Elizabeth Davis

Regional Director

edavis@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Beth Davis. When I was in high school, I completed an internship at a local daycare. I knew from the first day of that internship that I had two interests: children and education. I graduated from Winthrop University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with a specialization in Early Intervention.

I started with About Play as an Early Intervention Specialist when they first opened their doors in 2015. The families that I had the chance to work with in that time, have forever touched my life and are a HUGE part of my story here at About Play. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to become a Supervisor with About Play. This role has allowed me to help and serve our families in a very different way. Now instead of being on “the frontlines,” I am growing and developing a team of smart, strong, dedicated women. Although I really miss seeing those sweet little faces and gummy grins weekly, I am forever thankful that I now get to share my experience and love of this field with a team that then gets to share it with hundreds of families across the state.

I was born and raised in Concord, N.C. about 2 miles from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. I currently live in Fort Mill, S.C. with my husband and three beautiful children. My hobbies include traveling, home décor, and hosting friends for dinner!

Jennifer Parris

Regional Director

jparris@aboutplaysc.com

I was born and raised in the small town of Walhalla, SC. I now live in Rock Hill, S.C. with my husband, daughter, and dog. I graduated from Charleston Southern University with a bachelors in Elementary Education. After graduation I taught at an elementary school for a few years. I LOVED teaching but I knew I wanted to be more specialized and work one on one with children. So, I went back to school and to get my Masters in English as a Second Language.

I began working as an Early Interventionist in 2013, I became a supervisor in 2017, and am now a Regional Director. About Play has truly allowed me to flourish and develop in my career. Working in a management position has given me the opportunity to coach and develop early interventionists and EI Supervisors in their job roles. The development of our staff is helping us reach more families in need. This has become very important to me since I became a mother last year. I love knowing and helping other mothers in their journey of raising their little ones.

Last year I became certified in Infant Massage, which was a true blessing to know when my daughter was born. Infant massage is such a great tool to have in your bag. It is bonding and helps sooth any discomfort!

I feel truly blessed to have found this company and career!

Felecia Sumter

Regional Director

fsumter@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Felecia Sumter. I received my Associates of Arts in Human Services Degree with Florence Darlington Technical College, but I felt the need to further my education. So I decided to go back to school and earned my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with Argosy University. Years ago, I can remember, when there was a special EI that came into my home and worked with my child. I was just amazed about how she brought life upon my child’s face each time she arrived for our visit. My son would await her arrival! It was then that I told myself that I would love to work in the Early Intervention field someday.

While attending the screening for my toddler with the BabyNet program last year, I learned about different EI providers in the Florence area, one of them being About Play. An employee there encouraged me to contact About Play early intervention to inquire about any job openings. My prayers became answered when I was offered a position. As an Early Interventionist, I enjoy having the opportunity to meet new families and children. I feel privileged to help change the lives of parents that felt that there was no hope or help out there for their children to be able to learn and grow like their peers. All families are different, and I enjoy learning and working as a team with all my families. I understand a parent’s perspective because I have been that parent wondering what I can do to help my child. I know that I am still growing and learning because I have been blessed with the opportunity of taking care of a special needs child for the past 17 years

My personal hobbies and interests include spending time with my family by having family gatherings, outings, and taking well deserved vacations. I love having the opportunity to meet new people. I also enjoy playing basketball and cooking.

Felicia Shannon

HR Director

803-665-6533

fshannon@aboutplaysc.com OR humanresources@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Felicia Shannon I graduated from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Science and later received my Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Troy University. I have a little over 18 years of Human Resources (HR) experience in areas of Recruitment, Benefits and Education & Training. I joined the About Play Family in 2016 after deciding on a career shift by transitioning back to my roots in Education and Early Childhood Development.  I learned through a friend about an exciting opportunity with About Play as an Early Interventionist, to work with children and families. I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me and it would allow me to bring my knowledge, passion for helping others and experience into the homes of families that ultimately would make a difference in their lives. Starting at About Play as an Early Interventionist has been such a rewarding experience and allowed me the opportunity to serve children and families by helping them meet developmental milestones, overcome challenges, and empower families with knowledge about resources at one of the most important stages of a child’s life.

I really love and cherish our families! This opportunity allows me to help to shape little minds, share knowledge and strategies with families to help them overcome developmental or learning challenges. There is a quote I love and remember each time I work with a child -“Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.” - Author Unknown.

In 2018, I became an EI Supervisor which allowed me to support, develop, coach and mentor current & new Early Interventionists staff. Shortly after becoming a supervisor, I moved into an HR role, reconnecting back to my early career origins in Human Resources. As an HR Director, I manage a diverse range of HR roles and responsibilities for the organization, including finding top talent to support the company’s growth, mission, vision, and values. I enjoy connecting with eager candidates who share the same passion and zeal for helping children and families. The ability to be a career matchmaker when providing a new graduate with their first job and landing spot with  About Play or helping someone land their dream job when switching careers while still being able to work with children and families is so rewarding. I am also a member of a prominent HR organization the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) local and national chapter. I love my About Play family and feel so blessed and grateful to be part of an amazing company who really supports the staff and genuinely cares about our well-being personally and professionally. About Play fosters an environment that is positive, supportive, fun and caring that I am sure anyone would enjoy being a part of.

I currently reside in Columbia, SC with my husband Patrick and daughter Cailyn. I enjoy traveling (especially to the beach), exploring various foods, graphic designing, reading, and watching HGTV.

Shameka Dickey

Human Resources Coordinator

sdickey@aboutplaysc.com

I am originally from Lynchburg, SC, but later moved to Turbeville, SC where I attended Walker Gamble Elementary and East Clarendon Middle/High School. I received my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Benedict College. I began working on my Master's in Human Resources Management. Two years after going through the program I got a bit discouraged because every position that I was interested in told me I had to have at least 5 years of experience in Human Resources. I then changed my major and later received my Master's degree in Healthcare Administration from South University. I have several years of experience in working with State health insurance. I told myself that I did not want to work in the insurance industry because I thought I wanted to do something different, but no matter what position I was in it all came back to insurance. I was later given the opportunity to put my Human Resources knowledge to use with SCDSS where I worked in the Human Resources Department as a benefits counselor for all of the counties in SC. I am now granted the opportunity to expand my knowledge in Human Resources by joining the About Play staff. I reside in Columbia with my two daughters Peyton and Paige. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, shopping, and spending time with my daughters.

Sydney McCraw

Marketing & Social Media

smccraw@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Sydney McCraw and I graduated from High Point University with a B.S.B.A. in Marketing. Throughout college, I completed several internships within the marketing industry. After completing an internship with About Play, I applied to take on the role of Social Media & Marketing Coordinator for the company. From one of the various internships I completed, I discovered my passion for digital marketing. I am very excited to be boosting About Play’s awareness to help as many children as we can!

In my free time I love to spend time with my friends and Great Pyrenees puppy, Cash!

Monica Arroyo

Early Intervention Supervisor-Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, Cherokee, Union, Greenwood, & Laurens Counties

marroyo@aboutplaysc.com

I was born and raised in Western North Carolina and moved all the way across the state to attend East Carolina University. When I attended freshman orientation at ECU, an orientation assistant talked with me about her Early Intervention major and I knew my career would be in early intervention. I had spent a summer helping a family member who has developmental delays and an early interventionist would come to work with him. I would watch him play and learn SO many critical skills. I knew right then at 13 years old that I wanted to be an early interventionist. While at ECU, I completed several internships within early childhood special education. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services with a concentration in Early Intervention. After graduating college, I moved to the Upstate. Before joining About Play, I worked as an ABA therapist with children on the autism spectrum.

I have been with About Play since 2019. When I joined the team, my supervisor gave me so much support and training to help me become the best Early Interventionist that I could be. Now as an EI Supervisor, I am so excited to give other EIs the same support and training that was given to me. I love getting to see each EI grow within their own journey! When we identify needs, we want to provide resources to help them overcome obstacles, grow, and thrive. In my time here at About Play, I've really enjoyed being able to help families and our team.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, Evan, and our dog, Lennon Poppy. I also enjoy watching true crime shows, shopping for deals, and listening to all types of music.

Kadie Burton

Early Intervention Supervisor-Greenville, Pickens, Anderson, Oconee, Laurens, & Greenwood

kburton@aboutplaysc.com

Hey! My name is Kadie Burton. I am one of the Upstate EI Trainers. I joined About Play in 2019. I was born and raised in Laurens, S.C. I graduated from Clemson University in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I enjoy spending my free time with my son, SJ, attending sporting events, and shopping. I have always worked with children and families in some aspect. I love being able to work hands on with children and assist families in helping their children reach their full potential.

My favorite part of being an EI Trainer, is working directly with individual Early Interventionists on their journey to be the best EI they can be! Here at About Play, we are all about your child reaching developmental milestones. We believe that when an EI has ongoing training and feels supported that the EI is able to provide a quality service. I believe that this starts with coaching and training! We as trainers serve as mentors to the EIs so that they can be successful in providing quality services to each family that we serve!

Since becoming a trainer, I have grown to love the challenges presented to me and taking each challenge on as a team! I also love that I get to help mold our team and get to see the great things that all of our EIs have to offer!

Jordan Fields

Early Intervention Supervisor-Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union

jfields@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Jordan Fields. I was born and raised in Beaufort, SC and currently reside in the Spartanburg with my son. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Childhood Development and Family Studies at the University of South Carolina Upstate. I have quite a few years of experience working with younger children and those with special needs. I have worked primarily with children with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other disabilities. Throughout my undergraduate years, I have learned about the early intervention field. One of professors helped expand my knowledge and increase my passion to work with children who are in need of early intervention services.  Now that I am apart of About Play, I intend to use my knowledge to help children in need.

