Our Faculty

Mrs. Marlene Baber – Assistant Principal

Email: marlene.baber@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

• BS. Ed Texas Woman’s University, Elementary Education, Special Education,
• MS.Ed University of Texas, Curriculum and Instruction
• Professional Certifications:
• Supervision and Administration
• Gifted and Talented
• SPED specializations: LLD, EMR, ED
• A lifelong passion for both the science and art of teaching has lead me to Palmetto Scholars Academy. I have been involved in gifted education since some of the initial research and programs were started in the 1970′s. I have facilitated the development of gifted programs, curriculum, and teacher professional development in Texas, North Carolina, California, Virginia and now at PSA. I have been privileged to have been mentored by some of the pioneers in both gifted education and differentiation. I have published in Gifted Child Quarterly on Multiple Intelligences and served on the Texas Education Agency’s Gifted Curriculum Committee and helped develop the state guide for school districts. I have also reviewed Federal Javitts Grants for innovative projects in the field of gifted education. Above all of this, I am a grandmother of 3 of the most gifted little girls ever. I feel my career has lead me to PSA because I am able to use all of the skills I have learned in my journey and am having so much fun working with these wonderful students and the fabulous staff at PSA.

Mr. Shane Clack – Classical Studies

• A.B. in Classical Studies from the College of Charleston
• First Year Teacher
• I am a South Carolinian by birth and a Charlestonian by adoption. I love traveling and getting to feel like a local in new and strange settings—and have had the privilege of getting to know places as culturally and geographically separated as Latin America, Japan, and (latest) Ireland. The desire to travel was what initially drew me to language study—that is, I first saw language as a gateway to new places and cultures. In college, however, I became enamored of language at a deeper, philological level when I took my first Latin class. I learned to love language, not only as a tool or a means, but as an art or a system that has its own beauty. I hope to pass on that same love and understanding to my students and to make Classics civilization as fascinatingto them as it has been to me.

Email: shane.clack@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Mr. Robert Clauhs – Science and Math

• BS in Nautical Science, US Merchant Marine Academy
• First Year Teacher
• I worked for the last 25 years on hundreds of different vessels conducting various observations and investigations, all while traveling extensively around the world. I bring these practical science and mathematical experiences to the classrooms and laboratories of Palmetto Scholars Academy. I am thrilled to be part of the staff and look forward to a great year!
• I enjoy spending time with my wife and three teenagers. My passion is astronomy and sharing that with all interested people.

Email: bobby.clauhs@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Howard Elj – School Nurse and Health Teacher

• Graduated from Goose Creek High School.
• Navy veteran, Hospital Corpsman mainly assigned with U.S. Marines. Honorably discharged
• Graduated from the University of Hawaii, BA in Journalism with minor in art/photography.
• Earned an Associate of Science in Nursing, Excelsior College
• Author of the novella “I AM SANTA.”
• Happily married for 15 years to Noreen Elj who is originally from County Cork, Ireland.
• I am a first year teacher (Health and Nutrition).
• Have a daughter, Teresa, who attends PSA and has attended since the school opened last year.

• I’m happy to be part of PSA, and I firmly believe in the school’s goals and philosophy.

Email: howard.elj@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Chris English—ELA

• B.A. in English from College of Charleston
• M.Ed. from Southern Wesleyan University
• Years in the profession: 9 years teaching, 5 years writing
• I love to read, write, direct plays, draw, and bake. I’m learning to sew and am growing a fall garden. I also like to spend time with my four nieces and five nephews.
• Why I Became a Teacher: Growing up, I was a gifted student who loved to learn but rarely felt challenged at school. My parents, who are teachers and artists, supplemented my education with all sorts of enrichment. Their inspiration, my personality (no doubt influenced by birth order—I’m the oldest of four and have essentially been bossing someone around since I was two), and a number of opportunities to work with at-risk youth through my church contributed to my calling.

