Kids Ahead After-School

05/21/2026

Everyday is a great day at Kids Ahead, but yesterday was one of the best as our 5th graders hosted the last color party of the year!we love you Yellow Ducks!

05/19/2026

At Kids Ahead, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank all of our incredible substitute teachers and staff. 💙

Your flexibility, kindness, patience, and dedication never go unnoticed. Whether you step in for a day or longer, you help keep our classrooms running smoothly and ensure our children continue to feel safe, loved, and supported every single day.

Thank you for always being willing to jump in where needed and for bringing such positive energy to our school family. We truly appreciate all that you do for our students, teachers, and families.

You are such an important part of the Kids Ahead team, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you! 🌟

Special thanks to:
Mrs. Jones
Mrs. Martorano
Mrs. Schmidt
Mrs. Dixon
Mrs. Bergman

05/19/2026

Yellow Party Day with real lights in the Jeep!

05/19/2026

05/17/2026

Yesterday was Amazing! I'm so glad that Kids Ahead students donated to help Gateway Education Center finally get the playground they need and deserve. Watch the video in comments!

05/16/2026

✨ Meet Our Amazing Teachers at Kids Ahead! ✨
💙 Kids Ahead – Where learning continues beyond the classroom!

Hi everyone! My name is Micheala Bradshaw, and I have been part of the Kids Ahead family for three years. Currently, I help with the 2nd grade class, and I truly enjoy working with the children every day.
One of my favorite things about Kids Ahead is the positive and caring environment. The staff and children are amazing, and there are always fun and creative activities for the kids to enjoy while learning and growing in a safe place. I love being able to help children build confidence, learn new things, and make happy memories each day.
Fun fact about me: I love raising and breeding Silkie chickens! 🐥Be sure to follow me on Facebook at Micheala’s Silkie Treasures!

Hi everyone! My name is Marilyn Blaylock, and I have been part of the Kids Ahead family for 5 years. I have many different roles here, including helping with the 2nd grade class, managing the library, assisting with quilting, and being a snack helper. I enjoy staying involved in so many areas and helping wherever I’m needed.
My favorite thing about Kids Ahead is what I call the 5 “F’s” — fun, flexibility, friendships, focus, and face time. These are the things that make Kids Ahead such a special place for both the children and staff. I love being part of an environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun while building meaningful connections every day.
Fun fact about me: I have been a member of Christ United Methodist Church for 52 years, and I am also the proud mother of Pastor Katey here at CUMC!

Hi everyone! I’m Jamie Dietz, and this is my 3rd year at Kids Ahead! This year, I mainly work with the 3rd grade class, and I absolutely love getting to spend my days with such fun, energetic, and creative kids.
My favorite thing about Kids Ahead is how much fun I get to have with the children every day. Even though I’m there as a teacher and (mostly) an adult, Kids Ahead gives me the chance to be creative, playful, and act like a kid too! I love building relationships with the students, making them laugh, and helping create an environment where they feel comfortable, encouraged, and excited to learn. Every day is different, and that’s one of the things that makes Kids Ahead such a special place to be.
Fun fact about me: I love all animals — even insects — and I also really enjoy plants and gardening! At home, I have two amazing dogs and a small garden that I love taking care of in my free time.

05/12/2026

✨ Meet Our Amazing Teachers at Kids Ahead! ✨
💙 Kids Ahead – Where learning continues beyond the classroom!

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah Pauls, and I am basically a floater here at Kids Ahead. I help out mostly in Kindergarten and 4th grade, and I absolutely love getting to work with so many different students and teachers each day. I have been at Kids Ahead for 2 years, and it has truly become such a special place to me.
I am currently a rising junior at UNC-G, where I am studying Special Education. Working with children has always been something I am passionate about, and being at Kids Ahead has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
My favorite thing about Kids Ahead is that the staff and kids all feel like one big family. Everyone is so supportive, welcoming, and caring, which makes coming to work something I genuinely look forward to every day. I love building relationships with the students and getting to be a part of their learning and growth.
Fun fact about me: I am studying Special Education and hope to continue working with children in the future!

Hello - My name is Kaitlyn Marquardt, and I am a floater here at Kids Ahead. I help with all grade levels, assist Stephanie and Jenny, and pretty much help out wherever I am needed each day. I have been at Kids Ahead for 2 years, and I love being able to support both the staff and students in so many different ways.
One of my favorite things about Kids Ahead is getting to watch the kids grow, make friendships, and develop their own unique personalities. It is so rewarding to see their confidence and individuality shine throughout the year.
I enjoy being part of such a caring and supportive environment, and I love getting to build relationships with the students and staff every day.
Fun fact about me: I live in a 20-foot camper with my dog so that after graduation I can travel and work as a travel nurse!

Hi - My name is Logan Witriol, and I help with 5th grade while also working as a floater here at Kids Ahead. I have been at Kids Ahead for 2 years, and I really enjoy getting to work with so many different students and teachers throughout the day.
My favorite thing about Kids Ahead is being surrounded by such kind, funny, and supportive kids and teachers. There is always something that makes me smile each day, and it creates such a fun environment to be a part of. And of course, snack time is pretty awesome too!
I love getting to build relationships with the students and watching them learn and grow throughout the year. Being part of the Kids Ahead family has been such a great experience for me.
Fun fact about me: I am transferring to NC State in the fall to study Aerospace Engineering!

Here are our amazing teachers, Kaitlyn, Logan and Hannah!

05/08/2026

✨ Meet Our Amazing Teachers at Kids Ahead! ✨
💙 Kids Ahead – Where learning continues beyond the classroom!

