2020 SCVCS Board Candidate Profiles

2020 Board Candidate Charles Donna Charles Blythewood, South Carolina donnacharles66@gmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Iona college, Bachelors Mercy college, Master Also pharmacy technician Board Experience: How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? As a current learning coach I am very familiar with the day to day aspect of what my child or any child may need to succeed in the virtual environment SCVSC was supposed to be a temporary basis solution while I transition to family medical leave, after having my child attend the school I was very happy with his learning and his teachers The teachers go far and beyond to make sure the children are never left in the dark, seeing this first hand it would be my honor to belong to this organization Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Collier Maisha Collier Chief Operating Officer at NC Brookhaven Behavioral Health Inman, South Carolina Maia@NCBrookhaven.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Oakwood University, B.S in Biochemistry Serve on several community boards Board Experience: Blue Ridge Veterans Community Partnership Pisgah Legal Young Professionals Board How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? As a parent of a SCVCS student I am passionate about the success of this school I love the mission of the school and believe as a board member I can add value by contributing ideas and support to further advance the mission Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate De Grood Pamela Charlston De Grood Retired at Grand Strand Magazine Mount Pleasant, South Carolina pcdegrood1@gmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Southern Methodist University, Marketing and Advertising Management Board of Visitors at Coastal Carolina University Board of Long Bay Symphony Board Experience: Member of Board for years How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? While on the board of Coastal Carolina University, our responsibility was to be a liaison between students and the community We worked closely with the Dean We were also responsible for hosting a huge Gala every year and responsible for obtaining corporate and individual sponsors from and outside the Coastal Community We were also responsible for obtaining restaurants to donate all food, flowers, etc Every year, the students enrolled in School of the Arts performed for the audience Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Emory Lorraine Emory School Nurse at Department of Defense Columbia, South Carolina Lorraine.h.emory@gmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Marshall University, ADN, BSN, and currently working on M.Ed American College of Education, M.Ed in Health & Wellness Education, graduation date 12-20 Hold certification in NC for allied health education Board Experience: Mayor on Fort Jackson, year How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? I hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board to aid in problem solving, increase student learning, providing support to staff and educators to the best of my ability Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Gaston Susan Gaston Retired from 49 years in public education in SC Summerville, South Carolina sgaston515@gmail.com ✓ Experience with K-12 Education ✓ Resident of South Carolina ✓ Graduated College College and Training: Winthrop College, Undergraduate in Early Childhood College of Charleston for Masters in Elementary Education, plus 30 hours Add’l 30+ from various institutions Board Experience: Dorchester County First Steps Board 15 years Bethany UMC Weekday Preschool Board Chairperson since 1979 How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? I feel we need to offer many different types of educational opportunities for the children of SC Our state though small is very diverse but all children and their parents deserve choices for their educational success Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Glanton Zikeya Glanton Columbia, South Carolina zikeya.glanton@gmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Lander University, Bachelor of Science Sociology South University, Masters Criminal Justice Board Experience: How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? To assist SCVCS with creating new ways to continue providing helpful standards-based education for students seeking the virtual option Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Hoffmann Tea Hoffmann Lawyer/Managing Principal at Law Strategy LLC Lake Wylie, South Carolina teahoffmann@lawstrategycorp.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: University of Tennessee - Knoxville, BA and JD Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, JD Certified Executive, Life and Health and Wellness Coach Board Experience: Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce - years Charlotte Touchdown Club - years Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women - years How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? I believe many of the young people who need online school are like my daughter, who suffers from high anxiety These students are unique and deserve to have a high quality education that meets or exceed the standards required by the state The role of teachers, staff and team members of SCVCS is to nurture, guide and push each child while providing each child with individual support and structure