Bound by Values, Shaped in Circles
2025-2026 Academic Calendar 2024-2025 Annual Report
Prep Fund Impact
$357,744 Prep Fund dollars raised in 2024-2025
Tools for Teaching And Learning
• 25 new iPads
• Wipebooks
• Drums 4 Life interactive presentation
• Gift of Failure: Jessica Lahey, Prepped Parents guest speaker
• How to Talk to Kids about Anything: Robyn Silverman, PhD, Prepped Parents guest speaker
• Guest author, Brian Young, visited student classes in grades 4-8
• Author Matthew Landis presented writing workshops for students in grades 4-6
• Materials for our first-ever Joy Term
• Microscopes
• 3D printer
Prep Fund Supports Tools for Teaching and Learning Professional Development
The Arts
Athletics
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging
Tuition Assistance
• Four Synfrogs
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging
• MOSAIC MS Diversity Club
• 10 MS students attended the ACT Diversity Conference at Providence Day School
• Family community service day
• Family movie night
• 77 new flags purchased to represent our families at Prep BUDEE Programs:
• International Day of Peace
• Veterans Day
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Day of Service
• Women’s History Month
• Earth Day
• Diwali
• Black History Month
• Lunar New Year
40% students from diverse backgrounds 77 countries represented FACULTY & STAFF PARTICIPATION
The Arts
• Brand new theater sets including 4 periaktos
• 6 fabricated wall panels with removable top
• Brand new digital lighting for our stage and proscenium Athletics
• Soccer jerseys
• Basketball goals
• Scooters
• Dodge balls
• Renovation of the concession stand (8th-grade gift)
and State Workshops and Institutions
8. SAIS Institute for New Teachers 9. Collaborative Classroom Training
10. Written Expression Disorder at the Rankin Institute at Fletcher School 11. NCAIS Neurodiversity Conference
12. The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning
13. Math Design Team: Building Thinking Classrooms
14. Math Disorder at the Rankin Institute at Fletcher School
15. SAIS Curriculum Symposium 16. SAIS DEI Institute 17. American Camp Association Annual Conference
National Afterschool Association Convention
SAIS Annual Conference
Orton-Gillingham Training
AISAP Admissions and AI Conference 22. GYTO Conference 23. NAIS Peer Circles 24. Future of Educational Technology Conference
DLI Conference
our 2025 graduates were accepted into one or both of their top two choices for high school
“The Prep Fund empowers our teachers and students to pursue exceptional educational experiences. It sets us apart in the independent school landscape, ignites curiosity, and supports a culture of learning without limits.”
~ Scott Philips, PA President
Prep Students Traveled to Costa Rica
Over spring break, 12 middle school students, accompanied by Mrs. O’Connell and Mrs. Roosa, embarked on an immersive educational adventure in Costa Rica, connecting their classroom studies to real-world experiences. From snorkeling in Guanacaste to visiting an active volcano and hiking in a cloud forest, students explored the country’s biodiversity, economy, and culture.
Science Comes to Life in Costa Rica
Science teacher Noreen Roosa aligned the trip with her energy unit, as students witnessed Costa Rica’s geothermal energy from the Arenal Volcano, wind turbines, and widespread solar usage. Before the trip, students researched energy usage in Costa Rica vs. the United States, making their visits to sustainability farms and hot springs even more meaningful.
Cultural Connections through Spanish
From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in Costa Rican culture, using their Spanish skills to engage with locals. Spanish teacher Marvin Coto emphasized how students connected classroom lessons to real-life experiences—whether through understanding the meaning of Pura Vida, recognizing the influence of salsa dancing, or comparing traditional dishes like Gallo Pinto to familiar foods at home. A favorite highlight was the hands-on workshops, where students learned how to make chocolate, soap, and traditional Costa Rican meals.
Economics in Costa Rica
Math teacher Amber O’Connell guided students in examining the economic pillars of Costa Rica: tourism, agriculture, and electronic exports. Students analyzed how these industries—while distinct—are deeply interconnected. By observing these industries in action and discussing their impact, students gained valuable insights into how economies function. To share their findings, they created a sideshow presentation for an all-school assembly.
A Transformative Experience
This trip was more than just sightseeing—it was an opportunity for immersive learning. Whether navigating the rainforest, learning from local farmers, or standing in awe of the Arenal Volcano, students gained new perspectives and a greater appreciation for the world beyond their own.
Our trip to Costa Rica was really great. I made so many great memories, bonded with the people in our group, and had a marvelous time.
