John Adams, Principal

Hello! My Name is John Adams and I am the principal at Midlands Green Charter School. I received my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and obtained a Masters of Education degree from the University of Dayton, OH. This specialty area informs my leadership and teaching approach.
I began working as a computer teacher in 2001. I taught for eight years in Ohio. After being the Assistant Principal in the district, I joined Concept Schools as the Principal for 2011-2019.
I view a collaborative school environment as the key to build successful teachers and students. It is my personal commitment in life to make changes for improvement, to work hard, and to do my best in every situation. These beliefs guide my connections with all students, families, and school staff; consistently building upon strengths in all. I believe that leading by example and treating all people with respect, feeds and facilitates growth. As an instructional leader, I hold that all students can learn and achieve educational goals when meaningful relationships exist within their school and school-community. These beliefs and practices establish clear expectations and standards common for all.

Beth Poore, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Beth Poore - Assistant Principal
I love Green Charter School! This is my third year serving as the assistant principal, and I absolutely love it. Professionally, I’ve worked as a 5th grade teacher, curriculum coordinator, and administrator. Twenty four years have flown by as I’ve earned a BA in elementary education, a Master’s degree in Reading and a second Master’s in Educational Administration.

Your kids are very important to me. I want to ensure that their academic, physical and emotional needs are met everyday. I’ll cheer them on and support them when they need help. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you need me.

I live in Chapin with my husband, Kevin and 3 kids. Anna will be a Junior at Lander, Connor will be a Senior in high school, and Reagan will be a kindergartener at GREEN this year. I love to take naps, read, and spend time with my friends. Thanks for trusting us with your precious students again this year.

Nancy Dixon, K5 Teacher

My name is Nancy Dixon and I'm so excited to be a part of the GREEN family.This is my third year at GREEN Charter School of the Midlands and my first year as a kindergarten teacher. I earned a BA in Early Childhood Education from Columbia College. I taught first grade in Richland County School District One and I’ve been a kindergarten assistant for the past two years.
I've been married to my husband Mark for 27 years and we have 2 beautiful daughters, a sophomore at USC and a recent graduate of USC. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and Gamecock football!
I’m looking forward to what this school year will bring. It's going to be a fabulous year!

Kimberly Taylor, K5 Teacher

Hello. My name is Kimberly Taylor. I am over joyed to begin this school year with the wonderful students and staff at Green Charter of the Midlands. My family and I just moved from Columbus, GA to Newberry, SC over the summer. I have an amazing husband and three year old son. We also have a fur baby named Gizmo. I have 20 years of experience in early childhood education and this will be my fifth year teaching kindergarten. I became a teacher because of my love for children. I love to see them light up when they learn something new. I am excited to learn and grow with my students this year.

Megan Bouknight - First Grade Teacher

Hello, my name is Megan Bouknight. I will be teaching first grade this year at Green. I graduated from the University of South Carolina. During my time in school (go Cocks!) I had many experiences working with children of different ages, development, and ethnicity - along with many types of learning environments such as public schools, Montessori, church setting, and Head Start. Since graduating I have had the privilege to substitute full time at H.E. Corley in a Kindergarten classroom and right here at Green. When I’m not teaching I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach and watching movies. I believe a classroom is another home for children and hope to make your children excited to learn, so that their minds can explore beyond their wildest dreams. I cannot wait to be apart of this school and learn with your children. Here’s to a great year!

Amanda Juliano, First Grade Teacher

Hi, I'm Ms. Juliano and I teach 1st grade! This will be my second year at GREEN. I attended the University of South Carolina and received my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. First grade is my favorite because I love watching my students grow leaps and bounds within a year. I also love that we get to learn while having fun everyday! When I'm not teaching I love spending time with my family. I look forward to another great year at GREEN!

Kelli Doherty, 2nd Grade Teacher

My name is Kelli Doherty and I will be teaching second grade this year. I am originally from Dayton, Ohio. I received my bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus in Social Studies and Language Arts from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. I moved to South Carolina with my sister immediately after I graduated college. I have been here for almost four years. I have been in the field of education since I was sixteen years old. I worked as a school age teacher at a childcare facility while I was in high school and college. When I got to South Carolina I did one year of substitute teaching, then I got my first “real” teaching job. I have taught second grade at another school for the past two years. My goal is to use a multitude of teaching strategies so that I can provide a learning style that fits each of my students needs. My favorite part of teaching is trying to include a “hands on” activity to help drive a concept home – I LIVE for the “ah-ha” student moments. In my free time I go to concerts, the lake, and travel to new places as often as I can. I am so excited to be a member of the Green Family, and I cannot wait to meet all of my new students and their wonderful families!

