Administrator
More coming soon.
Marketing Director
More coming soon.
Custodian
More coming soon.
Administrator
More coming soon.
Marketing Director
More coming soon.
Custodian
More coming soon.
Administrator
More coming soon.
Marketing Director
More coming soon.
Custodian
More coming soon.
Leadership
Tanya Peckham, NBCT
Instructional Coach for the Primary Academy
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, master’s degree in Elementary Education, University of Rhode Island
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Being part of a military family gave Tanya Peckham the opportunity to sample a variety of cultural environments. That and growing up in a home with a strong emphasis on education fostered a love of learning and had a profound effect on her decision to become a teacher – and to find ways to meet the diverse needs of the learners who came into her classrooms.
Tanya was most recently the Instructional Coach at Wilder Elementary School in Sumter. She spent 18 years as a classroom teacher for first through third grades and served as an Assistant Principal in the Kingdom of Bahrain for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s in Elementary Education.
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She received her first teaching award in 1998, when she was named First Year Teacher of the Year in Georgia. She received the campus Teacher of the Year title in North Carolina in 2004, Georgia in 2008, and South Carolina in 2019. She was the Sumter School District Teacher of the Year and a South Carolina State Honor Roll Teacher for 2021. She also received recognition for high growth in MAP reading and math scores.
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Tanya brings to the classroom a passion for providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences. She emphasizes positive reinforcement and the philosophy that mistakes are learning opportunities and establishes a community of learners where students can share their ideas and work collaboratively. She is a South Carolina Certified Teacher Mentor and enjoys helping other educators grow and develop into strong, effective teachers.
Sally Harris
Lead STEAM Enrichment Teacher & Leader Fellow
Bachelor’s degree in Business; master’s degree in Educational Administration
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Sally Harris, a South Carolina native who was raised in Richland 2 public schools, has almost 12 years of PK-12 experience. She was a charter school teacher-leader in Dallas with the Teach For America (TFA) program and became manager of TFA’s Teacher Leadership Development. She was a Title 1 coordinator, curriculum coach and assistant principal in Williamsburg County and most recently served as a hybrid teacher-leader at Crestwood High School.
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Sally was named Teacher of the Year during her first year of teaching high school mathematics; her students received excellent scores each year on their state test. Through TFA, she successfully coached and built community among nearly 30 first- and second-year teachers each year in South Carolina public school districts in Clarendon, Florence, Darlington and Williamsburg. She was chosen to participate in TFA’s Rural School Leadership Academy, which provided her the unique opportunity to travel to rural areas around the country to learn from high-performing public schools.
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​Sally earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and Management with an Entrepreneurial focus from the University of South Carolina, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, also from U of SC. She serves on the Missions Committee and Elementary Kids Team at Christ Community Church and enjoys being part of a resource family for Crosswell Home for Children.
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Her parents are from Sumter, and it has always been a second home to her. Sally is married to a Sumter native and has a daughter in kindergarten who will be attending Liberty STEAM Charter, a 3-year-old son and a baby boy arriving in Spring 2021.
Operations & Instructional Team
Jalisa Alston
Academic Support Interventionist
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Being a part of the LSC team means that I have the opportunity to work with extremely passionate educators who will cut no corners in seeing their scholars excel in every aspect of life through a rigorous STEAM-based education. I also get the chance to actively see growth in a child who may or may not have always had the most positive learning experience. That alone motivates me to go all in as an Academic Interventionist for the Primary Academy at LSC.
Epiphany Anderson-Rose
Office Coordinator
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Joining the LSC team and family means that I become a part of something much bigger than myself. I have the opportunity to help propel the scholars at Liberty into a world-class environment that will challenge them to become great leaders in this diverse world. I chose LSC because it will give me the opportunity to reach my full potential as a professional individual in my community that will have an impact on countless lives.
Katie Ardis
Academy Nurse
Associate’s degree in Nursing, Central Carolina Technical College
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LSC has big things to offer the children of Sumter and I could not be prouder to be a part of this team. I am ready to be their number one health advocate! I chose to be a part of the LSC team because the founders have developed a group of individuals that are ready to pave the way for the betterment and success of the children in the Sumter community so that they will be prepared for a brighter tomorrow.
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It means so much to have been chosen to ensure the children attending LSC remain in good health so that they may be able to keep a strong and clear mind to absorb all the knowledge bestowed upon them each day.
Cassie Castleberry
Teaching Fellow
Bachelor’s degree in Education, University of South Carolina Spartanburg
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Joining the LSC Founding Team means that I get to be at the beginning of an amazing operation that will lift up my home community and dramatically improve the education of our children.
