QUICK LINKS

SC GEAR UP Staff at the
SC Commission on Higher Education

Dr. Karen A. Woodfaulk
SCCHE Director of Student Services
Kwoodfaulk@che.sc.gov
(803) 737-2226

Karen Woodfaulk is a graduate of Barry University (B.F.A., 1974), New Mexico Highlands University (M.A., 1975), and Florida State University (Ph.D., 1987). She served as Coordinator of Academic Programs at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (1992-97) and became Director of the Student Services Division in 1997.

She is the project director of the state GEAR UP grant awarded in 1999. Prior to that, she has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Allen University, (1987-92);Research Assistant, Office of the Vice President for Minority Affairs, Florida State University (1985-19870); and Department Chairperson and Associate Professor at Claflin College (1979-84).

She is a member of the Executive Board of the South Carolina Women in Higher Education. Recent professional affiliations include membership in the American Association for Higher Education (AAHE) and the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE).

Rae J. McPherson
SC GEAR UP Program Manager
rmcpherson@che.sc.gov
(803) 737-2706

Rae McPherson grew up in Greenville, SC and attended Greenville Public Schools. After graduating from Furman University, she began her teaching career in Richland School District One as a French and social studies teacher. She has held the position of department chair, social studies coordinator, assistant principal and principal. After serving as a principal leader for the South Carolina State Department of Education, Mrs. McPherson came to SC GEAR UP in December, 2003.

Sjanna Coriarty
Research and Evaluation Manager
scoriarty@che.sc.gov
(830) 737-3917

Sjanna M. Coriarty is a graduate of Limestone College and Webster University and is currently working on her doctoral degree. Originally from Florida, Sjanna has lived in Columbia for 11 years with her two sons. She worked for Midlands Technical College as Associate Director of Admissions before becoming the Research and Evaluation Manager for SC GEAR UP in 2006.

Arlene Criswell
College Coach
acriswell@che.sc.gov
(803) 737-2705

Arlene Criswell holds a master’s degree in education and has more than 17 years of experience working in various capacities in public and private sectors. She was previously employed as an educator, consultant, manager, coordinator, and trainer before she joined the Student Services division of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education in 2003. She currently serves as the Academic and College Awareness Coordinator for the statewide federally funded GEAR UP program.

Pinkney Epps
College Coach
pepps@che.sc.gov
(803) 737-3919

Pinkney B. Epps is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Dual BS degree. He is also a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Programs. Pinkney comes to the Commission on Higher Education from the University of South Carolina – Columbia TRIO Program. He is a former High School Counselor for the Educational Talent Search Program where he worked with schools in all three local school districts in the Columbia area. Prior to the last year and a half, Pinkney worked for more than 10 years in non-profit management at the higher education level, for USC, and for major non-profits such as Save the Children, the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands, and AmeriCorps. He currently serves as School Services Coordinator for SC GEAR UP.

Nan Ford
College Coach
nford@che.sc.gov
(803) 734-4396

Nan Ford earned her master’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina, and has held various education related positions: student activities director at Midlands Technical College, volunteer director at the South Carolina State Museum, and most recently grant director for Parentwise at Voices for South Carolina’s Children. Nan joined the Student Services Division of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education in October, and currently serves as a school services coordinator with SC GEAR UP.

Sharon Givens
Training Manager
sgivens@che.sc.gov
(803) 737-45850

Sharon Givens has a Bachelor of Social Work degree, a Master of Science degree in Agency Counseling and a Master of Science degree in Adult Education. She has completed postgraduate studies in the area of training and development, and counseling psychology. She is currently pursuing her terminal degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Her previous work experiences include positions as a clinical counselor and program developer/manager. Sharon has been a certified Co-Piloting Mentoring Trainer for over five years. She has conducted over 200 Mentoring training/seminars across the country and in West Africa. She is also recognized as a national diversity facilitator and is certified by the National Multicultural Institute in Washington D.C. Ms. Givens is also a certified Franklin Covey Trainer. As a professional trainer, Ms. Givens is active in several organizations, including the American Society of Training and Development and the American Counseling Association.

Altheia Anthony
Marketing and Communications Specialist
aanthony@che.sc.gov
(803) 737-3910

Altheia Anthony earned her bachelor’s degree in the arts from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.  She has worked for non-profit and federal government agencies on special national and international projects, such as presentations, marketing/PR, proposals, program evaluation, articles and event planning.  Currently, she serves as the Marketing and Communications Specialist for SC GEAR UP at South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

Yolanda Myers
Research/Evaluation Assistant
yhudson@che.sc.gov
(803) 737-2290

Yolanda Hudson holds a B.A. in business administration and has been employed with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education for over twenty-two years. She has worked in the Commissioner’s office along with several programs within the Commission. She joined the SC GEAR UP Research and Evaluation area in March of 2004.

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SC GEAR UP Staff at the
SC Chamber of Commerce

Cynthia Bennett
Director of Business Relations for SC GEAR UP
Cynthia.bennett@scchamber.net
(803) 255-2542

Cynthia M. Bennett graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Political Science. She is returning to serve as the School Support Liaison for the GEAR UP program. Prior to this position she served as the Partnerships Coordinator and Local Chamber Liaison with the initial GEAR UP program High Performance Partnerships. Cynthia brings seven years of experience working with schools and businesses to improve student’s academic achievement and encouraging an educated workforce for South Carolina.

