Cameron Runyan is the founding Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer for the Charter Institute at Erskine, a statewide charter school authorizer affiliated with historic Erskine College. After six years of operations, The Charter Institute has grown from a startup and the smallest school district in America to one of the largest in South Carolina that now serves nearly 30,000 students with children in every zip code and teachers in every county of the state.  

Mr. Runyan previously served a four-year term (2012) on the Columbia, South Carolina City Council as an elected representative to 135,000 constituents. In that role, Cameron was chairman of the Budget Committee with responsibility for the development and oversight of the capital city’s $300,000,000 combined annual budgets.

Prior to 2015, Cameron was a licensed financial professional serving high-net-worth clients across the United States.

Cameron holds a Bachelor of Arts from Furman University (99) and a Master from the University of South Carolina (01).

Cameron and his family are members of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina where he serves on the Diaconate.

Vamshi Rudrapati (affectionately known as Mr. V) is the Chief Operating Officer of the Charter Institute at Erskine. Mr. V’s relentless quest to improve the quality of education for all students has always motivated his work. He has championed the improvement of educational outcomes for low-income students, students with disabilities, students facing homelessness, and English learners throughout his personal and professional career.

Mr. Mike Sinclair is the Superintendent of Schools and has been with the Institute for two years.

He provides direct support to Institute schools and supervises the School Support team. His responsibilities include overseeing PowerSchool, School Improvement, State Programs, ADEPT and certification requirements, Title III, and assessment requirements.

Before joining the Institute, Mr. Sinclair served as the founding principal of Brashier Middle College Charter High School from 2006 to 2022. Under his leadership, Brashier became one of the top high schools in South Carolina, earning the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2022. He also held the position of Principal at Berea Middle School from 2002 to 2006, a Title I middle school.

Mr. Sinclair holds a Master’s in Education Administration from Furman University, a Master’s in Secondary Education from Converse College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Carolina.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sinclair has been recognized as the State Charter Principal of the Year and is a Milken Award winner.

Mr. Sinclair has been married to his wife for 24 years, and together they have three children. Outside of work, he enjoys running and traveling.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2264

Dr. Bill Roach is the Deputy Superintendent for the Charter Institute at Erskine.  He has been with the Institute for two years, and his responsibilities include working with the School Support staff, supporting school boards and school leaders, coordinating the ADEPT program, and serving as the Title IX coordinator.

Dr. Roach holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Educational Leadership and Administration from Furman University. He also holds an Educational Specialist degree and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of South Carolina.

With 32 years of experience in education, Dr. Roach’s previous roles include Teacher and Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Charter School Executive Director, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, EMO State Director, and Founding Principal of a K-8 Charter School.

Among his achievements, Dr. Roach was the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award from the Greenville Association of School Resource Officers in 2008 and was selected as part of Class #23 for the SLEI Principal Program. He was also chosen for the 2012 Cohort for the State’s TEE leadership program, was elected President of the 3A Classification for the SC High School League in 2010, and named an Outstanding Young American.

Outside of work, Dr. Roach enjoys spending time with his family, and participating in church activities, sports, and fishing. He is an ordained pastor and has been a SCHSL wrestling and basketball official.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 803-605-2075

Mr. Tarrence McGovern is the Director of State Programs and Student Services for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Mr. McGovern has been with the Institute for six months, overseeing the Title III program, Summer Reading Camps, and Read to Succeed initiatives. He also collaborates with new schools to support and enhance their special education programs.

Mr. McGovern holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Clemson University, a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Education in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

His previous job experience includes roles as a Special Education Teacher in Richland School District One (Elementary and High School), Assistant Principal (Elementary), Special Education Consultant in Richland School District One, Education Associate in the SCDE Office of Special Education Services, Team Lead/Education Associate in the SCDE Office of Special Education Services, Special Education Coordinator in Richland 2, and Director of Special Services in Kershaw County School District.

Outside of work, Mr. McGovern enjoys attending Clemson football games as a member of IPTAY, yard work, working on his rental properties, and spending quality time with family and friends. He also enjoys seeking out new vacation destinations and attending concerts and music festivals.

Contact

[email protected]

(803) 206-5586

Ms. Bralyn Wood is the Assistant Director of Special Education for the Charter Institute at Erskine. Ms. Wood has been with the Institute for three years, serving schools and the district in the areas of Special Education, 504, Medical Homebound, McKinney-Vento, and Foster Care.

