Meet the Team

Mrs. Antwanette Shipman - Team Lead - Track 1

Hello! Mrs. Shipman here. I am from NC and a graduate of Wake County Schools. I am married and have a 6 year old daughter who attends Lake Myra. I love to craft and watch TV in my free time.

I have been teaching for 11 years and this is my third year at Lake Myra! I always want to make learning fun and engaging for my students. I believe in a strong home and school connection and that by working as a team we will help your child be the best he/she can be in second grade. Most of all, I want your child to feel successful everyday and come to school eager to learn!

Mrs. LaDawn Pugh - Co-Lead- Track 3

Hello! My name is LaDawn Pugh. I was born in Newport News, Virginia (military brat). When I was still young my parents moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. I graduated from Winston Salem State University (GO RAMS!) and received my Bachelor of Arts in Science in 2008. After graduation I moved back to Raleigh to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I realized that teaching was what I was born to do! From there I went back to school at Salem College and received my Master of Arts in Teaching in 2014. I have been a teacher at Lake Myra for 12 years and have been teaching for 15 years. I believe that high expectations are the key to everything, and I can't wait to see how your children grow this year!

Mrs. Yesenia Wright - Track 4

Hi! My name is Yesenia Wright. I am from NJ, and I live in Clayton, NC. I speak English and Spanish. My family is from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Nicaragua!

My husband and I have two daughters. We enjoy movie nights together and having family dance parties!

My mission is to create a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and respected for who they are. I strive to cultivate a learning environment that is warm, welcoming, and safe—where curiosity is encouraged, voices are heard, and each child knows they belong.

Ms. Amelia Harrelson - Track 1

Hello! My name is Amelia Harrelson. I am originally from Shallotte, North Carolina, a small town by the coast. During most Track Outs, you can find me there enjoying the beach! I now live in Raleigh, with my dog Lilly. I graduated from North Carolina State University and love cheering on the Wolfpack. I have been teaching 2nd Grade at Lake Myra for the past 9 years and I am looking forward to a great year with lots of fun adventures!

Mrs. Zekia Powers - Track 4

I am pleased to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! I am looking forward to having your child as a student. Second grade is such a fun year with so many wonderful learning activities to celebrate. My most important goal is to create a family of learners in my classroom. I am committed to creating a classroom environment where your child is a valued, trusted, and vital part of our family of learners.

Mrs. Michelle Ybarra - Track 3

I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year! I have had the privilege of teaching 2nd grade here at Lake Myra for the past fourteen years. I have previously taught kindergarten and first grade reading intervention. I was born and raised in California before moving here to North Carolina in 2007. My husband and I have two amazing children. Our son Devin graduated from NC State this summer. Our daughter, who was once a student here at Lake Myra, is a freshman at UNCW. We enjoy being out on the lake and trips to the beach with our dog, Apollo. I love to challenge students to be curious learners who take chances, work hard, and have fun!

Mr. John Cox - Track 2

My name is John Cox and I am excited to be joining the Lake Myra Community for the 2026-2027 School Year! I originally hail from Upstate New York and have been living in the Raleigh area since 2013. This is my 14th year as a classroom teacher and my 7th year as a 2nd grade teacher.

I live in Clayton with my wife and two daughters who will one day soon attend Lake Myra Elementary. As a teacher, I believe in a strong classroom community where every child feels safe and valued while also being held to a high standard. I look forward to working together this year.

Page updated

Report abuse