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SC GEAR UP Staff and Key Personnel at
SCGU High Schools

Denmark-Olar High School

Rachel Major
Graduation Coach
rmajor@bamberg2.k12.sc.us
(803) 793-3307

Rachel Major resides in Nesses, South Carolina, and is the SC GEAR UP site coordinator at Denmark-Olar High School. She graduated from Denmark-Olar High School in 1982, attended Benedict College, and has worked in public schools for approximately twelve years. She became interested in education because she wanted to mold the minds of children at an early age, since they are the future leaders of tomorrow. She has worked in a variety of positions in the education system including as a substitute teacher, teacher’s assistant, and a behavior specialist. Shopping and swimming are two hobbies she enjoys. Currently, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Phoenix.

William M. (Butch) Jacobs – Tutor (Math)
(803)-793-3307

Butch holds a BS in Business Management and MED in Secondary School Administration from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC.  He has taught and coached in both South Carolina and Georgia for over 30 years.  He retired from the U.S. Military in 2003 when called back to active duty and served 3 years Iraq and Afghanistan before retiring as a Colonel in the United States Army. Currently, Mr. Jacobs is a SC GEAR UP math tutor at Demark-Olar High School.

Tangela Parler
Tutor (Math)
tparler@bamberg2.k12.sc.us
(803) 793-3307

Tangela Gilmore-Parler grew up in Denmark, South Carolina. She furthered her education at Voorhees College for three years. She later transferred to Claflin University to study criminal justice. She became interested in education because she has three children of her own and because she always wanted to come back home to give back to the community in which she grew up. She enjoys helping people and working with children because they are our future leaders. Currently, she is a mentor leader for the SC GEAR UP program at Denmark-Olar.

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Military Magnet Academy

Dennis Muhammad
Graduation Coach
dennis_muhammad@charleston.k12.sc.us
(843) 745-7102

Dennis Muhammad, a native of Conway, South Carolina and a 1992 graduate of the College of Charleston, became interested in making his mark in education after being invited by school officials to help solve a gang conflict at Morningside Middle School in 2000. Within months, the conflict was settled and Mr. Muhammad became a volunteer liaison between parents and the school. Because of his success and community activism, he gained a reputation for being able to reach out to at-risk youth.

Due to his work at Morningside Middle School, Jenkins Institute for Children, Interdenominational Youth Ministerial Alliance and other community activism, Mr. Muhammad was recommended to be a student concern specialist at Rivers Middle School in Charleston, SC in 2002, where he served until the school closed in 2005.

Mr. Muhammad has a background in manhood and disciplinary training for young men. He has been instrumental in organizing night street patrols to reach out to young men and stop the culture of drugs, guns, and violence in the streets of Charleston. Mr. Muhammad is now an SC GEAR UP site coordinator at the Military Magnet Academy in North Charleston, SC. He loves working with young people and is a passionate advocate for their rights. He is also a frequent speaker at several state and federal prisons in South Carolina. His future goals are to organize hundreds of concerned men to reach out to at-risk youth to eliminate crime and violence in the streets.

He is happily married (for 14 years) to Valerie Muhammad, who teaches third-grade students at Wilmot J. Fraser Elementary School in Charleston.

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Elinor Coaxum –Tutor (ELA)
ELINOR_COAXUM@charleston.k12.sc.us
(803) 745-7102

Elinor Coaxum is a native Charlestonian who grew up downtown.  She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Rivers High School and graduated from C. A. Brown High.  She actually earned an associate’s degree in secretarial science and worked as a secretary at Trident Tech for a little more than two years, establishing the cooperative education program that still exists at TTC.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree in Education from Southern Wesleyan. Elinor has spent thirty plus years teaching English to students at Burke High, C. S. Brown High, A. B. Rhett Middle, Rivers Middle, Charleston Progressive and North Charleston High School.  She thrives on student interaction, gets to know her students well, and treats her students as if they were her own children. Further, she believes in meeting her students were they are then taking them to the next level.

For more than twenty years, Elinor served as Student Council advisor, involving students in food and clothing drives, Pennies for Patients campaign and sponsoring the school’s pageant.  After twenty-three years of working with middle school students, Elinor is thrilled to be working with high school students again.  She enjoys the challenge of building rapport and problem solving with them.  She strives to make her students cognizant of and ready to take advantage of the immense opportunity afforded them through the GEAR UP program.

Elinor is married (and has been for 33 years!) and is the mother of three – two sons and a daughter.  When she is not working with her students, Elinor enjoys cooking, baking, reading, exercising and working in the yard.  

Margaret Landrum
Graduation Coach
margaret_landrum@charleston.k12.sc.us
Phone: (843) 745-7140

Margaret is originally from New York, but currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina where she and her husband decided to settle after they both completed 20 years of service in the armed forces. She finds Charleston a beautiful place and is quick to reveal that it has been rated as one of the top vacation spots in the nation. She is a volunteer for the Historic Preservation Society and shows houses to tourists who visit her lovely town of Charleston.

Her hobbies are sewing, gardening, reading and baking. And, she really enjoys her job as the SC GEAR UP site coordinator at North Charleston High School. When it comes to interacting with the students, she learns almost as much from them as they do from her.

