font entrance of pre school

About Carolina Prep School

  1. Home
  2. About Carolina Prep School

Everything we do at Carolina Prep School comes back to a singular mission:

To build a diverse, positive, stimulating learning environment which values excellence in academics, leadership, and service.
Our facility, staff, and curriculum are all built to nurture and develop the young students in our care.

About Carolina Prep

Defining Characteristics

A nurturing culture, using maternal care as a model.

Faculty and staff consistently provide caring attitudes and actions to mirror the way you would treat your child.

A facility designed with children in mind.

We have designed our space to provide an array of exciting experiences for your student throughout the day.

A parental support program.

We partner with you in the development of your child.

A solid foundation for learning.

Our Creative Curriculum® inspired foundation provides a framework for excellence in core academic areas—as well as character and confidence development.

In Their Words

  • “This school is very diverse culturally. My children attend with students who are from many backgrounds who speak multiple languages.”
  • “The teachers are wonderful. They have a wonderful core knowledge format and teach in a very caring, nurturing manner.”
  • “I feel my kids are getting a well-rounded education from a quality faculty and staff, but of equal importance to me is that my kids enjoy going to school and are having fun learning.”
  • “This is an environment that provides, besides safety and the highest competence, international and cultural enrichments, and outstanding social skills for your child.”

Facility & Location

Carolina Prep School is located in close proximity to the Roper Mountain Rd. / I-385 intersection at:

212 Roper Mountain Rd Ext.
Greenville, SC 29615

PERSONALIZED

Our prep school facility is designed to fit our school values and mission. An open, friendly learning environment, our facility includes a gymnasium, theater, traveling technology center, language lab, outdoor learning and play, art studio, and music hall.

 

 

SECURE

Entry to our facility is allowable through key fob entry only. A school-wide intercom system allows for immediate communication.

Our Team

Our team includes administrators, faculty, staff, and our Board!

Kirby Lesesne

Art
Biography

Ms. Kirby Lesesne is a master of all trades here at Carolina Prep!  With a BA in Theater from Converse College and 5+ years working with young children, she spends time in each of our Pre-School classrooms, teaches Art classes, and designs sets for our annual musicals!  Kirby is originally from Florence, South Carolina, but has lived in several places around the Upstate.  Kirby finds daily inspiration in people who go after their dreams, which adds to her excitement when her students accomplish something new.  In the little amount of free time she has, Kirby is often reading, painting, or making travel plans.

Joy Motz

Assistant Director
Biography

Joy Motz was born and raised in Greenville, SC. Mrs. Motz has worked in childcare since 1999.  She has served as an after-school teacher, after-school site director and day camp director at the Eastside Family YMCA.  She later transitioned into an after-school/day camp coordinator at Palmetto Prep, and has been with Pre-Preppers at Carolina Prep since opening in 2010.  Joy enjoys working with children and spending time with her family.

Lee Pariseau

Executive Director
Biography

A native of Moncks Corner, SC, Lee Pariseau is a graduate of Winthrop University. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Pariseau began working at Classy Kids with all ages before becoming the teacher of their certified Kindergarten program. She then became director of the location in Simpsonville. Mrs. Pariseau had the opportunity to be a part of Palmetto Prep. She was a key member of the original startup team. She became a director responsible for the Preschool and Primary School. Mrs. Pariseau was responsible for choosing, implementing, and monitoring curricula for infants through 5th grade. She developed and implemented ongoing training for the entire staff, as well as, maintained scheduling, human resources, accounting/deposits, and all requirements for state agencies. Mrs. Pariseau enjoys golf, watching sports, and spending time with her husband Brad, son Jake, and dog Millie.

Ubarana Heloisa

First & Second Grades Website: Exploring with Ms. Ubarana!
Biography

Ms. Heloisa Ubarana is new to our family this year at Carolina Prep!  She was born in Brazil and speaks multiple languages, but has called Greenville home for a long time!  Heloisa graduated from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) with her Bachelor’s Degree in English/Elementary Education.  She completed her student teaching as a Kindergarten teacher at Mauldin Elementary School and a Sixth Grade teacher at LaFrance Elementary, where she also tutored Kindergarten – Fourth Graders in Math and English.  In her spare time Heloisa enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her younger brother and sister!  Email Ms. Ubarana at hubarana@carolinaprepschool.com and follow her teaching adventures on the First/Second Grade Blog!

Breanna Mills

Floating Teacher
Biography

Mrs. Breanna Mills joins our Greenville community all the way from Michigan!  She is currently attending Greenville Technical College where she is working towards her Bachelor’s degree.  Breanna is a volleyball player and loves being on the court outside of work!  Breanna’s husband has been one of the biggest and most inspiring influences in her life, and she hopes to visit her dream location one day with him – Hawaii!  Breanna fills needs in all of our classrooms so stop by and say hi!