In my spare time, I love to play with my young son, spend time with my family, and shop.

De’Shae Furgess

Assistant EI Training Supervisor

dfurgess@aboutplaysc.com

I was born and raised in Williston, S.C. After graduating from high school I attended Claflin University where I received a BA in Sociology and minor in Elementary Education. My background experience includes an extensive amount of time serving children and the community. It was through working with children in various volunteer programs and employment at Pendergrass Fairwold and Early Autism Project for over six years where my passion grew for helping meet the needs in young children’s lives. Since working within schools, I discovered my passion in helping all children, but more so young children reach the many different milestones in their lives. I have always focused on how to help students develop academically, emotionally, and socially, and the interpersonal bond that’s being built with them and their families. In the future, I plan to finish pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education. My goal is to write a book that will encourage and help parents cope with children with an emphasis on developmentally delays.

My passion for supporting children with developmental delays and their families has been very rewarding.  In my current role, as the Assistant EI Training Supervisor, I provide tools in my commitment to support Early Interventionists in improving and providing  quality services for young children and their families. I believe in the power of knowledge and am very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals and providers. I have been with About Play for almost 3 years now where I have grown to understand the importance of reaching developmental milestones and building sustaining partnerships between families and schools.

I love my role as an assistant supervisor because of the reward to guide and encourage the EI’s  to grow and achieve their potential.  Coaching EIs is a central value here at About Play in order to serve more families. It is my belief that by continuing to build and develop as a leader I will help ensure each EI feels supported and valued. There is a quote that I believe in when it comes to coaching and development, - “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Author Helen Keller.

I currently live in Columbia, S.C. with my husband, our daughter and our three dogs. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, shopping, traveling, playing volleyball, and giving back to the community!

Heather Gauthier

Early Intervention Supervisor-York, Chester, & Lancaster Counties

hgauthier@aboutplaysc.com

Hello, my name is Heather. I was born and raised in the small town of Columbus, Montana. I graduated from MSU-Billings with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. During college I started a position working with families with children with disabilities. I quickly found that working with these children and having the opportunity to positively impact their lives was a passion. After college, I jumped into the world of Early Intervention and was a Family Support Specialist in Montana for 3 years. I moved to S.C. in 2017 and began working with About Play as an Early Interventionist. Then in August 2020, I became an EI Trainer and now have moved to working as an EI Supervisor. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to expand my skills and to help build an amazing EI team impacting even more families here in South Carolina.

One of About Play’s goals is to provide quality services to families and to provide children the opportunity to grow to their full potential, while learning through play!  This makes me proud to be an EI Supervisor and to have a company that shares in my passion of making a difference for our kids. As an EI Supervisor, I am helping to build a dedicated and hard-working group of Early Interventionists providing exceptional services to more families.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks with my dogs, and doing various crafting projects. I feel so blessed to have found a career that allows me to pursue my passion of working with children and making a positive difference on the lives of others.

Jennifer Horton

Early Intervention Supervisor-Florence, Darlington, Marion, Dillon, & Williamsburg

jhorton@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Jennifer Horton, and I am from Hartsville, South Carolina. I received my Associates of Public Service- Legal Assistant/Paralegal degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College in 1999, but I felt that was not my true calling. As a child, I always played school and I absolutely adore children.  It is the love of children and the desire to work with them that led me to want to become a teacher.  I quickly returned to school to obtain my teaching degree.  I earned my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Francis Marion University in 2004, and then a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix in 2018.  I happily spent 11 years as a classroom teacher and then 5 years in administration in the role of Reading Coach.  There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up while they are learning or the light bulb finally comes on!

With a desire to try new experiences, I came upon an ad for an Early Interventionist.  I was intrigued.  I had to learn more!  I began researching early intervention and came upon About Play’s website.  Right in front of me was an opportunity that I could not let pass me by; About Play was hiring.  I applied and as they would say, the rest is history!  As an Early Interventionist, I enjoy meeting new families and their precious little ones. I feel privileged that my families allow me to serve them in this capacity.

My personal hobbies and interests include spending time with my family, reading, cooking, and Zumba.

Stacy Kephart

Early Intervention Supervisor-Fairfield, Richland, Lexington, & Newberry Counties

skephart@aboutplaysc.com

I am originally from Cheraw, S.C. In 1999, I moved to Rock Hill, S.C. to attend Winthrop University. In 2003, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Science with a Specialization in Early Intervention.

I have had the joy and pleasure of working with so many special families as an Early Interventionist since 2007. In 2015, I became part of the About Play family and have been so blessed to work for a company that is so compassionate about providing a quality service to the families that we serve.

In 2019, I became an EI Supervisor. This new role has allowed me to use my experience and knowledge as an early interventionist to teach others the importance of early intervention and how our job is so much more than just “playing” with children. But rather it is about helping that child grow and develop to their fullest potential.  We are a part of their amazing journey and better because of it.

Also in 2019, I became certified in Infant Massage in order to better serve our families. I have enjoyed being able to provide this education and information to build the parent-child bond that is such an important foundation in development.

I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Maddie, hanging out with friends by the lake, shopping, and taking naps when I can find the time.

There is a quote by Angela Schwindt that is very near and dear to my heart that says, “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”  Truer words have never been spoken.

Lauren Kryger

EI Training Supervisor

lkryger@aboutplaysc.com

I was born and raised in Charlotte, N.C., and branched out to SC to attend school. I graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Social Work. During school, I always stayed busy with my academics and many extra-curricular activities including theatre productions, a position with Scarowinds Halloween Haunt, and being an active member in my sorority, Chi Omega. During my senior internship in Undergrad, I was exposed to the beauty of Early Intervention and the impact it makes in the lives of children and their families. You could say that I fell in love in the blink of an eye. I am so thrilled that About Play has given me continuous opportunities to serve many families and teach the future of the Early Intervention world in my position - all of this while having fun and playing along the way.

A quote that serves as a daily reminder to myself is:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

During my free time, I enjoy going shopping, dabbling in multiple craft activities, travelling, and unwinding with the latest album drop.

Devone Massey

Early Intervention Supervisor-Fairfield, Richland, & Lexington Counties

dmassey@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Devone Massey. I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Barton College in Wilson, N.C. Later I went on to receive my Master of Social Work in 2018 from USC.  Whenever I can get a moment to myself, I enjoy reading books and relaxing but mostly relaxing. Even as a child, I have always had a passion for helping children and their families. Before coming to About Play, I worked and/or volunteered for various organizations serving children and their families. The organizations have been daycares, a day treatment facility, DDSN, and DSS. While doing some research, I learned about About Play and I was reminded of a play therapy course I had taken while in graduate school. I absolutely loved that course, so I decided to give it a shot. BY FAR THE BEST DECISION I HAVE MADE! What I love most about my job is my coworkers. Everyone is so welcoming and made me feel right at home. I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing families and can’t wait to continue this journey. 

Autumn Morris

Early Intervention Supervisor-York, Chester, & Lancaster Counties

amorris@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Autumn Morris and I was born in and raised in Rock Hill, S.C. I graduated from Winthrop University with a degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Early Childhood studies. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to work with children. Before I worked for About Play, I was a preschool teacher and that led me to discover that I loved working with children one on one. I heard of About Play from another EI that was working for the company and I knew that was the place for me! Since starting at About Play, I have had the pleasure of working with many different families and children. Being able to see a child reach their developmental milestones is the greatest part of this job!

In my free time you can find me cheering for the USC Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, hanging out with my friends and family, and going shopping!

Allison Mungo

Early Intervention Supervisor-Sumter, Kershaw, Clarendon, & Lee Counties

amungo@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, I am Allison Mungo and I graduated from Winthrop University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Early Intervention. I currently live in Lancaster, SC with my three boys and my husband. During my free time I enjoy cooking and trying new foods, going to the beach, and spending time with my family. In February of 2016, I joined About Play as an Early Interventionist, after being a preschool teacher for 6 years. For several years I worked directly with children and families as an EI and truly loved it.  But when the opportunity came to advance within About Play as an EI Supervisor, I knew that I could help even more children and families by teaching others. I love the opportunity that I have been given to support the EI’s in their role by coaching and leading them. At About Play, we are a TEAM and this is why I love working here. We have a passion for helping each child and their family grow and develop. I am so fortunate to be able to work for a company that holds these values!

Blakely Specht

Early Intervention Supervisor-Charleston, Berkeley, & Dorchester Counties

bspecht@aboutplaysc.com

Beth Stephenson

Early Intervention Supervisor-Florence, Darlington, Marion, Dillon, & Williamsburg

bstephenson@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Beth Stephenson. I grew up in Darlington, SC and graduated from North Greenville University in 2007 with a BA in Elementary Education. I knew in my youth that I would choose a career working with children. I loved rocking babies in my church nursery and made money in high school by babysitting, mentoring students at summer camp, and tutoring. I have worked professionally with children through the years as an elementary classroom teacher and as a paraprofessional in special education.

I first learned about early intervention in 2014 when my twin daughters were three months old and needed some assistance in reaching their developmental milestones. I watched my girls grow and progress each week with guidance and love from our own amazing Early Interventionist. This experience made me realize a career shift from teaching to early intervention was a perfect fit! I am thrilled to work for About Play and to serve the families in my community.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my three children! We love hiking and  kayaking the beautiful parks in SC. In 2016, I earned the title of Ultimate Outsider which means I have visited all 47 of South Carolina's State Parks. I also enjoy caring for our pets which include: a dog, two cats, five chickens, two guinea hens, and a turkey!

