Little People Loving & Learning Teachers

Portrait of Monica Eggleston, Director, smiling outdoors.

Monica Eggleston: Little People Loving and Learning Preschool Director

Hello and welcome to Southern Pines United Methodist Church Child Development Center “Little People Loving and Learning.” I am so glad you, your family and little one(s) are here. Whether this is your first year with us or your fourth, welcome! We have a wonderful team of teachers who are going to love on your littles every day, teach them about Jesus and kindness and help them to grow more independently through hands-on learning in their big world.

My family and I live in Southern Pines. I am a military spouse, have two children and two goldendoodles. We have moved quite a few times all around the United States; from the South to the North, to the Pacific Northwest and even to the great plains. We are settled here in North Carolina, raising our children, and enjoying this blessed life from God.

I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Childhood and Family Development. I taught Pre-K in North Carolina and Washington. I taught Pre-K here at LPLL for four years, then moved into the Director’s role in February 2024. I thoroughly enjoy working with children, seeing their growth and development through hands-on learning with age-appropriate activities.

My family attends church here at Southern Pines United Methodist Church. In my free time, I enjoy attending church events, cheering on my son at his baseball and soccer games, watching my daughter twirl around in her ballet shoes and tutus, hosting my neighborhood book club, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.

Portrait of Susan Cooper, an All Classroom Assistant, smiling outdoors.

Susan Cooper: Assistant in all classrooms

I moved to Southern Pines as a teenager when my family relocated from Asheboro, North Carolina. I have been a member of SPUMC since then. I graduated from Sandhills Community College and Central Carolina Community College. I am married to Lewis Cooper and we have five children, five grandchildren, one dog and one cat.

I presently work here as an assistant teacher and also work in the SPUMC nursery during both church services on Sunday. In the afternoons, I work at Sandhills Children’s Center as an assistant in the four-year-old classroom.

I enjoy sewing, needlework, cooking and gardening.

Portrait of Ashley Duvall, a smiling Pre-K teacher.

Ashley DuVall: Lead Teacher in the Pre-K Classroom

I was raised in Manchester, MI, a small town in southeast Michigan. I attended Washtenaw Community College to earn my associate’s degree in human Services. My husband and I have two boys, who both attended school here at LPLL. I started subbing at LPLL in 2022, then became the assistant teacher in the Pre-K Class. I am so excited to see what this upcoming school year will bring! In my spare time I enjoy knitting and crocheting, raising our chickens, and exploring nature with my family.

Katie Wilkins: Assistant Teacher in the Pre-K Classroom

I graduated from UNC Greensboro with a degree in biology and worked a couple of years at Pinehurst Surgical Clinic before my son was born. My family attends church here at SPUMC and I have the privilege of being a part of LPLL, both as an assistant teacher and parent. I enjoy traveling, renovating our family farm and spending quality time with family and friends.

Portrait of Anna Harris, Lead 1's Teacher, smiling outdoors.

Anna Harris: Lead Teacher One's Classroom

My husband and I, along with our two boys, have lived in Pinehurst since 2000. Our two sons both attended preschool at LPLL and I love how life has brought me back here.

I have a BA degree from Elon, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Spanish. Following graduation, I attended UNC-Greensboro to obtain my certification in Sign Language interpreting with in the NC Public School System. I have been a teacher at LPLL since 2018.

I enjoy gardening, yoga, and time with family and friends. One of my greatest treasures is the opportunity to work with the amazing children at the preschool over the years. It brings me such joy to guide them and watch them develop, love and learn.

Nicole Skadburg:Assistant Teacher in the One-year-old Classroom/Lead Teacher in the 1s/2s Combined Age Classroom

Nicole Skadburg: Assistant Teacher in the One-year-old Classroom/Lead Teacher in the 1s/2s Combined Age Classroom

I became a part of this amazing team after my daughter’s first year here at the school in 2018. I’ve been a substitute teacher in all the classrooms and made a decision to stay with the one-year-olds. When my husband can get time off from the military, we love to camp, hang out with friends, and visit our favorite place, Walt Disney World.

Carrie Makar: Lead Teacher Two's Classroom

I have been in education for 9 years, but have been at home with my kids for the last few years. I majored in Child Development at UNC and have my masters in Literacy. I have taught Kindergarten, first, and second grades, but my heart was always with the younger kids. My husband is stationed here at Fort Bragg and we have loved living in Moore County! My daughter will be in first grade and my son will be here at LPLL in Pre-K this year.

During my free time, I love going to the beach, watching our kids play sports, and learning how to garden (although I’m still not very successful). We have loved this school for our kids and I am excited to be a part of your year!

McKenna Casson: Assistant Teacher Two's Classroom

I have a BS in Education from Bowling Green State University. I am a pet sitter who has cared for many rescue animals and love meeting new furry friends. I have two cats, Tinker Bell and Binxy. I joined the SPUMC church choir in 2026 and volunteer on Monday mornings at the food pantry. I enjoy reading, swimming, crocheting and spending time with family and animals. I cannot wait to share my love of God and Jesus, and with the skills I have learned over the years, to help shape the young, beautiful minds.

Laura Waits: Assistant Teacher 1/2's Combined Classroom

I am thrilled to join LPLL as an assistant teacher this year. My degree is in English Literature from Wheaton College. After college I enjoyed working alongside special needs families and doing one on one therapy for nonverbal children both in schools and at home. My family and I love dogs, gardening, books, hiking and traveling! It’s a joy to partner with your children this year!

Jessica Marvin: Lead Teacher Three's Classrom

While I was born and raised in Virginia, Moore County is where I call home now. I attended Liberty University to pursue a degree in early childhood education. I have over 15 years of teaching experience and take great pride in laying the foundation for my student's educational journey. In 2020 I began teaching at LPLL, surrounded by an exceptional community of families, I quickly realized this supportive environment was the perfect fit for me.

My husband and I are blessed with two beautiful daughters. We are an active family who enjoy sports, traveling, outdoor activities, and a love for German Shepherds. Most weekends, I can often be found cheering on my daughter at her volleyball games, whether on the indoor court or the sand. I am grateful that SPUMC offers virtual services, allowing me to watch and stay connected from any location.

Nancy Reynolds: Assistant Teacher Three's Classroom

I was born and raised in Michigan. After college, I took a job with the federal government and moved to the Washington DC area where I lived for 21 years and met my husband.

My husband, Jim, and I have two beautiful daughters. In my free time, I enjoy rooting for my girls in marching band and theater, searching for sharks’ teeth at the beach and Aurora Fossil Museum, gardening, watching the sunrise, camping and chilling out with my family.