Rosemary Pavlisko
Tutor (ELA)
Rosemary_pavlisko@charleston.k12.sc.us
Phone: (843) 745- 7140

Rosemary Pavlisko is the SC GEAR UP English/language arts tutor at North Charleston High School. In 1973, she began her teaching career at Bonds-Wilson High School, which merged with North Charleston High School in 1985. She taught English, and was the coordinator for the gifted and talented program. She graduated from Bowling Green State University, and pursued graduate-level study at The Citadel and The College of Charleston. Rosemary lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and is married with two children and three grandchildren. She enjoys mentoring students and taking them on field trips. In addition, she is an AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) instructor, and well-versed in motivating students while communicating and teaching them the skills they will need to graduate from high school and be successful in college.

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R. B. Stall High School

Shirley Godfrey
Graduation Coach
shirley_godfrey@charleston.k12.sc.us
(843) 764-2200

        
Shirley grew up in North Charleston on and around the Air Force Base.  She previously resided in Zaragoza, Spain and her father's retirement from the United States Air Force brought her family to South Carolina.

She is a graduate of North Charleston High School, The Citadel SCCC, and The Citadel CGPS.  In 2004 she started working for Charleston County School District and has worked as a Student Data Clerk, Student Concern Specialist, and currently College Access Coordinator.  She is a certified Secondary School Counselor and Career Developmental Facilitator.  She enjoys playing a variety of sports and Sudoku puzzles.  Her office is on the C-Wing hall in room C115.  When she’s not in her office you can usually find her tutoring in Mrs. Shackelford’s Math class or hanging with the rest of the Warrior family.

Something most people do not know about her is that she was born in Seoul, South Korea and is one of the first 10 African American females to have graduated from the South Carolina Corps of Cadets at The Citadel

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St. Johns High School

Reginia Brown
Graduation Coach
reginia_brown@charleston.k12.sc.us
(843) 559-6209

Reginia E. Brown grew up in Walterboro, South Carolina. After graduating from Francis Marion University in 1999, she returned to Walterboro where she became a substitute teacher. In the winter of 2000, she began working with the Department of Social Services as a youth specialist. Approximately two years later, she began working with Communities in Schools in Charleston in the area of pregnancy prevention. In 2006 she became the SC GEAR UP College Access Coordinator at Haut Gap Middle School and is currently the SC GEAR UP site coordinator at St. Johns High School.

Cassandra Bligen
Tutor (ELA)
cassandra_bligen@charleston.k12.sc.us
(843) 559-6226

Cassandra Bligen, a native of McClellanville, SC and 1980 graduate of South Carolina State University, retired from a 25-year teaching career only to return to her passion two years later. Between 1980 and 2005, Cassandra taught English/language arts and social studies at several middle schools in Charleston, South Carolina. She dedicated her career to working in schools where she felt she could do the most good for the students who were the neediest.

While at these schools, Cassandra wore many hats: team leader, department chair, grade-level chair, mentor, member of the leadership team, SIC member, etc. Having a burning desire to return to the educational field, she accepted the position of SC GEAR UP English/language arts tutor at St. Johns High School in August of 2007. She enjoys working with high school students, and feels that her time spent with middle school students thoroughly prepared her for the task of tutoring ninth graders. She hopes to continue her work at the school for many years to come.

Cassandra is married to the Honorable Alvin Bligen, magistrate on Edisto Island, SC and Math teacher at R.D. Schroeder Middle School. They have been married for nineteen years, and have two lovely daughters, Morgan and Meghan. They live in the West Ashley area of Charleston, SC.

David Butler
Tutor
(843) 559-6209

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Elaine Edwards Gambrell
Tutor (ELA)
elaine_gabrell@charleston.k12.sc.us
(803) 745-7102

Elaine Edwards Gambrell is a native Charlestonian who is most proud to be a product of public school education.  After graduating from Burke High School, she returned four years later as an English teacher and taught alongside those who had taught her.  She credits many of them for molding her as a person and nurturing the passion she feels for education.  She still communicates with her first and second grade teacher on a regular basis.

Elaine is the SC GEAR UP English/Reading tutor at Military Magnet Academy and the past AVID elective teacher.  She has spent equal time teaching on the high and middle school levels for over 29 years.  Elaine is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC, and has done graduate level studies at The Citadel and The College of Charleston plus a host of continuing education classes over the years.  She is a life-long learner who believes she can learn from anybody.  Presently, she is enrolled in a Spanish class for educators.

Her hobbies include reading, watching quiz shows ("Jeopardy " and "Wheel of Fortune") and basketball is her favorite sport.  Elaine is divorced with two adult sons.

Matthew P. Ward, M.A.
Tutor (ELA)
matthew_ward@charleston.k12.sc.us
(843)764-2200

Matthew grew up in the West Ashley area of Charleston, SC, after having moved from Florence, SC at the age of 13. 
He received his Bachelor’s degree in both English and History from Wofford College, in Spartanburg, S.C.   In the fall of 1999, he received his Master’s degree in English from The Citadel’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  He joined the R. B. Stall High School family in 2007 as a Junior-level English teacher for the 2007-2008 school year before moving to his current position as the ELA Tutor with the SC GEAR UP program for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Matthew had the privilege of being part of the opening staff of the South Carolina Aquarium as the Graphic Designer and Media Coordinator.  He continues to share his interest in wildlife, conservation and the environment with anyone who will listen.  He enjoys reading, drawing and graphic design, all of which he incorporates into his teaching as much as possible.  During the day he’s highly mobile; sometimes you can find him in the SC GEAR UP office in room C115, but he also teaches a section of Sophomore English and assists students and teachers when and where he’s needed.