Elizabeth Welch

Early Intervention Supervisor-York, Chester, & Lancaster Counties

ewelch@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Elizabeth Welch and I am originally from Rock Hill, S.C. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Life from Columbia College. My academic life lead me to Baltimore, Maryland for graduate school where I received my Masters of Science in Child Life, Administration, and Family Collaboration from Towson University. I worked as a certified child life specialist in the Child Life field for 4 years, most of which was spent working at Johns Hopkins Hospital. My family and I have returned to South Carolina and are loving the warmer weather and cheering on the Gamecocks during football season. When I am not working I enjoy swimming with my son, reading, and trying new recipes.

I have been with About Play since 2019. One of the things I enjoy the most about my job is helping kids and their families realize their potential and helping them reach their goals. A favorite supervisor moment for me is when an EI really connects with a child and their family, and is empowered to learn and do more in order to help them reach their goals. I enjoy seeing when something "clicks" during the teaching process. Watching a new EI have a lightbulb moment when they realize they know the answer to their question is very exciting. I enjoy teaching and helping an EI find her strengths as she develops within the profession, and finds skills she did not know she had.

Chelsea Williams

Early Intervention Supervisor-Fairfield, Richland, & Lexington Counties

cwilliams@aboutplaysc.com

I was born and raised in Hartsville, SC until I came to Rock Hill, SC  for college. I graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor's degree in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Early Childhood Studies. After graduation, I decided to make Rock Hill home! Since then I have taught preschool for 4 years before discovering About Play. I knew I thoroughly enjoy working with little ones of all ages so when I found About Play I knew it was the change I needed from the classroom setting. Each child, family, and day is different! It provides me with the flexibility I need while allowing me to continue helping little ones meet their fullest potential! In my spare time I enjoy shopping, traveling, watching football, and spending time with friends!

Latisha Anthony

EI Trainer

lanthony@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Latisha Anthony. I grew up being the family babysitter as I was the oldest grandchild and the oldest of three children. I started early nurturing children which led me to want to major in Child and Family Development at Benedict College. After graduating college, I taught for a few years in a classroom. I truly enjoy teaching children! I have a passion for helping children discover the world around them to learn new things. Here at About Play, I’m finally doing what I love which is helping families and children grow. In 2020, I accepted a position as an EI Trainer. I am able to share my experience as a EI Trainer to assist EIs and the families we all serve. I love sharing activities and coaching EIs how to incorporate basic items in different ways  for activities to assist meeting developmental needs. As a trainer I love being able to interact with children and their families. Over the years, I have built lasting relationships with my children and families. I feel as if I have become a part of their family, watching children grow to their greatest potential.

I have been married to my husband, Terrence, for 14 years and in my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family & friends and shopping for a deal.

Logan Brown

Early Interventionist/EI Trainer

lbrown@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Logan Brown, and I am from Marion, SC. I received my Bachelor's of Science in psychology from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. I always knew that I wanted to work with children because they are so acceptable and willing to better themselves. I believe that it is important to encourage children to reach their full potential and that they can do anything they set their minds to! Before graduating from Wofford in May 2019, a family friend of mine told me to look into About Play and their program for a job after graduation. I had no idea that the field of early intervention existed, but once I found out I knew that this is what I was meant to do. It has been so fulfilling seeing the children's face when they are playing. They get so excited when we give them encouragement and praise. I love going on my visits and seeing how happy the families and children are for our visits. About Play has brought so much enjoyment into my life!

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. We like to go to the movies. bowling, and spending time at the beach. My favorite activities to do when I am alone are reading and watching movies. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. Thankfully, this job gives me the opportunity to do so!

Marjetta Butler

Early Interventionist/EI Trainer

mbutler@aboutplaysc.com

Hello, Everyone! My name is Marjetta J. Butler. I received my Bachelor of Social Work from South Carolina State University in 2010 and my Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina-Columbia in 2012. Every job that I have held in the past always involved working with children, which I knew was a sign in developing my career. I have worked in various positions and settings with children of all ages, including the DSS, the Boys & Girls Club, Sumter school district, Willowglen Academy, and a psychiatric facility. I heard about early intervention and About Play from a colleague. During my interview with About Play, I felt something I never felt before immediately on a job interview, CONNECTED and a part of a FAMILY. That’s when I knew this was the job for me! One thing I love about my job and my families is learning their stories! I am a “stories” person and always eager to learn what makes a person who they are and how I can be a cheerleader in the next chapter of their life. It’s an honor and a privilege to be an Early Interventionist to so many children who teach me about life more than I can ever teach them. I was born, raised, and currently reside in Sumter, South Carolina. My husband, Demarcus and I, have two boys, Davien and Dayton. I’m a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and in my free time, I love to cook, read, travel, coupon, and blog.

Rachel Collins

Early Interventionist/EI Trainer

rcollins@aboutplaysc.com

Hi friends! My name is Rachel Collins. Beginning in Anderson to Charleston and now Florence, I have been blessed to call South Carolina my home for my entire life. From an early age, I have been passionate about working with children. So, I decided to pursue a future in education. In 2012, I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from the College of Charleston. In addition, I recently earned my Master of Education Degree in Teaching and Learning: Experiential Learning for Early Childhood from Clemson University in 2019. I began my professional career in the classroom setting as a teacher for 9 years.

As a lifelong learner, I take joy in studying and experiencing new things. This led me to exploring the world of Early Intervention and discovering About Play. I am excited for the opportunity to join the About Play family and continue my passion to work with children in order to help them reach their full potential while supporting their individual needs.

In my free-time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Michael Ross, my dog, Sophie, and my family and friends. I also love going for walks, curling up with a good book, sipping a nice cup of coffee, and taking trips to my local nursery to pick out new plants and flowers for my home.

Lisa Howard

Early Interventionist/EI Trainer

Lhoward@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Lisa Howard. I was born and raised in Dover, Delaware. I am a military spouse and a mama to 2 rambunctious little boys! The Air Force relocated us to Charleston Air Force Base in March 2017 and we are now residing in Ridgeville, SC. In our free time, my family and I enjoy doing anything outdoors including camping, gardening, visiting/hiking in the mountains and working on our farm!

I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Wilmington University in Delaware. I worked in childcare for 10 years while working on my degree. After graduating, I worked as an Early Interventionist for 2 years in Delaware before relocating to South Carolina. Upon arriving in South Carolina, I continued to work as an Early Interventionist for another 2 years before having children when I decided to become a stay at home mom and started working from home teaching online. I have always been passionate about working with children and even more passionate about working with children with developmental delays and their families. I am so excited to be apart of the About Play family and make a difference in the lives of families across the Low Country. After 3 years of being a stay at home mom, I decided it was time to go back to work.

Amber Lee

Early Interventionist/EI Trainer

alee@aboutplaysc.com

Hey, my name is Amber Lee. I was born and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina. I attended Lander University in Greenwood as well and received my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. In my spare time I enjoy watching true crime documentaries on Netflix and makeup tutorials on YouTube. I also frequently spend time with my boyfriend, my brother and sister, and my mom.

I have always desired to work with children because I find it fascinating to observe how they interact with different people and objects in their environment. I ultimately want to have a lasting impact in the life of each child. I stumbled across About Play during my search for a career shortly after receiving my degree. My favorite part of my job is that I am able to foster a stimulating experience for each child and help families, while simultaneously having fun!

Jannerra Scott

Early Interventionist/EI Trainer

jscott@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Jannerra Scott and I joined the About Play team in 2018. I graduated from South Carolina State with a Bachelors in Child Development. Previously, I have worked with children in child care and in the ABA therapy field. When I discovered Early Intervention, I knew it was the career for me! Who doesn’t want to spend time having fun and playing? I am able to build relationships with parents and children. Teaching children is like planting a seed, nurturing it, and watching it grow. I love working with children and I feel so fortunate to be a part of the team here at About Play.

Brittany Watkins

Early Interventionist/EI Trainer

bwatkins@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Brittany Watkins. I was born and raised in Greenville, SC. I graduated from Mars Hill University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I found out about early intervention at About Play while researching new career options. I have worked closely with children and families since I graduated college in 2016. My favorite part about my job is being able to help children grow and succeed while working one on one with families on a personal level. I am grateful to be apart of the About Play team and to make a difference in children’s lives!

I enjoy spending my free time outdoors or renovating my 100 year old farm house. I have a mini pig named Pickle and a Golden Retriever named Maverick, who I consider children of my own. I recently got married to my husband, Elijah, in February, 2021.

Jala Akridge

Early Interventionist

jakridge@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Jala Akridge and I am originally from Bassett, Virginia. I graduated from Radford University with my Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Indian Land, South Carolina. My passion to help children stemmed from being a teacher at a daycare for 4 years. Watching kids grow and learn everyday makes my heart happy. Also knowing I helped them reach a developmental milestone brings me so much joy. I discovered About Play through Indeed. I am looking forward to guiding our families and children to achieving their early intervention goals.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like baking, hiking, and meeting new people.

Reagan Ammons

Early Interventionist

rammons@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, I'm Reagan Ammons! I am from Columbia, South Carolina. I graduated from Anderson University where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I learned about Early intervention through family friends, and I had an Early interventionist growing up.

During my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling and watching Netflix. I am excited to enjoy About Play and helping children reach their milestones!

Rachel Anderson

Early Interventionist

randerson@aboutplaysc.com

Hey y’all, I’m Rachel Anderson! I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Public Health and a minor in Psychology. Throughout my life, I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. Prior to About Play, I worked as a RBT, delivering one on one therapy in a clinic. While there, I became more passionate about learning through play and saw the importance of involving the entire family to help the child reach developmental milestones. While researching more about early intervention, I came across About Play! I am grateful for the opportunity to work for a company that is as passionate as I am about meeting the needs of children.

