OUr Team 

Hi there, I am Emma Dresner! I am a third grade teacher, entering my fifth year of teaching. I was born in Chicago but grew up primarily in New Jersey. I graduated from Bucknell University in 2021 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and moved to Charlotte in July of 2021. I come from a long line of teachers including my grandmother, mother, and aunt. I am the oldest in my family and I have both a sister and a brother, both of whom still live in New Jersey. I was a gymnast for 15 years and I competed at national championships all over the country until I went to college. Outside of teaching, I love running, reading, going to the beach, watching sports, and the Yankees. I am looking forward to a fantastic year!

Hello! My name is Morgan Hilliker. This will be my tenth year teaching. I began my teaching career with Union County Public Schools where I taught Third Grade for 3 years and Fourth Grade for 2 years. This will be my fifth year teaching Third Grade at Dilworth.  I am originally from Southport, Connecticut and moved down south to attend Elon University from where I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Minor in Psychology.  After graduation, I moved to Charlotte and have been here ever since.  When I am not working, I love spending time with friends and family, exploring the newest spots in Charlotte, traveling, taking a Corepower Yoga class, and reading. I am so excited to be your child's teacher. I know this will be a year to remember! 

Hello, my name is Tara Lyons. I am very excited to be teaching at Dilworth this year! I have been teaching third grade for four years in CMS. Before teaching, I pursued my master's in teaching English as a Second Language and teaching virtual first grade in California. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2020, with a degree in Elementary Education, a concentration in foreign languages, and a minor in Mandarin Chinese. I am a certified K-6 teacher and a certified English as a second language teacher. I was born in Charlotte and moved overseas to Singapore, where I lived for thirteen years until I returned to Charlotte to teach. Outside of teaching, I like to take my dogs on hikes, travel, and go to the White Water Center. I look forward to the year with each of you!

Hello! My name is Imani McLaughlin, and this will be my first year working as a teacher. I previously worked as a Teaching Assistant here at Dilworth Elementary School for three years, and I am beyond excited to transition to this new educator role. I am from Easley, South Carolina originally, and I have been living in Charlotte for four years now. I graduated from Winthrop University in May of 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training. I went on to work in a Medical Assistant role at a doctor’s office for a year before working at Dilworth. I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Teaching for Elementary Education through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and I will graduate from this program in May of 2026. During my free time, I love to read, write, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family. I am very excited to help our dragons continue to learn and grow this school year! 

imanir.mclaughlin@cms.k12.nc.us

Hello! My name is Arlene Melody. This will be my 22nd year teaching and my 16th year at Dilworth. I graduated from the University of West Florida with a BA in Elementary Education. After graduation, I came to North Carolina to begin my teaching career. I taught 3rd grade in a title one school for 6 years before moving to Dilworth when it became a neighborhood school. I have taught 2nd grade and 3rd grade at Dilworth. In my free time I love to read, hang out with family, and spend time with my 18-year-old daughter, Olivia. She will be off to college this year! I also enjoy playing with my two dogs, Layla (14) and Kiki (8). I am excited for an amazing new year with your child! Please reach out if you need anything.

Hello! My name is Addison Schmidt. This will be my second year teaching at Dilworth. I graduated from Roanoke College in 2023 with a BS in Elementary Education. I originally from Baltimore, Maryland and moved to Charlotte last summer after completing an additional year at Roanoke College to receive my teaching license. I played Division 1 lacrosse at San Diego State University for two years before finishing the remainder of my athletic and academic career at Roanoke College. Both of my parents are teachers, and I am one of three siblings. Outside of teaching, I love skiing, playing pickleball, and running. I’m looking forward to a great year!