Meet the Teachers

Lataree J. Spann, AS
Lead Teacher, Director Designee
lspann@lsu.edu 

I am the Infant 1 teacher and Director Designee for the Infant and Toddler side at LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool. I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I received my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development from Post University and have worked in the early childhood field for over twenty years. I have one son, and in my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. There is nothing more gratifying than witnessing a young child learn something new and knowing you have been a part of that growth.

Ursula Pursley, AA 
Teaching Assistant, Director Designee
CLASS Observer- Infant
upursley@lsu.edu 

I received my Early Childhood diploma from Baton Rouge Community College and continually take courses in child development. I have been working in the early childhood field since 1990. I am single and have no children of my own, but I feel as if the children I care for are like my own. I have lived all my life here in Baton Rouge. In my free time, I enjoy working in my flowerbeds at home and spending time with friends and family. I also help maintain ECELP’s Vegetable and Flower Gardens located within the playgrounds. During the years, I have had the pleasure of watching children grow and discover the world around them. I like knowing that I played a small part in that and that this is only the beginning of a wonderful journey.

Demika Gilmore, BS
Lead Teacher
dgilmo3@lsu.edu

I am a graduate of Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development. I have been working with young children since 2010. I am from Baton Rouge, LA. I have a daughter and a son. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have always loved working with young children, and I believe as a teacher it is my job to provide your children with a warm, positive, safe, and loving environment that offers a wide variety of activities and hands-on experiences that promote learning.

Katie Slaughter, BS
Teaching Assistant
cslaughter1@lsu.edu

I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA. I received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a minor in Business Administration from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La, and have been working with children since 2014. I also hold my Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate. In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy working with children because it gives me an opportunity to view the world through their eyes.

Coming Soon
Lead Teacher

 

Madison Nuccio, AAS
Teaching Assistant
madison.nuccio@lsu.edu

Working with young children has always been a true passion of mine. I earned my AAS in Care and Development of Young Children from BRCC. Originally from New Orleans, I’ve lived in Baton Rouge since 2017. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with loved ones. I’m excited to support each child’s growth and development throughout the year.

JaKortni Weber, BS
Co-Lead Teacher
jweber10@lsu.edu

For over ten years, I've contributed to the care of my brother, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. For that reason, I completed my degree in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development from Southern University and A&M College. I am from Plaquemine, Louisiana, and my philosophy is that each child is unique and learns and thrives in different ways. I feel very fortunate to be a part of a team that promotes child development through learning, as well as training and research. I love working with children and learning from them in the process.

Paige Poole, BGS
Co-Lead Teacher
Ppoole@lsu.edu

I graduated from Southeastern University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Arts and Humanities, with minors in Behavioral Science and Applied Sciences. I have been in the daycare industry since 2012, and I still love what I do. I am from Denham Springs and have been married to my husband, William, since 2021. We share our home with our pit bull, Freya. I feel very fortunate to work for and be part of an establishment that focuses on teaching young minds and exploring the different ways each one can learn and thrive.

Priya Ranganathan, BBA
Lead Teacher
Pathways Trainer, CLASS Observer- Toddler
jranga2@lsu.edu

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Management from the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), Alaska, and my Louisiana Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate in Teaching and Child Development Associate in 2021. I have been involved with young children’s formal education since 2016. I lived in Kodiak, Alaska, before moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I love Louisiana and LSU, and Baton Rouge has become my hometown.  My husband and I are blessed with triplets. My passion for working with children began when I started teaching my triplets.  I have a high level of patience, a good sense of humor, and am a positive individual. I believe in projecting positive energy and creating a joyful environment that supports early childhood development, especially in the development of manners and learning skills. I am excited to work with children. In my after-hours time, I enjoy practicing yoga and meditation, healing, and spending time with her family.

Daija Taylor
Teaching Assistant
daija.taylor@lsu.edu
Bio coming soon!

Shannon Hardy, BS
Lead Teacher, Director Designee
shardy@lsu.edu

I received my bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Sciences/ Child Development from Southern University and have worked in the field since 2005. I was also a Family Service Coordinator working with children with disabilities for 6 years. I am originally from St. Francisville, LA, but relocated to Baton Rouge in 2010. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I love working with children.

