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Meet Our Faculty

Administrative Team


     
  
Dan Blanch      
Head of School
  
Education
M.S., Administration, Loyola University      
B.S., Secondary Education, Social Studies      
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy      
Wilson Language Training
  
Professional
ECENC State Advisory Committee
The Dyslexia Foundation, Member      
Sage School Board
  
Fun Fact
I traveled to South Africa to study the dyslexic brain.
  

       
  
Stephen Cook, C/OGA        
Division Head of Lower School
Education
Master of Divinity, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary   
Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education, Converse College   
B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Covenant College   
Certified Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy   
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Training
 
 
Fun Fact
 I became a U.S. Citizen in 2008, have spent time training teachers in Iraq, and enjoy training German Shepherds, smoking BBQ, and taking Tung Soo Do with my triplets.

Suzanna Greer, Fellow/OGA  
Head of Orton-Gillingham Training and Instruction
Education
M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, Furman University  
B.A., History, University of South Carolina  
Fellow Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy  
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Training  
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training 
Fun Fact
I love to travel and once flew faster than the speed of sound aboard the Concorde.

Daniel Nichols        
Director of Operations
Education
 A.A., Video Production, Art Institute of Atlanta, magna cum laude 
Certification in Information Technology, MCP, Linux/Unix, and Network Administration
 
 
Fun Fact
I love keeping my computer screen squeaky clean.

Caroline Rice, A/OGA        
Division Head of Primary
Education
B.S., Child Development, University of Georgia 
Associate Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Writing Matters / William Van Cleave 
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Professional
AMI Montessori Certification 
Past President, Atlanta Chapter, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 
Program Validator for NAEYC
Fun Fact
On a Saturday, you can find me spending quality time with my family and then reading a fantastic book.

Allison Rogers        
Head of Institutional Advancement
Education
B.S., cum laude, Radio-Television-Film, Indiana State University 
Subscriber Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Essential Grant Skills Certification
Professional
Past President, Carolina Foothills Chapter of The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
Fun Fact
 In my former life as a TV news reporter/anchor, I have had many adventures such as flying with Chuck Yeager and interviewing Madeline Albright.

Chris Smith        
Division Head of Middle School
Education
M.S., Education, Walden University 
B.S., Education, University of Maine at Orono 
Classroom Educator Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Certified Training Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
 
 
Fun Fact
I have raised, tagged, and released hundreds of Monarch butterflies in my teaching career.

 

 

 

Staff Support


Meg Coffey     
Data & Alumni Relations Coordinator
Education
B.A., History, University of Northern Colorado 
Classroom Educator Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
Presenter, International Dyslexia Association Conference
Fun Fact
I am a soccer fanatic; so much so, that I planned a birthday trip to France for the 2019 Women's World Cup.

Pat Golus     
Administrative Assistant
Education
B.S., Biology, Edinboro University 
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
First Aid/CPR Training
 
 
Fun Fact
 When I’m not at Camperdown, you can often find me on a disc golf course.

Terrianne Hawks, FIT/OGA  
Head Tutor for Lower School
Education
M.Ed., English, Bob Jones University 
B.S., Communication Disorders, Bob Jones University 
B.A., English, Bob Jones University 
Certified Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Fellow-In-Training, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Training
 
 
Fun Fact
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running, and FaceTiming with my family overseas.

Keri Knisley, OGCE/OGA 
Outreach and Outplacement Coordinator 
Middle School Math Teacher
Education
B.S., Elementary Education, Bob Jones University 
Classroom Educator Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
 
 
Fun Fact
I once swam in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, all in the same summer!

Lisa McGinnity  
Business Office
Education
B.S., Business, University of Missouri 
Quickbooks Training
 
 
Fun Fact
 I am a motorcycle babe!

Abby Roberts   
Annual Funds and Grant Coordinator 
Education
B.A. manga cum laude, Sociology and Anthropology, Wofford College 
 
 
Fun Fact
I grew up a huge UNC fan so when I refer to Carolina, I am talking about the heels, not the gamecocks! 

Christine Smith, FIT/OGA   
Head Tutor for Middle School
Education
B.A., University of South Carolina  
Certified Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy  
Fellow-In-Training, Orton-Gillingham Academy  
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Training
 
 
Fun Fact
 In my former life, I had my own advertising agency.

Shannon Spence
Maintenance Tech
 
 
Fun Fact  I would sing, dance, and cohost a karaoke show with my friends.
 
