• Lead Teachers:

    Audrey Fant

    Hello! My name is Audrey Fant. This is my 18th year teaching kindergarten and my 16th year at Whitaker!  I received my B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

     

    Holly Kaczmarek

    My name is Holly Kaczmarek.  I have been teaching in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools for the past 18 years. I have been a part of the Whitaker family since 2008. In that time, I have had the privilege of teaching First grade, a K/1 combination class and of course Kindergarten! Prior to being at Whitaker, I also taught three years of Kindergarten at Middle Fork Elementary.  When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband Joshua and our two beautiful daughters Taylor (10) and Alyssa (4). We also have two spoiled cats and a puppy named Lincoln!

     

    Kim Fansler

    My name is Kim Fansler.  I have my degree in early childhood education from Clemson University.  I have seven years experience teaching first grade and twenty-three years teaching kindergarten.  I am married to Andy and we have two sons and two dogs.  My sons are Drew and Ty.  They both attended Whitaker Elementary.  Drew graduated from the University of Virginia, and Ty is currently attending Clemson University.  I love learning about different practices and approaches to keep our community of learners engaged and moving forward.

     

    Jessica Raye

    My name is Jessica Raye and this is my 23rd year teaching and my 20th year teaching here at Whitaker Elementary. I spent 14 years in First Grade and this is my sixth year in Kindergarten. In my spare time, I enjoy family activities, reading, and shopping.

     

    Hannah Plaxe

    Hi! My name is Hannah Womack Plaxe, and I will be teaching Kindergarten again this year! This is my tenth year teaching, and my sixth year as a Whitaker Eagle. I have my degree in elementary education with a minor in Child Development and Family Relations from East Carolina University (Go Pirates!!) In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, traveling, attending athletic events, cuddling with my sweet pup, and coaching the RJR Dancing Boots. My favorite place is the beach and I love nothing more than watching the sunset by the water! My love for teaching began when I became a graduation ambassador in high school and worked with underprivileged children in my hometown after school. My love for mentoring began with that experience and helped shape me into the teacher I am today. My goal is to have every student I teach feel loved and cared for while in my classroom and have students see love through me so that then people will know and feel love through them! 

     

    Assistants:

    Mary Lynn England

    I am excited to be a Whitaker Elementary Eagle! I am a graduate of Liberty University where I obtained a BS in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in education for the last eleven years and feel blessed to be a part of your child’s journey.  My husband, Nate, and I grew up in Albany, GA and spent some time in Apalachicola, FL before settling down in Winston-Salem in 2008. Our daughter is a senior at West Forsyth and enjoys softball and bowling! We love to spend time at Biltmore and adventuring around town. 

     

    Wanda Fuller

    My name is Wanda Fuller. I have been with WSFCS for 23 years as a Teacher Assistant and EC Assistant. The past two years, I had the opportunity to work as a Kindergarten TA, which I enjoyed tremendously. In my spare time, I love watching old movies and spending time with family. I am looking forward to continuing my experience as a TA in Kindergarten with Mrs. Fansler.

     

    Bernadette Mowad

    My name is Bernadette Mowad, and I am the full-time assistant in Mrs. Raye's class. I have been happily married for 37 years to Greg. Together, we have two daughters; one of whom is in graduate school in Colorado. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, attending concerts, exercising, and enjoying the outdoors.



    Tricia Nitsche

    Originally from NJ, we moved from Minnesota to Winston Salem in 2011.  I have 4 children (one in college at WFU and three in high school at Reagan).  After staying home with my kids, I worked as the building-based sub at Whitaker for one year and then as a Kindergarten assistant.  I am looking forward to another great year at Whitaker!

     

    Darlene Schmidt

    I’m Darlene Schmidt, an instructional assistant with Mrs. Kaczmarek. I’ve been with the school system for 16 years. I spent 11 years as a PreK assistant and the last 5 years as a kindergarten teacher assistant. I enjoy watching students grow in their love for learning.  I have 3 grown adult children and 4 grandchildren. My husband, Don, and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary last year! I enjoy reading, going to the beach, spending time with family and working in the yard. I also love sports and love cheering for the Demon Deacons! Welcome to Whitaker! It’s a great place to be.