Shanaya Thomas
Teaching Assistant
shanaya.thomas@lsu.edu
Bio and photo coming soon!

Vanessa B. Baltazar, BS
Lead Teacher
CLASS Observer- Toddler
vbalta1@lsu.edu

I received my bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development from Southern University A&M College.  I have been working with children since 2000. I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am married and have two daughters and seven grandchildren.  In my free time, I enjoy listening to instrumental music and audiobooks. My experience working in early childhood has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Working with young children has created a passion to serve, care, help, and love that goes to the core of my being.

Christina Cruz, AAS
Teaching Assistant
CLASS Observer- Toddler
ccruz@lsu.edu

I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2012. I've been in childcare since 2010. In my free time, I enjoy being creative and also reading. My creative side truly helps me in the classroom by bringing a new, fun perspective to this inspiring age group. Seeing the children learn and being a part of their journey gives me all the joy in life.  

Tiairra Williams, BS
Lead Teacher
twil344@lsu.edu

I received my Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Studies from Louisiana State University in May 2022. I began working with children in my junior year of undergrad. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to work with children. It brings me joy every day to see how I can impact the growth and development of young children.  

Catherine Lynch, CDA
Teaching Assistant
clynch10@lsu.edu
I have worked in various roles in early childhood education since 2010, from working with 2- to 4-year-olds to teaching art to children from birth to 5. I started working in a Reggio Emilia-inspired school in 2015 and learned that play-based, child-led education with an emphasis on natural materials and arts is my passion. I hold a CDA and am currently working towards my early childhood teaching certification. I am a proud mom of 3 young, curious children and enjoy reading and crafting with them in my free time. Thank you for trusting me to care for your child!

Amanda Thompson, BS 
Teaching Assistant
atho358@lsu.edu

Hello! I'm Amanda Thompson, bringing over a decade of experience in working with children across diverse age groups. My heart is drawn to the early developmental stages, where I find joy in being a part of their foundational journey. I'm committed to equipping each student with a valuable skill set for their academic toolbox. Outside of work, I'm a proud parent to my wonderful daughter, and our happy place is the beach or enjoying the outdoors with our dog, Meaux. We're avid LSU sports fans, attending football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball games. We also relish Louisiana traditions, indulging in crawfish and celebrating with family and friends. Life for us is a harmonious blend of professional passion and personal fulfillment!

 

Destiny Jarrett, AAS
Teaching Assistant
destiny.jarrett@lsu.edu

I first began working with children in 2022 and quickly realized how much I loved being part of their learning and growth. In 2023, I joined the LSU Lab Preschool as a substitute teacher, where I supported classrooms and gained valuable experience. In 2025, I stepped into my current role as a Teacher Assistant, and I am so excited to continue building relationships with children and families here. I love being in an environment that encourages curiosity, growth, and development, and I look forward to supporting each child as they learn and thrive.

Martha A. Pierre, BS
Lead Teacher
trinnym@lsu.edu

I received my bachelor’s degree from Southern University A&M College and have worked in education since 2006. I am from and still reside in Zachary, Louisiana. I have a baby boy and enjoy spending time with him as he grows and develops. As a teacher, my goal is to help children achieve their highest potential so they can and will become productive citizens. I enjoy watching them grow and explore the world around them. I want to reassure parents that your child will be my priority, and I will strive to make this a successful year.

Lorrie Holt, AA, CDA
Teaching Assistant
lholt@lsu.edu

I have a Child Development Associate (CDA) and an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts, and I have worked in Elementary Education in Atlanta, GA, since 2012. I  moved to Baton Rouge in 2022 and have two adult children. My daughter is a graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and my son works in Information Technology Management in Atlanta. I’ve been married for over 30 years and have a miniature dachshund that I enjoy spending time with while reading and relaxing at home. I love working with children and am passionate about seeing them grow in a nurturing environment. 

