Office of Early Learning (OEL)
Early Learning Vision
OEL will Collaborate, Advocate, and Support in order to provide an equitable and responsive system of support to ensure North Carolina's children and families are successful contributors in school and life.
Early Learning Mission
The mission of OEL is to support educators, children, and families through collaboration and advocacy in order to positively impact educational outcomes.
Contact Us
Tab/Accordion Item
| REGION | NAME | EMAIL ADDRESS | PHONE # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Melissa Strickland | melissa.strickland@dpi.nc.gov | 252-578-9452 |
| Northeast | Thomas (Tad) Merritt | thomas.merritt@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2867 |
| Southeast | Leslie Simmons | leslie.simmons@dpi.nc.gov | 910-228-6420 |
| Southeast | Candace Heath | candace.heath@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2865 |
| North Central | Holly Lee | holly.lee@dpi.nc.gov | 919-810-7036 |
| North Central | Jenni Wilkinson | jenni.wilkinson@dpi.nc.gov | 919-696-5501 |
| Sandhills | Donna Albaugh | donna.albaugh@dpi.nc.gov | 910-476-7218 |
| Sandhills | |||
| Piedmont-Triad | Cameron Ammann | cameron.ammann@dpi.nc.gov | 704-562-5481 |
| Piedmont-Triad | Mary Derfel | mary.derfel@dpi.nc.gov | 336-255-4761 |
| Southwest | Sarah Morrison | sarah.morrison@dpi.nc.gov | 704-473-1737 |
| Southwest | Angela Preston | angela.preston@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2869 |
| Northwest | Jessica Fitzgerald | jessica.fitzgerald@dpi.nc.gov | 828-514-9248 |
| Northwest | Cynthia Barber | cynthia.barber@dpi.nc.gov | 336-406-0847 |
| Western | Carrie Bruns | carrie.allen@dpi.nc.gov | 828-713-2064 |
| Western | Kelly Pratt | kelly.pratt@dpi.nc.gov | 828-699-7083 |
| TITLE | NAME | EMAIL ADDRESS | PHONE # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office of Early Learning Director | Amy Rhyne | amy.rhyne@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2744 |
| Section Chief RtA/Early Literacy | Tonia Parrish | tonia.parrish@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2864 |
| OEL & RtA Project Coordinator | Dan Tetreault | dan.tetreault@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2749 |
| RtA Implementation Coordinator | Kelley Bendheim | kelley.bendheim@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2866 |
| NC Head Start Collaboration Director | Macy Jones | macy.jones@dpi.nc.gov | 919-795-9473 |
| Preschool EC 619 Co-Coordinator | Keashia Walker | keashia.walker@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2602 |
| Preschool EC 619 Co-Coordinator | Dawn Meskil | dawn.meskil@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2642 |
| Title 1 Preschool Consultant | Jody Koon | jody.koon@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2748 |
| Administrative Assistant | Mary Hutchings | mary.hutchings@dpi.nc.gov | 984-236-2743 |