~ Sarah Y. (Grade 8)
I loved the Costa Rica trip. It taught me so much about culture, storylines, and beliefs in just a few days!
~ Brooke W. (Grade 6)
My favorite part was the snorkeling. I saw many fish and a manta ray. This was the best school trip I have ever had!
~ Iyla T. (Grade 6)
A Message From Our Leadership
As a school committed to educating the whole child, we believe in the transformative power of collective partnerships that unite parents, staff, and teachers. Our mission guides our core belief that all students foster a love of learning and deserve a warm, nurturing environment to thrive and be the best version of themselves. This annual report is a reflection of Prep’s steadfast commitment to our mission and our community values. We extend our deepest gratitude to the donors who have generously supported the Prep Fund. Your contribution is more than a gift— it’s an investment in the growth, success, and future of our students, faculty, and programs.
Due to the generosity of our donors, we are able to enrich nearly every aspect of the Charlotte Prep experience.
Your support directly enhances tools for teaching and learning, professional development, arts, athletics, tuition assistance, and our commitment to creating a more inclusive, diverse school environment. All of these are essential to delivering our mission to every student and to making Prep a positive working environment for our talented faculty and staff.
To our many supporters, we are truly grateful for the many ways you enrich the Prep community. The future is bright for our wonderful school.
With sincere appreciation,
Todd Ballaban Head of School
Jeff Mitchell President, Board of Trustees
Founders Circle
($10,000 and above)
Victoria and Jeff Mitchell
Rachel Roff and Javin Daniels
Haley and John Timperio
Vicky and Timothy Wilkison
Legacy Society
($5,000 - $9,999)
Anonymous
Laura Ameziani-Berlot and Massi Ameziani
Jessica and Andreas Antoniou
Radhika Chandra and Gaurang Pandya
Cyndi and Donovan Chaney
Judy and Randal Chou
Andrea and Christian Eriksson De Rezende
Elizabeth and Sean Fitzpatrick
Cole Frantz Semones
Caroline and Brian Green
Krista and Ryan Harvey
Tatiana Kotsulim and Dorin Timco
Kristen and Kirk Martin
Jade and David Murray
Ania and Richard Pulliam
Rachel and Drew Taylor
Akshata Udiavar and Matthew Pulley
Head of School Circle
($2,500 - $4,999)
Anonymous
Lan Bi and Bradley Malestein
Tahseen and Thomas Bock
Lauren-Torie and Morgan Brady
Jill and James Brigman
Georgeta Bututoi and Iancu Fagadar
Alia Paige Callis and Charles Callis
Caitlin and Cary Cameron
Emily and Wade Cantrell
Mary Keller and J.D. Costa
Kyla and N’Gai Croal
Jane and Joshua Davis
Amy and David Dusseault
Amanda and Matthew Fleishman
Lauren Garcia and Alexander Abramovich
Kimberly and Jason Garrison
Irma and Bernard Grondin
Kathryn and Zachary Higbee
Kathleen and Alexander Karakosta
Monica and Joel Katz
Chris Marblo
Katie and Labon McCoy
Erin McCrum and Robert Harper
Amy and Richard Merino
Kimberly Mims and Nicholas Vance
Paula and Kevin Moulton
Lauren and Richard Pacella
Michelle and Matthew Palasek
Christina and William Powell
JeNai and Ray Redwood
Regan and Shawn Regan
Kristina and Gordon Reid
Kimberly and David Reisner
Rhino Market & Deli
Dayna and Nick Sheehan