Email: chris.english@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Mrs. Mary Ferguson – Drama and ELA

• Graduated with a B.A. in Speech and English from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah,Oklahoma.
• Taught Speech/Drama for 30 years. For 20 of those years, I also taught English.
• I spend my time with my husband of nearly 45 years, my two beautiful granddaughters, my three awesome daughters and my two wonderful sons-in-law.
• My grandfather was a Methodist minister and a teacher. He told me when I was ten years old he wanted me to teach so I never questioned the decision. I play several instruments on my church’s praise team.
• I was raised at a Boy Scout Camp (my dad was the camp ranger) in Welling, Oklahoma.
• My hobbies are sewing, writing, and theatre.

Email: mary.ferguson@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Julianne Flores—Guidance

• BA in Political Science, Minor in Mass Communication; Winthrop University
• M.Ed. in Counselor Education (Secondary); The Citadel Graduate College
• Years in the profession: 1
• Previous Work: 10 years of experience as a paralegal in the Charleston area
• Professional/Community Honors Received: National Counselor Certification (NCC), Member of American School Counselor Association and Chi Sigma Iota

Email: julianne.flores@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Nancy Hackard – Art

• Masters of Art in Art Therapy, University of Louisville
• Bachelor of Fine Art, Center for Creative Studies-College of Art and Design
• 2nd year as a teacher at PSA
• Previous teaching: 3 years teaching ceramics and fine art in Michigan
• Awards: Selected by Charleston Magazine as exemplifying creativity in our community (November, 2004), cited for work with students at North Charleston Elementary School and for work with cancer survivors at Roper St. Francis Hospital
• After 15 years as an art therapist at local hospitals and for the Departmetn of Mental Health, I decided to make a career change and become an art teacher. I hope to bring my passion for art to the PSA students so that they can learn to be creative in all areas of their lives.

Email: nancy.hackard@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Carol Kozlowski—Special Education

Carol Kozlowski – Special Education

• BS Special Education Ball State University Muncie IN
• MS-Special Education Indiana University Bloomington IN
• Specialist Credential in Education San Diego State University San Diego CA
• Administrator Licensure Director for Students with Exceptional Needs
• Current Professional SC License in Special Education, K-12 Mild Mentally Disabled (MMD), Severe Disabilities (SD) with endorsement areas in Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities.
• SC State trainer for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
• Certified Trainer in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
• Project Leader for the Department of Education in IN leading a state funded grant to support the integration of mental health services for school age students.
• Trained by national experts in the areas of Response to Instruction (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Research based academic strategies/interventions, Differentiation of Instruction, Cognitive Coaching, Digital Learning, Universal Design, Understanding the Framework of Poverty, Closing the Achievement Gap, Functional Behavioral Assessment/Behavior Intervention for Children with Autism, Mental Health Interventions for Children and Adolescents (NIMH).
• After relocating to the SC about 4 years ago, I am happy to find myself, at this stage of my career, in a most unique educational setting with the most unique educational challenges. My experiences with students who have been identified “gifted and talented”, “twice exceptional” range from elementary through high school settings, enriching my life both professionally and personally. My particular interest and direct services within the last 15 years of my career has been with students with varying levels of intellectual ability, within typical public education programs, magnet programs, inquiry based school programs and early learning centers, with a focus on collaborative agency response (clinical providers and local educational agencies) to the social/emotional development needs of children and adolescents. I find myself very excited at the possibilities of being able to utilize my experience base at PSA in the most beautiful spot in the country! The other most beautiful ‘spots’ in my life are my wonderful husband of nearly 30 years, my sons Dylan (27) and Connor (23) and my special gift, Mallory (6), my granddaughter.