Manning High School

Jennifer Connors
Graduation Coach
jconnors@clarendon2.k12.sc.us
(803) 435-4417

Jennifer Thompson Parler was born and raised in Manning, South Carolina. Jennifer graduated from Manning High School in 1994. She attended Columbia College for a year, then transferred to The University of South Carolina. She graduated from USC in 1998, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations and a minor in photography. Her hope was to teach journalism in high school.

After graduating and getting married, she worked in Columbia for a few years as the public relations representative and volunteer administrator for a small not-for-profit agency, Trinity Housing Corporation. THC and St. Lawrence Place (the housing program run by THC) provided housing and support services for homeless families who were struggling to get back on their feet.

Jennifer left Trinity Housing and St. Lawrence Place, in May of 2002, when her first son, Bryce was born. Over the Christmas holidays of 2003, the Parler family moved to Elloree, which was “closer to home” for Jennifer. She went to work for Clarendon School District Two at the Early Childhood Center, but soon found out she was pregnant with baby number two. Gavin was born, in September 2004, and Jennifer chose to stay home with him for a while.

At the beginning of the 2005 school year, Jennifer was ready to go back to work, but wasn’t able to obtain a position in Manning. However, Clarendon Hall, a small private, Christian school in Summerton, offered her a position teaching English/language arts. She spent the last two school years teaching English and journalism there quite happily. However, during that time, she divorced her husband and moved back across the lake.

In the fall 2007, Jennifer became the SC GEAR UP site coordinator at Manning High School—her alma mater—combining her public relations expertise with teaching and inspiring students. She couldn’t be happier!

Keith Stewart
Mentor/Tutor (Math)
kstewart@clarendon2.k12.sc.us
Phone: (803) 435-4417

Keith Stewart is the newly hired SC GEAR UP Tutor/Mentor at Manning High School.  Originally from Manning, Stewart is the youngest son of Roy and Pamela Stewart.  He has two older sisters, Lauren Schroeder of San Diego, CA and Rebecca Stewart also of Manning.

Stewart is a graduate of the MHS class of 2003 and continued his education at the Southern Baptist sponsored, Charleston Southern University.  While there, Stewart played baseball for the university and majored in Physical Education with a Secondary Education minor.  Stewart is continuing his passion for sports and helping youth as the Head Junior Varsity Baseball Coach at MHS. He will also be assisting with the SC Diamond Devils baseball program in Charleston over the summer.

A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Stewart has been a part of multiple Habitat for Humanity projects in the North Charleston and Summerville communities.  Stewart is a member of the First Baptist Church in Manning.

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Colleton County High School

Teresa Blankenship

tblankenship@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us
(843) 538-2904

Teresa Blankenship grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and has resided in Walterboro, South Carolina for the past ten years. Teresa joined the SC GEAR UP program at Forest Circle Middle School and moved with the eighth-graders to Colleton County High School, where she serves as a mentor leader.

She holds an associate’s degree in marketing management and is currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. Teresa is married with four children. As a pastor’s wife she serves as youth director, Sunday school teacher, and children’s worker in her church. “Every child can be successful when someone shows she cares.”

Cyrus Birch
Tutor (Math)
cburch@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us
(843) 538-2904

Cyrus Birch is a native of beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, and a graduate of Middleton High School where he lettered all four years in basketball. He holds both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in computer science, earning his A.A. at Spartanburg Methodist College, and his B.A. at The University of North Carolina Pembroke.

Cyrus played collegiate basketball at both schools, and now enjoys coaching basketball and playing tennis, exercising, listening to music, and reading. He is married to Ginnell Birch, and they have two beautiful children: Cyrus IV and Alayah Birch.

Cyrus’ motto is, “Whatever you put your hands to do, do it to the best of your ability!!!”

Dee Dee Duboise
Tutor (Math)
wduboise@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us
(843) 538-2904

Dee Dee DuBoise grew up just two miles from Ruffin Middle School and has lived in the Ruffin community most of her life. She graduated from Andrew Jackson Academy (high school), and attended Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College where she received a degree in business. She was in the business world, employed at a daycare center, when she discovered her love for children. For two years, she took care of children in her own home, then decided to pursue a degree in early childhood education at the University of South Carolina, Salkehatchie. There, she received her associate’s degree and some of her education classes. She then transferred to the University of South Carolina Beaufort for the remainder of her education classes, and she will soon complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

During the fall 2005 semester, one of her classes required her to do service learning hours. Her love for math prompted her to fulfill the requirement at Ruffin Middle School, tutoring sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders in math. Initially, she was given a list of seventeen students, and she completed the required five hours the first day of tutoring. At the end of the day, the seventeen students grew to seventy-five students, and she decided to continue tutoring them on Wednesdays and Thursdays of each week. She was thrilled to be able to share what she learned with her classmates at USC Beaufort.

Dee Dee tutored the middle school students for two months, then she was able to continue working with the 8th graders through her employment with the SC GEAR UP program. She began working with the program in January 2006 as the site coordinator at Ruffin Middle School, combining all her administrative duties with those related to tutoring. In the fall of 2007, when her students entered Colleton County High School, Dee Dee moved with them as an SC GEAR UP mentor leader.