 

Cassandra Riche, MS
Lead Teacher
Pathways Trainer
criche11@lsu.edu  

I graduated from LSU in 2004 with my bachelor's in Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences. I then went to the University of Southern Mississippi for my master's in Child Development. My first job out of graduate school was at the former LSU Child Care Center, and I am so thrilled to be back. I worked with the LSU AgCenter teaching child care provider classes, and I have been in the Early Childhood classroom as a teacher since 2009. I love teaching Pre-K; it is my favorite age! I am so excited to be in an environment that fosters developmentally appropriate practices. I love watching the children grow and forming relationships with parents. I am also certified to teach PK-3rd in Louisiana. 

Kayla Keyser
Teaching Assistant
mary.keyser@lsu.edu

I was born and raised in Louisiana and moved to Baton Rouge in 2022. I graduated from college and earned an Associate's degree in Business Administration. I realized something was missing in my life, so I decided to go back to school and earn my Associate's in Child Care and Development. I have been working with kids since January 2025, and I have loved every minute of it. I love watching children learn new things, and I have definitely learned a lot since starting my new journey. I cannot wait to continue my education in Early Childhood Education. In my free time, you will always find a book in my hand and my dog by my side. I also enjoy painting and spending time with my husband, watching and reviewing movies, and binge-watching our favorite TV shows.

Morgan Mills, BS
Lead Teacher
morganmills@lsu.edu

I graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2024 with a degree in Human Development and Family Science and a concentration in Child Development. I grew up in the Baton Rouge area and after spending time in North Louisiana, decided it was time to come home. I am so excited to be at the ECELP and see each child grow. Live music is something I value highly, so if you ever see me feel free to ask about any concerts I have coming up!

 

Coming Soon
Teaching Assistant

Cassidy Lyons, BS
Lead Teacher
clyon22@lsu.edu

I am the Preschool 1 lead teacher, and I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2024. I am from Covington, Louisiana and graduated from Mandeville High School in May 2020. I have been living in Baton Rouge since I started at LSU in 2020. I am very grateful to connect with and understand children and their development while always willing to learn more! I have taught grades Pre-K- 2nd and have been working with children since 2017. My main goal as an educator is to foster a love of learning and to instill confidence in every child!

 

Devlin Dukes-Bynum, CDA
Teaching Assistant
dbynum1@lsu.edu

I have a Child Development Associate (CDA) degree and have worked in the early childhood field since 2016. I’m originally from St. Francisville but now live in Brusly. I have two girls and a son. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love working with children. As an Early Childhood Educator my goal is to provide your child with a positive, safe, loving environment through play.

Autumn E. Smith, MEd
Lead Teacher
Pathways Trainer
asmi435@lsu.edu 

Throughout college, I have spent the summers working at camps. I have worked at Camp Dynamics, a specialized camp for children with learning, communication, and behavioral differences, and Tiger’s Den, a summer camp held at the LSU UREC. I have also interned in a pre-k and third grade classroom and was a student teacher in a kindergarten and second grade classroom. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, taking my dog on bike rides, going to LSU football games, and spending time with my friends and family. I believe that the most significant role of the teacher is to provide each student with the tools and techniques needed in order to become critical thinkers and effective agents of change within their society. Every single student is capable of positively influencing the world and with the development of analysis and problem-solving skills, the expansion of their global awareness, and the acquisition of a cooperative, inquiring attitude, students can achieve this goal and thrive beyond the classroom. Society cannot progress without the presence of well-educated, self-motivated individuals equipped with the research skills and the desire to better humanity needed to facilitate change.

Stephanie Thornhill, AAS
Teaching Assistant
Pathways Trainer
sthornhill@lsu.edu

I have been working with children for over a decade. I recently received my AAS degree in Care and Development of Young Children from BRCC, and I am currently working towards my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I have two dogs named Sir Snuggles and Dr. Taco. I enjoy gardening, reading, and spending time with my friends.

Lakisha Banks, BS
Lead Teacher, Director Designee
Pathways Trainer
lbanks@lsu.edu

I received my Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Louisiana Technical College and a Bachelor's Degree from Louisiana State University. I have worked in the early childhood field since 2004. I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have two daughters and one son. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, entertaining, and cooking I have always loved working with children and believe that as a teacher, it is my responsibility to promote the social, emotional, and academic growth of young children.

Coming Soon
Teaching Assistant