Meet the Teachers
Lataree J. Spann, AS
Lead Teacher, Director Designee
lspann@lsu.edu
I am the Infant 1 teacher and Director Designee for the Infant and Toddler side at LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool. I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I received my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development from Post University and have worked in the early childhood field for over twenty years. I have one son and in my free time I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. There is nothing more gratifying than witnessing a young child learn something new and knowing you have been a part of that growth.
Ursula Pursley, AA
Teaching Assistant, Director Designee
CLASS Observer- Infant
upursley@lsu.edu
I received my Early Childhood diploma from Baton Rouge Community College and continually take courses in child development. I have been working in the early childhood field since 1990. I am single and have no children of my own but feel as if the children I take care of are like my own. I have lived all my life here in Baton Rouge. In my free time I enjoy working in my flowerbeds at home and spending time with friends and family. I also help to maintain ECELP’s Vegetable and Flower Gardens that are located within the playgrounds. During the years I have had the pleasure of watching children grow and discover the world around them. I like knowing that I played a small part in that and that this is only the beginning of a wonderful journey.
Demika Gilmore, BS
Lead Teacher
dgilmo3@lsu.edu
I am a graduate of Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development. I have been working with young children since 2010. I am from Baton Rouge, LA. I have a daughter and a son. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have always loved working with young children and I believe as a teacher it is my job to provide your children with a warm, positive, safe and loving environment that offers a wide variety of activities and hands-on experiences that promote learning.
Katie Slaughter, BS
Teaching Assistant
cslaughter1@lsu.edu
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA. I received a bachelor's degree in mass communications
with a minor in Business Administration from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches,
La, and have been working with children since 2014. I also hold my Early Childhood
Ancillary Certificate. In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling, and spending time with
family and friends. I enjoy working with children, because it gives me an opportunity
to view the world in their eyes.
Amarie Rowan, BA
Co-Lead Teacher
arowan@lsu.edu
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from The University of Southern Mississippi. I was born in New Orleans, La. I’ve been working with children since Highschool while receiving a certification in CNA. Children are the ability to bring change, positively. To shape and develop their minds for future accomplishments while bringing in nurturing, love, and providing safety. I take pride in working with children.
Joy Willis, BS
Co-Lead Teacher
jwillis4@lsu.edu
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wiley College. I
also hold an Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate. I have been an Early Childhood
Educator since 2010. I have served as an Early Head Start and Head Start teacher,
and an Early Childhood Education Manager and Instructional Coach for Head Start and
Pre-K. I specialize in creating an inclusive, play-based learning environment that
encourages curiosity, social emotional skills, and a love for learning that promotes
school readiness and lifelong learning. I am from New Roads, Louisiana and a proud
mom of two boys and two girls.
JaKortni Weber, BS
Co-Lead Teacher
jweber10@lsu.edu
For the past ten years I've contributed to the care of my brother who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. For that reason, I completed my degree in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development from Southern University and A&M College. I am from Plaquemine; Louisiana and my philosophy is that each child is unique, and they learn and thrive in different ways. I feel very fortunate to be a part of a team that promotes child development through learning as well as training and research. I love working with children and learning from them in the process.
Paige Poole, BGS
Co-Lead Teacher
Ppoole@lsu.edu
I graduated from Southeastern University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Arts
and Humanities, with minors in Behavioral Science and Applied Sciences. I have been
in the daycare industry since 2012, and I still love what I do. I am from Denham Springs
and have been married to my husband, William, since 2021, and we share our home with
our pit bull, Freya. I feel very fortunate to work and be a part of an establishment
where we focus on the teaching of young minds and explore the different ways that
each one can learn and thrive.
Priya Ranganathan, BBA
Lead Teacher
Pathways Trainer, CLASS Observer- Toddler
jranga2@lsu.edu
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Management from the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Alaska and my Louisiana Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate in Teaching and Child Development Associate in 2021. I have been involved with young children’s formal education since 2016. I lived in Kodiak, Alaska before moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I love Louisiana and LSU and Baton Rouge has become my Home Town. My husband and I are blessed with triplets. My passion for working with children started when I began to teach my triplets. I have a high level of patience, a good sense of humor, and am a positive individual. I believe in showing positive energy and providing a joyful environment that positively impacts early childhood development, especially in the development of manners and learning skills. I am excited to work with children. In my after-hour time, I enjoy doing yoga, meditation, healing, and spending time with her family.
Shannon Hardy, BS
Lead Teacher
shardy@lsu.edu
I received my bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Sciences/ Child Development from Southern University and have worked in the field since 2005. I was also a Family Service Coordinator working with disabled children for 6 years. I am originally from St. Francisville, LA, but relocated to Baton Rouge in 2010. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I love working with children.
Vanessa B. Baltazar, BS
Lead Teacher
vbalta1@lsu.edu
I received my bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration of Children Development from Southern University A&M College. I have been working with children for since 2000. I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am married and have two daughters along with seven grandchildren. In my free time I enjoy listening to instrumental music and audio books. My experience working in early childhood has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Working with young children has created a passion to serve, to care, to help, and to love that goes to the core of my being.