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During the intentionally rigorous selection process, it became very clear upfront that I would be working with bright, energetic, caring and supportive people. Being in this kind of environment will help me improve so that I can inspire young minds toward excellence, and that is why I chose to be a part of the LSC team and family.
Ashley Cook
Scholar Services Coordinator
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Joining the LSC team and family means that I have the opportunity to be a part of creating a bright future for Liberty scholars, who will one day become great leaders. I chose LSC because not only does it give me a chance to be a part of my great community, but also to grow professionally and personally. I am honored to be a part of the LSC family and cannot wait to start this new journey.
Josie Cox
Teaching Fellow
Bachelor’s degree in Music, University of South Carolina
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This is a rare opportunity to work alongside a highly experienced and friendly group of educators who put the well-being of scholars above all else.
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As a Founding Teaching Fellow at LSC, I will be able to focus on growing as a teacher and forming meaningful connections with students and families in the Sumter community. I look forward to meeting all of my future scholars and families. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful team!
Deneshia Dinkins
Food Services Manager
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LSC provides many opportunities for me to grow my skills and become more successful as an individual as well as a part of a high-functioning team. I have the privilege to serve the scholars nutritious meals each and every day, which is very rewarding to me.
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As a part of the Founding Team, I have a unique opportunity to be part of a successful new venture for our founding scholars and families as well as the community as a whole.
Stephanie Edwards
Teaching Fellow
Bachelor’s degree in Art, Hampton University
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I choose LSC because I believe this school represents the opportunity for so many families in Sumter to bridge long-standing socio-economic gaps. I consider Sumter my home and I want to see its youths thrive and expand. By providing a state-of-the-art, world-class educational experience, we will equip students at LSC with the tools necessary to make a meaningful impact on this community for generations to come.
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Joining the LSC Founding Team means that I will grow as an educator by having access to great resources and creatively collaborating with dedicated staff members in an environment that fosters cultural inclusion. By joining this powerful allegiance, I will help to ensure that every LSC scholar will have the skills and confidence to succeed.
Harmony Gadson
Business/Finance Coordinator
Pursuing an Associate’s degree in Accounting
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Joining the LSC team and family means a great deal to me! I'm excited to step into such a tremendous opportunity and look forward to pursuing excellence alongside the awesome scholars, faculty and staff that I will be working with.
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I chose LSC because I am elated about the change that it is bringing to our community. I believe in the mission and vision of LSC and want to be a part of setting the standard for future scholars to strive for greatness.
Emily Hatfield
Lead Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, University of South Carolina Upstate; master’s degree in Literacy, Walden University
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Joining the LSC Founding Instructional Team means that I get the amazing privilege of working alongside the most dynamic and passionate educators to expand the learning opportunities for families in Sumter.
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I am so excited to join the LSC team and family, where everyone is 100% committed to a clear-cut mission to provide scholars with a world-class education. As a lifelong resident of Sumter, I am deeply invested in helping shape the next generation of leaders in my community. I am proud to be a part of the Founding Team of lead teachers at LSC.
Debra Hunter
AmeriCorps Volunteer
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I'm originally from Alexander City, Alabama. I joined AmeriCorps in 2018. Our mission is to serve the community and country and get things done in America, which means helping children in schools and the community.
Working with Liberty STEAM is a learning and growth experience. I consider it an honor to serve as a volunteer for AmeriCorps at LSC.
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Alexis Jones
Lead Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in psychology, College of Charleston
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It is an incredible honor to be part of the Founding Team of lead teachers at LSC. I could not be more excited to join this amazing group of educators and school founders! I chose to be a teacher at LSC because we will provide our scholars with a high-quality education and help them develop social and emotional skills that will set them up for success. I can’t wait for us to get started and see the positive changes we will make in Sumter’s community!
Latoya Pearson-Bradley
Food Services Assistant
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I chose to become a part of LSC because being a part of this vision in the community is a new and great beginning of endless possibilities and opportunities! The mission and vision for education rest on building successful relationships and learning equality for each scholar.
My role is having the opportunity to provide daily nutritious meals and ensure that each scholar has the capability to focus and learn. I am excited to be a part of preparing our scholars to be thriving citizens in striving toward their future, and with that, I have accomplished the goals.
Debra Rabon
ESOL Teacher
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Debra Rabon is a certified early childhood and ESOL educator with 30 years of experience in education, teaching ESOL the last six years before retiring.
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She said, "I joined the LSC team and family because it represents an opportunity to be a part of the vision and commitment that makes Liberty Steam Charter unique. As the ESOL teacher, being a part of the LSC team provides me with the opportunity to be a part of the school’s culturally diverse environment and the opportunity to support scholars who are developing English as a second language. I am honored and excited to be a part of the LSC team."
