Click here to email Lynsey

Lynsey Plume  •  Executive Director
I've lived my life as an educator. I received a BS in Elementary Education K-6, a MS in Reading K-12 and a graduate degree in Administration. My entire career has been in education. I began as an reading teacher in a small private school, and then for 20 years as a principal in suburban, rural, and metropolitan school districts.

After years in administration, I found that I missed being in the classroom and decided to return to where I started, but in a warmer environment. I found Tiller School to be a close match to the private school where I first found my passion for teaching. Tiller is so much like that private school, I feel like I’ve returned home. I came to Tiller as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher in 2003 and taught for the next four years. In the summer of 2007, I was given the opportunity to become the school’s director. Although this was never my plan, it has been a most fulfilling and exciting time, helping the school, hand in hand with its highly qualified staff, supportive Board of Directors, parents and wonderful students.

Tiller School is growing and we expect to complete our doubling process over the next two years, with two classes of each grade from K through 5. Part of this growth plan has been to expand our campus facilities by building a new classroom building and administration building. The new buildings were completed and opened in January 2009.

Being part of this growth is invigorating and challenging, but cannot be done alone. This is the essence of Tiller; no one person makes this school the wonderful place that it is. Everyone: students, parents, staff, the board and the community all help to make Tiller a special place for children to learn, grow and develop. Tiller is a safe, risk free environment where students can use their talents, develop themselves as individuals, learn social skills, and become intrinsically motivated to be high achievers.

Click here to email Shannon

Shannon Knight  •  Kindergarten Teacher
I am from Greensboro. My degree from Appalachian State was in anthropology. I went back to school in Florida to get my teaching certificate. I have taught one year, and I have substituted in all grades. During my spare time, I enjoy knitting, yoga, and running. I love the beach. My home is at Emerald Isle where I live with my husband, 2 dogs, and a cat. I am very excited to be a part of the Tiller Family!

Click here to email Theresa

Theresa Baughman  •  Kindergarten Assistant
I’ve worked at the Tiller School since 2000. I’m currently an assistant teacher in kindergarten, but have worked as an assistant in every grade level, and I previously ran the After School program. After graduating from college I worked at a school on an Indian reservation as a one-on-one aid for special needs children. I really enjoyed my job and was ecstatic to receive a job at Tiller running the After School program in March, 2000. The Tiller community is my extended family.

Click here to email Kitty

Kitty Davis  •  Kindergarten Teacher
After teaching for 18 years in grades K-3 and 5 years in EC, I moved to North Carolina from cold New Hampshire. I have my original bachelor’s degree in sociology, which I used for a couple of years before raising a family to school age. This was when I rekindled my desire to teach and returned to college to get my second bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Thirty years after receiving my first degree I obtained my master’s degree in administration. I will probably never use that degree as I love the classroom too much to ever leave it? This is my second, wonderful year at Tiller.

"I was very lucky to find Tiller School when I moved to North Carolina. The other schools where I nearly went to teach were large, very impersonal schools. Tiller, with its size, has a wonderful environment for children to learn and grow socially. In two years I have learned each and every child’s name, although I may get a little mixed up once in awhile. If it takes a village to raise a child, Tiller is that village."

Click here to email Jane

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Jane Moore •  Kindergarten Assistant
I have been working at Tiller School as a teacher assistant since 2000. I love working with the kindergartners, and I really love the staff here at Tiller. I am married, and I have 3 children. My oldest, Christopher, is a history teacher at Swansboro High School. My daughter, Megan, works at a law firm in Morehead, and Holly, who is my youngest, is attending CCC this year.

Ada Nunn  •  First Grade Teacher
I am from Kinston, North Carolina. I attended NC Wesleyan College and graduated from Atlantic Christian College with a BS in Elementary Education. Prior to moving to this area, my husband and I lived in Kinston where I taught third grade for 13 years in the Greene County Schools and second grade for 14 years at Arendell Parrott Academy. We have two children – a daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Stephen, who have graduated from college and are married. We are also the proud grandparents of a grandson, Anderson Stephen (Anders), who was born July 31, 2007. Some of my many interests include reading, boating, games and puzzles and visiting with our family.