to succeed This is hard, but as a Board member I would support the hiring and retention of teachers and staff who understand and thrive by meeting this challenge My mother taught for 32 years (6th grade) and I saw how hard this role is I get it! As a business owner, lawyer and coach, I believe I would be a valuable member of this Board and would be honored to serve Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Kennedy Jacqueline Kennedy Teacher at Horry County Schools Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Jacqueline.Kennedy@gmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: University of South Carolina, Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Curriculum and Instruction Concordia University, Masters of Teaching in Secondary Instruction (M.A.T.) former departmental leadership roles: Middle School English Curriculum Development Chair, English Department Chair, Social Studies Department Secretary Board Experience: Served on the School Improvement Council at my daughter's previous brick-and-mortar school How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? I plan to use my knowledge of curriculum scope and sequence, state and national content standards, and principles of teaching and learning that I refined through my work as a public educator in South Carolina in order to develop rigorous instructional models and materials Further, I will use the knowledge that I gained through my doctoral program and dissertation research in order to benefit our students through advanced instructional planning and reflection I strongly believe that all students are capable of success when provided with the right support and will strive to assure that measures are taken so all children can learn through individualized educational programming Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Kornahrens Julie Kornahrens - Incumbent Assistant Superintendent at Dorchester School District Two Charleston, South Carolina julie1836@att.net ✓ Experience with K-12 Education ✓ Resident of SC ✓ Graduated College College and Training: College of Charleston, BS Elementary Education; College of Charleston; The Citadel, M.Ed Special Education; M.Ed School Administration & Supervision SC Charter School Board Training Board Experience: South Carolina Virtual Charter School Board of Directors How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? My educational, leadership, previous Board experiences and knowledge of online learning will be an asset to SCVCS, especially as SCVCS begins its new partnership with Erskine Charter The Board's role is to support the administration and teachers as they continue to strive to advance the success of all students enrolled, as evidenced by documented academic results, by providing an educational experience that enables students to reach their academic potential It is critical to establish/maintain strong relationships with state education and legislative leadership to continue educating on the merits of viable virtual charter school options and advocating for equitable funding for our charter school and its students As a board member, I will strive to ensure that the policies of SCVCS coincide with the mission of igniting the minds of children and producing college and career ready students Page of 16 2020 Board Candidate Loney Dr Gladys Loney Instuctor/Learning Coach/ Owner of Excellence Learning Center at Excellence Learning Center Dalzell, South Carolina gwhite252@yahoo.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Northcentral University/ Breyer State University/ Southern Wesleyan University, Doctorate in Education/ Masters in Business Management Northcentral University/Breyer State University, Doctorate in Education/ Doctorate in Business Management Board Experience: High Hills Rural Community Board/ Volunteer Coordinator How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? As a Board Member, I will strive to introduce processes that may be beneficial and an integral part to the student body I will serve as a TEAM member and be TEAM oriented and focused As a Board Member, I will offer ideas on retention and advancement of SCVCS rewarding system Page 10 of 16 2020 Board Candidate Morisey Til Morisey - Incumbent Adult Education Director (retired) Florence, South Carolina tilmorisey@gmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Resident of SC Graduated College College and Training: University of South Carolina, Bachelor's in elementary education University of South Carolina, Master's in Community & Occupational Programs and plus 30 in secondary administration SC Charter School Board Training Board Experience: South Carolina Virtual Charter School Board of Directors How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? My 30 year career in adult education began as a teacher and subsequently an administrator for the last 15 years, and there are parallels in my former career's mission and SCVCS I oversaw certified teachers using research and standards-based curriculum including on-line programs leading to GED attainment or high school diploma completion Career and college counseling provided a helpful transition for students to post-secondary endeavors Although students' achievement is paramount for both the student and program funding, my passion for student success, no matter the age, has always been my motivation Page 11 of 16 2020 Board Candidate Myers Marion Myers Teacher at ADAP Enterprises Columbia, South Carolina myers373@yahoo.