Kathy Stickley
Kathy was born in Durham and received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UNC-Greensboro. She began her teaching career with Durham Public Schools. In 1986, she joined the staff of Westminster School for Young Children. Kathy taught in Westminster’s Pre-K program until the fall of 2000, when she transitioned into the school office. Now, as the Director of Westminster School, she leads a staff of 24 talented educators. Working with them to meet the needs of 125 young children and their families is rewarding in every way!She and her husband, Gary, have two grown sons who are both “graduates” of Westminster!
2 Year Old Classroom
Courtney Mangum
Courtney, originally from Winston-Salem, received her BS in early childhood education and psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill. She taught in Paulding County, Ga, before doing a little career exploration in her 20's. She landed in pharmaceutical sales with Takeda Pharmaceuticals for the majority of her career -- transferring with the company from Asheville, NC to Durham, NC. She left her position with Takeda in 2007, once her third child, Harris, was born. Courtney returned to the workforce and to her original passion, teaching, by joining Westminster in 2012. She loves working with young children and helping them explore the world around them. She and her husband, Kirk have three children, all of whom graduated from Westminster.
2 Year Old Classroom
Katie Donoway
Katie is a Durham native and a graduate of Westminster! She attend NC State and prior to beginning her career as a mom, Katie spent several years as a museum educator. She and her husband, Mark, have 3 children.
The 2019-2020 school year begins Katie's 4th year on staff and 3rd year as the Fish class teacher. She is grateful for the children and their families and the wonderful staff that makes Westminster a wonderful place to grow, learn and play.
2 Year Old classroom
Elsa Woods
Elsa was born in New Jersey, but came south for her higher education, earning an undergraduate, masters and doctoral degree from Duke University. She began her teaching career with Durham Public Schools, retiring after 38 years to assist in caring for her granddaughters who both attended Westminister School for Young Children. When her younger granddaughter began preschool Elsa asked Mrs. Stickley about subbing. The next day Kathy asked her if she would be interested in a position on the staff. Elsa has been here ever since as she loves what she does and where she does it.
2 Year Old Classroom
Lin Knight
Lin is a Durham native and a product of the Durham Public Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Vanderbilt University. She worked in the legal field until having her second child in 1998. In 2001, she started substitute teaching at Westminster and then joined the staff in 2006. She has taught both 2's and 3's.
She and her husband, Alex, have a grown son who graduated from NC State University and is a software developer/designer. Their daughter is currently a student at Appalachian State University and will be a high school English teacher. Both of Lin's children attended Westminster.
Toddler Classroom
Dexter Meath
After graduating from University of the South (Sewanee), Dexter began her career in legal marketing and client services in Atlanta, and then Raleigh. She eventually transitioned into a new service role as a patient advocate at Duke Hospital. Dexter worked with patients and staff in conflict resolution, she trained staff on customer service initiatives, and she partnered with hospital managers to improve service throughout Duke University Medical Center. After her first son was born in 2005, she stayed home to raise her three children. During this time she played an active role within her church community at Westminster Presbyterian, serving as a Deacon, volunteering on the Assimilation and CE Committees, updating the library, and teaching Sunday School. Dexter’s three children also went through the WSYC preschool program where she volunteered her time as a room parent. Dexter joined the WSYC staff in 2018 and has enjoyed working with the youngest students in the toddler class. Dexter’s children currently attend Voyager Academy where she remains involved in the school and its community. In her free time she volunteers at APS of Durham with her daughter walking and caring for the dogs.