Originally from North Carolina, I currently reside in Goose Creek, SC, where I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading and exploring new places. I can’t wait to meet and build relationships with families in the Charleston area.

Ashley Barnett

Early Interventionist

abarnett@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Ashley Barnett. I am from Charlotte, North Carolina originally but I moved to Columbia, SC for college. I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology from Columbia College. I then went on to get my Master’s of Science in Child and Developmental Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. I learned about Early Intervention in my previous job as a preschool teacher. This profession blends my passion of working with young children and my desire to work in the field of developmental psychology. I'm going to love getting to know the families and building relationships with my families as I work with their children to be the best they can possibly be! I’m most excited to join the About Play family!

I am a wife and a mother to two wonderful children. I have a 5 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. On the weekends, I love spending time with my kids, reading, playing with my two dogs, and doing anything that involves being outside. My favorite place in the world is Hilton Head Island and we try to go at least twice every year. One day I hope to live on the island!

Ashley Brant

Early Interventionist

abrant@aboutplaysc.com

Hey! My name is Ashley. I am a mother of 3 teenagers and just moved back to South Carolina after moving around the US with my high school sweetheart and husband of twenty years. We are a recently retired military family and both originally from the Orangeburg area. I have a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and have over ten years’ experience with children from birth to twelve in an educational setting. Most recently I worked in Alaska as a Head Start director and this gave me an opportunity to work with children in a different capacity. I got plenty of time in the classroom, but got to see them in a different role. I was the one that got to spend time with them when they were needing extra one on one support. I got to assist with building IEPs, support with Speech Sessions, and assist with hand over hand activities. During this time, I realized that working with children that needed one on one time is where my heart really was. I had classroom experience with children with ODD, Autism, ADHD, SPD, etc., but this was different. It helped me realize that I am meant to work with children that need extra support and that is something that not everyone is meant to do. Being that I am a mother with a child that has ADHD and SPD I am aware of how challenging things can be for them during daily task and how important having someone to support them is. When we moved to South Carolina I focused on finding a job that would allow me the ability to do so. I am so excited to join the About Play team and work with all our amazing families in Orangeburg and the surrounding areas. I look forward to meeting all of you and learning how we can work together to support your children in their growth and development. I am most excited about experiencing the “lightbulb” moment with you and your child when they experience that feeling of accomplishment for the first time in even the smallest task.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy family game nights, evening swims in the Summer, and every night at dinner we go over something positive about our day. I also enjoying singing and dancing.

Rochelle Braun

Early Interventionist

rbraun@aboutplaysc.com

Hi everyone, my name is Rochelle! I graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in Public Health. During my time in college, I interned at Camp Happy Days, which is a non-profit organization that encourages kids to beat cancer. My favorite part about my internship is to see all of the smiles on the kids' faces while participating in fun activities. At the end of my junior year of college, I realized that I want to work with kids and make a positive influence in their life. I have always been around little kids all my life. In high school and in college, I would always babysit. Working with kids has always been so fun for me because kids really do say the darndest things! In high school, I and a group of other students would help plan and set up our school's Special Olympics for our students with disabilities. I discovered About Play through a job listing when I learned more about it, I knew it was the job for me! I am so excited to work and meet new families, and help create a positive impact!

A little more about is that I love to go on road trips and adventures with my dog Luna. I enjoy cooking and shopping. During my free time, I like crocheting because it helps me stay relaxed.

Kaley Brockway

Early Interventionist

kbrockway@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Kaley Brockway. I moved to Summerville from Northern Virginia after I graduated from High Point University with a bachelors degree of arts and sciences in psychology where I focused my studies on abnormal psychology and child development. I learned of About Play while searching for a job to build more experience before going back to school to get my masters in psychology and my doctorate. I have always had a passion for children and am excited to start this new journey! I have worked with children my entire life in various environments and am excited to work for a company that shares my passions to help children reach their own goals and milestones alongside their family.
In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with friends and spending time with my family when we get to see each other!

Caroline Brown

Early Interventionist

cbrown@aboutplaysc.com

My Name is Caroline Brown and I was born and raised in Rock Hill, S.C. I graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, being outdoors and baking.

Working with children has always been my passion. I learned about early intervention through a family friend and knew it would be the perfect career for me. I believe that every child deserves an advocate and someone to help them reach their potential. Watching children develop new skills and helping them achieve their goals truly makes every day of this job so special.

Rekendra Burton

Early Interventionist

rburton@aboutplaysc.com

Hello my name is Rekendra Burton, and I am a graduate of Coker University with a bachelor’s in Psychology. Prior to graduating, I interned and was later hired on at a social service-trauma center for children. There I worked directly with trauma therapists, forensic interviewers, and medical professionals, as well as law enforcement/DSS, and children who not only had mental disabilities but also were dealing with traumatizing events that took place within their homes. The two years spent at the children's center have been filled with experiences that helped me realize my passion in life is to help other parent’s to understand their children as well as being able to help the child to understand ways to live as independently as possible.

I discovered About Play through a friend. My friend kept bragging about how much she enjoyed working with children and how it made her feel like she was doing a service for families that they would never forget. During my time at About Play, I am looking forward to impacting families and making a difference in a child's life. In my free time, I spend time trying new foods at different restaurants and entertaining friends and family over the weekends.

Aliya Busbee

Early Interventionist

abusbee@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Aliya Busbee and I am from Conway, South Carolina. I have always wondered how the brain works, so I decided to pursue my bachelors in psychology. As I worked through my classes I found how much I enjoyed working with children through community service and internships. I earned my degree from Winthrop University in Psychology with a double minor in Dance and Health. I have recently discovered the field of Early Intervention and immediately became excited to learn more. I love discovering new things and working with others to make life great for everyone! I am thrilled to have this opportunity to make new relationships and give families the tools they need to succeed!

Conner Caraman

Early Interventionist

ccaraman@aboutplaysc.com

Hi everyone, I’m Conner Caraman. I am from Charleston, SC. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston. I am the oldest of 5 children and have always had a passion for education and children. The majority of my family are educators themselves. Throughout my life, I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. Prior to About Play, I worked as a Montessori Preschool Teacher as well as a nanny for children and families with diverse needs. Watching children and their families learn together is incredibly rewarding.

While researching what I could do to combine my love for education and my psychology degree, I came across early intervention and thus About Play! I feel so grateful for the opportunity to work for a company that shares my passion for providing excellent personalized care for families! In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and our two dogs. I also enjoy a good book and spending an afternoon at the beach!

Daisha Champagne

Early Interventionist

dchampagne@aboutplaysc.com

Hey everyone! My name is Daisha Champagne and I was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Coker University in Hartsville, SC. I received my Interdisciplinary Studies degree, minoring in Psychology and Sociology. I recently was an assistant director and assistant teacher at the Sunshine House Early Learning Academy in Florence. I’ve always had a strong desire to work with children, but during my time there my desire grew tremendously. I learned about About Play while working there and have always had an interest. I am excited to create new special bonds and memories!

In my free time, I enjoy singing, watching movies and relaxing!

Carly Copeland

Early Interventionist

ccopeland@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Carly Copeland and I was born and raised in Lamar, SC. I studied Youth Ministry and Psychology in Asheville, NC at Montreat College, where I also played softball. I went on to get my Master’s in Human Services Counseling from Columbia International University. Since I was a teenager, I have been passionate about providing encouragement, aid, and education to children in need. While working in a Title 1 elementary school, I found a special place in my heart for the children with learning disabilities and developmental delays, who were struggling, slipping behind, and who needed extra assistance to keep up with their classmates. After my time there, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career where I could provide specialized services to children who are at-risk of falling behind in their classrooms and who need one-on-one interaction to excel. About Play feels like a perfect fit for me because the organization’s mission and mine are the same.

In my free time, I enjoy working out, thrift shopping, writing, camping, going to concerts, playing with my cat, and going on adventures with my boyfriend and sisters.

Chelsea Davis

Early Interventionist

cdavis@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Chelsea Davis. I was born and raised in Lancaster, South Carolina. I graduated from Winthrop University where I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I am provisionally certified as a Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations. Working at About Play will enable me to become a fully certified Family Life Educator!

I learned of About Play while working at a preschool during college. I love interacting with children and their families and I can’t wait to serve families in the community where I grew up. Outside of work, my husband and I love to be outdoors. On the weekends, we really enjoy taking our camper out and going exploring. We also love to take our German Shepherd, Ember, on hikes at the campgrounds. My other hobbies include reading (my favorite book is Where the Crawdads Sing), practicing calligraphy, and gardening.

Lauren Dennis

Early Interventionist

Ldennis@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Lauren Dennis, and I am excited to be joining the About Play Team. I was born in Charlotte North Carolina. My family and I moved to Clover, South Carolina about 15 years ago. I graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services. After working at the YMCA as an Afterschool Counselor and as a Toddler Teacher, I realized my passion for working with children and helping others. I discovered About Play through a Lander website called Handshake. I enjoy working out, watching Netflix, and trying new restaurants in my free time. I am excited about this amazing opportunity with About Play and I can’t wait to connect with the children and their families!

Jamila Dewalt

Early Interventionist

jdewalt@aboutplaysc.com

Hello, my name is Jamila Dewalt.  I was born and raised in Newberry, S.C. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Lander University. While attending Lander University, I was a part of the Spirit Program throughout my four years. During my time in undergrad, I attended an array of opportunities to direct me in my career path.

