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

Ms. Shealy started in July 2020 as the District’s Title I Coordinator before transitioning to fiscal management in November 2022. 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.

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 Registrar for White Oak Conference Center, serving as the lead coordinator for multiple departments during events of over 600 guests.

Ms. Shealy holds a BA in Art History from Arizona State University and enjoys camping and attending local theater performances.

Contact

Email: sshealy@erskinecharters.org
Phone: (803) 830-0718

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

jcrowe@erskinecharters.org

(803) 722-8977

Mr. Caiman Welch is the Coordinator of Information Technology.

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

cwelch@erskinecharters.org
(803) 206 9143 

Ms. Sarah Pryor serves as the Assistant Director of Federal Programs for the Charter Institute at Erskine, where she provides leadership, guidance, and technical support to schools and the District in the implementation and management of federal programs.

She brings a strong background in federal program administration, having previously served as a Federal Programs Coordinator for a charter school and as a Federal Grants Manager supporting public charter schools across South Carolina. Her experience includes grant management, program compliance, and strategic planning.

Ms. Pryor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the College of Charleston.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Contact Information
Email: spryor@erskinecharters.org
Phone: (803) 995-2186

Ms. Aila Ranera has been with Institute three years, serving as a Fiscal Assistant. In her role, she’s responsible for the General and Federal Funds financial duties including monthly funding allocation to schools, preparing annual In$ite and ESSA reports, Maintenance of Effort, and Excess Cost Reporting. She also reviews schools’ federal spending plans and expenditures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with applicable funding requirements.

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

aranera@erskinecharters.org

(803) 722-9044

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: mbrakefield@erskinecharters.org
Phone: (803) 849-2458