NEWS

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 Pat Shaw to remain as Consulting Director with new roles on Board and Strategic Planning.

Michelle’s career in education began over 20 years ago and she has served in nearly every role imaginable in both public and private school systems. Michelle spent a year volunteering at Escuelita providing workshops and weekly classroom assistance. Last year, she was a lead teacher with the four-year-olds, sharing her invaluable knowledge and experience. Michelle is also a board member of the school and has functioned as the faculty liaison. In her new role, she will be responsible for the daily operation, management, and leadership of our early childhood programs and services.

James Wyatt, Chairman of the Board of Directors, shares, “I am impressed by Michelle’s professional background and varied experiences as an educator and leader. Additionally, and even more importantly, her understanding of and love for our young students and their families is inspiring, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead for our already strong preschool program. We are grateful to Pat Shaw for her vision and guidance that created this unique school and improved it over ten years. Pat will remain deeply involved with Escuelita as Consulting Director, ongoing Board member, and in a primary role with matters of strategic planning.”

Pat discloses, “when I met Michelle, I immediately identified a kindred spirit. I also saw in Michelle a compelling opportunity to sustain the future of Escuelita in the best hands. I look forward to a seamless transition and an ongoing collaborative relationship.” 

Michelle tells us, “I am overjoyed to be a part of the amazing team at La Escuelita and the opportunity to assist planting and growing seeds of love and learning in our community.  My family and I moved to the Lake Norman Area seven years ago with our four children due to a transfer with my husband’s company. Leaving our alma mater state, Kentucky, extended family, heavily involved church community, and my job as a preschool director for a large private school was extremely difficult. We relished the many choices of community life Lake Norman had to offer our family. Eager to find a foothold, I jumped into volunteering, working and searching where our family would fit in before the boxes were even unpacked.

“After a few years of putting pieces together and following a faithful lighted path, I was asked to speak at a workshop for Kindergarten Readiness with La Escuelita. At the time, our youngest child had completed kindergarten and was well into first grade where I was partnering with his local public school to lessen the divide of many children due to their kindergarten year being at the height of Covid. This is where my heart belongs – helping children overcome challenges and divides. The moment I stepped through the door at La Escuelita, I found it to be lovely and intriguing from start to finish. I left that morning with love and passion in my heart to help in any way possible. I first began volunteering in any capacity needed and then was blessed with an opportunity to teach in a four year year-old classroom. Pat Shaw has built a top-notch beautiful program. To be able to partner with Pat’s passion and giving spirit in the future of La Escuelita is a true gift!”

La Escuelita Bilingual Preschool serves children ages 3-4 in thoughtfully structured classrooms and intentional outdoor environments. The program aims to support young minds in a secure and nurturing way that celebrates curiosity, independence, and each student’s unique being. 

Congratulations, Michelle! We look ahead to a bright future.