Teachers | preschool

Our Teachers

Our staff of teachers are dedicated to learning and caring for children while providing a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development.

Debbie McGahey

4 year-old class

Owner/Director

Shayla Hill
4 year-old class

Angie Thurman

2&3 year-old class

Kalyn Pytel
2&3 year-old class

Miss Debbie, The Learning Tree Preschool

Debbie McGahey is the owner, director, and one of the founders of The Learning Tree Preschool which was established in 1989. Miss Debbie attended the University of New York at Canton for Early Childhood Education. She loves teaching young children. Over 1,700 students have come and gone through The Learning Tree Preschool's doors over the past 30+ years. Previous students, now with families of their own, still call her Miss Debbie! Miss Debbie and husband Gary are originally from Orchard Park, New York, and after living in Virginia, Florida and Raleigh, NC, their family moved to Southern Pines in 1987. Miss Debbie and husband Gary have 4 children, 4 daughter/sons in-law, and 9 grandchildren!

Miss Angie joined our team in 2024 as a 2/3 year old teacher. As a mom to two daughters, she is excited to bring her experience to the classroom. Miss Angie is working on her Bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development. She loves play-based learning and will be incorporating sensory play, fine motor skills, and imaginative play into the activities.

Miss Kalyn joined our team in 2024 as a teacher for both the 2's and 3's classes. She is a mom to three daughters, all of which she home-pre-schooled. She is a military wife and an avid crafter. As a teacher, she is committed to creating a fun and safe, play-based learning environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.

Miss Shayla joined our team in 2021 as a 4 year old teacher. She is a mom of two and a military wife, while serving in the Reserves herself! Miss Shayla has her degree in Nursing and enjoys expanding her knowledge in childhood development. She loves to have fun, high-fives, hugs, and all the excitement the children bring to school! One of her favorite things is watching the children become confident and ready to tackle kindergarten!!