 

Becky Zawadzki, M.S. CCC-SLP
Director of Admissions
Learning Specialist
Education
M.S., Communication Disorders, University of Kentucky
B.S., Hearing, Speech, & Language Sciences, Ohio University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Training
 
 
Fun Fact
In college, I was an eight-time Mid-American Conference champion in swimming.  I have three boys, and my oldest sons attend Camperdown.

 

 

 

Faculty


Susan Adams
Tutor
Education
M.S., Education, Eastern Illinois University
B.S., Education, Eastern Illinois University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
Elementary Education & Special Education with emphasis in Learning Disabilities Certificate
Fun Fact
 I used to teach at the Churchill School in St. Louis, Missouri.  I am working on a 500-hour yoga instructor training

Marcus Antley
Middle School Math Teacher
Education
B.S., Psychology, Wofford College
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Certification
Numerous business world certifications
Fun Fact
 I love my five grandchildren, traveling, the beach, and boating.

Elisa Auger
Lower School Science Teacher
Education
B.S., Elementary Education, with minor in Biology, Presbyterian College
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Professional
South Carolina Elementary and Middle School Teaching Certifications
Fun Fact
I love games and crafting.

Becky Brown, FIT/OGA
Tutor     
Math Lab Teacher
Education
M.S. and Specialist Degree, School Psychology, Winthrop University     
B.S., Special Education: Learning Disabilities, Appalachian State University     
Certified Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy     
Fellow-In-Training, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training
Fun Fact
Two of my three children have attended Camperdown Academy.

Jeremy Bullinger, OGCE/OGA
STEM Teacher
Education
B.A., Mathematics, Houghton College
Classroom Educator Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Makerbot Training
Professional
Certified Archery Instructor
Fun Fact
 I love photography and strategy games.

Julie Bullinger, A/OGA
Tutor
Education
 M.A., Spanish Language Teaching, Southern Oregon University 
B.A. cum laude, Secondary Education and Spanish Linguistics, Houghton College
Associate Level Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
I lived in México the first eight years of my life.

Lela Cagle
Lower School Teacher
Education
B.S., Special Education: Multi-Categorical, Anderson University
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Professional
South Carolina Teaching Certification
Apple Teacher Certification
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certification
Greenville Fellow
Fun Fact
When I was 7 years old, I was featured on a billboard in Times Square with my best friend who has Down Syndrome.

Suzette Campbell
Middle and Lower School Math Teacher
Education
M.A., Elementary Education, Wingate University 
B.S., Elementary Education, Wingate University 
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
My husband proposed to me almost 25 years ago on top of Mount Yasur, a very loud, active volcano in Vanuatu.

Diana Carey, C/OGA 
Middle School Literature Teacher 
Tutor
Education
B.S., Elementary Education, Bob Jones University
Certified Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Wilson Language Training
Fun Fact
 I love to scrapbook and have half a room in my house devoted to scrapbooking. I am also an avid collector of Dept. 56 Dickens Village.

Myrtie Carter
A Group Teacher
Education
B.S., Special Education/Elementary Education, Middle Tennessee State University
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
 I earned Honor Thespian and won Best Minor Actress in the state of Tennessee my senior year of high school.

Lane Chatfield
C Group Teacher
Education
B.A., Elementary Education, Clemson University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Professional
Early Childhood and Elementary Education Certifications
Fun Fact
 I worked as a lifeguard at Walt Disney World while in college.

Margaret Covington, A/OGA
Tutor
Education
B.S., Education, East Tennessee State University
Associate Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
Elementary Education in Language Arts: Grades 4-9 Certification
Social Studies: Grades 7-9 Certification
Special Education: Grades K-12 Certification
Fun Fact
 I have two grandchildren, whom I love to the moon and back.

Monica Cox
ELA & Cognitive Lab Teacher
Education
B.A., English/Journalism, University of Alabama 
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
 
 
Fun Fact
Through the years, my classroom pets have included: Moby the goldfish, Fred the frog, Shakespeare the hedgehog, and Finn the chocolate labradoodle.

Dawnena Darnall
Tutor
Education
B.A., Communications / Public Relations, Brigham Young University
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
I lived in Santiago, Chile, for two and a half years.

Michelle Dobes 
Full Time Substitute
Education
B.A., North Central College, Naperville, IL
 
 
Fun Fact
I have lived in the Midwest. East Coast, and the South. I have yet to live out West, maybe someday! I love living in the South!

