New Hires for the 2026–2027 School Year

Please help us welcome the following employees to our Oxford Preparatory School family!

Julie Moseley

Julie Moseley – 6th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher

Julie Moseley brings 30 years of classroom experience and a passion for creating a safe, positive environment that supports all learners. She began her career teaching kindergarten in Franklin County. She has taught elementary school, middle school, and advanced placement psychology. She received her national board certification in 2000. Her most recent position included teaching middle school English, college advising and dual enrollment at the high school level, and coaching varsity swim. She earned her bachelor of arts in psychology and her k–6 teaching certification from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband of 26 years, Patrick, and her daughters, Lauren and Leah. She loves the North Carolina State Wolfpack, where both of her daughters earned their degrees! She is excited to join the Oxford Prep community and can’t wait to meet everyone.

Ashley Rogers

Ashley Rogers – 1st Grade Teacher

Ashley Rogers is excited to join the Oxford Prep family as a 1st grade teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in birth–kindergarten education from East Carolina University. She is passionate about creating a positive and engaging classroom environment where young learners feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Ashley believes that strong relationships and meaningful learning experiences are key to helping students grow both academically and personally. Ashley’s teaching experience has primarily been in kindergarten, where she developed a love for helping young learners build strong academic and social-emotional foundations. While she has enjoyed her time in kindergarten, she is excited to begin a new journey in 1st grade and looks forward to supporting students as they continue to grow in confidence and independence.

Outside of the classroom, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, crafting, and finding creative ways to make learning fun. She is excited to begin this new chapter at Oxford Prep and looks forward to making a positive impact on her students, families, and the school community.

Vania Mercy

Vania Mercy Neis Durante – Lower School EC (Self-Contained) Teacher

Vania joins Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) with a profound, heartfelt dedication to inclusive education. Holding a doctorate in educational management and specializing in special needs education (SNED), Vania beautifully balances high-level expertise with a teacher’s heart, viewing her classroom as a sanctuary where every unique learner is seen, valued, and understood. Her journey was deeply shaped in the Philippines, where she dedicated five years to private school education and 10 impactful years within the Department of Education (DepEd)—pouring her energy into supporting diverse learners and coordinating joyful community celebrations. For Vania, education is a lifelong calling rooted in empathy, leadership, and the steady belief that every child possesses a unique ability.

Choosing OPS was a natural decision for Vania, as the school’s commitment to nurturing both character and academic excellence perfectly mirrors her own vision for educational leadership. As she steps into this exciting new chapter, she looks forward to creating a bridge of collaboration and trust between the school and the home. “I believe that when we look past a child’s challenges and focus on their potential, we open doors to endless possibilities,” Vania shares. “I am incredibly eager to embrace our OPS families, walk alongside my new colleagues, and cultivate a vibrant classroom culture where every single student feels safe, deeply encouraged, and fully empowered to thrive.”

Kayla McLean

Kayla McLean – 5th Grade Math Teacher

Kayla McLean is excited to return to her roots as an Oxford Prep Griffin, this time as a 5th-grade math teacher. A proud Oxford Prep graduate, Kayla previously taught 3rd grade in Granville County and is passionate about helping students build confidence, grow academically, and discover a love for learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree in behavioral and social sciences from North Carolina Central University and will complete her master of arts in teaching from North Carolina State University this summer.

Outside of the classroom, Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading, and baking. She loves building meaningful relationships with her students and finds great joy in watching their growth and progress throughout the school year. Kayla is thrilled to begin this new chapter and looks forward to making a positive impact on her students and the Oxford Prep community. Once a Griffin, always a Griffin!

Chris Monte

Chris Monte – Upper School Social Studies Teacher

Chris Monte is a national board certified teacher who earned degrees from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Monte has taught a variety of courses, including advanced placement classes and has coached high school soccer. He has worked with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, serving on teams that developed curriculum resources, standards, and assessments for North Carolina schools. Mr. Monte is also a recipient of the Milken National Educator Award. He has served on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Council for the Social Studies and the Board of Directors of Wake Forest’s Trentini Education Foundation.

Deana Whitt

Deana Whitt – 3rd – 8th Grade Reading Interventionist

Deana Whitt brings more than 23 years of experience in education to Oxford Preparatory School, including 19 years in the classroom and four years serving as a school social worker. She earned her bachelor of social work degree from Meredith College with a concentration in school social work and later earned her elementary education certification (k–6). Her combined experience as both a classroom teacher and school social worker has given Mrs. Whitt a unique perspective on supporting the whole child within the interconnected systems of school, family, peers, and community. This whole-child approach allows her to recognize and build upon each student’s individual strengths while supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth.

Prior to her current role, Mrs. Whitt taught elementary and middle school students in Granville County and at Kerr-Vance Academy, where she became known for creating engaging, student-centered learning environments and building strong relationships with families. During her previous four years at Oxford Preparatory School (OPS), she served as both a fourth-grade teacher and school social worker. In both roles, Mrs. Whitt advocated for student needs and empowered students to achieve their personal best academically and socially. Returning to OPS feels like coming home, as the relationships she has formed with students, families, and staff have greatly enriched her life. Mrs. Whitt and her husband have been married for 36 years and are the proud parents of three sons, ages 30, 27, and 11. Her oldest son is a graduate of UNC–Chapel Hill, her middle son graduated from Appalachian State University, and her youngest son is a rising sixth grader at OPS, where he has been a student since first grade. Mrs. Whitt is honored to continue serving the OPS community as the 3rd–8th grade reading interventionist and looks forward to supporting students and families through her passion for education and student success.