I can recall a very memorable volunteer opportunity which was very special to me.  The opportunity was with The Greenwood Miracle League.  This organization focused on working with children with special needs such as autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and autism. Although it was challenging, this service was gratifying.  Each child experienced an opportunity to engage in the sport of baseball while some of us ensured their spirits would be lifted by sharing some of our cheers as cheerleaders of Lander University. The motto of this astounding volunteer program was “Every child deserves a chance to play baseball”.  The Greenwood Miracle League was very beneficial and while being a part of such a rewarding organization, It enhanced my decision and my passion to work with children who had special needs. Even as a teenager, I have always enjoyed working with children. I enjoyed babysitting my younger siblings and other relatives.  In addition to being a volunteer at The Greenwood Miracle League, I also served as a volunteer at a local head start program annually while attending middle and high school.

At present, I am an early interventionist with a company entitled About Play, LLC.  What I love most about my job is the family-oriented atmosphere.  There is so much support among my peers. In regard to my actual job duty, it is easy because I really love my profession. I look forward to going out meeting with the various families every day and watching the children achieve their developmental milestones.

In my spare time I love to spend my time shopping with my mom, doing make-up and going back to my high school to assist coaching with the cheerleading coach. In addition, I like being a part of the varsity spirit program as a judge for local elementary, middle, and high schools.

Marji Dingle

Early Interventionist

mdingle@aboutplaysc.com

Greetings! I’m Marji Dingle. I’m a graduate of South Carolina State University with a bachelor degree in Social Work. I have several years of experience with working with infants, toddlers and young children in different capacities. I’ve worked for the Department of Social Services where I ensured the health and safety of children and held internship/volunteer/summer employment throughout different South Carolina school districts. I find it rewarding helping children with developmental milestones reach their full potential. I take pride in growing and learning with and from children through play therapy. I enjoy traveling, cooking, being with family/friends, giving thanks to God and enjoying nature.

Sonny Dodds

Early Interventionist

sdodds@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Sonny Dodds and have lived all over the USA and have settled down in Lexington, South Carolina to be closer to my parents. I graduated from Winthrop with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and have been spent my entire life surrounded by children, I’ve been an Aunt since I was 9-years-old! I used to swim competitively which led me to work with children teaching them how to swim. I had a focus at the swim school working with children with all types of disabilities, I immediately fell in love with the children and found it to be my calling. Seeing the kids reach potential that they didn’t previously know was possible and being able to see them come out of their shell was amazing and heart warming! Having the opportunity to continue working with children, being able to see them grow, and love them with About Play has been a blessing!

Rachel Eggert

Early Interventionist

reggert@aboutplaysc.com

Hey everyone, my name is Rachel Eggert! I graduated from Furman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Before graduating I had the opportunity to intern on the crisis line with a domestic violence advocacy nonprofit organization. In that role I was able to work alongside counsellors and advocates and was able to form meaningful connections with families going through incredibly difficult situations. Interning there allowed me to become more passionate about the way that traumatic events can shape and impact children. This pushed me to dive deeper into all aspects of child development and understand the critical role that the family plays in the development of a child. I was so excited to discover About Play and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside others who share my love for this type of work.

I’m originally from Virginia, but have been living in Greenville, SC throughout my time in college, and now after! I love to paint, spend time with my friends and my family (and my cat, Squidge), and explore new places & meet new people. I’m looking forward to forming new relationships through this position with About Play!

Bethany Elias

Early Interventionist

belias@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Bethany and I’m honored to have the opportunity to come alongside families and children to support and encourage them on their journey. I was raised in South Florida where I graduated from Florida Atlantic University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I have spent my career in a variety of areas such as direct care in residential programs to supervising foster care licensing to preschool teaching. All have been in a capacity to serve children and families, which is my passion! As a foster and adoptive parent myself, I was introduced to early intervention and truly saw the value of the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” I’m thrilled to be part of “the village.
When I am not working I am spending time with my husband, four children, dog, and two cats. We enjoy camping and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Lindsay Estes

Early Interventionist

Lestes@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Lindsay Estes and I am very excited for the opportunity to join the About Play family! I live in Fort Mill, SC with my mom, siblings, niece, and our dog- Peaches. I attended Winthrop University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I have always had a passion for working with children and I was excited when I discovered About Play. I knew Early Intervention would be the perfect fit for me. I love being an advocate for children and families, while helping them to achieve developmental milestones and developing to their fullest potential.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my boyfriend. I also enjoy traveling and watching shows/movies including true crime and drama!

Layne Ezell

Early Interventionist

Lezell@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! I’m Layne Ezell. I graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. For the past 7 years I’ve taught 1st grade and 3rd grade. I have an amazing husband and an 18 month old daughter. While working as a classroom teacher, I’ve discovered my passion for working closer with families and the importance of learning through play! I came across About Play through a former high school classmate. She had only the BEST things to say about working for About Play and I knew I wanted to be a part of it! I’m excited to work for a company that focuses on family goals and learning through play. I currently reside in the lower Greenville/Anderson area where I enjoy rock climbing with my husband and our friends. I love being involved with my church and being a part of our community here. I can’t wait to help children and families reach their goals!

Sariah Foster

Early Interventionist

sfoster@aboutplaysc.com

Jessica Frierson

Early Interventionist

jfrierson@aboutplaysc.com

Hi!! My name is Jessica Frierson! I’m originally from Hartsville S.C but I have lived in Florence, S.C for the majority of my life. I graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Ever since I was in elementary school, I’ve always said, I wanted to work with kids and help them grow in any way that I can. I’ve always had a passion for children and improving their development in any way possible. My goal has always been for a child to grow up and say that I have impacted their life in some way and that would put the biggest smile on my face. I’ve worked at a daycare for 5 years while obtaining my degree at FMU. During the summer of 2019, I was residential counselor in Texas working with children of different ages. In 2019, I became a paraprofessional working in the Darlington elementary school district working with children with behavioral and emotional problems. I absolutely enjoy working with children and helping them to grow, learn, and development at an early age to help them become wonderful human being I know that they are. Children are a gift in so many different ways, and I feel that as Early Interventionists, it’s our job to assist them with developmental delays that they have no control over. In my free time I enjoy reading, listening music, traveling, spending time with my family and friends, eating and trying new food, going to church, watching Netflix, learning about different cultures and having a positive energy and enjoying life! I heard about About Play from a college classmate and now EI with About Play. After reading the information from the website and learning about the services this company provides, I knew that I wanted to be apart of this company. I’m really excited to be a part of a growing and inspiring family. I know that the experience here will help me to continue to impact a child’s life the way that children need and what this world needs as well!

Elizabeth Gioia

Early Interventionist

egioia@aboutplaysc.com

I live in Boiling Springs with my husband, two year old daughter, and one year old son. I attended Limestone College and graduated with a degree in psychology. After working in behavioral health for a few years, with older children and teenagers, I was ready for a career where I could work with younger children. I knew I wanted to become an early interventionist and came across About Play while searching for a new career path. I have truly enjoyed working one on one with the children and their families in an environment in which they are most comfortable.

Janelle Goodman

Early Interventionist

jgoodman@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Janelle H. Goodman and I was born and raised in Charleston SC. I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology. I also have a Masters degree in Counseling. I was a mental health counselor for eighteen years. I am totally inspired with seeing progress within the children and continuing to strive to reach their goals. I first learned about early intervention and About Play from a colleague. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, singing, and enjoying time with family.

Kentoya Gunter

Early Interventionist

kgunter@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Kentoya Gunter and I am from McCormick, South Carolina. I graduated from University of Arizona with my Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children for many years and have gained much knowledge and experience. I have worked with Head Start and also in daycare. In both settings, I have seen Early Interventionists come in the classroom settings and work with children and I have always thought that would be something I would actually love to do. Believing and knowing I am helping children/families to my best ability and changing their lives is what I really love.

In my free time I love to make memories with my family. I am very excited to begin this new career journey and meet with new families!

Kennedy Harris

Early Interventionist

kharris@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, I'm Kennedy Harris. I'm originally from Roanoke Rapids, NC and now live in Summerville, SC. I attended East Carolina University, where I received a BS in Family and Community Services with a concentration in Child Development.

I have always had a passion for working with children. When I first learned about early intervention, I knew it was the right career for me. Through my education and experience working with children in various settings, I developed a love for helping children through a play-based and family-centered approach. I am excited to be able to build a connection with the children and support them in reaching their goals.

I enjoy spending my free time with my family and dog, traveling, and doing anything that involves being outdoors or adventure!

Jennifer Harrison

Early Interventionist

jharrison@aboutplaysc.com

Hello, my name is Jennifer Harrison. I am from Kingstree, SC, but currently live in Florence, SC. I attended Francis Marion University where I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Once I graduated, I accepted a position with the Department of Social Services working in child protective services. This is where I developed a special love for helping children and their families. From there I ventured closer into the mental health field, so I have over 15 years of working with children of all ages with different physical, mental, and intellectual issues.

I came across About Play while on a job search site and began my research on the company. I was very impressed with what I saw and decided to apply for a position as an EI. From the beginning of the hiring process, I felt like I was already a part of the family. I am excited about this opportunity to be a part of this great company. I am looking forward to working with the children and their families as we overcome obstacles while enhancing growth together.
In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love cooking, going to the movies, and shopping. When time permits going on a vacation is something I look forward to.

Asia Haskins

Early Interventionist

ahaskins@aboutplaysc.com

Alandria Haynes

Early Interventionist

ahaynes@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Alandria Haynes. I was born in Killeen, Texas but raised in Columbia, SC. I graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a Bachelor’s of Child Development and Family Studies. While I was in college I worked at an early childcare development center. Then after graduating I become an Assistant 4k Preschool Teacher. I also served at New Springs Church Children Ministry working with early-age children. Before About Play, I worked as an EI for 1 ½ year serving in Spartanburg area.
My interest and hobbies vary as I love singing in the Choir at forwarding City, creating dance moves with my friends and family, and watching Disney movies. I decided to move back to Columbia to be closer to friends and family. The reason why About Play stood out to me is because of the values that they express which represent mine as well. They hold a standard for advocating for children and families, which I am very passionate about. What I believe I will LOVE about my job and family is just pouring into them. Knowing that our job is to help children and families and I know my calling is to help families in any way I need to. That is why I love being an Early Interventionist.