Andrea and Kristopher Smith
Megan Stiphany and Robert Rohr
Rebecca and Edward Teng
Laura and David Wood
Prep Partners
($1,000 - $2,499)
Anonymous
Aylin Aghdam and Fariborz Shahedi
Mandi Allen and David Gunther
Hayley and Andrew Banks
Naadia Bhatti and Jeffrey Luedeke
Maren Brisson-Kuester
Seti and Harry Byrd
Kimberly and Jonathan Cantor
Barbara and William Christensen
Dina and Mark Eggleston
Phyllis and Peter Farren
Annie and Matthew Filer
Stacey and Robert Frost
Sarah Galloway and Ali Golshayan
Karuna and Amit Ganglani
Barbara and Rachel Garcia
Erica Glenn and Gene Howell
Ruthann Granito
Mark Greer
Amanda and Mark Guile
Kisha Jones
Beth and Jason Kenna
Seher and Neeraj Khanna
Alison and Brian Kohn
F. Shaw Kuester III
LaKesha Legree
Svetlana Luca and Richard Phillips
Narrita Mahapatra and Anand Das
Joanna and Eric Manor
Leah and Luke Maybry
Sandra and Alan Midlam
Brittany and Fermin Montes De Oca
Lindsey and Tyler Palmer
Natasha and Shomit Pandit
Samantha Phifer
Jennifer and Scott Philips
Geneviève Piché and Andrew Kavulic
Kathryn and Nathaniel Romance
Mary Ann and Edward Rosenblatt
Joe Rosso
Beth and Jose Ruiz
Jessica Sarnicola and Ian Cohen
Krista Scavone and Jacob Braude
Pamela and Randy Stamper
Stewart-White Family
Sarah and David Stubbins
Erica and David Tingley
Nicki Toro and Joe Pelych
Melissa and William Veronda
Christine and Joshua Vollertsen
Sarah Walker-Piontkowski and
Bradley Piontkowski
Kristin and Daniel Webster
Pamela and Garry Whitaker
Scott Wilson
Grace and Myles Wynn
Elina Zhu
Pillars Society
($500 - $999)
Anonymous
Ariail and Andrew Barker
Catherine and Chris Bauer
Bridget and Keith Berley
Julia and George Bock
Jennifer and Zack Bridges
Katie and Matthew Cherep
Amy and Charles Collins
Jill and Mike Dinerman
Manisha Dorawala and David Pigeon
Lucy Elder and Christopher Cummins
Quincy Foil and Michael White
Ana and Christopher Forte
Laura and Nathan Fuller
Casey and Matthew Funderburk
Sarah and James Gaston
Courtney and Stanton Geller
Sara Hanley
Maggie Harris
Rajal and Nathanael Harrison
Beverly Hatcher-Barge and Terence Barge
Joanne Higbee
Susan and Lyman Johnson
Jenny and Tracy Jones
Vaama Joshi and Kaustubh Dabhadkar
Jennifer and Chris Karlsson
Heidi Kelley
Chani Kochhar
Hahn Le and Hung Tran
Colleen McCulloch
Melanie and Brad McMinn
Elizabeth and Craig Miller
Catharine and Daniel Natterman
An Nguyen and Tung Lam
Amber O’Connell
Jaya Paliwal and Shamir Shah
Mi Pan and Dong Yao
Lisa Pera and Linda Polito
Caren Prince and Angus Mackay
Dawn and Tomas Puky
Sarah Richardson and Joseph Dionne
Anat and John Russell
Naomi Shibles
Katherine Slayton Buhler and Nate Buhler
Angela Stefanini
Elizabeth and Tyler Stevens
Ria Thomas and Liam Fitzgerald
Sara Thornton and Pooran Okhovat
Sharon Vanella
Kimberly and Daniel Waldron
Megan Wright
Tiger Club
($1 - $499)
Anonymous (2)
Sierra and Eghosa Aghayere
Renee and Victor Ahdieh
Mary Ahern
Ranka El Alami and Zakaria El Alami Idrissi
Andrea and Mike Aldrich
Katherine and Jafar Ali
Victor Allen
Jennifer and Joseph Baird
Crystal Baker
Ivy and Adam Berman
Kiarra Bethea
Jasmine Bethel and James Divers
Brett Blumenthal and David Wax
Rebecca Boakye
Brandt Boidy
Michelle Bravo
Susan and Frank Bridges
Lauren and Adam Brown
Miesha and Ty Burton
Joseph Butler
Patricia and Charles Callis Sr.