Teaching first grade here at Tiller is one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career. Watching these children develop reading skills, explore numbers and concepts in math, develop writing skills and learn new things in science and social studies every day is a joy. They are so interested and enthusiastic about almost everything we do. The Responsive Classroom social curriculum provides a guide for the children to live by and also helps them to feel that they are a special part of our school community.

Click here to email Dawn

Dawn Chadwick  •  First Grade Assistant
I have worked with 1st grade during the entire time I have been at Tiller. I'm from Beaufort, and I live on Harkers Island with my husband. We have two children, Chuck and Erin. The love of my life is my granddaughter, Ireland.

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Katherine Sasser  •  First Grade Teacher
I am loving every minute of teaching at Tiller! I grew up in Goldsboro and attended East Carolina University in Greenville to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. After graduation in May of 2007, I relocated to Emerald Isle, which has always been a dream of mine. I love being on the water, whether it’s in a boat or simply relaxing on the beach. I also enjoy reading, painting, spending time with friends, family and my dogs, Buffy and Zeus!

"Everyone at Tiller is so helpful and supportive of one another. It feels like a big family!"

Click here to email Courtney

Courtney Cowley •  Second Grade Teacher
I taught gifted and talented education in New Jersey. I taught 1st grade and preschool before I came to Tiller. I am originally from New Jersey. I attended East Carolina University where I received my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. At that time I truly fell in love with the Crystal Coast. My husband and I moved back to North Carolina in 2007. I enjoy spending time with our families, reading, and going to the beach.

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Libbie Harr  •  Second Grade Teacher
Tiller has been my home for many terrific years. Here, I have taught fabulous fifth graders and wonderful first graders. At the present I am enjoying the super second grade. Teaching has been my career of choice for many years. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Besides teaching in my beloved North Carolina, I have also taught in Maryland and Florida.

"What a difference Tiller School makes! In such a caring and thoughtful school, I find myself looking forward to each and every day. My students are so exciting and happy. The parents are kind and generous with their time, talents, and donations. Before I came to Tiller, I had never experienced such day to day joy. Thank you, Tiller School!"

Click here to email Annie

Annie Burbridge  •  Third Grade Teacher
I have been teaching school since 1987. I have taught Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grades, combinations of the aforementioned grades, and Sixth Grade. I am licensed to teach K-6 Elementary School and 6-9 Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies. I have been involved with Tiller School since its inception in 1993 and have been a full time teacher at Tiller since 1997.

Over the years I have seen curriculum changes, educational reform, the rise in standardized testing, more educational reform, and more curriculum changes. Yet one factor remains constant, and that is: children are individuals who develop on their own schedule. This is my responsibility, to guide that development in a positive direction at a pace suitable for that child. I believe that in order for children to learn they must construct their own meaning and understanding of concepts. Like losing teeth or potty training, this happens when the individual child is ready. It cannot be forced, but can be facilitated through activities and experiences designed to assist that development. Tiller School provides the opportunity for me to teach, and children to learn, in this manner.

Click here to email Sally

Sally Jones •  Third Grade Teacher
I am so happy to be at Tiller! I am a veteran teacher of 31 years in the public school system. I have a BS Degree in Intermediate Education and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I have taught 6th - 8th grade remedial reading and regular 3rd and 4th grade classrooms.

The Responsive Classroom approach is so refreshing! Everyone is greeted with a smile and problems are worked out together. The children learn to be responsible for their own actions. This builds self respect and character. With small class sizes comes the ability to allow students hands-on experiences and the time to develop higher level thinking skills. Learning becomes an intrinsic reward. Tiller Charter is the best kept secret in Carteret County!!! Let's share the secret.

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Donna Owens  •  Third Grade Teacher
My teaching career began 11 years ago in a third and fourth grade combination classroom here at Tiller School. I have taught third, fourth, and fifth grade. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

Tiller is a wonderful school. On my visit I immediately loved it. I liked the way the children interacted with adults and each other. The students smiled and made eye contact as they greeted adults. They spoke to their classmates in a thoughtful, caring way. I knew that I wanted to be a part of the Tiller community.

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Joy Merritt •  Fourth Grade Teacher
I moved to Atlantic Beach from Goldsboro, NC, in 2007. However, I was born in Beaufort (many years ago!) My family moved away when I was 5 years old, and it has always been my hope and desire to live here again. I am so happy to be here. I began teaching in 1971. I have taught second grade, third grade, second-third combination, fourth-fifth combination, and currently fourth grade. I am licensed in Early Childhood (grades k-4), Elementary Education (grades k-6), and Academically Gifted. I feel so fortunate to be a member of Tiller School. My fourth graders are amazing and exhibit wonderful social skills. These children are proof that Tiller School not only prepares students academically, but also socially.