Renee Kinlock-Linder
Mentor
hlinder@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us
(843) 538-2904

Renee Kinlock-Linder, a native of Colleton County is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Henry S. Kinloch.  Renee graduated from Walterboro High School, which is currently named Colleton County High School.  Upon obtaining her high school diploma, she attended South Carolina State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Guidance.  Renee later obtained her M.S. degree in Education from Wheelock College.  She is the proud mother of three daughters: Ashley, a senior at University of South Carolina/Upstate campus, Arielle, a student at the Cosmetic Arts Institute in Walterboro, and Alicia a junior at Colleton County High School.  She began working with GEAR UP in March of 2009.

Amanda Lucas
Tutor (ELA)
alucas@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us
(843) 538-2904

Amanda Lucas is a Walterboro, South Carolina resident. She graduated from Walterboro High School, which has since been renamed Colleton County High School, and is employed at her alma mater as the SC GEAR UP English/language arts tutor.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from The University of South Carolina, and is currently enrolled in an M.A.T. program at The Citadel. While most of her engagement with students is on an academic level, she also enjoys coaching the varsity cheerleading squad.

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Patricia R. Pawlak
Graduation Coach
ppawlak@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us
Phone: (843) 538-2904

Patricia R. Pawlak (Patty) is the Program Administrator for SC GEAR UP at Colleton County High School in Walterboro, SC.  She graduated from Bishop England HS in Charleston, SC and went on to obtain a BA in History/Secondary Education from the College of Charleston with a minor in French.  While traveling the world with her husband William, she earned a MA in Community Leadership/Secondary Education from Central Michigan University and an Administration Certification from Charleston Southern University along with other graduate level work. 

Her first year of teaching was at Bonds-Wilson HS in North Charleston, SC.  Throughout her travels to such places as the Azores, Portugal, England, etc. she went on to teach college for the University of Maryland and Fort Steillacoom Community College in Washington State plus working as a substitute for the Department of Defense Schools.  Returning to the states, she was engaged in various jobs such as substitute, GED & SAT Prep instructor at Trident Technical College, reading tutor, prison instructor for Dorchester County and working in the business world.  For the last 19 years, she has enjoyed being a social studies teacher at Colleton County HS with other responsibilities such as Department Chairperson, Graduation Coordinator and Social Studies Coordinator for the county. 

She has been married for 37 years and has two children and 2 grandchildren, David and Sophie who live in Alaska.  Her free time is spent playing golf, spending time with her Sorority - Beta Sigma Phi, reading and traveling. 

Patty has known since high school that she wanted to work in the field of education.  She has been blessed to be able to work with children from Pre School to college and now with the SC GEAR UP Program.  This position is just another branch on her tree to be able to reach out to young people and to help them fulfill their highest expectations.

Lamar High School

JR Boyd
Graduation Coach
jrboyd@darlingtonk.12.sc.us
(843) 326-7500

Graduate of Winthrop College and acquired my Master’s Degree at United States Sports Academy in Mobile, Alabama.  I have 4 children Clint, Brittany, Daniel and Tyler.  Tammy, my wife, is an x-ray tech at Mc Leod hospital in Florence. I have been teaching and coaching in the state of South Carolina for 31 years.  Currently, I am the head football coach and SC GEAR UP Graduation Coach at Lamar High School

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Tamron McManus
Tutor (Math)
tamronm@darlington.k12.sc.us
Phone: (843) 326-7500

Tamron McManus is twenty-four years old, t he youngest of four children, born in Lamar South Carolina.  Mr. McManus has been a baseball coach at Lamar High school since he graduated in 2002.  During that time he has achieved a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Francis Marion University.

Woodland High School

Elzye Harrison
Graduation Coach
eharrison@mail.dd4.k12.sc.us
(843) 563-5956

Elzye Harrison is the Graduation Coach for the SC GEAR UP program at Woodland High School in Dorchester, SC. He is a native of McCormick, SC where he graduated from McCormick High School. He later received a bachelor’s degree from Morris College in Communications. Mr. Harrison is a first generation college graduate who fell in love with education shortly after, he graduated from college. He began to volunteer in the high school and community. He later realized how important it was to instill education into a child at an early age. He wanted to make a difference in student’s life like someone did for him. With the focuses of helping students get prepared for a postsecondary education, Mr. Harrison motto is the “The skies has no limits.

David Harris
Tutor (Math)
dharris@mail.dd4.k12.sc.us
(843) 563-5956

David Harris is a graduate of Newberry College (Dec. 08') with a BS in Art/Graphic Design and a minor in Business Administration. He is a native of Greenwood, SC but a graduate of Ninety-Six High School.

This is Mr. Harris first year being a part of the SC GEAR UP family where he is tutoring in the math department at Woodland High School in Dorchester County. There he is also a part of the Woodland High football coaching staff where he heads up the defensive line. Mr. Harris likes to involve life-related situations in his tutoring process to allow the kids to better understand and also have a good idea how it applies to life. His main focus as a part of SC GEAR UP staff is to get the kids to understand the importance of graduating and being aware of their futures.

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Wilson High School

Chris Lewis
Graduation Coach
cclewis@fsd1.org
(843) 292-1010

Chris Lewis grew up in Florence, South Carolina and attended Williams Middle School and Wilson High School. He began his employment with SC GEAR UP at Williams Middle School, and followed his eighth-graders to Wilson High School (his own “stompin’ grounds).” He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.