Ms. Wood holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education-Multi Categorical with Dual Certification in Early Childhood.

Her previous job experience includes teaching self-contained special education for Aiken County Public School District and teaching 1st Grade for Aiken County Public School District. After having her son, she provided Early Intervention for Therapy Solutions in Aiken, offering support to children and their families in their natural environment. She then returned to Aiken County Public School District, joining their Early Learning Assessment Team-Special Programs, where she handled all Part C to B transitions including screenings, evaluations, eligibilities, and IEPs.

Ms. Wood lives in Gilbert, SC. She has been married for 12 years and has two children, Camden, who is 9 years old, and Charley, who is 5 years old. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending USC football games, and going out on Lake Murray. Her children keep her very active and busy.

Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 904-6068

Ms. Heather Holliday is the Chief of Academic Programs and Assessment for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Holliday’s responsibilities revolve around supervising all required state assessments and the Gifted and Talented Program. She coordinates the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, School Improvement efforts, Career and Technical Education, and Curriculum and Instruction efforts, as well as supporting roles pertaining to School Counselors.

Ms. Holliday holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Winthrop University and a Master of Education in Supervision and Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Her previous job experience includes serving as the PowerSchool Coordinator, District Test Coordinator, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, and Accountability Lead in Anderson School District Four from 2016 to 2021. She has also held various administrative roles at T.L. Hanna High School, including Assistant Principal for Instruction, Director of the Ninth Grade Academy, Instructional Coach, and Director of the AVID program. She spent 15 years as a high school science teacher.

Among her achievements, Ms. Holliday has been recognized as the Sallie Mae Beginning Teacher of the Year, Anderson County Science Teacher of the Year, Abbeville High School Teacher of the Year, and is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent Science.

Ms. Holliday grew up in a family with five sisters and one brother and is a third-generation educator. She defines relaxation as “breathing in salt air with toes in the sand” and loves gardening and traveling. She has been married for 29 years and has two children, both graduates of Clemson University.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-5567

Mr. Christopher Seay is the Director of Assessment for the Charter Institute at Erskine. He has been with the Institute for one year, overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of student assessment programs. His role includes ensuring compliance with state and federal standards, using data analysis to improve instructional practices, managing testing activities, reporting findings to stakeholders, and providing professional development related to assessment.

Mr. Seay holds a Master’s Degree in School Leadership and Supervision from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Teaching from Clemson University.

He has spent 31 years in public education as a Middle and High School Mathematics Teacher, Assistant Principal, Freshmen Academy Principal, Elementary Principal, and Middle School Principal. During his career, he has also served as a coach, teacher evaluator, mentor, school testing coordinator, and State Test Security Officer with the South Carolina Department of Education.

Mr. Seay is a native South Carolinian from Greer in the upstate who currently resides in Northeast Columbia. He and his wife, Stephanee, have four children (Ansley, Greer, Harrison, and Sam), all of whom have graduated or are currently working towards degrees from Clemson University. Outside of the Institute, Mr. Seay enjoys traveling to Disney and attending events at Clemson with his family.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (803) 683-6288

Mr. Jason Jones is the Chief of PowerSchool and IT for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

In the four years that he has been with the Institute, Mr. Jones has led the vision for the PowerSchool student information system and data reporting to the state. He is also responsible for the Institute’s technology needs and infrastructure.

Mr. Jones holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina, a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Georgia, and has completed post-graduate studies at the University of South Carolina.

His previous job experience includes roles as a Band Director for middle and high school, Computer Teacher and Librarian for all grades, school IT Technician and Director, Registrar, Education Associate at the SC Department of Education, School Services Director, and Director and Executive Director of PowerSchool and IT.

Mr. Jones was recognized as the 2018 Charter Champion of the Year for the Public Charter School Alliance of SC.

Outside of work, Mr. Jones enjoys spending time with his pets and family.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2354

Ms. Jessica Crowe has been with the Institute for one year as the PowerSchool Coordinator for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Crowe manages complex tasks involving the maintenance and optimization of the student information system. Her responsibilities include ensuring data accuracy, training staff on system use, troubleshooting technical issues, and implementing system updates. She also coordinates with various stakeholders to streamline processes and support the diverse needs of the schools, ensuring seamless communication and efficient data management across the district.

