Mrs. Antwanette Shipman - Team Lead
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
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
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 a 6 year old daughter and an infant daughter. 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
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
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
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!
Mrs. Lauren Tong
Hello! My name is Lauren Tong. I’m a North Carolina native and currently reside in Clayton with my husband (Quoc), son (Jacob), daughter (Michelle) and chocolate lab (Joey). I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year. This is my twelfth year teaching and my fourth year at Lake Myra. I promise to love your child as if they were my own and to keep them safe, happy and learning! Here’s to a fantastic year!