Sandi Campana
Elizabeth Carraro and David Lindsay
Marianella Castro
Christie Cole
Shelby Cope
Marvin Coto
Christine and David Cox
Keppie Crotty
Kathleen and Jon Curran
Nilima and Raj Dalsania
Erica Davis
Sam Deaton
Tonisha Deberry
Samantha Dedrick
Ritchie Delara and Jared Pate
Dawn DeMeo
Renee and Jack Deresz
Lauren Di Nizo
Daniella DiNizo and William Jackson
Samantha Dreyer
Rachel and James Dunn
Shannon and William Dunn
Chandi and Andre Edmonds
Hailey Eminger
Kesia Enzinger
Danielle S. Ferguson
Ava Farahany-Blakely and Brien Blakely
Monica Filitis and Firat Patburun
Kimi and Chris Forcum
Robin Furr
Lakshmi Ganesh
Keeley Gasparro
Tonja Giles
Beth Gilmartin
Liz Goldstein
Collins Green
Gricel Guzman
Jill Hacker
Amanda and Bruce Hall
Sierra and Forrest Hamilton
Sara and Townsend Harris
Natasia Harris
Elizabeth and Craig Hartzog
Carolyn Hasson
Lauren Heaney
Soraja Helac and Nenad Milicevic-Helac
Jani Hendon
Karla and Jason Higginbotham
Hanna and Matthew Huffman
Mandy Ivey
Gina and Jarrod Jacobs
David Jones
Kathy and Joseph Joyce
Jolanta Jozefara and Aleksander Chojecki
Jessica and Michael Kale
Anabel Kay
Griffin Kennard
Sarah and Zain Khan
Stephanie and Joshua Klein
Varsha and Kartheek Koneru
Judith and Jan Kyle
Mark Little
Chris Loebsack
Kelly Long
Elizabeth Long
Jill and Daniel Malino
Gail and Stephen Manning
Stefania Manzo
Jasmine and David Marchant
George Marshall
Anupam Mathur
Sloane and William Mayberry
Sarah and Brantley McConkey
Dariel and Austin McDaniel
Sara and Patrick McDermott
Susan McGovern
Katie and Matt McKay
Kimberley Meachum and Mario Catalano
Anna and Blake Medica
Bridgett Meeks
Jennifer Milwee
Debbie and Mark Moats
Pamela and Jonathan Moody
Morgan Moscati
Stephanie Mould
Nicole Murphey and Brian Tych
Victoria Nguyen and Allen Crumpler
Katherine Nims
Xiting Niu and Zhuo Liu
Allison Nold and Anders Watson
Kristin Olson and Jonathan Marmor
Sherry and Walter Parker
Beth Parker
Lynne Parshall and David Bromley
Desireé and Will Partin
Mary Ann and Raymond Pater
Allison Pera
Lucie and Michel Piché
Jodie Pitman
Anne and Joe Powell
Kacy and Eddie Prather Jr.
Melissa Price
Holly and Fred Pulley
Abril Purnell
Michelle Pysher
Zach Quarry
Syrine Reese-Gaines and Hakeem Gaines
Yulin Ren and Xuezhi Tang
Zhixuan Ren and Wensi Wang
Taevion Rhinehart
Maite Ribeiro and Daniel Batista
Laura and Christian Ricks
Helen and Ryan Rominiecki
Noreen Roosa
Pouv Ros and Vlastimil Didik
Lauren and Stephan Rothwell
Kim and Thomas Ryan
Veena Sampathkumar and Sandeep Narayan
Sianneth Sanchez and Jason Nark
Svetlana and Edward Sas
Candice and Stephen Sevastides
Joy Shackelford
Ashley Shaefer
Jaya Sharma
Laurel Shelley
Mary Ann Shepherd
Alisha and Chandan Singh
Kristen and Kevin Smith
Kerrie Sperduto
Pamela and Ryan Stamper
Teddie Stang
Jessica Stargell
Melissa and Andre Steadman
Matthew Stedman
Lori Sternola and Philip Rolland
Jeanette Stiles
Jennifer Stoltz
Mickey Stone
Renee Suttles
Kam Tai
Rachel Tai
Wendy Teal
Dawn and Theodor Tenev
Alyssa and Scott Thomas
Shirley Thompson
Susan and Craig Timko
Laura Torres
Audra Toussaint
Emily Tucker
Flossie and Charles Turner
Sharon Turner
Anna and Anthony Vagnerini
Nadine and Demir Vangelov
LouAnn Vollertsen
Brandi Webber
Jessica Wen and Jonathan O’Connor
Jovanka and Thomas Westbrook
Cara and Jayson Westover
Jasmine Williams
Monica and Greg Williamson
Devon Wilson
Natalie Wise
Caroline and Christopher Withers
Katherine Wolf
Shelley and Dan Workinger
Danielle and Chris Wrenn
Virginia and William Wynn
Luyuan Xu and Janpyng Mei
Asso and Kwame Yankson
Caitlene Yisrael
Gifts in Kind
Elizabeth and Craig Gannaway
Studio Displays
In Memory Of
Dan and Kim Waldron
in memory of Bettie K. Alexander
(Great-Grandma Bettie)
Faculty and Staff
Mary Ahern
Kiarra Bethea
Jasmine Bethel
Rebecca Boakye
Brandt Boidy
Michelle Bravo
Sandi Campana
Marianella Castro
Christie Cole
Shelby Cope
Marvin Coto
Keppie Crotty
Erica Davis
Sam Deaton
Tonisha Deberry
Sam Dedrick
Dawn DeMeo
Samantha Dreyer
Hailey Eminger
Kesia Enzinger
Danielle S Ferguson
Lakshmi Ganesh
Barbara Garcia
Keeley Gasparro
Tonja Giles
Beth Gilmartin
Liz Goldstein
Gricel Guzman
Jill Hacker
Maggie Harris
Natashia Harris