She attended the University of Phoenix for an Associate’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Strayer University for a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She has earned multiple PowerSchool certifications, including Front-Office Role, School Counselor, and Principal, and has completed numerous hours of specialized training in PowerSchool.

Ms. Crowe’s previous roles have equipped her with a diverse set of skills and experiences. As a home educator, she managed the schedules and educational activities of three students, coordinated club events, tutoring sessions, and sports activities, and facilitated effective communication and organization as a “Team Mom.” At Whole Foods Market, she excelled in customer service, led fundraising initiatives, and developed problem-solving skills in handling customer interactions. Additionally, as a Lead Server at Sonny’s Brickoven Pizza, she refined her leadership abilities, supported team members, and ensured smooth operations.

Among her achievements, Jessica received the Charter Institute’s State Advocate Award alongside her daughter in 2023, highlighting her dedication to education and advocacy within the charter school community.

Outside of work, Jessica is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys activities in the woods and near water, whether it’s rivers, lakes, or the ocean. She has been married to her husband, Justin for 16 years, and they have four wonderful children. Music is a significant part of her life, and she appreciates all genres. A fun fact about Jessica is that she performed as a singer at Disney during high school, which was an unforgettable experience.

Contact

[email protected]

(803) 722-8977

Mr. Caiman Welch is the PowerSchool and IT Intern, and he has been with the Institute for two months.

He assists with and supports the administration and management of the Institute’s PowerSchool Student Information and Technological systems. His role involves ensuring accurate data entry, maintenance, and reporting, troubleshooting technical issues, providing user support, and collaborating with school staff to optimize system use and efficiency. He also assists with the technology needs of the Institute.

Mr. Welch holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Science from the University of South Carolina, with majors in Cybersecurity Operations and Criminal Justice.

His previous job experience includes internships with MyCharts Operations and the University of South Carolina, as well as roles in General Management at The Vitamin Shoppe, Sales Management at Elite Pawn and Gun, and as an Operational Specialist in the United States Coast Guard-Reserves.

Mr. Welch’s achievements and accolades include CyberOps Certification, Network+ Certification, National Academy of Sports Medicine Training Certification, Board Certified Specialist in Dietetics, being an All American Athlete, and making the President’s List for six semesters.

Outside of work, Mr. Welch enjoys fishing, hiking, traveling, video games, cooking, and going to the gym.

Contact

[email protected]

Mr. Robbie Anderson is the Assistant Director of Benefits, and he has been with the Institute for four years. He supports Institute schools by administering employee benefits provided by the South Carolina Public Employee Benefits Authority (PEBA).

Mr. Anderson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2019. He also earned a Master in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina Graduate School in 2021.

His previous job experience includes serving as a Page for the South Carolina Senate Invitations Committee and the South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee, as well as an Executive Intern at the South Carolina Office of the State Treasurer.

Mr. Anderson’s achievements and accolades include membership in the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and participation in the USC Student Government Association, the MPA Student Association, and the USC Graduate Student Association.

Outside of work, Mr. Anderson enjoys going to the beach, playing golf, and playing the piano and organ. He also enjoys spending time with his family, attending USC sporting events, and served as a substitute organist in Conway area churches. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, where he serves as a Deacon, sings in the Chancel Choir, and is active in the Young Professionals Ministry and the Men’s Foundry.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 429-2355

Dr. Missy Brakefield is the Superintendent of Schools for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Dr. Brakefield serves as the liaison between schools, stakeholders, and the Institute. In her role, she is committed to providing transparency through open communication, instilling autonomy and flexibility at the school level, and creating strong systems of support from the Institute to best meet the needs of schools and students.

Dr. Brakefield holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

As a Rock Hill native, Dr. Brakefield officially joined the Charter Institute at Erskine staff as the Deputy Superintendent of Fiscal and Student Services in June 2022. She brings many years of public education experience, having served in several leadership positions within Rock Hill Schools. Dr. Brakefield served as Interim Chief of Academics and Accountability, Executive Director for Elementary Education, Director of Federal Programs, Coordinator of Expanded Learning Programs, Assistant Principal, Program Teacher, and classroom teacher.

Dr. Brakefield was recognized in Washington, DC, at the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators as a South Carolina Federal Programs Leadership Award Recipient.