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Lincoln University, BA in Spanish NYU, Nova Southeastern University, Capella University, MA in speech, EdS in ESOL, PhD in educational administration I produce an independent tv series Board Experience: I am proprietor since 2010 How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? I want to advance the mission by ensuring our students are engaging in learning and preparing them for the global society I want to assist them in fulfilling their dreams by providing opportunities with business and community based services Page 12 of 16 2020 Board Candidate Palumbo Daniel Palumbo Business Owner at Kona Ice of Sumter/West Columbia Sumter, South Carolina danjet99@yahoo.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: Strayer University, American Intercontinental University, Community College of the Air Force, Bachelor of Business Administration, Associate of Arts Business Administration, Associates in Applied Science Human Resource Management, and Associates in Applied Science Criminal Justice Board Experience: How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? To bring future focus to the children lives and show them my 25 year experience from my start serving our country in the Air Force to making my way up the corporate latter as a Recruiting Manager, to my current endeavor operating my business Page 13 of 16 2020 Board Candidate Retsos Nicole Retsos Social Media Manager at Bar 19 Twelve, Hot Honey Boutique Little River, South Carolina nicoleretsos@gmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, BA in Psychology & Sociology DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, MA Elementary Education, Middle School Endorsement Post Graduate Certification in Paralegal Studies (Civil and Corporate Law), Years Experience as a Paralegal in Civil Defense and Corporate Defense Firms Board Experience: How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? As a certified, highly qualified teacher, mother of (one a SCVCS 1st grader) and professional, I hope and aim to advance the mission of SCVCS by adhering to it's goal of providing individualized, rigorous education I understand not every child learns the same way Our family is new to the virtual community, but with my experience in the educational field, I am confident I can bring a unique perspective to the SCVCS board Page 14 of 16 2020 Board Candidate Smith Nikki Smith Strategic Partnerships Coordinator at Wild Goose Festival Spartanburg, South Carolina poolersmiths@hotmail.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Experience with Business Experience with K-12 Education Parent/Legal Guardian of SCVCS Student(s) Resident of South Carolina Graduated College College and Training: University of South Carolina, Bachelors of Science Board Stewardship Trainings, Board Development Trainings, Board Leadership Trainings Board Experience: Hub City Farmer's Market (Board Chair) Spartanburg Little Theatre Member Uplift Outreach Center Board Member Hub City Brewfest Board Member How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? SCVCS' mission is to improve student educational achievement through provision of an individualized, rigorous, standards-based virtual education to students in the State of South Carolina I hope to help advance this mission by providing the point of view of someone who is a parent, but also someone who has taught at the elementary, middle, high school, and collegiate levels I hope to further the mission by overseeing the selection of curriculum and helping the SCVCS leadership in any way that I can - using my knowledge as an educator, a board member, and as a parent Page 15 of 16 2020 Board Candidate Thompson Janet Thompson - Incumbent Retired Educator Columbia, South Carolina janetkimthompson@gmail.com ✓ Experience with K-12 Education ✓ Resident of SC ✓ Graduated College College and Training: Benedict College, Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education Barry University, Masters Degree in Reading Education SC Charter School Board Training Board Experience: South Carolina Virtual Charter School Board of Directors How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? As a veteran Educator I have worked in various capacities from first grade to Adult Education In these roles one of the main things l learned is that people learn differently If we are to ensure success for our children, we must offer other methods for learning The SC Virtual Charter School is one of those distinct methods of educating our children As a member of the Board, I will continue to support the innovative methods and strategies used to deliver differentiated instruction to those students in our School Family The parents, as well as the students can count on me to assist with making this school the best it can possibly be Page 16 of 16 ... Carolina University Board of Long Bay Symphony Board Experience: Member of Board for years How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? While on the board of Coastal Carolina... education Board Experience: Mayor on Fort Jackson, year How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board? I hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board to... institutions Board Experience: Dorchester County First Steps Board 15 years Bethany UMC Weekday Preschool Board Chairperson since 1979 How you hope to advance the mission of SCVCS by serving on the board?