Click here to email Amy

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Amy Salter •  Fourth/Fifth Grade Combination Teacher
I have taught in the public school system since 1982 and am so thrilled to have finally found a home in the creative and supportive environment at the Tiller School. I attended UNC-W where I received my certificate in Early Childhood Elementary. Over the years, I have also become National Board Certified and received a certificate in English as a Second Language. My husband, Paul, and live on Clubfoot Creek in eastern Craven County. We have two daughters, Katie, a writer and systems analyst and Natalie, a college volleyball player and sports med major. As a family, we enjoy fishing, kayaking, gardening, antiquing and traveling around the world.

I truly believe that children thrive in a warm, safe and creative classroom. Most of all, I feel strongly that children learn best when they are immersed in a rich, hands on academic environment. It is a blessing every day to have the time to thoroughly explore the world of learning with my students. It is my hope that I will spend the years ahead at the Tiller School having the time to teach the way I always knew it should be!

Click here to email Debbie

Debbie Henderson  •  Art and PE Teacher
I’ve been the Art teacher at Tiller School since 1996. In more recent years, I’ve also been the P.E. teacher. My husband, two children, and I moved here in 1995 from Pensacola, Florida, where I taught at a Montessori school. Our children are grown now. Our daughter, Megan, attends UNC Chapel Hill and our son, Josh works locally. My husband, Freeman, works at Cherry Point. I thoroughly enjoy my job at Tiller and the interactions my position allows with every child, every day. As long as Tiller continues its uniqueness and its focus on the arts and a social curriculum, I’d like to think I’ll be here for a very long time.

Click here to email Jackie

Jackie Burdick  •  Music and Technology Teacher
I received a BS in education and a BA in music from the University of Connecticut. I taught in public schools in Connecticut for two years. During which time, I worked with the high school band and the middle school orchestra, and in the summer I taught marine science. My husband and I relocated, and we love living at the beautiful Crystal Coast. We are active campers, fishermen, and boaters.

I am happy to have become a part of Tiller with its family atmosphere. The staff is wonderful and welcoming. It is the best place in the USA to teach kids!

Click here to email Kim

Kim Moles  •  Exceptional Children and Testing Coordinator
My family and I moved from Virginia in 2007. I graduated from Lynchburg College with a Bachelor's in Special Education and a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education. Both of my children attend Tiller and absolutely love it.

Click here to email April

April Chadwick  •  EC Assistant
I have lived in Carteret County for almost 30 years. I attended Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC. I am married, and I have two wonderful sons.

I had worked/volunteered in the county school system for 12 years and was delighted when I got the job at Tiller in 2006. I am currently an EC assistant, but I have also been a 1st grade assistant. I enjoy working at Tiller. The staff and students make Tiller a great place to be.

Pam Crecca •  Speech
I was born and raised in the state of Virginia. I have been the speech-language pathologist at Tiller School since January 2002. I received my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education degrees from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. I am a licensed speech-language pathologist in the states of North Carolina and Virginia. I am also certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. I am the owner and president of Speech Therapy Works, which I created and established in 2001. I truly believe effective communication is the foundation of everything we do in our lives.

I consider it a great honor and privilege to be part of such a dynamic and professional team at the Tiller School. The Tiller students are also top-notch, and I learn as much from them as they learn from me. The Tiller School is a wonderful, nurturing and professional learning environment. It takes a village to raise a child, and the Tiller School emphasizes treating every person with the utmost respect and dignity in order to bring out the best qualities, talents and gifts. THE TILLER SCHOOL ROCKS!!!

Grace Deely •  Physical Therapy
I was born a British citizen in Mexico City, Mexico. I spent my childhood years in New York and in Asheville, NC. My initial position as a physical therapist was at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, while my husband, Brian, studied at NC State. I was a stay at home mom until my two children, Barbara and Brian, were in school full days. Then I was fortunate to work on a school schedule at a multifaceted treatment center in Rockville, MD, where our family lived for 38 years. Six of those years I spent full time as the director of the Physical Therapy department. In 1990, I formed my pediatric private practice in Montgomery County, MD until Brian and I retired to Beaufort, NC in 1998. Due to a lack of pediatric therapists in Carteret County, NC, I have returned to work and am enjoying three days a week providing therapy services to local children. I spend my leisure time with my family; and I love to do shelling, boating, sports and home projects.