In addition to working with SC GEAR UP, he is enrolled in a counseling program at Webster University. He actively pursues extracurricular training events and workshops on mentoring and working with “at-risk” youth, whenever the opportunities arise.

He enjoys reading Stephen King novels and other mysteries, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and working with youth. He became interested in education because it’s so important to each individual’s success. He also enjoys politics, sports, and people.

Madeline Matthews
Mentor Leader
mmmathews@fsd1.org
(843) 292-1010

Madeline Matthews graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York. Her college credits are from Queensborough Community College and York College toward a Baccalaureate in Education. She was employed by The New York City Board of Education for 16 years. She was employed in South Carolina with Sumter School District #2 and is currently in Florence School District #1 with the South Carolina GEAR UP program.

She has strived to make a difference in the life of a child and help develop self-sufficiency. Our children today more than ever, need positive role models to enhance their personal, academic, and social skills. Ultimately they will exhibit a standard of behavior for modeling honesty, truth, and respect for others.

Mitchell Washington
Mentor Leader
mwashington@fsd1.org
(843) 292-1010

Mitchell Washington, SC GEAR UP mentor leader at Wilson High School, grew up in Florence, South Carolina and attended Southside Middle School and South Florence High School. He is currently a junior at Francis Marion University majoring in history education, and plans on becoming a middle school social studies teacher.

In his spare time he loves being with family and friends, watching television, and going to sports games. His interest in education began in when he was in the eighth grade and as he matured he realized that more and more education is what he wants. Mitchell would like to be one among many to make a difference in the lives of our young people.

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Modestine Samuels
Tutor (ELA)
(843) 292-1010
mwashington@fsd1.org

Modestine J. Samuel is a native Florentine and graduated from Southside High School in 1972.  She worked as classroom assistant for two years and a high school secretary for thirteen years in Florence School District One while pursuing higher education.

She attended Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina.  After graduation, Mrs. Samuel worked as an elementary school teacher in Florence School District Four teaching language arts and advanced math. In Darlington County, she taught gifted education to third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders.  Mrs. Samuel has taught language arts, social studies, and pre-algebra in gifted education.  Mrs. Samuel received a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education from Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  She was among the first group of educators to receive that degree in South Carolina.

In 2006, Mrs. Samuel completed requirements for the Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Leadership from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts.  Mrs. Samuel is certified as an Elementary Supervisor, Elementary School Principal, Secondary Supervisor, Curriculum Supervisor, and High School Principal.  She joined SC GEAR-UP that same year as a Mentor/Literacy Coach.  She taught English I Lab and tutored students in The School of Foundational Students at Wilson High School in Florence District One.  Mrs. Samuel has been with SC GEAR-UP for the past three years.  Her many duties include working with parents, students, teachers, counselors, and administrators to improve education and insure that our students receive a high school diploma and go on to higher learning institutions. 

She is an active member of the South Carolina Education Association, the National Education Association, the South Carolina Black School Educators, and many other community organizations.  Mrs. Samuel has been married to the Reverend Alray Samuel for 35 years.  They have two children and two grandchildren.

Estill High School

Sherry Garvin
Gaevin123@yahoo.com
(803) 625-5139

Sherry Roberts-Garvin is married to Washington G. Garvin III of Estill, SC and the mother of three children: Jonathan, Imani, and Evan and grandmother of Tyasia Rodgers. She is the oldest of four sisters, and holds the role of mother for each of them as well as their children.

Sherry grew up in a very small rural community in South Carolina near Ulmer, SC and attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in the same area. She was reared by her grandmother and mother and enjoyed the simple living of the country. Days were spent playing with friends, exploring the countryside, and reading. The compassion that she gives to others is a reflection of the teachings and modeling of her grandmother and mother. Sherry remembers her grandmother stressing the importance of having strong faith in God, hard work, education and respecting yourself as well as others. One of her grandmother’s favorite sayings was, “Charity begins at home and spreads abroad.” As a result of their influence, Sherry identified an early desire to obtain an education that would prepare her for the world. Sherry’s mother, grandmother, and father are deceased but she continues to live her life and treat others in the way that she was taught by each of them.

She attended Allendale County Schools where she was an honor student. Sherry was a member of various clubs and received many honors. She graduated from Allendale-Fairfax High School in 1985 ranked eighth in her class.

She attended USC-Salkehatchie in Allendale, SC and obtained an associate’s degree in 1987, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from USC Columbia in 1989. Upon graduation, she returned to the community where she was raised, and began her career in social work at Allendale County Department of Social Services as a case manager with Medicaid, Human Services, Family Independence, and the Young Parent Program.

For 15 years, she worked with families that experienced physical, social, and economic disruptions in intrusive settings. After working with the young adult populations, Sherry then realized that God’s purpose for her was to work in an atmosphere that would most benefit the needs of young people. Confirmation was provided for her, when SC GEAR UP began its work at Estill Middle School, and she was employed by Hampton District Two Schools as a source of guidance and encouragement for today’s youth there.

She is now the SC GEAR UP site coordinator for Estill High School, and since becoming employed with SC GEAR UP, Sherry is pursuing a master’s degree in guidance and counseling through the University of West Alabama.

In her spare time, she enjoys attending church, reading, traveling, listening to jazz, volunteering, and supporting Breast Cancer Awareness through the Best Chance Program, collecting African American artwork, representing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and spending time with her family and friends.

Sherry’s motto in life is, “Take the tragedies and disappointments in life and treat them as blessings; a blessing ALWAYS comes from it all.”