Megan Mantooth, 3rd Grade

My name is Megan Mantooth and this will be my 3rd year at Green Charter School of the Midlands! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Divergent Learning. I previously taught 4th and 5th grade here at Green. I’m excited to be teaching 3rd grade this year! I have two children, Parker and Annabelle. Both will be attending Green Charter. I’ve been married for 11 years to my husband, Zach, who is a nurse practitioner. We’re a family who enjoys staying active, watching sports, traveling and hiking. I hope you’re as excited about the 2019-2020 school year as I am!

Michelle Yilmaz, 3rd Grade

This will be my third year teaching third grade at Green Charter School of the Midlands. I earned my bachelor's degree in elementary education, with a minor in Spanish, from North Greenville University and then moved back to my hometown, Columbia, to be a part of the start-up of the Midlands campus. I look forward to working with your child this year! In addition to teaching academics, I strive to teach students important social skills like working together and being kind. It is my hope that students will grow into well-rounded individuals as they learn third grade content this year. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and family. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures. I have an ever-expanding list of places to visit around the world!

Grace Lifer, 4th Grade Math/Science

My name is Grace Lifer. I am excited to be teaching 4th grade Math and Science this year at GREEN. I look forward to partnering with you to provide the students with the best education. Feel free to email me if you have any questions!

Susan Brown, 4th/5th Grade SS Teacher

Hello! My name is Sue Brown, and I will be teaching ELA and Social Studies to our fourth graders this year. I was born into a military family in California and grew up mostly in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I received my BA degree in Elementary Education at Vermont College. I taught fourth and fifth grade students within the Florida public school system for 10 years, adding an ESOL endorsement to my FL teaching certificate. When my husband and I relocated to South Carolina so we could be closer to family, I added the Gifted and Talented endorsement to my SC teaching certificate. This will be my 4th year as part of the GREEN Charter School family; teaching 1 year at the Greenville campus, and 2 years at our facility here in Irmo. I love sharing my passion for history with my students and seeing them become excited about their learning. Another year of reading, writing, and history awaits, and I cannot wait to get started!

Michelle Gundlach, 5th Grade ELA/SS

Hello. My name is Michelle Gundlach and I am the fifth grade ELA and Social Studies teacher. This will be my nineteenth year of teaching but my third in South Carolina. I was born and raised in Massachusetts but moved across the border to New Hampshire after getting married. Currently, I hold a Bachelors degree from Bridgewater State University with a dual major in Elementary Education and English. Most of my years of teaching have been at the third and fourth grade level . Prior to moving to South Carolina, I taught in a Level 1 charter school in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Three years ago, my husband and I relocated to Lexington, SC with our two cats. I have spent the last 3 years teaching fifth grade in West Columbia. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling with my husband, spending time at the beach, and rooting for my favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots (I am a diehard fan). When not doing these things, I am an avid reader and look forward to sharing my love of reading and history with my students. I am very excited to continue growing as an educator at Green Charter School of the Midlands and look forward to becoming an active member of the Green school community.

Sherri McKelvin, 5th Grade Math/Science

Sherri McKelvin - 5th grade Math and Science
I am excited to join the Green Charter School family. I received my Bachelors from Mars Hill University in NC. I am certified in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Special Education. My teaching experience includes Kindergarten, 5th grade, and Special Education in grades 3, 4 and 5. I relocated from Western, NC two years ago to be closer to my family. I have two children and three granddaughters. We enjoy spending time together. I also like biking and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys.

