PPK Teachers & Staff

I'm Saralynn and I am so blessed to have the position of Director of PPK! I'm originally from Texas and came here as an Air Force family. I'm married to Paul, my husband of 38 years and we have 2 grown kids and 5 wonderful grandkids! I started as a 4 yr old teacher at PPK and then became the Director 21 years ago. I have 41 years experience teaching and have taught K-12 Spanish, ESL, and preschool! I absolutely love our PPK staff, families and the Wayne County community!

I have been in both 2-year-old classrooms and the Wiggles and Tunes teacher starting in 2023. I am married to my high school sweetheart. I graduated from ECU with my marketing degree. I am also a Realtor with the Firm NC. My family attends Stoney Creek Church. I was born and raised in Wayne County. I am a PPK graduate and my mom taught at PPK in the early 2000's. I have two sons, Liam and Waylon, who have gone and will go through all classes at PPK.

I taught the 4-year-old class at PPK starting in 2022, and this will be my first year as a 2-year-old teacher. I've grown up in Eastern NC and attended the University of Mount Olive for my bachelor's degree. I taught high school prior to having kids, and then transitioned to teaching littles. I love this stage so much and enjoy getting to watch them learn and grow. I've been married to my husband for almost 10 years. We have two kids that have been through PPK and a 2 year old that will join us here at PPK. We love the PPK family!

I grew up right here in Goldsboro. I graduated from high school in 1987, went to college, and then returned. I am happily married and have two great kids, Austin and Emily. Both of my children attended PPK and then I homeschooled them for 10 years. I was a substitute teacher at PPK for six years before I became a teacher here in 2019. PPK means a lot to our family. I am honored to teach the children that are put into my care and it is my hope and prayer that I make a positive impact on each child and family that I have the pleasure to teach.

Hello! I am so happy to be your child's teacher! I was born here in Goldsboro and have lived here my whole life. My husband, Dustin and I have two beautiful children, Marlo and Brody. They both attended PPK and it was such a blessing to our family! I hope to be that same blessing to your family. I cannot wait to help your child learn and grow!

I've been blessed to be a part of the PPK crew for 15 years! Experiencing and exploring the world through the hearts and minds of children is the best job ever! My love for children has also led me to volunteer in my home church children's ministry and support my husband, Brian, throughout his career in youth ministry. In my 4-year-old class I like to say it gets a little serious and requires more focus because I am preparing your child for kindergarten. However, FUN is a huge priority along with meeting your child in their exact place of need with the utmost love and respect.

I've been at PPK so long that I can't recall not being here! I'm an original California girl and the Air Force brought us here. North Carolina is now home! I've got three grown children and lots of pets. I've loved everything about this wonderful school and staff!

My name is Malissa Ford, and I am the 4 year old, Monday–Thursday teacher. I went to Meredith College and earned a degree in child development / birth–kindergarten teaching license. I also have a masters degree in early childhood special education. I grew up in Goldsboro and attended PPK myself, and now my children are attending PPK. The age of 4 is so fun to me! I love watching progress over the year, and getting them ready for kindergarten!

My name is Tara Gainey and I am so excited to join the kindergarten team at PPK! I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Elementary Education, and this will be my 12th year in education. I have taught in both Wake County and Johnston County schools. Outside of the classroom, I am a wife and mom to two girls, Charlotte and Eliza. The beach is my happy place!

I have been part of PPK for over 20 years. I first started volunteering in my mom's classroom when I was in high school. I then graduated from nursing school at ECU and continued to help any chance I had. I got married and had two children, both of whom attended PPK. This will be my fifth year as the kindergarten assistant. I enjoy being with the children each day and love seeing their growth through the year!

I have lived in Goldsboro for 32 years. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 40 years. We have three daughters and six grandkids. I have 20+ years of preschool experience and have always subbed at PPK. This is my second year working at PPK as a teacher's assistant and I am looking forward to a great year!

I have lived in Goldsboro since moving here at the age of 3. I attended Protestant Preschool when it was located downtown at St Paul's United Methodist. I graduated Barton College in Mass Communications. In 2003 I married my soulmate, and in 2006 we welcomed our daughter. I look forward to singing, dancing, and having fun with the sweet students at PPK in our Wiggles 'N Tunes classes.

Hello from the office at PPK! My name is Kelly Pate. I grew up in Mt. Olive, NC and later moved to Goldsboro, after marrying my husband, Jason. Jason and I have three sons — Thomas, Andrew, and John. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with an Elementary Education degree. I transitioned to the PPK crew in 2022 and feel very blessed for the opportunity to work with the wonderful staff, as well as with you and your children during these early years of learning.