Rachel Risher
Tutor (ELA )and Math
Rachelg29918@yahoo.com
(803) 625-5139

Rachel Risher is the oldest daughter of Randolph and Gloria Gordon. She is the fourth child of six. She is the mother of two, a four year old son, and a three year old daughter. She is happily married to Jamian Risher of Gifford, S.C. and now resides in Brunson, S.C.

Rachel attended Estill High School and graduated in May of 2001. She graduated from Claflin College with a BA in Sociology in May of 2007. Rachel plans to go back to school to receive her master’s in counseling. Rachel is glad to be a part of the SC GEAR UP family tutoring at Estill High School.

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Creek Bridge High School

Christy Price
Tutor (Math)
cprice@marion7.k12.sc.us
(843) 362-3500

Christy Price, of Aynor, SC attended Florida State University, the University of South Florida, and Clemson University. After finishing her graduate work in financial mathematics at Clemson, she became interested in education and received her teaching certificate from Francis Marion University in 2004.

Immediately, she was offered a position teaching pre-calculus at West Florence High School. Soon, another position opened at her alma mater, Aynor High School, which she could not pass up. As a math teacher in Aynor, Christy worked with many at-risk students, and relished the challenges that working with that group of students offered. Christy is, currently, the SC GEAR UP math tutor at Creek Bridge High School in Marion, South Carolina.

She truly enjoys the students and values the opportunity of being a positive influence in their lives. In addition, she is happily married to Lucas Price, and is expecting her first child in late May 2008.

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Edisto High School

Constance ST.Onge
Graduation Coach

Constance ST.Onge is the GEAR UP coordinator at Edisto High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In the beginning of 2009, Constance moved from Michigan to South Carolina after graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  Constance loves working with all age levels and is always waiting to learn something new within each and every experience she has. She is looking forward to the 2009-2010 school year at Edisto High School and hopes to impact many of her student’s lives.

Sam Tadayon
Tutor (Math)
tadayons@orangeburg4.com
(803) 536-1553

Sam S. Tadayon is the SC GEAR UP math tutor at Edisto High School. His background is middle eastern (Persian), and he earned his mechanical engineering design degree from Polytechnic of Huddersfield, in Yorkshire, England, in 1979. In 1994, after working in the industrial sector for thirteen years, Sam began teaching mathematics. In 2004, he completed his master’s degree in education, with a mathematics concentration, from the University of South Carolina.

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Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School

Terrell Gathers
Tutor (Math)
(803)533-6315

Terrell Gathers resides in Orangeburg South Carolina and a 1999 graduate of Claflin University. He graduated with a B. S. degree in Bio/Chem/Sociology. He worked as a Chemist for 8 years and now an educator. He enjoys singing and going to church. Currently, he is a Math Tutor for the Orangeburg Wilkinson High and is also married with two children.

Jane Winningham
Graduation Coach
Jbw97@orangeburg5.k12.sc.us
(803) 534-6315

Jane B. Moorman Winningham is the SC GEAR UP site coordinator at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Her bachelor’s degree in mathematics along with her minor in business, from Norfolk State University, gives Jane a multifaceted understanding of the skills that need to be addressed in order to help students achieve their educational and social goals. Students at Orangeburg-Wilkinson have benefited from her expertise for ten years and now SC GEAR UP students will have that pleasure. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Jane is the wife of Herman S. Winningham, Jr. of Orangeburg. They are the proud parents of one son, Kevin A. Winningham who, conveniently, attends Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

LaSandra Robinson
Mentor Leader
lr899@orangeburg5.k12.sc.us
(803) 533-6315

LaSandra A. Robinson hails from Rock Hill, South Carolina. She is an alumna of South Carolina State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. She is married to Christopher A. Robinson, and is the SC GEAR UP mentor/tutor leader at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, where she is also the Teen LEAD site coordinator. Teen LEAD is a grant-funded character initiative focused on improving the climate of high schools across the state.

LaSandra is also pursuing a master’s degree in secondary guidance counseling at South Carolina State University. Her personal motto is “Skills and education can take you there, but God and good character will keep you there.”

Greg Still
Tutor (ELA)
gcs62@orangeburg5.k12.sc.us
(803)533-6315
Greg Still currently works with the Gear up program at Orangeburg Wilkinson High School. He is certified as an English teacher. He also holds a MEd is secondary administration from the University of South Carolina. He is currently completing his EdS from SC State.

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Lower Richland High School

Constance Tarrance
Graduation Coach
ctarrance@richlandone.org
(803) 695-4042

Constance H. Tarrance is a native of Easley, South Carolina and is a product of the Pickens County public school system. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Upon graduation, she earned a master’s degree in education in personnel services from Clemson University.

Professionally, Constance has been a second grade teacher at Mt. View Elementary School in Hickory, North Carolina, and served as a Training Case Manager for the Employment and Training Program. Upon leaving North Carolina she spent six years with the Council on Aging in Anderson and Oconee Counties as a service and nutrition coordinator and food service director.

In 2000, she started a new beginning when she became a commissioned United Methodist Missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. On her commissioning she was assigned to the New Hope Community Center in Augusta, Georgia as the program director. In May 2001, she received another promotion to the Columbia Bethlehem Community Center in Columbia, South Carolina as its program director.