Harriett Abraham, Middle Grades English Teacher

Harriett Abraham, Middle Grades English Teacher, has been with the Green Charter School Family since 2017. Prior to that, she worked as a Middle Grades English teacher in Georgia. Harriett graduated from Macon State College with a B. A. in English. In her spare time she enjoys taking long walks and going to the beach with her family. Harriett believes life is full of challenges and overcoming those challenges make us stronger individuals. Harriett is determined to prepare her students for their futures, so she strives to bring the best out of each one of her students

Michael Easter, Middle Grades Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Easter is a former special needs teaching assistant proud to be returning to Green Charter School to teach middle school social studies. Mr. Easter's teaching philosophy is to teach students how to think like a historian, whether that is through inquiry-based learning, virtual tours, connecting concepts, or just learning to ask questions. A graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken with a degree in sociology, Mr. Easter loves showing students the human side of history and how events from centuries ago impact our lives today. When he's not at school, Mr. Easter can be found cooking and baking, working out at the gym, or playing with his three dogs.

Martha Graham, Middle Grades Science Teacher

I am excited to start here at Green Charter of the Midlands. I will be teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade Science for the 2019-2020 school term. I recently retired after 35 years of middle and high school science teaching. I have worked as a SC State Department coach in several SC school districts. This past year I served as a teacher coach in the Metro Nashville School System. I attended South Carolina State College, Lander University and received a doctorate in 2002 from Argosy University. I am the mother of three adult children and cherish the support of a devoted husband, Larry.

Gina Hedgepath

My name is Gina Hedgepath. I am married to my husband, Tony. We have two teenage young men, Joshua and Justin who attend Mid Carolina High School. I am always at some sports activity and LOVE every moment of chasing them to their activities. I am a graduate of Mid Carolina High, Lander College and Lander University. I also studied at Clemson. I have earned my Master's Degree in Elementary Education and my 30 hours above in Administration.
I have been teaching for 31 years and absolutely love what I do!! I am excited about a new beginning at Green Charter of the Midlands. I also look forward to new friends, through the students, parents and teammates!! Let's have an AWESOME year!!!

Allison Chapman, PLTW Teacher

I am Allison Chapman. This will be my second year at Green Charter and I will be teaching Project Lead the Way. I attend the University of South Carolina. I have been teaching for two years and enjoy making a difference in the lives of children. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Dianne Cotney, PE Teacher

Hi- I am Dianne Cotney! I have 34 years of teaching experience. I graduated from Dorman High School in 1978. I graduated Newberry College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. Then I attended the University of South Carolina and in 1992, earned an Interdisciplinary Masters of Arts In Physical Education. I am CPR certified and a Certified Archery Instructor. I have coached numerous Archery Teams, Cup Stacking Teams, Double Dutch Teams, volleyball and fast pitch softball. Being a certified Bus Driver and earning Teacher of the Year round out my career experiences. I am looking forward to working with your student to get them excited about health and fitness!

Sarah Hibbard (Head), Art Teacher

Hi!! My name is Sarah Hibbard, and this is my second year teaching art at the wonderful Green Charter of the Midlands!! My overall teaching experience has spanned over 13 years around the country.
It has been a lifelong dream to have a positive impact on the lives of children, and I feel that through teaching, I have had the honor to do so. My inspiration to become an educator stems from a deep rooted need to ensure that every human being understands their personal worth, ability to be successful and knowledge that they are lovable.
I look forward to working with your children within the great world of Art, to further promote the blossoming of their vivid imaginations.

Karina Vega, Spanish Teacher

Hola! My name is Mrs.Vega. I am originally from the beautiful country of Colombia, South America. I am the mother of three wonderful children. I am also a pet lover - I have 5 wonderful dogs at the moment. I have been teaching Spanish for over 17 years now and enjoy very much teaching the hispanic culture. I am looking forward for this 2019-2020 school year to be very succesful and enjoyable!

Stacy Tyson, Music Teacher

Stacy Tyson is the new music teacher at Green Charter Midlands Campus for the 2019-2020 school year.
I am excited to bring my 9 years of experience as a band and choral educator to Green Charter. I am a graduate of Western Carolina University with a B.S. Music Education 2003. At WCU I participated in the Pride of the Mountains marching band, concert band, wind ensemble and tuba and euphonium ensemble. I continue to perform today on the euphonium and trumpet with Lexington Community Band, as well as serve as the board president.
My husband Jeremy, daughter Britany, fur baby Claire and I enjoy camping, cruising and Broadway any chance we get.