Outside of the office, Dr. Brakefield enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2458

Mrs. Jeanie Glover is the Deputy Superintendent for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

In her role as Deputy Superintendent, Mrs. Glover provides strategic oversight to the departments of Finance, Federal Programs, Special Education, and Board Relations. She ensures that these departments deliver high-quality customer service to schools while building robust systems of support for programmatic and fiscal compliance. Mrs. Glover has been with the Institute for two years.

Mrs. Glover holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education – English. She has a rich background in educational administration, with over 20 years of experience in various leadership roles and 7 years in the classroom as a teacher. Prior to joining the Charter Institute at Erskine, Mrs. Glover served as Director of Federal Programs and Chief of Instruction. In these roles, she directed numerous initiatives to improve educational outcomes, fostered a collaborative environment among staff, and led in the implementation of innovative instructional strategies.

Her dedication to education and leadership has been recognized through several awards and accolades, including the Ruth Patrick Administrator of the Year Award and the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators State Leadership Award. While serving as a teacher, she also was named Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Glover is actively involved in professional development and continuous improvement. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the SC Association of Title I Administrators, SC Association of School Administrators, and the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators.

Outside of work, Mrs. Glover enjoys spending quality time with her husband, who is also her best friend. They love dining out and traveling to their cozy retreat in the mountains as frequently as possible. Her family would describe her as someone who finds joy in cleaning and de-cluttering, which brings her a sense of satisfaction and peace. Additionally, Mrs. Glover has a passion for reading, going to the movies, and serving in her church.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2461

Ms. Sarah Love is the Chief of Special Education for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Love has been with the Institute since July 2021. Her role involves overseeing special programs related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. She acts as a liaison between the individual schools and the South Carolina Department of Education, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, as well as Institute policies. Ms. Love has broad oversight and monitoring responsibilities for charter school compliance in serving special student populations and initiates intervention as necessary.

Ms. Love holds a Master of Education degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Politics, both from Converse College.

Her previous job experience includes teaching students with emotional disabilities in Spartanburg District 2, teaching preschool students in Spartanburg, and joining the Special Education team at South Carolina Virtual Charter School. At SCVCS, she moved from an elementary resource position to the role of Special Education Coordinator before joining the Institute.

Ms. Love has been recognized as Special Education Coordinator of the Year and is a member of the Institute of District Administrators. She has also served as the Chair of the Spartanburg Historic Architecture Review Board and the Spartanburg County First Steps.

Outside of work, Ms. Love enjoys participating in sports with her boys, quiet time reading, and volunteer work to support causes for children.

Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-7249

Dr. Sally Fickling is the Executive Director of Special Education and has been with the Institute for three years.

Her role involves assisting with creating and implementing district-wide special education systems and strategies to ensure Institute charter schools are meeting the needs of every student while operating with fidelity to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504. She creatively and innovatively develops and implements strategies that drive the focus of special education outcomes across the Institute.

Dr. Fickling holds an Ed.D. from Capella University (2020), a MAT from the University of South Carolina (2002), and a BS from Clemson University (2001).

Her previous job experience includes serving as a Special Education Implementation Coach and ML Specialist at Williston School District 29, a Special Education Teacher at Aiken County School District, Head of School at Barnwell Academy, Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Williston School District 29, Science Instructional Coach at Williston School District 29, and an Elementary Teacher at Williston School District.

Dr. Fickling is a National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist, 2008-2027.

Dr. Fickling has been married to her husband, Tal, for 23 years. They have two children: Tollie, a college freshman, and Rynn, a high school junior, both of whom attended a charter school for three years. The family enjoys working on their cattle farm, traveling, reading, and spending time together.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2463

Anna Hightower is the Director of Special Education Compliance for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Hightower ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines pertaining to special education by assisting with the coordination and monitoring of applicable laws, special education processes, and dispute resolution. She also creates and implements district-wide special education systems and strategies to ensure Institute charter schools meet the needs of every student while operating with fidelity to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Ms. Hightower has been with the Institute for one year.

Before her current role, Ms. Hightower’s experience and dedication to special education have made her an asset to various educational institutions.

Ms. Hightower holds a degree in her field from an accredited institution, contributing to her extensive knowledge and expertise in special education compliance.

Anna and her husband have been married for 29 years and have two sons, one daughter, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, and one grandson. She enjoys spending time with her family, being a grandmother, traveling, antiquing, and reading.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (803) 683-6479

Ms. Kristy Cansler is the Chief of Federal Programs for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Cansler’s has been with the Institute for a year and a half, and her role is to ensure that schools receive the support they need to implement their federal grants.

