Child Development Center Staff

The caring and professional staff of the JCC Child Development Center work together to offer your child the very best in early childhood educational programming. They possess the wisdom experience brings combined with professional expertise and a knowledge of the latest developments and research in the early childhood field.

Our staff ensures that your child's opportunity for growth is enhanced through interesting, thought provoking and developmentally appropriate activities.

Amy M. Smith is the director and laboratory school coordinator for the JCC Child Development Center. She is a graduate of Mount Olive College with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies, and is expected to finish graduate school September 2012 with a Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies degree with a specialization in Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field.

With over 10 years experience working with children and families, Amy enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, and loves tackling do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Her passion includes working with fellow professionals in the Early Childhood field for the advocacy of all young children.

Sarah Ferguson – Teacher, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from Tufts University in Boston, MA , as well as additional Early Childhood coursework from Pacific Oaks College and Pasadena City College, both in Pasadena, CA. Sarah has worked as an Early Educator full-time since 2003, with children ages six weeks up to twelve years old. After working in childcare centers that routinely hosted student teachers and interns, she learned that she loved working with teachers-in-training. The JCC learning Lab provides her the perfect opportunity to continue working with both adult and child students.



Shelby Pedley – Lead Preschool Teacher. Shelby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut and has earned her North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten Teaching License from East Carolina University. For the past several years, Shelby has worked closely with young children of varying ability levels in both the public school system and childcare centers. When she’s not in the classroom helping children discover the world around them, Shelby can be found spending time outdoors with her family, participating in fitness classes, and practicing her photography skills.



Lisa Rivera – Assistant Teacher for preschool classroom. Alumni of JCC who has worked in the field for over 10 years working towards her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Lisa is a mother of 3 beautiful children and enjoys drawing and watching movies to relax.







Heather Forster – Assistant Teacher for 2 year old classroom. Heather is a recent graduate of Meredith College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development. She is excited to begin her career as an early childhood education professional at Johnston Community College. Heather has aspirations of pursuing a Master’s degree in child development to further her education and understanding in the field. She is also recently married and enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing at the beach.