Kris Spitzform, Administrative Assistant

My name is Kris Spitzform and I am the Office Manager/PowerSchool Admin here at Green Charter of the Midlands. I am lucky to have been here from the opening of our school, and have enjoyed seeing the growth and success of our students. My husband, Kevin, and I have two grown children, Steven and Madelyn. We also have two dogs, Tess and Amber, who keep us busy now that we are empty-nesters! Please know that I am here to help our scholars, parents and staff in any way that I can.
2019-2020 here at Green is going to be awesome!

Tayla Cameron, Administrative Assistant/PR/Activity Coordinator

My name is Tayla Cameron. My husband and I have been married for a little over 13 years. We have been blessed with a wonderful daughter, and a lovable dog. I was born in Florida, raised in New York, and found a home in South Carolina. Although I don’t always love the intense heat, I definitely don’t miss the snow! I am a self proclaimed nerd, I love helping with forms and spreadsheets, I love to plan and decorate events, to travel and most of all, to be with my family. I am very much looking forward to the coming school year!

Holly Britt, Teacher Aide

The 2019-2020 will be my second year with Green Charter of the Midlands. I am excited to return to familiar faces and look for getting to know all of the new ones.
My two children who also attend Green Charter will be entering into 5th grade this year.
Our family is blessed to be part of the Green Charter family.

Ariel Eaves, teacher Aide

Hello - my name is Ariel Eaves and this is my second year at Green Charter School of the Midlands. My fiancé and I moved to South Carolina from Missouri in 2015. We have one fur baby named Remi and she’s 7 years old. I am so excited for this journey with your children and I look forward to a great year! 

Johanna  Ellis, Reading Interventionist 

Working as a part-time Reading Interventionist at GREEN Charter of the Midlands brings me a lot of joy. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in supporting the learning community here. I am a trained teacher in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as a mom of two kids who attend GREEN. I grew up in the Philippines and Greenville, but we have made our home in West Columbia for the past ten years. I enjoy jogging, yoga, reading, writing, traveling, spending time with friends, and taking care of our 3 cats.

Betty Freeman, Special Education Teacher

I am so happy to start my 19th year as a special education teacher at GCS of the Midlands. It is my passion to empower students with a love of learning. I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. During my teaching career, I’ve served students with learning differences in elementary grades through high school. In addition to my experience in the classroom, my roles have included administration and educational consulting. During my personal time, I enjoy family outings on the lake, hiking, gardening and just being outdoors as much as I can. My mission is to help students with learning differences feel confident about their unique strengths so that they may reach their full potential in all areas of their daily life.

Yusuf Kaya, Business Manager/IT Manager

I have taught middle and high school math in Florida and South Carolina for several years. This will be my 6th year with GREEN Charter Family.

I will be taking care of Accounting and IT Management of the school.

I like to spend my free time with my wife and 3 beautiful daughters (older one born in Greenville and a set of twins born in Columbia).

Rianna Smith, Literacy Coach/RTI Coordinator

My name is Rianna Smith and this will be my third year at GREEN. I am originally from Syracuse, NY, and moved to Columbia two years ago. I graduated with a dual Bachelors degree in Childhood and Special Education, as well as my Masters degree in Literacy from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. I taught first grade for eight years.

This will be my second year as the Literacy Coach/RTI Coordinator. I can’t wait to continue to collaborate, coach and support our staff members, as well as develop amazing readers and writers in our students.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog Roxy. I enjoy sports, cooking and exploring new places.

Wendy Roberts, ESOL Coordinator

Chambre Nelssen, Nurse

I’m looking forward to an exciting 2019-2020 school year at the Green Charter School of the Midlands. I have been a school nurse for the past 5 years, a registered nurse for the past 19 years, and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 2000. I continue my education in school nursing yearly with multiple opportunities afforded by our school, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Whether it’s an everyday illness, injury, or the daily management of a chronic condition, my goal is to help students feel their best at school while collaborating with families, health care providers, teachers and administrators, so they can achieve their educational goals, leading to a lifetime of success.

Larrysa Martin, Special Education Teacher

 My name is Larrysa Martin and my second year at GREEN will be as a special education teacher. I am a graduate of Converse College with a BA in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing. However, in my 10 years of teaching, I have had a wide range of teaching experience from kindergarten to college and a variety of abilities. I enjoy the challenges of figuring out what works for students to help them learn. My hobbies include cooking and baking, and crafts such as crochet and reading. I look forward to teaching, encouraging and supporting students as they navigate their school year and prepare for their future.