Ms. Cansler holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken and a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Wesleyan University.

Her previous job experience includes serving as a special education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels, a district-level coordinator in both Special Programs and Federal Programs, and Director of Federal Programs overseeing Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title IV programs, ESSER programs, the McKinney-Vento Act, Gifted & Talented programs, EEDA, and 21st Century programs, as well as state requirements for Read to Succeed legislation and MTSS.

Ms. Cansler is an advocate for professional growth and networking with colleagues across the state and country. She currently serves as President of the South Carolina Association of Title I Administrators (SCATA) and is an active member of the National Association of Federal Programs Administrators (NAFEPA), Federal Programs Division of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), SCDE Federal Programs Committee of Practitioners, and the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma – International Society for Key Women Educators.

Outside of the office, Ms. Cansler enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and three rottweilers. She also plays trumpet in her church orchestra, enjoys baking and cooking, antiquing, and spending time at the lake.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (803) 973-9833

Ms. Sarah Shealy is the Director of Federal Programs Finance for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Shealy has been with the Institute for four years, starting in July 2020. She is responsible for maintaining the District’s federal grant budgets and ensuring that these funds are spent and claimed in alignment with SCDE expectations.

Ms. Shealy began at the Institute as the Title I Coordinator and transitioned from programmatic compliance to fiscal management in November 2022. Prior to this, she served as the HR Coordinator and Executive Assistant at Midlands STEM Charter School, where she was responsible for office management, HR, web development, and communications. She also worked as a Front Desk Assistant at Midlands STEM Charter School and as a Registrar at White Oak Conference Center, serving as the lead coordinator for multiple departments providing events for over 600 guests.

Ms. Shealy is currently attending Arizona State University’s online program to earn a BA in Art History. She enjoys camping and attending local theater performances.

Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 830-0718

Ms. Lacy Lucas is the Director of Federal Programs for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Lucas has been with the Institute for two years, assisting schools with the requirements of federal funding and the writing of plans for state and federal grants.

Ms. Lucas holds a BA in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College.

Her previous job experience includes 10 years of classroom instruction and two years of instructional coaching.

Outside of work, Ms. Lucas has a wonderful husband and three handsome boys: a 9-year-old and 6-year-old identical twins. They enjoy baseball, completing projects around the house, all things Gamecocks, and eating tacos.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 995-0852

Ms. Meagan Cothran is the Assistant Director of Federal Programs for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Cothran just recently started with the Institute, serving as a resource for federal programs to support schools and the district.

Ms. Cothran holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia College, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Her previous job experience includes roles as an Early Childhood Teacher, Enterprise Learning Coach, Educator Effectiveness Coordinator, and District Math Coach.

Outside of work, Ms. Cothran enjoys spending time with her family, watching her two boys play sports, crafting, being outdoors, and thrifting.

Contact

[email protected]

(803) 206-5753

Ms. Amanda Tucker is the Director of Finance for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Tucker has been with the Institute for a year and a half, overseeing financial operations by maintaining internal accounting controls to ensure accurate and compliant financial recordkeeping. She also provides departmental support and serves as an information resource on financial matters.

Ms. Tucker brings a wealth of experience with 11 years in administration, including nine years in non-profit accounting at Hammond School and corporate accounting for multiple fast-paced restaurants under the LTC Hospitality group.

Outside of work, Ms. Tucker enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, practicing yoga, painting, and traveling.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (803) 973-9812

Ms. Aila Ranera has been with Institute for almost a year as the Fiscal Assistant. In her role, she’s responsible for all General and Federal Funds financial duties including accounts payable, cash receipts, journal entries, Maintenance of Effort, and Excess Cost Reporting. She works closely with the Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer to ensure smooth and compliant financial operations of the Institute.

Ms. Ranera graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, in 2013.

Her previous job experience includes serving as a Senior Assurance Associate at Ernst & Young Global Delivery Services, where she was the main point of contact for tasks assigned by the global client serving assurance teams, and managed the day-to-day operations of audit engagements. She also worked at IBM Business Services, Inc. in various roles, including Project Lead, Expense Compliance SME, Corporate Card Administrator, and Travel & Expense Auditor. In these roles, she reviewed and audited travel and expense reports of employees across the organization to ensure compliance and prepared monthly audit and metrics reports for management.