Tatiana Reyes
Teaching Fellow
Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Carolina
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I'm excited to step into such a tremendous opportunity and look forward to pursuing excellence alongside the awesome scholars, faculty and staff that I will be working with.
Joining the LSC team and family means a great deal to me! I chose LSC because I am elated about the change that it is bringing to our community. I believe in the mission and vision of LSC and want to be a part of setting the standard for future scholars to strive for greatness.
Rashyra Smiling
Lead Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Winthrop University
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To be a part of the Founding Team at LSC means that I am going to be a part of a school that is directly aligned with my dedication to providing students with a superb public education. I chose LSC because I believe that our community has an outstanding group of students who deserve the absolute best academically, socially and emotionally, and LSC has a plan to make sure it happens at the highest levels.
Ruby Simpson
AmeriCorps Volunteer
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LSC will allow me to serve with a committed team of professionals, and add to the scholar's curriculum, to further strengthen the high-quality experience that this school already offers to its scholars and their families. All staff members are working with the scholars to ensure that they receive the highest quality education possible. The scholars are in a nurturing environment and are provided with the necessary environment to develop their social skills that foster learning through meaningful activities and play. I am thrilled to play a small role in helping to fulfill this worthwhile community-driven mission through my AmeriCorps placement.
Shasta Smith
Lead Teacher
Master’s degree, Midwestern State University
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I am grateful and honored to join the LSC team and family. I am excited to be a part of this meaningful work that will positively impact the Sumter community at very high levels.
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I chose to be a part of the LSC team because I believe in empowerment through choice. I believe a small group with a like-minded vision can make a BIG difference in making our community a more vibrant place. LSC is fully committed to creating a school culture that helps shape and nurture a child's purpose, passion, and future.
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Alexis Kelley
Teaching Fellow
Associate’s degree
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Joining the LSC Founding Team and family means that I get to be a part of something truly one of a kind. At LSC, the scholars will receive a world-class education from faculty who will not take their education lightly.
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I chose LSC because I love the mission of the school and want to help make a difference in public education. I believe having a team of teachers who share a common goal of teaching with intentionality and challenging their scholars will be truly remarkable. Being a part of this mission is such an honor, and I cannot wait for the school year to begin!
Dinasy Uoy
Scholar Recruitment Coordinator
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I believe in bridging the educational gap in our community, and I know the key to overcoming this obstacle lies within a team of exceptional educators. My dream is to blaze a path in the education field that generations to come will confidently follow.
My daily objectives are to set consistent examples of hard work, dedication, and sweat equity. Ultimately, I want to show scholars they are more than the perceptions of themselves. I believe in our scholars’ ability to succeed, and I know the leaders and team at Liberty STEAM feel the same.
Micah Vaughn
Lead Teacher
Associate’s degree, University of South Carolina Sumter; bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, University of South Carolina Upstate
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I chose to be a part of the LSC team and family because I wanted to be a part of the “game-changing” educational journey that will take place in my community. I believe that LSC has what it takes to be a great asset to our community by providing wonderful student-centered learning opportunities. I am motivated to be a part of the LSC mission, because not only do I want my students to grow but as an educator, I feel that this will be my opportunity to grow professionally!
Kate Weschler
Lead Enrichment Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and International Trade, Clemson University
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Joining the LSC team and family represents an opportunity to collaborate with individuals who are invested in the long-term vision of our community, who are eager to ask and approach difficult questions while addressing the complex nature of public education.
As a Founding Lead Enrichment Teacher, I am excited to build this resource with a team that brings intention, empowerment, feedback and reflection to the decision-making process. Feeling motivated to grow alongside the professionals and young people of our community and looking forward to a rigorous and joyful experience with LSC!
Eden Williams
Special Education Teaching Fellow
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I chose to be a founding teaching fellow for LSC, because I loved their mission and vision, but also building a community within our new scholars and their education. As a SPED teacher, I will be able to help the students not only physically, emotionally and socially, but helping to learn hands-on activities to strengthen their skills in the classroom.
Joining the LSC team and family means I get to be a part of an organization of educators that all have a passion of helping our scholars to shape their future and success.
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Lisa Wilson
Teaching Fellow
Associate’s degree in Business Management, Central Carolina Technical College
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When I learned about Liberty STEAM Charter, I knew I wanted to be involved because of what it meant for the community. Being a Founding Teaching Fellow provides me the opportunity to work with an amazing and dedicated team and invest in the future of Sumter.
Russell Whitaker
Facilities/Maintenance Technician
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It means a lot to me to join the LSC team & family because they believe in changing the lives of children through education. It also means that I get to come to work every day and see other people like me who are excited and enthused to do their job. I chose Liberty because I believe that our children are our greatest resources. If we can mold and shape them in a positive way while they are young, we can make a positive impact on our community and the world.