Carousel Committed
Meet our school leaders who are committed to ensuring our students receive the best possible care!
Arielle Hughes, MBA
OWNER/Director
Mrs. Arielle is dedicated to the early education field and the students, staff and families of Carousel Preschool. Arielle is an alumni of the Louisiana Early Leaders Academy (LELA) and currently serves as a LELA Coach for other early childhood leaders around the state.
Originally from New York, Mrs. Arielle moved to the New Orleans area in 2009. Mrs. Arielle has a BSM from Tulane University and a MBA from LSU-S. Additionally, she has a Child Development Associate Credential, and is a certified CLASS Observer in Infant, Toddler and Preschool and is a Louisiana Pathways Approved Trainer.
Mrs. Arielle's daughter, Charlotte is a Carousel student and has been since she was 8 weeks old.
Noel Lewis
Director
Mrs. Noel has been working in the early childhood industry in various roles since 2009. As our school director and a former Pre-K teacher, she brings her classroom expertise to the leadership team and oversees the implementation of Carousel's curriculum. Mrs. Noel works closely with our Pre-K teachers to provide classroom coaching and support.
Mrs. Noel has an Associate's Degree in Care and Development of Young Children, has a Louisiana Ancillary Early Childhood Teaching Certificate and is a Certified CLASS Pre-K Observer.
Mrs. Noel's son, Kyler, is a current Carousel Preschool student.
Jeanna Acosta
Assistant director
Mrs. Jeanna holds her Associate's Degree in Early Childood Development?? and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in ???? She is a certified CLASS Observer in both Infant and Toddler.
She works closely with our infant and toddler classrooms providing coaching, support and ????
Mrs. Jeanna's daughter, Presley, is a current Carousel Preschool student.
Joni Ferguson
administrative assistant
Hi y'all! I am Mrs. Joni & I've been part of the Carousel Family for 5 years now. Although I'm sure my accent may have given it away, I am a born & raised Texan. But over the years, we have definitely made Louisiana home to us too. My husband James, is currently serving in the US Coast Guard and we have two daughters, Haylie & Sadie. My husband’s career has given us the opportunity to live in many different places over the last 17 years, all of which we have loved! Gulfport, MS., Buffalo, NY., Grand Isle, LA., Kodiak, AK., & now New Orleans. These two kids, from a little town in Texas, had no idea of the amazing places we would see or the adventures we would be having, but we are so grateful & blessed. While stationed in Kodiak I began working as a preschool teacher, and absolutely fell in love with the field. I then began pursuing my CDA and I also completed two Associates Degrees. I absolutely love working with children & assisting families in bridging the gap between families & child development. After being stationed here in New Orleans, I came to Carousel Preschool as a Pre-K teacher. From there I was promoted to the administrative role & took over many aspects of the Food Program. It has been almost 8 years since I started this journey & I still wake up every day loving what I do. I get to be a part of this incredible Early Learning Center & help to shape the young lives that we touch every day!