Outside of work, Ms. Ranera loves traveling to different countries, attending concerts and music festivals, and spending time with her parents and siblings. She enjoys watching series and playing board games. She also loves coffee and has a passion for photography.

Contact

[email protected]

(803) 722-9044

Ms. Paula Gray is the Director of Board Relations and Benefits for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Gray has been with the Institute for six years, serving schools by maintaining relationships with their board members and working with their benefits staff to ensure employees receive insurance benefits, experience credit, and certification renewals in a timely manner.

Ms. Gray is an honors graduate of William Fleming High School in Roanoke, VA.

Her previous job experience includes serving in the offices of Accreditation, Human Resources, Finance and Legislation, and as State Board of Education Liaison at the State Department of Education. She also worked at the SC Public Charter School District from for ten years as the Director of Human Resources and Interim Superintendent.

Ms. Gray holds the distinction of being the employee with the longest amount of experience working in charter school districts.

Outside of work, Ms. Gray and her husband enjoy boating, snorkeling, and fishing. They have two wonderful grandchildren who attend charter schools and are flourishing.

Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2460

Ms. Christy Junkins is the Chief of Staff at the Institute.

Ms. Junkins supports the schools and the Institute by leading programs that promote organizational and leadership growth. She has five years of experience within the Institute.

Before her current role, Ms. Junkins accumulated extensive experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Limestone College (April 2003), a Master’s in Education: Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction from Walden University (December 2005), and a Master’s in Education: Educational Leadership from Capella University (March 2007).

Ms. Junkins has served as a Science, Social Studies, Math, and STEMology Teacher, teaching 5th, 6th, and 8th grades. In this role, she planned and implemented integrated and standards-based lessons and was part of the leadership team. She then became an Elementary School Principal, where she cultivated an environment that encouraged open communication with colleagues, students, parents, community, and district leadership. She developed programs supporting student achievement and facilitated professional development, enhancing instructional delivery quality.

Additionally, Ms. Junkins has experience as the Superintendent of a K-12 Charter School. She collaborated with the school board to implement the school’s vision and mission, created strategic plans aligned with the board’s initiatives and the school’s charter, and enforced policies and procedures in accordance with laws and regulations. Her responsibilities included ensuring instructional programs met students’ needs, promoting effective teaching practices, recruiting and retaining qualified staff, developing the school’s budget, and securing a $20 million bond for purchasing and renovating the school property. She also oversaw school facilities’ maintenance, secured the USDA lunch program, encouraged community involvement, and ensured compliance with legal requirements.

In her personal time, Ms. Junkins enjoys spending time with her fur babies, Zeus, Caroline, Charlie, Chipper, and her husband, Cliff. She loves shopping, finding the best deals, assisting with charity beauty pageants, crafting, and traveling to tropical destinations.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2465

Mr. John Li is the Chief Financial Officer for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Mr. Li has been with the Institute since May 2018, supporting the Institute in directing and overseeing its financial operations, preparing current financial reports and summaries, and creating forecasts predicting future growth. His role also involves assisting the Institute’s leadership in overseeing daily operations and supporting the finance department with financial and accounting functions in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Mr. Li holds a degree from the University of South Carolina.

His previous job experience includes serving in various roles at the Charter Institute at Erskine, starting as Assistant Director of Finance (May 2018-June 2019), Director of Finance (July 2019-June 2022), Executive Director of Finance and Operations (July 2022-September 2022), Chief of Finance and Operations (September 2022-June 2023), and currently as Chief Financial Officer since July 2023. He also worked at East Point Academy as Financial Coordinator, Special Programs Coordinator, and Office Manager from August 2013 to April 2018.

Among his achievements, Mr. Li was recognized as the 2023 Charter Institute at Erskine Coach of the Year, the 2016 National Afterschool Association Next Generation of Afterschool Leader, and the 2015 East Point Academy Staff of the Year.

Outside of work, Mr. Li serves as an archery instructor with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, introducing and teaching archery to South Carolina youth. He is a certified instructor with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and the USA Archery program. Mr. Li resides in Lexington, South Carolina, with his wife.

Mr. Li has five years of administration or district experience, two years of teaching or classroom experience, and 11 years of charter school experience.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 803-849-2459

” Ms. Ashley Epperson is the Chief of Communications at the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Epperson has been with the Institute for over five years, managing the organization’s internal and external communications. She also oversees the Charter School Ambassadors Program and coordinates Institute events such as the Awards Banquet. Along with leading the Communications department, Ashley is also a member of the Institute Leadership Cabinet and the Institute Operations Committee.