Hi everyone! My name is Cas Teague, and I’m a Middle School teacher at Kids Ahead—though I like to say I’m a bit of a “jack of all grades” since I enjoy working with students across all age levels. I’ve been part of the Kids Ahead family for four years and counting, and it continues to be an incredibly fun and rewarding place to be.
One of my favorite things about Kids Ahead is getting to be a part of each student’s day. Whether it’s helping with learning, sharing a laugh, or just being someone they can count on, those everyday moments are what make this job so meaningful to me. I also love all the activities we do here—there’s always something exciting going on, and we truly never run out of fun!
A fun fact about me is that I also work with the Grimsley High School Drumline, Blue Steel. We perform all over the state at community events and competitions, which is always an amazing experience. It’s especially exciting to see several former Kids Ahead students come through the program, and we look forward to welcoming even more in the future!
I’m so grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community at Kids Ahead, and I’m excited to keep making great memories with our students!

Hi everyone! My name is Arthur Jiminez-Rojo, and I’m a Middle School teacher here at Kids Ahead. I’ve been part of the Kids Ahead family for about 2½ years now, and it’s been such a rewarding experience both personally and professionally. I’m also currently a junior at UNC-G.
One of my favorite things about Kids Ahead is how much there is to learn. I’ve learned so much from the experienced teachers around me, who are always willing to share their knowledge and support one another. At the same time, my students teach me something new every day, whether it’s a fresh way of looking at things or just reminding me to stay curious and engaged.
A fun fact about me is that I love collecting CDs and vinyl records. I enjoy music from all eras, especially from the 1960s to the present, and I’m always on the lookout for new additions to my collection. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I love discovering different artists and sounds.
I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community at Kids Ahead, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside my students and colleagues!

05/07/2026

Yesterday our 4th and 5th graders spent time creating bracelets with a special purpose 💛

These handmade bracelets were made for students in Kenya to keep one and share one—symbolizing connection, generosity, and friendship across the world. Two of our Kids Ahead parents are traveling to Kenya with Africa Exchange.

Africa Exchange is working to restore mutuality in a fragmented world by partnering with marginalized Kenyan communities. Many families face the challenges of deep poverty and difficult decisions about migration. Through building sustainable support systems for young children and their families, Africa Exchange helps create opportunities for communities to thrive right where they are.

Our Kids Ahead students are always looking for ways to practice kindness, and today was a beautiful example of that in action 🌍

05/06/2026

✨ Meet Our Amazing Teachers at Kids Ahead! ✨
💙 Kids Ahead – Where learning continues beyond the classroom!

Hi everyone! I’m Debbie Mapel, and I teach kindergarten at Kids Ahead. I truly love being part of this program and getting to do what I enjoy every day.
One of my favorite things about Kids Ahead is watching the children grow over the years—from little kindergarteners all the way up to middle schoolers. It’s so special to see how much they change, learn, and mature while still holding onto their unique personalities.
I also love that Kids Ahead feels like the closest thing to neighborhood play you can find in an after-school program. The older kids play with the younger ones and even help take care of them, and it’s such a joy to watch those connections form. There’s a real sense of community and kindness here that makes it extra special.
Fun fact about me: all of my grandchildren are taller than I am… even the 11-year-old! 😊
I’m so grateful to be part of such a caring and fun environment!

Hi everyone! I’m Mary Fisher, and I teach kindergarten. I’ve been back for almost two years now, and I came back because I truly love what I do. There’s just something special about being in the classroom—it feels like home, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
My absolute favorite part of teaching is working with the children. Their energy, curiosity, and the way they see the world make every single day an adventure. They keep me laughing, learning, and definitely young at heart! Watching them grow, gain confidence, and get excited about new things is the best feeling.
In addition to kindergarten, I also sub in the preschool pretty often, which I really enjoy. It’s a whole different kind of fun, and those little ones keep me on my toes! On my preschool days, you can usually find me with an iced coffee in hand, ready to take on the day ☕️
Fun fact about me: I have a white cat named Paint 🐾
I’m so happy to be back and grateful to be part of such a wonderful school community!

Hi everyone! I’m Sarah Pearson, and I teach kindergarten at Kids Ahead. I love being part of such a fun and welcoming place where every day brings something new.
My favorite thing about Kids Ahead is all the different ways kids can have fun here! Whether it’s games, activities, or just spending time together, there’s always something exciting going on. I love seeing the kids explore, laugh, and find what makes them happiest—it makes every day so rewarding.
Being around their energy and creativity definitely keeps me young at heart, and I’m so happy to be part of a place where kids can truly enjoy being kids.
Fun fact about me: I love big dogs—especially Dobermans! 🐶
I’m so grateful to be part of the Kids Ahead family!

Hi everyone! I’m Laney Elmore, and I teach kindergarten at Kids Ahead. I absolutely love being part of a place that puts so much care and heart into what they do every single day.
My favorite thing about Kids Ahead is how well-run the program is. Everything is organized, thoughtful, and centered around making sure the kids have the best experience possible—and you can really see that in how much they love being here! It’s such a great feeling to be part of a program that families trust and kids look forward to every day.
The energy, laughter, and excitement the kids bring keep me young at heart, and I truly enjoy being part of their day.
Fun fact about me: I had my first baby on Christmas Day in 2002! 🎄
I’m so happy to be part of the Kids Ahead family!

Our Kindergarten Teachers: Sarah Pearson, Debbie Mapel, Mary Fisher and Laney Elmore