Tiairra Williams, BS
Lead Teacher
twil344@lsu.edu
I received my Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from Louisiana State University in May 2022. I began working with children when I was in my junior year of undergrad. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to work with children. It brings me joy every day to see how I am able to impact the growth and development of young children.
Catherine Lynch, CDA
Teaching Assistant
clynch10@lsu.edu
I have worked in various roles in early childhood education since 2010, from 2-4 year olds to teaching art to birth to 5. I started working in a Reggio Emilia inspired school in 2015 and learned that play-based, child led education with an emphasis on natural materials and arts is my passion. I hold a CDA and am currently working towards my early childhood teaching certification. I am a proud mom to 3 young, curious children and enjoy reading and crafting with my kids in my free time. Thank you for trusting me to care for your child!
Lakisha Banks, AAT
Lead Teacher
Pathways Trainer
lbanks@lsu.edu
I received my degree in Early Childhood Education from Louisiana Technical College. I have worked in the early childhood field since 2004. I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have two daughters and one son. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, entertaining, and cooking I have always loved working with children and believe that as a teacher, it is my responsibility to promote the social, emotional, and academic growth of young children.
Corinthian Henley, CDA
Teaching Assistant, Director Designee
CLASS Observer- Toddler, CLASS Train the Trainer- Toddler
chenley1@lsu.edu
I have had the pleasure of teaching, guiding, and nurturing children for more than 35 years in the field of Early Childhood Education. I am married and a mom to 3 wonderfully unique daughters and grandmother to 3 brilliant and precious grandchildren that keep me young at heart. I wake every day inspired to learn something new. I look forward to being a valuable part of your child’s learning experience. I believe children learn best when they feel comfortable and safe in their environment. This allows them to explore and initiate their very own unique learning path and in return, they flourish. In my experience, learning is progressive and every child learns and expresses themselves individually. My hope for each student begins with learning to trust and respect each other and grow from that foundational block.
Macy Fabacher, CDA
Teaching Assistant
mfabacher@lsu.edu
I earned my Child Development Associates (CDA) Degree in 2021 and have worked in childcare
since 2019. I was born in Lafayette, Louisiana but moved to Baton Rouge in 2012! In
my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, shopping, and reading!
I am a firm believer in "Mindset is Everything" and exemplify this in the classroom
by positively encouraging children to think outside of the box or step into a new
pair of shoes when faced with a challenge. Every moment is a teachable moment! My
favorite thing about working with children is establishing individual relationships
with them and watching them flourish in every aspect!
Amanda Thompson, BS
Teaching Assistant
atho358@lsu.edu
Hello! I'm Amanda Thompson, bringing over a decade of experience in working with children across diverse age groups. My heart is drawn to the early developmental stages, where I find joy in being a part of their foundational journey. I'm committed to equipping each student with a valuable skill set for their academic toolbox. Outside of work, I'm a proud parent to my wonderful daughter, and our happy place is the beach or enjoying the outdoors with our dog, Meaux. We're avid LSU sports fans, attending football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball games. We also relish Louisiana traditions, indulging in crawfish and celebrating with family and friends. Life for us is a harmonious blend of professional passion and personal fulfillment!
Martha A. Pierre, BS
Lead Teacher
trinnym@lsu.edu
I received my bachelor’s degree from Southern University A&M College and have worked in the field of education since 2006. I am from and still reside in Zachary, Louisiana. I have a baby boy and enjoy spending time with him as he grows and develops. As a teacher my goal is to help children achieve their highest potential so they can and will become productive citizens. I enjoy watching them grow and explore the world around them. I want to ensure parents that your child will be my priority and I will strive to make this a successful year.
Lorrie Holt, AA, CDA
Teaching Assistant
lholt@lsu.edu
I have a Child Development Associate (CDA) as well as an Associates in Liberal Arts Degree and I have worked in Elementary Education since 2012 in Atlanta, GA. I recently moved to Baton Rouge and have two adult children. My daughter is a LSU Veterinarian Student and my son works in I.T. in Atlanta. I’ve been married for over 30 years and have a miniature dachshund I enjoy spending time with while reading and relaxing at home. I love working with children and I am passionate to see children grow in a nurturing environment.
Cassandra Riche, MS
Lead Teacher
criche11@lsu.edu
I graduated from LSU in 2004 with my bachelor's in Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences. I then went to the University of Southern Miss for my master's in Child Development. My first job out of graduate school was at the former LSU Child Care Center and I am so thrilled to be back. I worked with the LSU AgCenter teaching child care provider classes and I have been in the Early Childhood classroom as a teacher since 2009. I love teaching PreK, it is my favorite age! I am so excited to be in an environment that fosters developmentally appropriate practices. I love to watch the growth of the children and form relationships with parents. I am also certified to teach PK-3rd in Louisiana.
