.  Myra has two sisters, one daughter, grandsons, a wonderful fiancé, and a 13 pound cat named Kelly, who is the queen!

Myra attended UNC and is a Certified Dental Assistant. A few years ago, God prompted her to "explore her dreams" and work with children, so the rest is history!

Additionally, Myra worked as a para professional, mentoring and guiding troubled teens. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, cooking/baking, movies, reading, travelling, and spending time with the family... Oh, and enjoying dark chocolate!   When working with children, Myra feels it's important for a teacher to offer patience, understanding, and a sense of humor.  She feels “blessed to have this wonderful opportunity and is looking forward to meeting all the "Little Ones" and sharing the Love of Christ!”

Diane is excited to return to Waypoint Preschool for her fifth year.  This will be her sixth year as lead teacher in the 1's class after assisting in the 3's class in 2014-2015.  She loves the one year old "Ducklings,” watching them grow and learn at such an amazing rate as they are so much FUN to work with.
Diane was born in Laurel, Mississippi and has two "WONDERFUL" sisters, Judy and Pam, plus a "TERRIFIC" mother.  She grew up on a farm, so of course, loves 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.  He lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife Nicole and their puppy Perry.  They are the joy of their lives. 

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.” 

This is Michelle's ninth year at Waypoint.  She was born and raised in Northern New Jersey but has been a resident of North Carolina for over 22 years.  She lives in Durham with her husband and two children. She has been teaching preschoolers for over 19 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 I am new to biking. 

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

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. She is the mother one girl, Raina.

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

Kathy will be joining us for her sixth year at Waypoint as a Co-Lead teacher of the 4 yr. old class with Mr. Joe, and will also teach Spanish classes thought the school year.

Kathy relocated to Durham this summer after commuting from Wilson to teach at Waypoint Preschool for the past year.  While this will be her second year at Waypoint Preschool, she has been in the teaching profession for 30+ years (shhhhh…).  God has blessed Kathy with the love of teaching and wonderful opportunities throughout her years.  Kathy began teaching Spanish in Chapel Hill after graduation from Meredith College and has continued teaching around the state in 3 yr. olds, Pre-K, and Kindergarten-12th grade classes.  It is her joy to be back at Resurrection Preschool this year!

Kathy is blessed with 4 children and 7 grandchildren, with 3 of her children and 5 of the 7 grandchildren living in Chapel Hill/Durham!  La vida es buena!  Life is good. 

Kathy plans to teach the 4 yr. old class bilingual in Spanish so the children will pick up the language quickly.  So keep up!  Kathy loves to teach, recognizing that each child that walks through her door is a gift from God.

Rebekah has been at Waypoint preschool for almost 7 years now, as a parent!  She is married to Charlie and they have 4 children, Jackson (9), Nash (7), Theo (5) and Winnie (2) and live just up the road from preschool.  They are the owner / operators of the Jersey Mike's Sub shops in Chapel Hill. Rebekah grew up in Wilson, NC and attended UNC-Chapel Hill for journalism.  She worked at the NC High School Athletic Association before staying at home with her children. She is so looking forward to loving on your children this year.  If she doesn't Señora Winslow (her mom...) will get on her!

Rebekah has been at Waypoint preschool for almost 7 years now, as a parent!  She is married to Charlie and they have 4 children, Jackson (9), Nash (7), Theo (5) and Winnie (2) and live just up the road from preschool.  They are the owner / operators of the Jersey Mike's Sub shops in Chapel Hill. Rebekah grew up in Wilson, NC and attended UNC-Chapel Hill for journalism.  She worked at the NC High School Athletic Association before staying at home with her children. She is so looking forward to loving on your children this year.  If she doesn't Señora Winslow (her mom...) will get on her!