Alicia Neal Dykes
Tutor
Education
B.A., Early Childhood Education, Clemson University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
South Carolina Teaching Certification
Fun Fact
I was a three sport letterman in high school.  I love to travel to new places as much as I can, but sitting on the beach with my sweetie is my favorite place to be.

Chana Fletcher, A/OGA
Lower School Literature Teacher
Tutor
Education
Master of Elementary Education, University of South Carolina
B.A., Elementary Education, University of South Carolina Upstate
Associate Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
When I was a teenager, I marched with the Salvation Army Band in the Cotton Bowl Parade.  My instrument was a timbral.

Meghan Forest
C Group Teacher
Education
M.A., Early Intervention, Fontbonne University
B.A., Deaf Education, Fontbonne University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Fun Fact
 I got to dance in the outfield of Busch Stadium right before an MLB baseball game.

Christina Franco, Ed.D
Tutor
Education
Ed.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Bob Jones University
Specialist in Education, Counseling, Bob Jones University
M.Ed, Elementary Education, Lander University
B.S., Elementary Education, Bob Jones University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Wilson Language Training
Professional
South Carolina Elementary Education and Learning Disability Teacher Certificates
Fun Fact
In 2020, I ran a half-marathon over three states in one day.  I love running and cycling.  I have run a marathon and several half-marathons and triathlons.  I am currently training for a century ride on my bike.

Rachel Gasdia
Drama Teacher
Education
B.A., North Greenville University 
 
 
Fun Fact
I can say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious backwards.

Hagood Grantham
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Education
M.S., Commerce, University of Virginia
M.Ed., Independent School Leadership, Vanderbilt University
B.A., English, Davidson College
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
I used to DJ in college and I do music production for fun.  I also run competitively.

Jodie Hawthorne, A/OGA
Tutor
Education
 M.S., Clinical Counseling, East Carolina University
B.A., Psychology, Clemson University
Associate Level Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training
Fun Fact
 I love Clemson football (and any Clemson sport).

Nancy Hogan
Tutor
Education
M.Ed., Severe Special Education, Westfield State College
B.A., History, Farifield University
Coursework for 6th-year degree in Special Education Technology, University of Connecticut
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
I helped found a Center for Assistive Technology while living in Massachusetts.

Danielle Howell-Roland
Middle School Literature Teacher
Lower and Middle School ELA Teacher
Education
M.A., Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina
B.A., English, University of Nevada, Reno
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
Gifted & Talented Certificate
Augustine Literacy Project Tutor
Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate Board of Directors
Fun Fact
Every year, we take a road trip as a family (not in 2020, though).  Every visit to a town includes a quick excursion to a zoo, museum, board game, and comic book store.

Grace Hyde
Tutor
Education
 B.A., History, Bob Jones University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
I'm an outgoing introvert - I love being with people, but recharge with solitude, music, and reading.

Mary Claire Johnson
Lower School Math Teacher
Education
B.A., Elementary Education, University of North Greenville 
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Professional
ABA therapist, First Aid and CPR trained, Google Certified
Fun Fact
I traveled from Denver to California with my husband in a van the summer of 2022.

Whitney Jones
Primary Division Tutor
Education
MAT, Early Childhood Education, University of South Carolina 
B.A., Speech Communications, Wake Forest University 
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training
 
 
Fun Fact
I used to teach swim lessons in the summers and met my husband when he was a lifeguard at the same pool and had to save one of my overconfident students!

Catherine Kaufmann, OGCE/OGA
Am Group Teacher
Education
B.S., Elementary Education, Clemson University
Post Graduate, South Carolina Reading Initiative, USC
Classroom Educator Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
 I play the cello, love to quilt, and am an avid Crossfit athlete.

Dana Newell
Tutor
Education
B.A., English, University of South Carolina
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
My ideal day off would include sitting on a beach, reading a book, and listening to a college football game.

Susan Newton, OGCE/OGA
Lower School Math Teacher
Standardized Testing Coordinator
Education
B.S., Elementary Education, College of Charleston
Classroom Educator Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Fun Fact
I have worked at Camperdown since 1991!  Some of the jobs I have had at CA are painter, builder, secretary, and coach.

Ben Otto Sunderman
Tutor
Education
B.S., Furman University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
I am a stage-actor in Upstate SC.  You might catch me doing a musical, Shakespeare, or anything in-between on your next night out!

Ashlynn Powell
Am Group Teacher
Education
B.A., Early Childhood Education, Presbyterian College
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Behavior Tools Training
Lindamood-Bell LiPS Training
Fun Fact
I played college soccer at Presbyterian College.  And, I attended Camperdown from 2004 to 2009.