Carolyn Hasson
Jani Hendon
Mandy Ivey
Anabel Kay
Heidi Kelley
Janie Kendrick
Griffin Kennard
Seher Khanna
Stephanie Klein
Mark Little
Liz Long
Stefania Manzo
Chris Marblo
David Marchant
George Marshall
Anupam Mathur
Susan McGovern
Bridgett Meeks
Jennifer Milwee
Morgan Moscati
Stephanie Mould
Kato Nims
Amber O’Connell
Mary Ann Pater
Ray Pater
Allison Pera
Abril Purnell
Michelle Pysher
Zach Quarry
Taevion Rhinehart
Maite Ribeiro
Noreen Roosa
Jessica Sarnicola
Ashley Shaefer
Jaya Sharma
Laurel Shelley
Mary Ann Shepherd
Katherine Slayton Buhler
Kerrie Sperduto
Pam Stamper
Teddie Stang
Jessica Stargell
Matt Stedman
Angela Stefanini
Jeanette Stiles
Jennifer Stoltz
Mickey Stone
Renee Suttles
Dawn Tenev
Shirley Thompson
Laura Torres
Emily Tucker
Sharon Turner
Sharon Vanella
Jasmine Williams
Devon Wilson
Scott Wilson
Megan Wright
Caitlene Yisrael
Matching Gifts
Bank of America
Barings
Carrier
Fidelity Charitable
Goldman Sachs
Microsoft
PepsiCo Foundation
Principal Financial Group
Raytheon Technologies
S&P Global
Schwab Charitable
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc
Swinerton
TIAA
Truist
US Bank
Wells Fargo
CHRIS MARBLO
We celebrate the extraordinary leadership of Chris Marblo, who has served as Head of School at Charlotte Prep for the past five years. Chris arrived in 2020 at the height of the global pandemic, and through the next several years, he successfully led our community in rising to overcome obstacles to keep our school community connected, our classes engaged, our teachers supported, and our students served. In the summer of 2023, when the lower school building was destroyed by a fire, Chris’s sound leadership once again shepherded our school through a difficult season. Thanks to his steady guidance, our lower school classrooms will begin the 2025 school year in a beautiful new building.
Chris’s thoughtful approach embodies Charlotte Prep’s four pillars; he has inspired us to face and overcome every challenge with courage, perseverance, and hope. With his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and a strong, inclusive culture, Charlotte Prep is a community where curiosity is celebrated, kindness prevails, and challenges are met with resilience.
Chris has set a standard that will continue to inspire us for the next chapter in Charlotte Prep’s history. We honor a leader whose legacy of wisdom, integrity, and dedication has forever enriched the lives of Charlotte Prep students. We wish Chris endless joy and adventure in retirement.
MARY ANN PATER
After dedicating nearly three decades to the students of Charlotte Prep, Mary Ann is retiring. She began as an assistant teacher in 1996, and she has been an integral part of our school as it has grown and evolved. From the beginning, Mary Ann became a source of comfort and warmth to her students, their families, and her colleagues. Through her kind words, warm hugs, and effervescent encouragement, she made every child feel special and capable, and she stayed connected with them long after they left the lower school. Each year, when her beloved alumni students return to campus, they always stop by her class for a hug.
Over the years, Mary Ann has loved working with small groups, teaching children handwriting, working on crafts, and practicing phonics and reading, but what makes her a truly unforgettable teacher and friend is that twinkle in her eye that lights up a room, her witty sense of humor that brings joy and laughter to any space she is in, and her passion for all things Tennessee football and the Panthers! Her thoughtfulness is evident in so many ways, from keeping track of our endless need for construction paper to celebrating a colleague’s wedding or baby—Mrs. Pater loves a good party!
Mary Ann’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Charlotte Prep. During her time here, she has seen over 600 children graduate, handing out awards to our Lifers at graduation—a tradition that brings a tear to many an eye! We are grateful for her dedication to the Prep community and the many lives she has touched. We wish Mary Ann a happy and healthy retirement.
A Day in the Life of Charlotte Prep
