Emily Harrawood – Preschool Teacher and Program Director
Emily has been part of the Little House teaching team since 2022, when she joined as a substitute and part-time teacher. She began working in Early Childhood Education in 2013 and loves the dynamic nature of the job, especially the endless combination of joy, hilarity, and problem-solving.
Emily earned her bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of Mary Washington and has since earned her North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential.
If you ask Emily what she loves most about being a preschool teacher, she’ll tell you it’s the opportunity to be a child’s very first teacher. She sees it as a meaningful chance to shape each child’s understanding of what a teacher can be: someone who takes the time to truly see and understand you, who is always in your corner with love, humor, and support, and who believes in you enough to hold you to high expectations.
Emily lives with her boyfriend and their two dogs in Hillsborough, where she is next-door neighbors with her younger sister and brother-in-law. Outside of Little House, she coaches Girls on the Run, teaches fitness classes, and loves staying active.
Emma Johnson – Preschool Teacher
Emma joined the Little House Playschool teaching team in August of 2026. A Chapel Hill native, Emma has been teaching preschool for more than 15 years, nurturing and engaging children through play, exploration, and learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Appalachian State University and began her teaching career in Charlotte before returning home to Chapel Hill.
Emma has always been drawn to the magic of learning through play and loves creating opportunities for children to explore, discover, and grow in joyful and meaningful ways.
Emma lives in Chapel Hill with her husband, Ryan, and their two children, Chloe and Maeve.
Alex Armistead – School Kidz After School Teacher
Alex has been part of the Little House teaching team since August 2024, working in our after school and summer programs. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 2023 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in American Sign Language. Alex has several years of experience working with children, with a particular depth of experience in after school programs serving elementary-aged students.
A true nature and animal lover, Alex spends her downtime with her rescue puppy, senior cats, and goats. She also loves the arts, both as a creator and a spectator. When she’s outside, you’ll often find her taking nature walks, identifying local flora and fauna, and sharing her enthusiasm for the natural world with others.
Alex has a deep passion for working with children and is especially committed to supporting the long-term well-being, growth, and happiness of the children in her care.
Sarah Nowell – School Kidz After School Teacher
Sarah was first introduced to the Little House community through her two nieces in the fall of 2023 and she found it to be a space that fostered so much curiosity, empathy, respect, and individuality. After working as a substitute teacher she officially joined the teaching team in fall of 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University as well as an associate’s degree in Pastry Arts.
Sarah values creativity in all its forms, and particularly loves the many outlets that Little House has to facilitate imagination and creation whether it’s adapting teaching and learning styles or diving head-first into children’s interests alongside them.
When she’s not working, Sarah is often found baking or cooking for friends and family, reading, or working on home and art projects – and probably singing. She is excited to continue growing with the Little House community!
Rachel Beck – Owner and Co-Founder
Rachel Beck has been lucky enough to work and play with young children since 1993. In addition to raising two amazing children of her own, she has helped raise countless children in the Carrboro community and still maintains close ties with most of her families–in fact, many alums of the school return each summer!
Rachel is grateful for the strong relationships she builds with the children and their families. She is honored to be considered a resource during these important and magical years, and she is excited to discover where each child’s life journey takes them.