Meet Our Team
My son graduated from Preschool for the Arts in 2017, and he had been there since he was 2. He has learned so much more than I could have ever imagined and it was through PLAY! They have art, music, and dance! It’s great! We have had some bumps along the way but they have worked with us. I will say specifically that I don’t feel there is a better group of K4 teachers around here better than the teachers that teach that class at APA. My son amazes me with the things he knows that he learned at school!
Miss Barbara – Barbara has been the director of Preschool for the Arts since 2021. Prior to that she subbed in preschool and in camps. Mis Barbara has a master’s degree in early childhood education with a specialist certificate in literacy. She worked as a high school English teacher for 15 years and as an elementary school literacy specialist for 3. Both of her daughters dance at APA and when she’s not up front behind the desk, you can usually find her in the lobby and at all of the APA events. In addition to her two daughters she has a son who attends Green Hope High School. Barbara is also a photographer, creative writer and aspiring artist. She loves to read, watch movies, and drink coffee!
Miss Amanda comes to Preschool for the Arts at APA as an experienced teacher who has previously taught students ranging in ages from preschool to high school. She received her Masters Degrees in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-12) from West Virginia University in 2007 and immediately moved to North Carolina to begin her teaching career with Wake Co Public Schools. Amanda loves teaching preschool because there are so many ways to play and learn, and watching the kids discover something new for the first time is an amazing experience! Amanda lives in Apex with her husband, John, and two children — Jolynn (age 12) and Mylan (age 8). In her free time, Amanda loves to read, snuggle her cats, or head to the beach in the family’s yellow Jeep!
Miss Maddy has been enjoying working with kids for over 20 years. She loves discovering how each child uniquely processes their world through play and creativity. Her favorite thing about preschool is the excitement kids have as they build their skills and confidence.This is Maddy’s first year full time at Preschool for the Performing Arts, but is a familiar face as a substitute teacher and a former Preschool for the Arts parent. Maddy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver with a focus in interpersonal communications. Maddy lives in Cary with her husband, 2 kids, and 2 dogs. You will most likely find them on the greenway or doing arts and craft projects. Maddy has a passion for travel and culture. She has visited 27 countries and has lived in 8 different states and 4 countries.
Miss Pam has been a parent at Preschool for the Arts for 3 years and I very excited to transition to a teaching role. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish linguistics from UNC-Chapel Hill and will begin working towards a Birth through Kindergarten licensure in the spring. Pam’s 2 daughter’s have both attended Preschool for the Arts and both enjoy dancing at APA. Pam loves seeing the kids build lasting friendships and develop a sense of community as the year progresses. She lives in Cary with her husband and 2 daughters and she enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops and listening to true crime podcasts.
Ms. Rui is a dedicated, nurturing preschool educator with many years of bilingual teaching experience in the U.S. and abroad. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English (earned in China) and dual associate degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science. Passionate about play-based learning, creativity, and cultural exploration, she believes every classroom is a place where curiosity leads to discovery and every child can shine in their own way. Outside the classroom, Rui enjoys painting, reading, crocheting, and traveling with her husband and their daughter, Amelia (age 5). Her love of exploring different cultures brings a warm, inclusive perspective to her teaching, helping children grow with wonder and confidence.
Miss. Tifany is our floating assistant teacher, most often supporting the 2s class and our preschool day camps. She is currently studying nursing at Wake Tech Community College and serves in the U.S. Army Reserve on weekends. Before joining us, Tifany worked at the Knightdale YMCA as a child care teacher. As an artist and experienced face painter, she loves bringing creativity into the classroom