Ashlyn Rupert, BS
Teaching Assistant
aruper1@lsu.edu
I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Science with
a minor in Psychology from LSU in May 2024. I gained valuable experience through a
variety of internships, working with ages six months to five years old. In the future,
I will earn a Master’s degree in early childhood education with a focus on ages birth
through kindergarten. I enjoy building personal relationships with my students to
further both their academic and social development. I am excited to watch my students
grow and learn over the course of the year, and I value being a part of their educational
process!
Cassidy Lyons, BS
Lead Teacher
clyons22@lsu.edu
I am the Young Preschool 3 lead teacher, and I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2024. I am from Covington, Louisiana and graduated from Mandeville High School in May 2020. I have been living in Baton Rouge since I started at LSU in 2020. I am very grateful to connect with and understand children and their development while always willing to learn more! I have taught grades PreK- 2nd and have been working with children since 2017. My main goal as an educator is to foster a love of learning and to instill confidence in every child!
Morgan Mills, BS
Teaching Assistant
morganmills@lsu.edu
I graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2024 with a degree in Human Development and Family Science and a concentration in Child Development. I grew up in the Baton Rouge area and after spending time in North Louisiana, decided it was time to come home. I am so excited to be at the ECELP and see each child grow. Live music is something I value highly, so if you ever see me feel free to ask about any concerts I have coming up!
Devlin Dukes-Bynum, CDA
Teaching Assistant
dbynum1@lsu.edu
I have a Child Development Associate (CDA) degree and have worked in the early childhood field since 2016. I’m originally from St. Francisville but now live in Brusly. I have two girls and a son. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love working with children. As an Early Childhood Educator my goal is to provide your child with a positive, safe, loving environment through play.
Caroline Hargrave, BS
Lead Teacher
chargr9@lsu.edu
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from LSU in May of 2023. I am from New Iberia, Louisiana and have been living in Baton Rouge for the last four years. I have been very fortunate to see the different stages of child development through my years of student teaching. I have worked closely with children in pre-k through second grade and have had a front-row seat to all of the development and growth that takes place with the students individually and within the classroom. My goal as an educator for early childhood is to instill in children a love of learning in order to build a strong foundation for success in the years to come!
Bridget Adu Poku, BS
Lead Teacher
badupo1@lsu.edu
I am currently one of the lead teachers in Preschool 1. I hold a bachelor’s degree
in Early Childhood Education, majoring in Arts and Literacy, from the University of
Education, Winneba, Ghana (2020). I completed the Teacher (National Service Program)
in January 2021 and received my Teaching License from the National Teaching Council,
Republic of Ghana, in 2022. Additionally, I have a Diploma in Theatre Arts and Music
from ROPAC Institute. I also have six years of teaching experience in Pre-K through
secondary school in Ghana. As a proud Ghanaian, I have a family of four, “My Parents
and a younger sister” with part of them residing in the United Kingdom. I love incorporating
artwork such as painting, molding and roleplay into my teaching skills. My research
interests include Inclusive Education, Arts and Creativity, Language and Literacy,
Special Needs Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy, and Family and Community. I am committed
to fostering a creative and inclusive learning environment for young children.
Stephanie Thornhill, AAS
Teaching Assistant
sthornhill@lsu.edu
I have been working with children for over a decade. I recently received my AAS degree
in Care and Development of Young Children from BRCC, and I am currently working towards
my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I have two dogs named Sir Snuggles
and Dr. Taco. I enjoy gardening, reading, and spending time with my friends.
Autumn E. Smith, MEd
Lead Teacher
asmi435@lsu.edu
Throughout college, I have spent the summers working at camps. I have worked at Camp Dynamics, a specialized camp for children with learning, communication, and behavioral differences, and Tiger’s Den, a regular summer camp held at the LSU UREC. I have also interned in a pre-k and third grade classroom and was a student teacher in a kindergarten and second grade classroom. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, taking my dog on bike rides, going to LSU football games, and spending time with my friends and family. I believe that the most significant role of the teacher is to provide each student with the tools and techniques needed in order to become critical thinkers and effective agents of change within their society. Every single student is capable of positively influencing the world and with the development of analysis and problem-solving skills, the expansion of their global awareness, and the acquisition of a cooperative, inquiring attitude, students can achieve this goal and thrive beyond the classroom. Society cannot progress without the presence of well-educated, self-motivated individuals equipped with the research skills and the desire to better humanity needed to facilitate change.
Jan York, CDA
Teaching Assistant
jyork8@lsu.edu
I received my Ancillary Teaching Certificate in 2021 and am a level 2 teacher. My goal is to acquire my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and one day rise to the Director position. My Mom was an educator for more than 20 years and instilled in me a passion for education My experience encompasses children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. I began as a floater and advanced to an assistant then lead teacher. I believe every child is a genius and we can learn from them. Watching them learn through their persistence has shown me eventually you will succeed in your life, even if things don’t go the way you wanted the first time. In my free time I enjoy sudoku puzzles, card games, music, singing, reading, spending time with loved ones, attending church, being a praise team leader and writing poetry and songs. My motto is I am greater than I see; I am created for greatness.