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Nancy Happ •  Occupational Therapy
I am the Executive Director of Focus Therapy Services, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit pediatric therapy clinic. I opened the clinic in 2006 following 5-years of independent employment as an OT/SP supervisor under the direction of a Neuro-Developmental Pediatrician. Additionally I am the owner of Occupational Therapy Services, a private company providing OT services to schools and individuals since 2001. I received my BA teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin in Art Education (1980), and a BS degree in Occupational Therapy (1988) from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee WI. I am trained in the Interactive Metronome®, and Therapeutic Listening Programs, and offer both at Focus Therapy Services, Inc. Prior to getting married and moving to North Carolina in 1998, I practiced in the areas of rehabilitation, geriatrics, pediatrics and industrial rehab. I have developed many unique group therapy activities for children including SocialU, Art in Focus, Music and Movement, and Kitchen Connoisseurs class for feeding aversion therapy. In my free time I spend quiet evenings with my husband Rick, on our hobby farm in Pamlico County with our 3 horses, 3 geese, 3 ducks, and 7 dogs.

Teresa McClung •  Occupational Therapy
I graduated form Pitt Community College in Greenville, NC in 1998 with an Associates Degree in Occupational Therapy. I have been working with children since 2000 in the school system, clinics and home health settings. I have experience with sensory integration, handwriting and overall developmental delays. I moved to Beaufort from Greenville, NC three years ago and enjoy being near the water. My hobbies are gardening and Yoga. I have worked with the children at Tiller School for the past three years. The students and staff are fun, creative and great to work around. I am proud to be a part of Tiller School.

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Katie Woodhall •  After School Coordinator/Teaching Assistant
I have been a teaching assistant at Tiller School since 2003. Last year I became director of our after school program. I am from Vermont where I taught children how to snowboard and ski.

Heather Fulcher  •  After School Teaching Assistant
I am from Davis, a Down East community. I substitute at Tiller on a regular basis, and I am an After School assistant. My third job is as a hostess at the Sanitary Restaurant.

Stacy Gillikin  •  After School Teaching Assistant
My son Colby has attended Tiller School for 3 years. I have volunteered and have been a substitute teacher during that time. I have been helping with After School since September. I really enjoy being with the students at Tiller.

Debra Stinson • Assistant Director
When the executive director asked me if I would consider being her assistant at Tiller School on a part-time basis, I was thrilled. I had worked at the school as a teacher, as a substitute, and as a tutor. I knew that the philosophy of the school and the Responsive Classroom approach made for a wonderful school environment. So I accepted the job with great pleasure, and I am happy to be part of such a wonderful school and staff.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in education, I came home to Carteret County. During the summer before beginning my first year of teaching, I worked as an administrative assistant at the Department of Correction in Newport. (I was the first woman to work at that prison). I was also an administrative assistant to a professor in college, and I am now enjoying being Ms. Lynsey’s assistant. Thirty years of being in education is most helpful in this job.

Click here to email Jennifer

Jennifer Lewis  •  Executive Assistant
In 2003, when my twin sons started Kindergarten at Tiller, I became involved with the school as a parent-volunteer for Ms. Debbie Henderson the Art Teacher and a substitute teacher for the school. At the end of that school year I was offered an assistant position working with Ms. Donna Owens, who was teaching 3rd grade at the time. During the summer of 2004 I also assisted with the Summer Camp program. The following school year I returned to work with Ms. Donna and shortly after was offered the position of Office Manager/Executive Assistant under Ms. Jean Kruft the school Director.

I enjoy spending time with my husband and my twin boys who attend Tiller. We live locally in Beaufort along with our two cats and dog. I am enjoying Tiller as a parent as well as an employee. I have never worked in a place like Tiller before, it is my home away from home.

Click here to email Michael

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Michael Pruden  •  Custodian
I've been with the Tiller School since 1998. I started when my daughter enrolled in the first grade. I set up and maintain the technology, as well as the school maintenance and site repairs on campus. I enjoy surfing and art. I've shown my work in galleries across the country.