Jade Henderson

Early Interventionist

jhenderson@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Jade Henderson and I am from Gaffney, SC. I graduated in 2019 from Converse college with a Bachelor degree in psychology. I have been an early interventionist for almost 2 years and it has been the best two years of my life. I have absolutely loved working with children and getting to know the families so much! I have truly chose the most rewarding and best career path there is. I am so excited to be with About Play and see what difference I can make in my community!

In my free time I like to play outside with my dog (Gaston), spend time with my family, and work in the garden.

Raven Hope

Early Interventionist

rhope@aboutplaysc.com

Hello, my name is Raven Hope and I'm from Columbia, S.C. During my high school years, I often volunteered at my church to help with the young children on Sundays. This experience not only helped me decide on my passion, it also helped me pursue a career path for College. I graduated with a bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Newberry College. In college, I worked for the Boys and Girls Club at Prosperity-Rikard Primary School and had the opportunity to work with children aged 5 to 9. After college I was employed at Kingdom Kids Child Development Center as a Lead Teacher for the 3 year old’s class. I enjoy listening to music, dancing, spending time with my family and being a mom to a busy toddler. I discovered About Play through a current staff member who shares a similar passion for children. I believe I would love to see the progress of every child. Being able to contribute to early childhood development makes a difference not just for the child, but also for the family.

Vanessa Houghtaling

Early Interventionist

vhoughtaling@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Vanessa Houghtaling and I was born and raised in Portland, OR. I attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology. I have always wanted to work with children, and I found after taking several developmental psych courses it further cemented that desire. However I could never completely figure out exactly what career path I wanted to take in that regard. After graduation I made the decision to move to SC, and while on the job hunt I found a job posting for About Play. I had a vague notion of what the job entailed, and after reading the job posting I found it struck a chord with me and continued to research the job. The more I looked into it I realized that the position was exactly the type of career I wanted to have. The idea of not just working with children, but to help them learn and reach those developmental milestones is one I am so excited about!

In my free time I enjoy reading, going on hikes, eating a lot of sushi, and spending time with my adorable cat, Mochi

Kailen Hubbard

Early Interventionist

khubbard@aboutplaysc.com

Hello everyone! My name is Kailen Hubbard. I was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, but I was raised in Snellville, Georgia. I attended and recently graduated from Georgia Southern University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development. During my time at Georgia Southern, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a camp for adolescents with disabilities and take courses that focused on all areas of child development. I knew early on I wanted to work with children, but these experiences furthered my interest and passion. I learned about About Play through a family friend and I am excited to meet and bond with you all, the families, and the children.
In my free time, I enjoy being with friends and family, cooking, anything artsy, reading, and traveling.

Olivia Hunt

Early Interventionist

ohunt@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Olivia Hunt and I was born in Columbus, Ohio. While I was born in Ohio, it was not long after that I moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where I was raised and called home. I graduated from Clemson University with my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Development. During my free time, I enjoy walking around downtown Greenville, watching movies, and trying new foods! Currently, I volunteer at Prisma Health Children's Hospital to help others and to further my education in child life. Being an older sister to three siblings, it has always been my goal to someday work with children. My biggest inspiration for this goal has been my youngest sister who was born with heart problems. Because of this, she could never do many physical activities, causing her to be physically delayed. So, we were always coming up with new ways to play and have fun! I loved showing her all the things she was capable of and seeing her excitement. After I graduated, my search for the perfect job started. I wanted a job that I knew I would love and put my heart into every day but none of the jobs stuck out to me until I came across About Play! It is the perfect way to help children and to make a difference in the lives of the families I will get the pleasure to work with!

Katie Killelea

Early Interventionist

kkillelea@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Katie Killelea. I am from Lake Wylie, SC. I graduated from the University of South Carolina, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and minor in education. I am very passionate about working with children, and have six years of experience working with kids of all ages. I love seeing  children learn, grow, and reach new milestones, which is why I decided to pursue a career with About Play! In my free time I love to cook, travel, and spend time with friends and family. I am very excited to join the About Play family and start my career as an Early Interventionist!

De’Shaunna Lloyd

Early Interventionist

dlloyd@aboutplaysc.com

My name is De’Shaunna Lloyd and I’m from Eutawville, SC. However, I currently reside in Florence, SC where I’ve lived for the past 10 years. I came to Florence in 2012 to attend Francis Marion University. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Then I began my master’s at Capella University where I received my Master of Science Degree in Psychology w/ a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis in June of 2021. While in the master’s program at Capella, I also worked as a Behavior Technician at Chance Light Autism Services. I’ve always had a passion for impacting children with autism and other disabilities after attending a summer course, where my Francis Marion professor spoke about her journey in ABA. She swept me into the field instantly and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I later transferred into Florence 1 School District as an ABA therapist. I’ve worked and gained experience with children in 3-4k obtaining different developmental delays and disabilities. I greatly enjoy working with children and their families, providing the services needed, along with the patience to help them progress in different areas. Not focusing on how long/many times it takes repeatedly, but instead on each goal and reaching it no matter how many attempts.

Outside of impacting others, I enjoy listening to music and being a musician. I’m the drummer for my church where my mom is the pastor. I also love the role of being a godmother to my lovely goddaughters Rayne and Marley. I look forward to a great experience as I become a part of the About Play family. I’ve heard about the company from a current EI and everything she has shared about the company sounded intriguing. Checking out the website and hearing nothing but great things from everyone made me want to be a part of it. I’m super excited to stand on the front line, serving and providing children and their families with whatever they stand in need of. I believe that I will love it, while working with a great team along the way.

Demi Luedee

Early Interventionist

dluedee@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Demi Luedee. I am from Hamden, Connecticut. I received a Bachelor in Science in Sociology at Coastal Carolina University. I have been a daycare teacher for several years until I realized I wanted to get out of the classroom setting and help children one on one. I was online one day searching for jobs with my degree and then quickly came across About Play. I’m excited to create bonds with the children and see how well they progress over time.
On my free time I love hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and hanging with my puppy, Leo!

Heather Luikert

Early Interventionist

hluikert@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Heather Luikert. I was originally born in New Jersey and raised in Myrtle Beach. I have now relocated to the Rock Hill area. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I was a founding member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and our philanthropy was with Autism Speaks. I was able to get opportunities to work with children with Autism and spread awareness to make an impact with our local communities.

A little about me, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and learning new things, especially when it comes to recipes. I first learned about early intervention from a family friend who was in this field and knew this would be the perfect career path for me. Working with children with disabilities has always been a passion of mine, as my cousin was diagnosed with Autism. Being able to see first hand his progress with companies, just like About Play, that have been able to help him reach his goals and develop new skills. Every child and family deserves a support system to help advocate. My main goal in life has always been able to help families, just like my own. Loving what you do everyday and being able to make a positive impact is what makes this job so rewarding.

Hannah Lurcock

Early Interventionist

hlurcock@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Hannah Lurcock and I am from Conway, South Carolina and I am so excited to be a part of the About Play family! I graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a B.S. in Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I targeted my courses to those involving childhood development and mental health. With this, I have always had a passion for helping children in their abilities to learn and grow, along with being an advocate for each individual family and their needs. When I came across About Play in my job search, I was so excited to find an organization that mirrored the same passion and excitement for childhood development and success. I currently reside in Marion, South Carolina and enjoy spending my time with my son, family, and friends. I also like to take trips to the beach, ride on the river, and cuddle with my dog, Coop. I am super excited to meet and get to know each child and their caregivers in Florence and surrounding areas.

Mackenzie Machado

Early Interventionist

mmachado@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Mackenzie Machado, or Kenzie for short! I was raised in Sumter, SC but currently live in Rock Hill, SC with my husband and dog! I graduated from Winthrop University with an undergraduate degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Special Education. I heard of About Play through a peer at church who was working for the company at the time. She explained the type of work that was happening at About Play and it was then that I realized it was the company I wanted to work for and make a difference in! My aspirations since high school has been to make a difference in the lives of families and children with developmental delays. I am grateful for the opportunity About Play has given me to do just that! In my free time you will find me at any Charlotte FC soccer match, spending time with my husband and friends or just relaxing while binging a show on Netflix!

Parker Marlow

Early Interventionist

pellenburg@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Parker Marlow. I am from Rock Hill, South Carolina. I recently just moved to the upstate and got married in November of 2021.  I graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies.  As a part time job while in school I nannied for a family where I had the opportunity to work with an Early Interventionist from About Play. While completing my education I had the privilege to do my internship with About Play as their first intern. I have always had a passion for working with children and I am excited to help families and children.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and when I have the opportunity I love traveling to different places.

Ashley McClay

Early Interventionist

amcclay@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Ashley. I graduated from the University of Valley Forge with my Bachelor’s of Social Work. I have 7 years of case management experience, and enjoy connecting families with the resources and services available to them to improve their well-being and quality of life. In 2019 when my second baby was referred to EI for a developmental delay caused by a muscle issue, I experienced first-hand how empowering and informative EI can be for a new (or even second-time) mom like myself. Having this experience and watching as my son improved and eventually achieved his milestones and increased his physical functioning created in me a passion to help empower, support, and educate other moms and families! I’m excited to join this team and help families in the Anderson/Greenville area!