Brittany Niles

Infant 1 Website: Infant 1 Blog
Biography

Brittany Niles is so happy to be a part of our Carolina Prep family!  Although originally from Florida, she has lived most of here life here in Greenville, South Carolina.  Brittany has been working with young children for over 5 years and is rewarded by the difference she makes in their little lives everyday.  She brings her artistic and crafty talents into the classroom with her creative activities for young infants!  Along with loving children and animals, Brittany’s family is the biggest part of her life!

Kathy Ryan

Infant 2
Biography

Kathy Ryan was born and raised in New Hampshire and after living in Texas, moved to Greenville to be near her grandson. She has been working in the field of early childhood education since 2006 and has spent time with all ages.  She showers her students and families with love and attention!  In her free time, Kathy loves to bake, shop, and spend time with her husband, three children, and grandson.

Rebecca Barr

Infant 2 Blog: Infant 2 Blog
Biography

Ms. Rebecca Barr joins our Greenville community from Powdersville, SC!  She attended Anderson University where she earned her degree in Multi-categorical Special Education.  Rebecca has spent over 12 years working with young children and in special education classrooms.  Rebecca strives to help her students gain daily living skills and to grow physically as well as mentally.  Rebecca also volunteers twice a year for The Special Olympics.  Her parents have been her biggest inspiration in life because of their dedication to loving others!  Outside of school, you can find Rebecca crafting, watching Netflix, swimming, and visiting her favorite place, Hunting Island State Park.  One day, she plans to travel to Wellington, Colorado!

Misty White

Kindergarten Website: Kindergarten Blog
Biography

Misty White graduated from USC Upstate with a B.A. in Education, and holds her certification in Early Childhood Development by the South Carolina State Board of Education. While completing her degree, Misty volunteered in Greenville County classrooms, as well as led weekly classroom reading programs. She has worked in Kindergarten classrooms at both Brushy Creek Elementary and Mountain View Elementary schools. Mrs. White was also an Elementary School Age Children’s Director at a local church, where her responsibilities included, but were not limited to: curriculum development, teaching, and scheduling. Misty has a passion for helping children learn and grow, and she has been a part of the Carolina Prep team since January 2011.

Gwendolyn Pollock

Music Blog: Music Blog
Biography

Gwendolyn Pollock moved to Greenville, SC after finishing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Pensacola Christian College.  During her high school years, she began teaching piano lessons to beginners in a group class setting at Gaylyn Capitano Music Studio.  Originally, she moved to Greenville to pursue her Master’s degree in Piano Pedagogy but fell in love with the area!  While pursuing her Master’s degree, she began teaching private lessons at Piano Central Studios and, after completing her Kindermusik certification, taught several classes on site and at different pre-schools in the area.  Because of her diverse training, Gwendolyn has taught private students from young beginners to seasoned adults.  Gwendolyn’s passion is giving the students the tools they need to make their practice more efficient and productive which leads to a greater understanding of the music, giving the student the power to perform confidently.  In her free time, Gwendolyn loves being outdoors.  Although different from the beach scenes of Florida she grew up with, Greenville has offered her trails to hike, places to bike, and parks to explore.  She also embraces a nerdy side by spending afternoons at the library or her favorite local coffee shops listening to live music.

Brad Pariseau

Operations
Biography

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Brad Pariseau is graduate of Boston College, where he holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Mr. Pariseau was the general manager of Palmetto Prep responsible for all aspects of running the school, including growth, expansion, personnel, financials, and operations. He previously worked with investors as the general manager of Right Source. In that capacity, he grew the education/learning services business, opened five state-of-the-art technology learning centers, developed and implemented the educational business plan, and managed global sales and marketing initiatives and learning services. Brad also served as the Vice President of Availant, Inc. in Cambridge, MA. He was responsible for all aspects of running and developing the business including strategy, direction, growth and profitability. Brad has also owned and operated his own businesses, including a temporary staffing agency and retail store. Brad enjoys golf, watching sports, and spending time with his wife Lee, son Jake, and dog Millie.

Marcus Allen

Physical Education and After School
Biography

Marcus Allen is a Spartanburg native and a huge Clemson fan! Since 2005, Mr. Marcus has been a role model for youth across the state of South Carolina.  After receiving his Children’s Ministry Certification from the Children’s Ministries Institute in Missouri, Marcus traveled around South Carolina with the Children’s Evangelism Fellowship.  He has also been a part of Fairforest Middle School’s After School program and was the Director of After School for the YMCA.  Marcus co-owns Spartanburg Swing where he shares his passion for dancing!  Marcus enjoys watching movies and long-boarding during his free time and can be found dancing around town!  Mr. Marcus has led our After School program since 2015 and Physical Education program since 2017.

