Administrators

"Leadership begins with serving others. When we believe in every child, invest in every educator, and partner with every family, extraordinary things are possible." — Dr. Chantelle Zimmer

For nearly three decades, I have had the privilege of serving students, educators, and families across South Carolina as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. I believe every student deserves a high quality education, every educator deserves opportunities to grow, and strong schools are built through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

I am honored to serve as the principal of Leslie M. Stover Middle School, where I am committed to creating a culture in which students thrive academically, educators are empowered, and families are valued as partners in education. During my tenure, Stover became the first and only school in the district to earn AVID Certification, receive initial and redesignation as a National Schools to Watch in school’s history, secured the school's first ABC Grant, experienced academic growth, and strengthened a positive school culture focused on student success.

Throughout my career, I have been privileged to lead schools recognized for excellence, including guiding the first and only school in the district to achieve NAEYC Accreditation, earning the Palmetto Silver Award, and securing more than $150,000 in competitive arts education grants to expand opportunities for students.

Beyond my work at Stover, I am honored to serve on the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Board of Directors, represent middle level principals on the SCASA Joint Executive Leadership Team, serve as a National Schools to Watch Site Evaluator, and serve on the Pathways to Healing Board of Directors. These opportunities allow me to collaborate with educators across South Carolina while supporting school improvement and leadership development. I am proud to be a Tiger and look forward to another incredible year of learning, growth, and celebrating the accomplishments of our students and staff.

Education

University of South Carolina

● Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Administration
● Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Administration
● Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration
● Master of Arts (M.A.) in Elementary Education
● Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Flute Performance

Certifications

● Elementary Principal
● Secondary Principal
● Elementary Education
● Music, Flute Performance Certificate

I’m thrilled to begin my journey as Assistant Principal of Stover Middle School! 

With a strong foundation in teaching and learning, I began my teaching career 16 years ago, teaching middle school social studies in Lee and Richland Counties. While in Richland County School District Two, I served as the AVID site coordinator, Project Based Learning Coach, and Soar Program Lead at my school.  More recently, I taught World Geography for 2 years at Stover Middle School where I served on the MTSS Leadership Team and as the National Junior Honor Society faculty advisor.  

I am certified in middle and secondary level social studies and in secondary administration. 

I earned a Bachelor of History degree, Master of Teaching degree in Secondary Education, Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, all from the University of South Carolina. 

My husband, Jonathan, and I live in Elgin with their three children: Jordyn, Jonathan, and Jaxon.    

I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio; however, I have called Kershaw County home since 2005.  I attended The University of Toledo, where I received a BA in Early Childhood Education, a Masters Degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Purdue University. 

As an educator, I have spent time teaching second grade at Davis Elementary in Lexington Two, first grade at Camden Elementary in Kershaw County, and served as an assistant principal at Lake Carolina Elementary and Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary in Richland Two, principal at Wateree Elementary School, and now assistant principal here at Stover Middle School.

Outside of school, I enjoy college football (Go Buckeyes!) and spending time with my family.  My wife, Jessica, and I have two children; our daughter, Shane Leigh, and our son, Weston.  We also have three dogs; Daisy, Tressel, and Pumpkin, or as I call her, Pumpkin Pie Cool Whip.   

I am beyond proud to be a Tiger! 

Degrees and Certifications:

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education, The University of Toledo
• M.Ed. in Divergent Learning, Columbia College
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Purdue University