The MECK Pre-K Team

A lifetime of learning starts with a great team! Meet the staff members who administer MECK Pre-K, providing a high-quality education to children in Mecklenburg county at no cost to families.

MECK Pre-K Leadership Team

Mary-Margaret Kantor, Ed.D. - Chief Early Education Officer

Mary-Margaret Kantor has served as Chief Early Education Officer of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and MECK Pre-K since September 2021. Mary-Margaret is a recognized professional in early childhood education and organizational administration with proven results in creating and sustaining relationships that result in personnel, program, and institutional excellence. She oversees MECK Pre-K, providing strategic oversight and direction in coordination with County and Smart Start leadership, and provides thought leadership and assists with the execution of initiatives and programs that directly affect Pre-K learning.

Rita Frye - Enrollment & Placement Director

Rita Frye has served as Enrollment & Placement Director of MECK Pre-K since 2020. In her role, Rita oversees program operations and reports on all aspects of program implementation to the Chief Early Education Officer. She assists in recruitment and supervision of program staff to ensure all program services meet the MECK Pre-K child policies. Prior to MECK Pre-K, Rita worked as Project Manager at Directors Leadership Academy, an extension of Child Care Resources Inc. A former center director and Head Start teacher, Rita has been involved with classrooms from Michigan to Nevada for over two decades.

Sharon Spigner - Quality Assurance & Compliance Director

Sharon Spigner has served as MECK Pre-K Quality Assurance and Compliance Director since 2020. In her role, Sharon develops and supports collaborations with MECK Pre-K early childhood education providers to ensure that all budget and program requirements are met. She leads, inspires, and sets a high standard of excellent practices, supports budget assistance in fiscal activities, and annually reviews MECK Pre-K policies.

Shakekia Moss - Curriculum & Teacher Support Director

Shakekia Moss has served as the Curriculum and Teacher Support Director with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and MECK Pre-K since August 2021. In her role, Shakekia oversees daily operation of the MECK Pre-K Program Support office, providing support, resources, and professional development to coaches, teachers, and site providers. Prior to her time at MECK Pre-K, Shakekia served as an educator for over 15 years, in classrooms ranging from preschool to second grade.

Brittany Smith - Child & Family Support Director

Brittany Smith joined Smart Start of Mecklenburg County as a Child Development Consultant in January 2022 and became the Child Development and Family Support Director in January 2023. Brittany leads and designs implementation of the Smart Start strategy needed to meet the social, emotional, and developmental needs of children ages 0–5, with a primary focus on preschool/prekindergarten-aged children. Brittany and her team implement comprehensive strategies that enable parents and teachers working with young children to identify and understand children’s social and emotional needs and support their development.

Registration and Intake Team