Laura Fike joined the Crossroads community as Threes Lead Teacher in 2021, while also serving as co-director in 2023, and is now the Preschool Director. She also currently works as the Children’s Minister at the Cole Mill Road Church of Christ in Durham. Laura has a B.A. in Intercultural Studies & Bible and an M.A. in Christian Leadership (Ministry Emphasis). Before moving to Durham in late 2018, she served as a children’s minister in Jackson, MS, where she continued studying children’s spirituality and child safety. Laura came to Crossroads with over 9 years of experience working with children in both preschool and church settings throughout the U.S. and Latin America. She loves having big conversations with little kids! In her spare time, Laura enjoys a strong cup of coffee, reading, live music, and exploring the Museum of Life and Science, farmers’ markets, and the mountains with her husband and son and daughter.
Therese Griffin is joining our staff this year as Lead teacher of the 4 year olds. She graduated from Appalachian State University and taught in Exceptional Children’s programs in Durham and Person Counties for 29 years. After taking early retirement in 2008 to help raise her grandchildren, she also taught the toddler and 4 year old class at Aldersgate Weekday School in Durham for 8 years. Therese absolutely loves watching her preschoolers grow and learn. She also has a special love for animals and her hobbies include reading, gardening, and listening to music.
Anna Tackett, our 2 and 3 year old assistant teacher, holds an Associate in Arts degree from Louisburg College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Wesleyan College. Anna is a retired DPS employee where she spent 27 of those years at Holt Elementary. She has worked with Second Grade, First Grade and Kindergarten. She is a lifelong member of Mt. Bethel, and has been with Crossroads since 2015. Hobbies include gardening, sewing, crafting and crocheting.
Sharon Hilliard is the Treasurer and Preschool Administrative Assistant and is a CROSSROADS Board member. Sharon has been with the CROSSROADS Preschool since 2012. She has been a lead teacher and a previous director in this program. She is a retired Youth and Family Minister. She has children and grandchildren. She loves to travel with her husband when they are not taking care of their grandsons.