SJDS: Thanksgiving Break
November 27-29, 2024
St. James Day School will be closed November 27-29th for Thanksgiving Break!
St. James Day School Staff
St. James Day School Director
Stephanie Burney
Toddlers & 2's Class Teacher
Ms. Burney received her Bachelors of Arts in Education from St. Lawrence University. She minored in French Literature and Developmental Psychology.
What drew you to teaching? "It's the only job where you get paid to play. And because children sparkle."
Favorite Snack: "Oreo Cookies"
Hidden Talent: "I can do the splits."
Ms. Mitzi Daughtry
Four's Class Teacher
Ms. Daughtry has her Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Pre-K through 5th Grade.
What drew you to teaching? "I had two things. I have a few family members who were teachers and wonderful role models to me. The second reason is when I was in 4th grade I struggled in math. My teacher helped me so much. I have never forgotten her and what she did for me. from then on, I wanted to be a teacher and help children the way she helped me.
Favorite Snack: "Trail Mix"
Hidden Talent: "Running"
Ms. Courtney Easley
Twos' Class Teacher
Ms. Easley received her Bachelors of Arts from College of Charleston and her Teaching Certificate from Meredith College and UNCW.
What drew you to teaching? "My love of children! It's so rewarding to see how much each child learns and grows in such a short amount of time that you spend with them in the classroom."
Favorite Snack: "Pretzel Chips"
Hidden Talent: "Painting"
Ms. Jordan Hooper
Toddler's Class
Ms. Hooper received her degree in Communications and Non-Profit Studies at NC State University and her Masters in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte.
What drew you to teaching? "My love of children led me to teaching. I taught first grade before I had my two boys. The balance of stay at home momming and teaching the toddlers two days a week is perfect!"
Favorite Snacks: "Gum, Skittles, Snickers."
Hidden Talent: "Decluttering and Organizing"
Mrs. Patti Whitley
2's Class Teacher
Ms. Whitley received her degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.
What drew you to teaching? "Originally, I had planned to obtain a "Masters in the Art of Teaching" once my children were middle school age but the love of preschoolers from my subbing days convinced me to become a preschool teacher. At the earliest age, children are so eager to learn and I love that enthusiasm along with the extra special hugs and thumb kisses."
Favorite Stack: "Popcorn"
Hidden Talent: "Checkers Champion! (among family and friends)"
Two's Class Teacher
Yoga Instructor
Shannon Lockamy
Three's Class Teacher
Ms. Lockamy received her Associates and Bachelors Degrees from Peace College.
What drew you to teaching?
"I had an early start in teaching by teaching dance at 16. I have always been drawn to teaching the children. I worked in Wake County Public Schools before moving to the Wilmington, NC area. I enjoy watching the children grow throughout the years.
Favorite Snack: Fruit (except strawberries)
Hidden Talent: "I play the bagpipes and I clog dance."
Ms. Kristie Brown
Four's Class Teacher
Ms. Brown has a BA in Education, a BA in Psychology, and a MA in Counseling Psychology.
What drew you to teaching? Preschool offers the opportunity for children to explore and learn so many different things. I feel honored to have the opportunity to facilitate learning activities through play. I am constantly amazed how much their little minds can retain.
Fun fact: My family and I love Disney World. We go several times a year. My favorite park is Epcot and my favorite Disney event is the Food and Wine Festival.
Mrs. Carla Schiffel
Toddler Class Teacher
I graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a BS in Nursing in 1981. I have worked in many fields of Nursing: NICU at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC; Public Health in Orange County and New Hanover County, and on the Surgical/Medical floor at Cape Fear Memorial Hospital. For many years I taught Childbirth classes in Wilmington.
I love children!! I volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at St Andrews on the Sound and at St Paul’s Episcopal for ages K-1, 4th grade and High School over a period of 12 years.
FUN FACT: I taught Ms. Lee Sunday School when she was in 4th Grade, and she is as precious now, as she was then.
Another fun fact is that I was in a small Gospel Band at Wrightsville United Methodist Church for several years as the lead singer. (The competition was very little, as I was the only taker!!).
I was led to this position after bringing my sweet grandchildren, Walker and Rinn Echols, to SJDS for the past 4 years. I have witnessed first hand the love shared by each staff member, and am excited to be a part of this AWESOME team of God-loving, children-loving people.
Mrs. Sara Anlyan
Three's Class Teacher
Mrs. Anlyan graduated from Cape Fear Academy in 2004. I graduated from CFCC with an associate's degree in criminal justice in 2008.
Why teaching? I enjoy being with children and watching them explore the world around them. It is fulfilling to be part of a nurturing community like SJDS.
FUN FACT: I am mother to three girls and made some of my best friends, still to this day, while at SJDS over 30 years ago!
Toddler Class Teacher
Ashley Gibson
Toddler Class Teacher
About me: I graduated from NC State in 2008 with a degree in communication and furthered my education at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy, I moved to Wilmington nine years ago and have an 8-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
Why teaching? The opportunity to teach at SJDS is one I am very excited to have. I love being with the toddler-aged children since mine are no longer in preschool. I look forward to watching the kids grow during the school year.
Favorite snack/treat: peanut M&Ms
Fun fact about you: I love to water and snow ski.
Elizabeth Murchison
Three's Class Teacher
Teaching? First off, I love children! I have 3 children myself and loved being around them when they were in preschool, watching them grow up and interact with other kids. I realized that I could help share that same passion for other young children.
Favorite snack/treat: Iced Coffee (from pretty much anywhere but home)
Fun fact: I love to play board games, especially with my children. Our favorite game right now is Rummikub!
Gail Fisher
Toddler Class Teacher
Why teaching? First of all, I LOVE CHILDREN! This age is so important. They are like little sponges, just absorbing everything. There is so much gratification watching them grow, knowing I might have an impact on that.
Fun fact: Just moved here February 2022 from Connecticut. So happy to be in the Wilmington community, especially being part of St. James School.
Favorite snack. Doritos
Christiana McCafferty
Twos' Class Teacher
Ashley Kruse
Three's Class Teacher
Day School News
A Letter from Ms. Ansley Trask
I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I have rec...
Read More »