Ms. Epperson graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2021 from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications. She began her journey at the Institute as an intern in 2019.

Among her achievements, Ms. Epperson recently received the SC NSPRA Golden Achievement Award for her work on the Institute’s Awards Banquet.

Outside of work, Ms. Epperson serves as a Youth Theatre Faculty Member at the historic Town Theatre in Columbia, where she also often performs on stage. She enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with her dog, Kylo. She resides in Columbia.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 995-0527

Ms. Katie Graybill is the Coordinator of Communications for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Graybill has been with the Institute for two years and is responsible for working with the Chief of Communications to manage both internal and external communications, including the Institute website, social media, media relations, event planning, and more. She enjoys any chance she gets to work directly with Institute schools.

Ms. Graybill holds a Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Spanish from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management from the University of South Carolina.

Her previous job experience includes interning at COLAtoday, where she supported their newsletter, website, and social media. She also acted as the sole communications professional for South Carolina Women in Leadership, where she had the opportunity to meet many prominent figures in South Carolina while building her communications experience.

Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Graybill enjoys spending time with family and friends whenever possible. She loves traveling and experiencing new cultures, cooking, reading, hanging out with her two cats, attending USC sporting events, and going to the beach.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 830-0719

Jacob Carter is the Director of Media Production at the Charter Institute at Erskine.

In his fifth year at the Institute, Mr. Carter is responsible for overseeing the creation, management, and distribution of multimedia content to promote the mission of the Institute and its schools. His role demands creativity, technical skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to tell compelling stories through various media formats.

Mr. Carter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts from the University of South Carolina. His professional journey includes owning The Carters Creative, a photography and videography company in South Carolina since 2010, and working as a Communications Specialist for the South Carolina Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018. He has also taught photography part-time at Ben Lippen School during 2019-2020.

Mr. Carter’s work has been recognized with the Best Photographer in Columbia award by the Free Times in 2024.

Outside of his professional life, Jacob enjoys hiking, DJing as a hobby, weight training, and spending time with his daughter Ruth.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-5967

Christian Deany is the Coordinator of Media Production at the Charter Institute at Erskine, and he has been with the Institute for a year. In his role, he collaborates with the Communications team to plan and create engaging content for the Institute’s schools. His work involves creating media projects, documenting events, and sharing stories about the schools within the Institute.

Mr. Deany graduated from the College of Charleston in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. Before joining the Institute, he worked as a freelance videographer for various South Carolina businesses, musicians, and politicians. His talent and dedication to his craft were recognized with the 2024 SC NSPRA Award for Excellence in Video.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Deany enjoys cooking, hiking, and watching movies.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (803) 605-1939

Ms. Naomi Morgan is the Chief of Accountability and School Performance for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Morgan supports schools in interpreting State and Institute accountability models and understanding the implications of data and results from these systems. Additionally, she leads the School Performance team in delivering actionable information to schools to enhance instruction and support continuous improvement. She has been with the Institute for two years.

Ms. Morgan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching (2010) and a Bachelor of Arts (2004), both from Winthrop University. Her extensive career in education and data analytics includes roles such as Director of School Performance at the Charter Institute at Erskine, Research Specialist for Rock Hill School District Three, Data Analyst at Academic Analytics, Director of Institutional Research at Belmont Abbey College, and Statistical & Research Analyst at Winthrop University. Throughout these roles, she has been responsible for creating actionable data visualizations and reports, managing data systems, and providing training on various data tools.

In her free time, Ms. Morgan cherishes moments with her husband Christopher and their two dogs, Evie and Sabean. Together, they enjoy hiking and bicycling adventures. She also finds joy in quilting and various crafting activities, which allow her to unwind and express her creativity.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-2073

Ms. Kristin Olcott is the Director of Authorization for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Olcott oversees the charter school application process, charter school transfer applications, charter replication applications, charter renewal, pre-opening monitoring and Year Zero trainings, charter amendments, and the Charter School Annual Report. She has been with the Institute for three years.

Ms. Olcott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. Before joining the Institute, she taught 2nd grade in Aiken County, 1st and 2nd grades in Charleston County, and 2nd grade at a charter school in Richland County. Her dedication to education and her exceptional teaching skills were recognized early in her career.