In August 2003, she obtained employment with Richland County School District One as an instructional assistant assigned to Hopkins Middle School. In March 2006 she became the SC GEAR UP site coordinator at Southeast Middle School. As the class of 2011 matriculated to Lower Richland High School, she became the SC GEAR UP site coordinator there in 2007.

When she is not busy in her professional capacity, she enjoys spending time with her family. She has one daughter Kalisha (George) Miller, a nephew, Cedric, who she raised in her home. She is the proud grandmother of Kayla, Hannah, and Tyler Miller.

Constance has been a youth advocate for over twenty years. Apart from her professional commitment to children, she has worked as a volunteer in the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church serving as district youth coordinator for the Anderson District. She has also been district and state youth coordinator for Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc., and she has served as the children and youth coordinator for her local church. She currently serves as the Harambee Youth Coordinator for the Southeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc. In addition to the above named positions, she has also managed to serve as a counselor for various retreats, camps, and conferences.

Constance believes that our youth are our most cherished asset and when given the proper tools they will excel.

Brenton Brown
Tutor (ELA)
brbrown@richlandone.org
(803) 695-4042

Brenton Brown is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He holds an undergraduate degree in English education from The Citadel and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is the English/language arts tutor and mentor for Lower Richland High School’s SC GEAR UP program in Hopkins, South Carolina.

Lola Sumter
Mentor Leader
losumter@richlandone.org
(803) 695-4042

Lola F. Sumter is a native of Hopkins, South Carolina, and a 1994 graduate of Lower Richland High School. Immediately after high school Ms. Sumter entered the workforce accepting employment at the Babcock Center, Inc. At Babcock she began as an entry level employee, but quickly progressed to a house manager after only a year and a half.

In 2001, while continuing to work at Babcock, she accepted employment with Richland County School District One. Her daily interaction with students awakened a desire to pursue a career in education. In 2003, she decided to attend college, and is currently a student at Columbia College working toward a degree in Elementary Education.

Lola began working at Southeast Middle School in December of 2001. At that time her dedication led her to Hopkins Middle School where she became an instructional assistant working closely with twin, physically handicapped sisters. She followed the girls to her alma mater of Lower Richland High School in August 2007, and began her tenure with SC GEAR UP.

Lola is the SC GEAR UP science and math tutor at Lower Richland High School, where she reunited with her close friend, Constance Tarrance, who is the site coordinator there. She enjoys being reunited with students she created lasting relationships with at both Hopkins and Southeast Middle Schools. She is excited about building new relationships with the current SC GEAR UP family. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in education and maintain the relationships she has cultivated at Lower Richland High School.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her two children, Tyreke and Tyra Lenise. She is the proud “Auntie” of her sister Lisa’s two children: Arlon, Jr. and Aubrey Makenzie. She is also a devoted mother and aunt who delights in attending the baseball and basketball games of her son and nephew. She is currently a member of St. John’s Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC.

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Crestwood High School

Brenetta Jefferson
Site Coordinator
bjefferson@scsd2.k12.sc.us
(803) 469-6200 ext. 4002

Brenetta grew up the youngest of six in the small town of Lynchburg, SC. She attended the public schools in Sumter County: St. John Elementary School, Ronald E. Davis Elementary School, and Mayewood High School.

In 1988, she graduated from Mayewood, and in 1993, earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast media from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. She completed her Master of Science degree in management with an emphasis on human resources management, in 2007. Brenetta will continue her studies in the area of library and information science, at the University of South Carolina, in the spring of 2008. She is the site coordinator at Crestwood High School.

Alicia McFadden
Tutor (ELA)
amcfadden@scsd2.k12.sc.us
(803) 469-6200 ext. 2014

Alicia McFadden is a native of Williamsburg County and graduated from Kingstree Senior High School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English (cum laude) with a concentration in education from Morris College in 1995, and received her career development facilitator/career specialist certification (CDF) in May 2007. Also in 2007, she completed her master’s degree in secondary education at Grand Canyon University, Arizona.

Alicia currently resides in Kingstree, SC with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, she loves to sing, read, watch movies, take long walks and spend time with her family. She is employed, as an SC GEAR UP tutor, at Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina.

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C. E. Murray High School

Latoya Sabb-Davis
Graduation Coach
lsabb@wcsd.k12.sc.us
(803) 426-2121

Latoya Sabb is a native of Greeleyville, South Carolina, and the SC GEAR UP site coordinator at C. E. Murray High School—her alma mater. After high school graduation, Latoya attended Claflin University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She is, currently, pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of West Alabama.

Her philosophy is to “be all that you can be” and to “strive for excellence.” It is widely understood that knowledge is the key and gives us the power to unlock closed doors. Latoya always wanted to work with children, to share her personal philosophy, and to show them how to gain the knowledge they need to unlock the doors to their futures.

She says, “It brings joy to your heart, when you see a child smile,” and she sees many smiling faces working with the SC GEAR UP students, coaching the junior high girls basketball team, and the volleyball team.

John Conyers
Tutor (ELA)
jconyers@wcsd.k12.sc.us
(843) 426-2121

As a young lad he was always interested in the arts and humanities, but grew a fond love for creating and embracing the art of poetry. After graduating from Kingstree Senior High in 1998, he enrolled at Morris College, and graduated from there in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

After graduation, he taught seventh- and eighth-grade English/ language arts for two years. The next year John taught at the Character Academy. Presently, he is an SC GEAR UP math tutor. He fondly remembers this quote: "Life is a journey, not a destination."