1st Grade

Karla Espinoza

Immersion Math/Science

I'm from Venezuela, and I've been a Mustang since 2022. 

I started my career as a teacher in 2008. I have a bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Linguistics. I've lived and worked in 5 different countries. In 2022 I decided to come to the U.S to live this new adventure and continue growing professionally. Working at Midway has been an amazing journey that has empowered me as both a woman and a teacher, it's definitely been a blessing and a life-changing experience.

I am passionate about working with children and strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where kids feel loved and safe.

I love reading, exploring new places, traveling, learning about other cultures, trying new things, meditation, and exercising.

Katie Kerns

Hello Mustangs! This will be my 14th year teaching first grade at Midway and my 19th year teaching overall. I received my undergraduate and Masters degree from Xavier University located in Cincinnati, Ohio. My husband and I have two children. My daughter Madelyn is 11 years old and my son Zachary is 7 years old. We also have our rescue pup, Piper.  When I am not teaching I like to spend time with family and friends. You can also find me on the ball field most weekends watching Maddie playing softball and Zach playing flag football. I am looking forward to another great year at Midway!

Chelsie Landy

Immersion ELA/Social Studies

My name is Chelsie Landy and I am so excited about the upcoming school year and year 21 for me! Before joining MES, I taught in Richland District Two for 16 years. I served students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade in the traditional setting, as well as the district's virtual school. 

I am a product of Lexington One, graduating from Lexington High School many years ago! I still currently live in Lexington with my husband Justin and our puppy, Dallas. 

I have a Bachelor's Degree from Lander University in Early Childhood Education, a Master's Degree from Capella University in Special Education Teaching, and a Master's Degree from Clemson University in Teaching and Learning- Instructional Coaching. I also hold a National Board Certification in Early Childhood Generalist.

Kelly Limberis

Hello, Mustangs! My name is Kelly Limberis, and I am so excited to be beginning my first year at Midway. I have been a first grade teacher in Southern Pines, North Carolina, since 2019. I am originally from Northwest Tennessee, where I graduated with my Bachelor's degree from UT Martin in 2014. I consider myself a lifelong learner and have since pursued continuing coursework in education to refine and challenge myself in the classroom. My husband, who is a trumpet player in the Army Band, and I started our adventures in Richmond, Virginia, in 2016. Here I began my career in early childhood education, where I taught preK for 3 years. We welcomed our son, Kodah, 14, in 2017, PCSed to Aberdeen, North Carolina, in 2019, where we finalized our kiddo's adoption, and welcomed our two girls, Lina, 4, and Lottie, 1. Our family is so excited to be putting down roots for good in Lexington, as we prepare for retirement from Army life. Between our 3 kiddos and our zoo: our goldendoodle, Rey, our Boston chihuahua mix, Franklin, and our cat, Rory, the Limberis house is a busy one! Apart from teaching and motherhood, I love all things Disney, am always planning our next trip to DisneyWorld, and love making my classroom a "magical" place to learn! 

Kendall Pearson

Hi, I am Kendall Pearson! I am so excited to begin my fourth year teaching first grade and my fourth year here at Midway!

I grew up in Irmo and graduated from Dutch Fork High School. I received my Bachelor's in early childhood education and my Masters in Teaching from Clemson University, Go Tigers! My husband and I went to Dutch Fork and Clemson together and have been married for almost 3 years. 

In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends, travel, and cheer on the tigers. I look forward to growing as a teacher and a learner and to creating relationships with all of my students and families! 

Beth Sellars

Hello, Mustangs! This is my tenth year at Midway, and I love being a Mustang! I grew up in Augusta, GA and live in Lexington with my family. My husband is also a Lexington One teacher. We have a daughter in college and a son in 10th grade and enjoy spending time together as a family. I also enjoy reading, writing, drinking coffee, playing board games, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Presbyterian College and from Furman University with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been in early childhood education for 23 years teaching reading intervention, parenting, school readiness, kindergarten, and first grade. I love what I do and look forward to another great year of teaching and learning.

Zealy Sharpe

Hi, I’m Zealy Sharpe! I’m excited to join the Mustang family as a 1st grade teacher this year. While this is my first year in the classroom here, I’ve been part of the Mustang community for the past five years as a parent.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina and am beginning my 12th year in education. My teaching experience includes six years in preschool, five years in kindergarten, and one year in 1st grade. I am passionate about helping children learn and grow in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.

My husband, Ryan, and I have been married for six years and have three wonderful children: JR (13), Hazel (6), and Miles (3). Ryan teaches PE and serves as the assistant head varsity football coach at River Bluff High School. Our home is also full of animals, including our German Shepherd, Nova; cat, Luna; and sun conure, Tootie.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, staying active, creating art, and photography. I look forward to getting to know my students and their families and am excited for a wonderful school year ahead!