Melissa Sharpless

Pre-K
Biography

Melissa Sharpless grew up in Sumter, South Carolina and graduated from Laurence Manning Academy.  She received a BA degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.  Mrs. Sharpless has taught pre-school for 12 years and has worked primarily with 2-5 year olds.  She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers!

Lindsey Phillips

Pre-Preppers Website: Pre-Preppers Blog
Biography

Lindsey Phillips is a native of Greenville SC.  While Attending high school at J. L. Mann, she worked as a nanny part-time, became full-time after graduating, and stayed with the family for 9 years.  Lindsey saw to the daily schedules of the children, planned outings and activities, and kept the children for long periods while the parents were out of town. She loves working with children and found her new home at Carolina Prep!  In her free time, she enjoys watching her favorite Gamecocks play any sport!  Lindsey also enjoys spending time with family, and friends.  Email Ms. Phillips at lphillips@carolinaprepschool.com.

Megan Brown

Pre-Preppers Blog: Pre-Prepper Blog
Biography

Mrs. Megan joined us in 2018 as a Pre-Prepper teacher!  She has a daughter of her own, and has always enjoyed watching young children learn, grow, and develop their unique personalities.  Megan is from Greenville, SC, and studied at Greenville Technical College.  In her spare time, you can find her hiking or getting lost in a good book!  One of her favorite times of year is around the Christmas holiday where she does “Christmas time things” with her daughter.  Megan is a volunteer in her community by helping out at local animal shelters and The Children’s Hospital.

Amy Gilliland

Pre-Preppers Blog: Pre-Prepper Blog
Biography

Amy Gilliland is originally from Tennessee. She moved from Tennessee to South Carolina and has worked in childcare for over 13 years. She enjoys developing relationships with the children by reading books, or working on a project together. She loves to bake and cook with her family and she enjoys volunteering at her church.

Julie Camposano

Preppers Website: Prepper Blog
Biography

Julie Camposano is a native of Greenville, South Carolina and has worked with pre-school through after school aged children for over 20 years.  Julie attended USC-Upstate where she studied both Early Childhood Education and Psychology.  She volunteered at The Meyer Center working with children with special needs, and was a peer tutor for the Rainbow Games.  During her free time, Julie enjoys painting and diving into a good book.  Julie’s favorite activity is spending time with her husband and beautiful son, Mayes!

Candrice Palmour

Preppers Blog: Prepper Blog
Biography

Mrs. Candrice Palmour has joined our Prepper classroom!  Although originally from Georgia, Candrice has lived from coast to coast!  She has attended Kennesaw State University, West Georgia Technical, and Trident Technical College.  Candrice has been working with children for 22 years in Greenville, SC, and various towns in Georgia.  Being from Georgia, she is a huge Georgia Bulldogs fan and loves watching college football games over Thanksgiving weekend with her family!  She also enjoys going on family outings, shopping, and visiting small, country towns.  Candrice volunteers at her church in her time outside of work and spends most of her time with her beloved family members.  See what Candrice is up to in the Prepper classroom by visiting the Prepper Blog!

Jyrdan Palmour

Rotating Teacher
Biography

Ms. Jyrdan Palmour is one of our newest members at Carolina Prep!  She is devoted to working with young children and helping them reach their developmental milestones.  Jyrdan has been working with children since 2013 and is excited to work as our Rotating Teaching in our youngest classrooms!  Jyrdan attended the University of West Georgia, and has an Assistant in Nursing degree along with a certification to be a nursing assistant.  In her time outside of work, she enjoys watching football, being with friends and family, traveling, and scrapbooking!  Fun fact about Jyrdan:  She loves aquariums, and anywhere else there are fish!!  Help us welcome Jyrdan to the Carolina Prep team!

Estefani Soler

Spanish Blog: Spanish Blog
Biography

Bienvenido Señora Estefani!  Mrs. Estefani was born and raised in Miami, Florida, before moving to Greenville in 2014 with her husband and two sons.  Estefani’s family is originally from the Dominican Republic.  Estefani enjoys curious children are, and uses their unique imaginations to engage them in latin american dance, art, and song in her classroom!  She also loves to travel, her latest trip being to Cuba.  In the future, Estefani would love to travel to Egypt where she can learn about ancient Egyptian culture and visit the great pyramids!  One of Estefani’s favorite hobbies is to dance, and she shares her love for dance with her sons.

Dianne Chaney

Substitute Teacher
Biography

It is always a fun day when Mrs. Dianne Chaney is here!  Dianne has been working with Carolina Prep students, infants through Pre-K, and teachers since 2013!