Blaine Moore

Early Interventionist

bmoore@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Blaine Moore. I’m the oldest of three children and the oldest grandchild so nurturing children is second nature to me. During my teenage years I babysat at church and for a few families which led me to discover that I love working with children. I attended the University of South Carolina where I received my bachelor’s in Experimental Psychology. After graduating, I was finally able to search for a career doing something that I love and I discovered About Play! I’m excited to connect with the children and families at About Play so we can teach and prepare our next generation of children!

When I’m not working, I love exploring nature and learning about different plants. I have a collection of over 90 houseplants (and counting) as well as a vegetable garden, and I volunteer at the AC Moore Herbarium in my free time. I also enjoy running and I am working towards running my first marathon. Last but not least, I love animals! I have two cats named Mizyuna and Zoro.

Dominique Moore

Early Interventionist

dmoore@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Dominique Moore, I am originally from Charleston, S.C. I have been living in the Rock Hill area for over 15 years. I attended Winthrop University where I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Youth Issues. I worked in a private and non-profit child care settings for 13 years. I became interested in early intervention while attending training classes as well as through early interventionists that would visit my classroom to work with my students on a weekly basis. I have a passion for working with children and families from a variety of different backgrounds. I'm excited to be a part of the About Play team and the mission to which it holds .
I currently reside in York, S.C. In my free time I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter as well as family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, listening to music, watching movies, and shopping for home décor.

Raven Moses

Early Interventionist

rmoses@aboutplaysc.com

Hello! My name is Raven Moses and I’m from Mullins, South Carolina. I have always had a passion for children, so after high school I attended Benedict College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development. After graduating I pursued a career as a lead teacher for Pee Dee Community Action Agency where I served families and children for eleven years in the Britton’s Neck community and Mullins area. I enjoyed creating activities and creating relationships with families. I was interested in the opportunity to get to know more about the About Play organization. I am excited to work and support children and families.

During my free time, I enjoy traveling, shopping, spending time with my family and friends, working out, and attending church.

Kaitlyn Mundy

Early Interventionist

kmundy@aboutplaysc.com

Hello there! My name is Kaitlyn Mundy. I was born and raised in Charleston SC. I graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies. I am thrilled to return to my hometown and become the support, voice, and advocate for all the families I will encounter. I became very passionate about helping the individual needs of children when I initially started my career as a teacher. Through that process, I felt that I wasn’t needed in the classroom, but to impact the lives of children through Early Intervention. I believe that relationships are essential to helping families as well as helping the individual needs of the children. By having that emotional connection with the kids as well as the family, the limits are endless as to what can be achieved. I actually found About Play while taking a final exam in a Starbucks up in Rock Hill! I came across some employees having a meeting, after some conversations and further research into this program, I instantly knew this was the right place for me! When I am not helping children and families, I love to travel, sing, tend to my garden or watch my never ending Movie/TV show list.

Maticyn New

Early Interventionist

mnew@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Maticyn New and I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. I graduated from the University of South Carolina Beaufort with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Throughout college I was in a sorority called PhI Mu and our philanthropy is Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We would raise money for the hospitals to help children and families. I have a background in ABA therapy, as I became a RBT and worked with children with autism throughout college. Growing up I have always had a passion working with children. This not only helped my passion of working with children grow but it confirmed it. I love putting smiles on others faces and being able to make a difference in someone's life. I am so excited to be able to work with children and families and make meaningful connections in the community. When I came across About Play I knew that it would be the best fit for me. Being able to make a difference in families lives and helping children reach their fullest potentials means everything to me. In my free time I love spending time with my fiancé, friends and family. I love going on spontaneous adventures and making memories with those I love!

Janiya Plowden

Early Interventionist

jplowden@aboutplaysc.com

Hey! My name is Janiya Plowden. I am from Florence, South Carolina, but I currently reside in the Charleston area. I graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelors of Science in Public Health. Working with the youth department at my church, I developed a love for working with children, specifically younger children. I volunteered at MUSC in the Child Life Department which further expanded my love for working with children especially children with disabilities. I cannot wait to work with all the wonderful children and families!
My hobbies include doing and purchasing makeup. I also love traveling, going shopping, and hanging out with friends and family.

Skye Porter

Early Interventionist

sporter@aboutplaysc.com

Hey! My name is Eurasiah-Skye but I go by Skye! I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. I've always loved working with children and enjoy having connections with them. While working at the Kids Care for a local gym and also babysitting my nieces and nephews. I found myself becoming so joyful and curious while working with the little ones. Over time, I realized children are some of the most creative, brilliant, and fascinating people to be around. They inspire us to be creative, jovial, and unique! About play has allowed me to connect with not only the children but also the child as a whole, which includes the families! I am excited to begin my journey here and see how far I'll go.

Outside of work, I love taking small day trips to nearby cities to explore for the day. I love visiting art museums, galleries, wineries, state and national parks, and also nature hikes. In my free time, I also enjoy reading books and visiting local small businesses around Columbia. I also love pets! I have one cat and his name is Keanu.

Elizabeth Price

Early Interventionist

eprice@aboutplaysc.com

Hi there! My name is Elizabeth, and I’ve been serving as an early interventionist for over one and a half years. I absolutely adore working with children and their families! I aspire to shine a bright light in each life while inclusively interacting and meeting developmental milestones. I studied psychology while at Presbyterian College and held a focus in childhood development.
My favorite way to enjoy free time is walking my dog, Rue, and spending time with family. About Play has been like a family to me and I love working with everyone on their team!

Alisha Rabaca

Early Interventionist

arabaca@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Alisha Rabaca. I was born and raised in Columbia, SC and graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from The Citadel. I discovered About Play entering my junior year of college through research online. I hope that through this opportunity it will open many doors in my career and further my education. My hobbies include playing the keyboard, ukulele and watching movies or shows with my sisters. What I will love most about this position is to see the impact on the families and children I will work with. To see that the small things and attention to detail can make a big difference in these children’s lives for the rest of their life.

Samantha Sanders

Early Interventionist

ssanders@aboutplaysc.com

I graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Winthrop University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Education (Counseling and Development). I have several years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities. I enjoy giving back to the community and working with different charities. During Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), I enjoy giving out information to the community to help inform others of how important it is to take a mammogram and self-check for any changes. I also enjoy horseback riding, watching movies, going to car and bike shows, and going to basketball and football games. I love to eat pasta and one of my favorite desserts is caramel cheesecake. On rainy days, I sometimes read a new book because I believe that one is never too old to learn something new. I think that it is amazing to learn different cultures, languages, and ethnicities to become a more well-rounded person and to also understand more about others.

Aaliyah Scott

Early Interventionist

ascott@aboutplaysc.com

Hi everyone! My name is Aaliyah Scott. I am from Moncks Corner, SC and currently reside in Lake Wylie, SC. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Health. Ever since high school, I have enjoyed working with children. Early Intervention here at About Play allows me to use my degree while working with children and families. When I was presented with the opportunity to join this team, I took it with no hesitation. I look forward to being able to help the children along with their families in many ways.

During my free time, I enjoy having game nights with my family and friends. Also, I like to travel, go to the movies, and do arts and crafts.

Jessica Scott

Early Interventionist

jescott@aboutplaysc.com

Hello, I'm Jessica Scott. I am originally from a small town called Garysburg, N.C. I graduated from Fayetteville State University where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Social Work. After deciding to further my education, I obtained my Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Strayer University. I began my professional career as a Preschool/ Pre-K teacher in both daycare and private school settings. This is when my love for working with children surfaced!

I am a boy mom. I have three boys that I love dearly. Whenever I do have spare time, I like to watch TV, read, cook, walk the beach and most of all travel.
I've been a resident of Myrtle Beach for over 5 years. It has been fun and exciting living so close to the beach.

I found About Play while doing some searching on the web. After I applied for the EI position, I was extremely excited after talking with the supervisors during my interview. I felt a sense of family within the company which makes me the most happy. I was ready to take a leap of faith and do something outside of the classroom. This company has shown me though the hiring process that EI is just as rewarding. I am excited to be able to work one on one with a child and leave my imprint on their life in a positive way.

Tameyer Scroggins

Early Interventionist

tscroggins@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Tameyer Scroggins and I am from Irmo, SC. I received my Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Lander University. I’ve always known that no matter what career path I chose in life that I wanted to work kids, so my passion to do so started from a young age. During my Senior year at Lander my professor encouraged me to look into Early Interventionist positions, and I did! After searching for companies I came across About Play and applied. What I look forward to the most is helping children reach their milestones! In my free time I love to read, travel, and hang out with family and friends!

Dequasia Simmons

Early Interventionist

dsimmons@aboutplaysc.com

Hey, my name Dequasia Simmons. I was born and raised in Florence, SC. I’ve graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a bachelor’s in Child Development and Family Studies. Growing up, I was always surrounded by children. As a result, taking care of children has become second nature. During my last semester, I interned with Quality Counts, which is a community-based childcare that assists in providing children with high quality education. From that experience, I learned that developmentally appropriate practices have proven a key to a child’s success. I’ve also heard about early intervention from my fellow classmates, who would discuss how vital intervention programs are for children. Therefore, I knew early intervention was the pathway to go. I appreciate spending quality time with family and friends. We would go to the beach, movies, fishing, and shopping for clothes. During my free time, I would relax outside and enjoy nature. I look forward to creating a positive impact for children and families. Also, witnessing the smiles on the children's faces brings me joy. Therefore, I’m proud to be a part of About Play.