Ms. Olcott was honored with the Charter Institute at Erskine’s “Institute Rookie of the Year” award for 2021-2022 and she completed the South Carolina Department of Education’s Institute for District Administrators in August 2023.

Outside of work, Ms. Olcott enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and hanging out with friends and family. She and her husband, Dean, have twin boys, Atlas and Bennett. Their family also includes two dogs, Moose and Taco, and one cat, Kiwi.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2365

Ms. Callison Madsen is the Coordinator of School Performance for the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Ms. Madsen has been with the Institute for one year, and this year will be assisting the Institute and school leaders in organizing, maintaining, and disseminating data related to academics, accountability, continuous improvement, and school performance.

Ms. Madsen graduated from Columbia College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.

Her previous job experience includes serving as the Coordinator of State Programs at the Charter Institute at Erskine, where she assisted schools with state programs by providing information, resources, and guidance necessary to build school capacity in the areas served. She also worked as an Instructional Lead for the U.S. Army Future Soldier Preparatory Program, contributing to the launch of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course pilot program. Additionally, she has experience as a classroom teacher for fifth grade, third grade, and multi-age Montessori classes in Lexington Richland School District 5. In this role, she served as data team lead, district curriculum writer, and chairperson for various committees.

Ms. Madsen’s achievements include being awarded a certificate of appreciation by the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment Bravo Company for outstanding performance, receiving recognition from Lexington Richland School District 5 for “Above and Beyond” teaching, being an SC Teaching Fellow, and a McNair Scholar.

Outside of work, Ms. Madsen enjoys renovating her Columbia home and traveling with her husband, Mitchell.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (803) 543-1273

Kusuma Buddhiraju is the Chief of Business Strategy and Business Development at the Institute.

Ms. Buddhiraju is responsible for strategizing effective ways to improve public relations, tracking performance analytics, and implementing an omnichannel organizational branding approach to enhance stakeholder engagement.

Ms. Buddhiraju holds a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, obtained in 2017, and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering (Mechatronics) from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, India, earned in 2015.

Her previous professional experience includes roles as a Data Scientist at Verisk Analytics in New Jersey, a Teaching Assistant in Statistics and Calculus at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Systems Engineer at Deloitte Consulting in India.

Throughout her academic career, Ms. Buddhiraju has received numerous accolades, including two gold medals for academics, a silver medal for academics, and the Tech Symposium Convener Award.

Art, writing, and poetry helped her flourish from a young age while she brought the inconstant world to a standstill, adding a flair of perfection while she envisaged about the world. She ventured into kickboxing which stretched the bounds of her tenacity and redefined her endurance. Ms. Buddhiraju’s mission is to drive change for the better and in this endeavor, she volunteers with nonprofits in the US and India to deliver scalable and sustainable impact.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2453

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 722-3841

Madison Crook is the Director of Operations and Human Resources at the Charter Institute at Erskine.

In her three years with the Institute, Mrs. Crook has been instrumental in overseeing the strategic planning and execution of operational processes and human resource functions. She ensures the efficient and effective management of the organization’s workforce, coordinates cultural and sponsored events, monitors employee leave, maintains corporate documents, and provides critical updates and support to executive leadership.

Mrs. Crook previously served as the Executive Assistant and Coordinator of Operations, where she provided comprehensive administrative support to executives, managed travel arrangements, maintained office and training calendars, and prepared responses to routine inquiries. Her role also involved coordinating Institute-sponsored events, monitoring employee leave, and ensuring effective communication of project updates to the Chief Operating Officer and their direct reports.

Mrs. Crook earned a degree in Business Administration with a Human Resource Concentration from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina in 2021.

Outside of work, Mrs. Crook enjoys spending time with her husband and their two German Shorthair Pointers, Ivy and Iris. They love hanging out with friends by the river, lake, or ocean, especially when the weather is nice and sunny.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 995-0616

Tiffany Shearer is the Coordinator of Operations at the Charter Institute at Erskine. Ms. Shearer has been with the Institute for two years and she provides vital support for staff, handles communication, and assists with special projects to maintain organization and efficiency in the office. Her role is instrumental in helping schools get the answers they need, being the first face visitors see when they come to the office, and supporting staff by ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed.

Ms. Shearer graduated from Central Carolina Technical College in 2021 with her Associates degree.

Outside of work, Ms. Shearer enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two German Shepherds. They love taking long walks downtown and exploring new restaurants.

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 995-0616