Jill Cook

Substitute Teacher

Cara Harris

Third & Fourth Grades Blog: Working Hard With Mrs. Harris
Biography

Mrs. Cara Harris was born and raised in Greenville County.  She graduated Salutatorian from Shannon Forest Christian School, and attended Emmanuel College in northeast Georgia.  Cara graduated Valedictorian from Emmanuel College in 2003 with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education.  She has taught in both elementary and preschool classrooms during her education career, and taught first grade, third grade, K4, and library all in private school settings.  She lives with her two children, Natalie and Griffin, and wonderful husband, Peter!  In her free time, Cara enjoys going to the beach, reading books, watching movies, and spending time with her family.  Welcome Mrs. Harris!!

Holly McManus

Toddlers Website: Toddler Blog
Biography

Ms. Holly McManus is originally from Winnsboro, SC, but we are so glad she has moved to the Upstate!  She has worked with young children for over 15 years and continues to love watching her friends learn!  Ms. Holly earned her degree from Christ Central University and also spent time studying at Midland Technical College.  Holly’s spends a majority of her time with her family.  As a family, their favorite holiday tradition is to spend all day baking cookies on Christmas Eve for the Christmas celebration!  Holly can be found lifting up her co-teachers with the motto, “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”

Alexis Scott

Toddlers Website: Toddler Blog
Biography

Ms. Alexis Scott is from right here in the Greenville area!  She attended Greenville Tech where she obtained her Early Care and Education Associate in Applied Science.  Alexis has been working in early child care centers for over 5 years and her favorite part about her job is that “everyday is a new adventure!”  Her classroom is filled with creative decorations and her students’ art projects!  Her inspiration in life comes from her father’s work ethic and her mother’s sweetness and positive outlook on things.  In her spare time outside of Carolina Prep, Alexis spends time with her family, crafting, and shopping.

Board Members

Carla Beals

Biography

Carla Beals is a senior consultant with Ramboll, an environmental consulting firm.  She has conducted and managed ecological risk assessments and due diligence and regulatory compliance activities for industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities throughout the United States as well as renewable energy (wind, solar) projects.  She obtained her MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida and her BS in Marine Sciences from the University of South Carolina.   She’s from South Carolina but has moved around a bit (i.e., Florida, Georgia, and New Zealand) before returning to South Carolina by way of Greenville in 2016.  She has a daughter in the Preschool.

Scott Brown

Biography
Scott Brown is currently Business Director for the Aerospace Adhesives segment of Solvay Composite Materials.  With a 20-year career in engineering, manufacturing operations, and business management in the automotive and aerospace fields, Scott’s experience includes a wide range of responsibilities and leadership roles including recently returning from being a plant manager on an overseas assignment in Germany.  Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from University of Illinois, a Master’s degree in engineering from University of Wisconsin, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Clemson University.  Scott and his wife have 2 sons enrolled in Carolina Prep’s Pre-School program.

Brent Hodgson

Biography
Brent Hodgson is an outside sales manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.  A Georgia native, he and his family have lived in Alabama, Texas and Colorado before settling in the Upstate in 2014.  Brent has a BA in History from Auburn University and has two children in our Pre-School.

Jamie Langenhan

Chair
Biography

Jamie Langenhan works for GE Renewable Energy. Jamie obtained her MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and completed her undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is working toward her MBA at Clemson University.  Jamie is a transplant from Buffalo, New York, but she now calls Greenville her home.  She joined the board in 2013 and has two children in the preschool.

Why Carolina Prep?

We want your student to be a part of our family!

Here are a few compelling reasons to choose Carolina Prep School:

Preschool

  • A solid Core Knowledge Sequence that builds on each previous year
  • Creative lesson plans developed by classroom teachers that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each group
  • Custom classroom placement based on individual development
  • Ultra-low student to teacher ratios
  • Music classes taught by a certified music teacher
  • Art classes taught by a certified art teacher
  • Daily Spanish classes taught by a certified Spanish teacher
  • All-inclusive tuition, which includes diapers, wipes, diaper ointment, nutritious breakfasts, morning snacks, hot lunches, and afternoon snacks
  • Highest quality teachers, who are selected through a comprehensive, team approach
  • Monthly Parent’s Night Out caregiving available on-site

Elementary

  • A solid Core Knowledge Sequence that complements our skills-based language arts and mathematics curriculum. Our curriculum exceeds state standards and meets national standards.
  • A robust enrichment curriculum, including daily Spanish, music, art, and physical education integrated across the curriculum and taught by certified teachers
  • Low student to teacher ratios to maximize teach time and provide individualized learning opportunities
  • All-inclusive tuition, which includes early drop-off, breakfast, hot lunch, curriculum materials, and field trips
  • Bi-weekly character education classes to promote integrity, self respect, accountability, and respect for others
  • Highest quality teachers, certified by the state of South Carolina and selected by a comprehensive, team approach
  • On-site after school, holiday camp, and summer adventures programs that meet academic and recreational needs