Carson Skinner

Early Interventionist

cskinner@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Carson Skinner. I'm from Columbia, SC but currently living in Rock Hill, SC. I graduated from Winthrop University in 2018 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. I always knew I wanted to help others and children are my favorite age group. I learned about About Play while I was a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) and observed an About Play session. I instantly fell in love with it and knew it was my calling. I strive to better the lives of children and I'm so thankful this job gives me that opportunity! I know I’ll love helping my children and families reach their full potential and overcome challenges.

In my free time I enjoy creating acrylic paint pours, listening to music, and spending time with my boyfriend and dogs, Gracie and Rocko.

Courtney Smith

Early Interventionist

csmith@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Courtney Smith. I was born and raised in Hampton, VA. I attended Old Dominion University where I received my Bachelor's and Master's in Education. Previously, I taught in the public school system for 7 years. I have taught 3rd grade, Pre-K, 1st grade, and Kindergarten. I also have experience with working with infants and toddlers. Not only am I an "edu-carer", but I am also a wife and a mom. I have had the pleasure of being a wife since 2011 and my husband and I are the proud parents of 3 boys and 2 girls. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I am so excited to be apart of the About Play family. Their mission to help children reach developmental milestones through play aligns with my passion of helping children reach their maximum potential. Each day I will strive to build strong, motivating, empowering, and positive relationships with my families as we work together to make difference in the lives our children.

Caitlin Sweet

Early Interventionist

csweet@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Caitlin Sweet. I am originally from Anderson, South Carolina. I have had the opportunity throughout my life to live in a lot of places in South Carolina, which gave me different experiences, perspectives, and knowledge that I am truly thankful for. I am a graduate of Lander University where I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services. I have always loved being around children. I have been a part of Special Olympics for many years, and also Project Unify. I have also had many volunteer experiences with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital throughout college. I wanted a career where I could come home every day knowing that I made a difference in the life of at least one child that day. Therefore, I did some research to find a job where I could do just that, and it led me straight to About Play early intervention where I found the perfect job for me!

I am very much a homebody. I enjoy being at home with a cup of coffee, a candle lit, and a movie. I have a husky, named Bentley, and a dachshund-terrier, named Mila. My boyfriend and I like to travel when we have the chance. I am very family-oriented and enjoy spending time with family as much as possible or hanging out with friends.

Lauren Thomason

Early Interventionist

Lthomason@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Lauren and I graduated from Winthrop University with a bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies and a concentration in Early Childhood Studies. I discovered About Play during my senior year at Winthrop. A classmate of mine at the time was an intern at About Play and through learning about her experience at About Play I knew it was a perfect fit for my aspiring career goals. What I love about this job is the ability to see how a child grows and develops over time, also how the family reacts to seeing their child achieve those milestones.

One of my hobbies includes archery, which I have done since about the age of 15. In 2019, I even had the opportunity to get my certification to teach archery and run a week long archery camp for children ages 8 and up. My other hobbies include shopping and spending time with friends and family.

Sabrina Vilarino

Early Interventionist

svilarino@aboutplaysc.com

Hey y’all! My name is Sabrina Vilarino and I am from Charleston, South Carolina. I am Brazilian American and am fluent in Portuguese and English. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. I volunteered with local community partners such as Harvest Hope and Meals on Wheels. Throughout college, I worked as a nanny for a few families around the Columbia area. I was able to work with children from the ages 2-12, including a few with disabilities and developmental delays. I first came to learn about Early Intervention by one of my close friends working in the field. I’ve always loved children and it has always been my goal to help anyone in any way I could. I am so excited to begin this journey at About Play and to make a positive impact on children’s lives.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, friends and family whether it’s  by binge-watching tv shows, going out to brunch, or traveling to new places. I also enjoy living a healthy lifestyle by working out and cooking healthy recipes.

JaQuira Wallace

Early Interventionist

jwallace@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is JaQuira Wallace. I was born and raised in Sumter, SC. I graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health. While in college, I worked at an early childhood development center on my school’s campus. I also interned with Charleston Promise Neighborhood. I volunteered with Charleston Hope Step-In, Reading Partners, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston. All of those opportunities allowed my desire to work with children, reach a new level and gave me confirmation that I wanted a career that allows me to positively impact a child’s life one encounter at a time. I learned of About Play early intervention through a job fair listing and after doing further research I felt confident that this would be a company that allows me to experience new opportunities and grow!

My hobbies include spending time with family and friends, spending time in God’s presence, self care nights, DIY projects and online shopping/browsing!

Destany White

Early Interventionist

dwhite@aboutplaysc.com

Hi! My name is Destany White and I’m from Sumter, S.C. Growing up I always knew that working with children would be the career for me. On Sundays it was always my job to babysit the younger kids in my family while the adults attended church service. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Claflin University. In my future I hope to pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education.

After doing some research, I applied for an EI position at About Play. At About Play it’s my duty to help families find necessary resources and assist them with helping their child reach age appropriate skills.  I love waking up every day knowing that I can impact a child’s life. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love to shop, take family vacations, and attend church on Sundays.

Mckenzie White

Early Interventionist

mwhite@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is McKenzie White. I was born and raised in Lexington, V.A. I attended Christopher Newport University where I received my bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in psychology. I recently moved to Lexington, S.C. with my childhood best friend and my cat Pebbles. I was raised by a family of teachers and social workers, so I was immediately drawn to About Play’s vision and values. I have worked with children of varying ages since I was in high school. I have always felt a personal connection working with children with developmental delays and special needs. I came across About Play through a web search as I was looking for career opportunities in early intervention. I am so excited to get to know children and their families and join the About Play family!  In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, being active, and binging Netflix shows.

Mika Williams

Early Interventionist

mikawilliams@aboutplaysc.com

Hi, my name is Mika. I was born and raised in Moore, S.C. I have a bright and precious daughter who is four years old, and her name is Yamila! She is my heart and world! After graduating from high school, I attended Benedict College where I received my bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development. I’ve always wanted to become a teacher since I was 5 years old. My background experience includes working with children from the ages of infant to preschool children. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and getting the opportunity to do so is rewarding. After being a teacher for eight years, I decided to do some research on having a degree in Child and Family Development. While doing some research, that’s when I came across About Play early intervention!  After reading about the company, I immediately knew that I found a place where I can work one on one with children and families. I am very excited to begin my career as an Early Interventionist with the About Play family!

In my spare time I enjoy dancing to Zumba, yoga, bowling, walking, listening to music, listening to poetry, spending time with my daughter, and spending time with my family and friends!

Shiqusta Williams

Early Interventionist

swilliams@aboutplaysc.com

I am a recent college graduate, who is very passionate about my job, my craft, and others. I love to create new things, teaching new aspects along with seeing new places and meet new people. I enjoy making other people’s lives easier and manageable. I heard of About Play when I started my job searching process. I enjoyed the website and how the aspect of the company was reaching developmental milestones. I hold this near and dear to my heart because I was once in the shoes of these children. It is my duty to give back and support them and help them create these milestones. I will love meeting the children and families and making a difference in their lives.

Chelsea Witter

Early Interventionist

cwitter@aboutplaysc.com

Hello About Play Family! My name is Chelsea Witter and I was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina. A little about me, I love to read, go shopping, travel, and spend time with my family. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in child advocacy studies at the University of South Carolina Upstate. During my first year of college, I wanted to be a nurse, but later on I realized nursing wasn’t my PASSION. I spoke with my academic advisor and we discovered a new career path. After my first child advocacy class, I knew I wanted to pursue a career working with children. After graduating from college, it was difficult finding a job working with children. Several months went by, and I got discouraged because every position wanted me to have the experience. I took a break and I discovered a job working with children. This job gave me experience with children that had ADHD, autism, behavioral issues, and learning disorders butI wanted to do something BIGGER and BETTER, so I decided to chase my dreams and continue to do what I love doing.

While discovering what my next job position was going to be, I discovered About Play. I read about the services they offer, everything that the company embodies, and the children they serve. After doing my research, I made the executive decision to apply for this job. Now, it has brought me on this wonderful journey! Having this career will allow me to put my degree to use and I have truly found my PASSION. My dream is coming true and I am excited to take on this new adventure. It took me a while to realize it, but every job I had working with children confirmed where I am supposed to be. I want to work with children and families because I want to make a difference in the lives of others. From experience, I saw how important it was to have early intervention so kids would not struggle when it was time to transition to grade school. One thing I would love about my job would be seeing the kids smile and improve in areas that need improvement. Also, I would love to see the parents happy and at peace knowing that their child is getting the help they need in order to be successful in life.

Moriah Yoder

Early Interventionist

myoder@aboutplaysc.com

Hey, everyone! My name is Moriah Yoder, and I graduated from Clemson University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Youth Development Studies. I have been around children my whole life whether it be through childcare, being a camp counselor, or volunteering with my church youth group. One of my good friends described her role as an Early Interventionist working with children and families in helping with development through play. I instantly thought this would be something I could be interested in, so I researched About Play and found it to be a place I would love to work!

I am from Sumter, SC and have made my way back after graduating from Clemson. In my free time I love going on long walks, spending time at the beach, watching movies, and being with friends and family. I cannot wait to work with About Play and the families in Sumter!

Kamisha Young

Early Interventionist

kyoung@aboutplaysc.com

My name is Kamisha Young, and I joined About Play in 2020. I am a graduate of Charleston Southern University. My purpose and passion are to impact and change lives. I was referred to About Play while working my previous role and speaking with a regular client. At that time, I desired to work with children, so it was not a coincidence that my recommendation for About Play was in perfect timing. I believe every child is a special gift, has greatness, and has the potential to thrive. I am thankful that my role with About Play now gives me the opportunity to serve families and help their children grow and develop.

In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my husband, mentoring, attending my church and serving others. I believe every day is filled with new opportunities to grow and help each other.