Dana Richardson
C Group Teacher
Education
B.A., Early Childhood Education, USC Upstate
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
South Carolina Teaching Certificate
Fun Fact
 I rode a camel on the beach in Kenya and ate lunch with giraffes.  Also, I love coming to school each day with my son!

Robin Robb
Tutor
Education
B.A., French, University of North Carolina Asheville
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
South Carolina Department of Education Certification: French
Dual Language and Immersion Education Certificates, University of Minnesota
Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate Tutor
Fun Fact
I am a French teacher who has spent fifteen years teaching French children to speak English!

Tracie Segura
Tutor
Education
M.S., University of Georgia
B.S., University of Georgia
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Fun Fact
Before I had children I worked in R&D for Cryovac and traveled all over the U.S., South America, Europe, and Australia helping customers troubleshoot problems and develop new or improved packages.

Julia Seligson
Lower School ELA and Social Studies Teacher
Middle School ELA Teacher
Education
M.S., English, Clemson University
B.A., English, Clemson University
 
 
 
Fun Fact
I enjoy running and strength training. 

Dana Shafer
Lower School Science Teacher
Education
B.S., Environmental Health, East Tennessee State University
Classroom Educator Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
South Carolina Teaching License
Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
Fun Fact
I love to travel to a new destination every year.

Rebecca Shaw, OGCE/OGA
Lower School Math / Math Lab Teacher
Education
B.S., Mathematics, Anderson University
Classroom Educator Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Math-U-See Training
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Professional
Member, South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Fun Fact
Having four young children makes my home life busy and fun. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

DeAnne Simcoe, A/OGA
Tutor
Education
B.A., English, Furman University
Associate Member, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Training
Professional
Elementary Education and Secondary English Certifications
Fun Fact
 I married my childhood sweetheart!

Brianna Smith
Lower School Math / Math Lab Teacher
Education
B.S., Psychology, Clemson University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Multisensory Mathematics Certification, Course I
Fun Fact
 I like dogs, big Maine snowstorms, and Clemson Tigers

Melissa Smith
Tutor
Education
B.S., Elementary Education, Bob Jones University
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
South Carolina Elementary Education Teaching Certification
Fun Fact
I had a high school graduating class of three: two guys and myself.

Lori Stegall
Tutor
Education
B.S., Education, Northern Illinois University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
South Carolina Teaching Certification
Fun Fact
After I graduated from college in Illinois, I moved (sight unseen) by myself to Arizona to work at a boarding school for Navajo Indian children.  I was there for two years.

Anne Stolarski
Tutor
Education
M.A.T., Elementary Education, College of Charleston
B.A., Early Childhood Education, University of South Carolina
Certification for ESOL Instruction, Clemson University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
Greenville Literacy Association Volunteer
Storytellers Guild
Fun Fact
I spent three years living in Suzhou, China.  I worked at a British school called Dulwich College International and taught K-5/1st grade students.

Ruth Thomas
Art Teacher
Education
B.S., Bible, Columbia International University 
B.S., Art with a focus in Photography and Printmaking, Beaver College
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
 
 
Fun Fact
I help run an online Amazon Business for gardening products called Bert's Garden. 

Cathy Westbrook 
Tutor, Middle School
Education
B.S., Business Administration, College of Charleston 
Graduate work (partial) toward M.Ed., Guidance and Counseling, USC Upstate 
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
Advanced Writing Intensive Certification
Fun Fact
I was given the opportunity to be a hand model for a Blue Cross and Blue Shield billboard campaign many years ago.

Theresa Wetzel
Tutor
Education
B.S., Elementary Education, Bob Jones University
12 hrs graduate level certification studies; University of South Carolina & College of Charleston
Certified Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Professional
Early Childhood and Elementary School Certifications
Fun Fact
I have four adult children and enjoy playing with my two grandbabies.  I participate in marathons by strategically getting to each location to catch a glimpse of my daughter as she runs by.  I am known for having a small, but very loud, cowbell.

Sharon Younger, M.S., CCC-SLP
Learning Specialist
Education
M.S., Speech-Language Pathology, Western Kentucky University
B.S., Communication Disorders, Bob Jones University
Associate Level Coursework, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing & Verbalizing Training
Professional
Clinical Certificate of Competence, American Speech-Language Hearing Association
Fun Fact
I love art, including water-color painting and bookbinding.  I have a niece and a nephew with dyslexia.