Email: carol.kozlowski@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Mr. DeWitt Lamar—Science

• B.S. from South Carolina State University
• M.Ed. from Southern Wesleyan University
• Years in the profession: 7
• US Army Service: 3 years
• National Guard: 6
• I am certified in Biology & General Sciences grades 6-12. I have held the credential for the education of gifted and talented students for 3 years. Teaching is a privilege for me. I am truly blessed to have the special opportunity to educate gifted and talented children as a profession. I am a Charleston native who has extensive knowledge of the culture here in the Lowcountry. I enjoy anything that has to do with Science. As an educator here at PSA, I plan to challenge our students’ educational intuitiveness for 180 days using state, county, and community standards. Extensions of standards will be implemented on a daily basis using technology, field trips, games, activities, and more. I plan to have fun educating our children and preparing them for the next level of education and professionalism.

Email: dewitt.lamar@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Anne Lawrence—Math

• B.S. Middle Grades Education (Math/LA Concentration), University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University
• Years in the profession: 21
• Professional/Community Honors Received: Graduated Cum Laude, Teacher of the Year, Who’s Who Student and Teacher, Teacher of the Month 1990, 1992, 1994 and Teacher of the Year 1996
• Teaching Experience: East Cobb Middle School, Marietta, GA 1989 to 2003, taught algebra and geometry to identified advanced middle school students; additionally taught general math, science, language arts, reading, special education; Bishop England High School, Daniel Island, SC 2003 to 2009, taught algebra, geometry and statistics
• Why I Became a Teacher: My 7th grade math teacher said I was the best in her class! Teaching has been my passion all my life.

Email: anne.lawrence@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Mr. Russell Nelson—Science

• BA in Middle School Education Specializing in Science and Social Studies, Cedarville University
• MA in Middle Level Education, Walden University
• Years in the profession: 6
• Professional/Community Honors Received: While teaching in New York I had the privilege of teaching at Waterloo Middle School which received the honor of becoming a National School of Character in 2008. I received my tenure at Waterloo in the Spring of 2008
• Why I Became a Teacher: My mother taught 4th grade for 27 years. Growing up, I was able to experience first hand the joy and pride that my mom felt over seeing her students succeed. I admired the impact she made on her students and the respect she earned from her fellow colleagues, students, parents and community. As I got older, I realized that our society is lacking many positive male role models. In teaching, I have the opportunity to instill in students knowledge and the passion of learning, while showing them how to make an impact as a positive citizen in our society today.
• I am thrilled to join the team of teachers, students and families at PSA. I feel honored to have the opportunity to work with youth that will impact our nation’s future. Science is full of adventure and discovery. Within my classroom the goals will be to provide a safe environment where students have fun, but will be challenged to work hard. I will push these gifted students to understand and apply concepts to the world around them rather than only learning and memorizing information.

Email: russell.nelson@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Cheryl Roberts – Social Studies

• BA- University of South Carolina MAT- The Citadel
• I hold a teaching certificate valid in South Carolina for Social Studies.
• I have seven years teaching experience, plus extensive classroom experience working as a long-term substitute and volunteering with PTA and CCSD schools.
• I am the mother of two gifted children, ages 16 and 13. I spend a lot of time in the car shuttling a mob of boys to different activities. I am in the process of renovating a fixer-upper, and enjoy the pursuit and justification of, yet, another power tool.

Email: Cheryl.roberts@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Lenore Rudolph—Spanish

• BS in Elementary Ed and Minor in Spanish, Brigham Young University
• ME in Bilingual Multicultural Education, Northern Arizona University
• Years in the profession: 7
• I am grateful for the opportunity to teach these gifted kids at Palmetto Scholars Academy. Rather than being singled out as different, they will be validated. I plan to utilize an immersion model in teaching Spanish. Language will be taught using a mix of music, skits, projects, meaningful activities, and direct instruction. I look forward to putting into action the skills that I have accumulated as a learner and teacher. I wake up in the morning with another idea and rush to the computer to add it to my lesson plans and activity ideas.

Email: lenore.rudolph@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Michele St. Marie – Music

• Graduated from Hanahan High School, Hanahan, SC.
• Associates Degree in Music from Gordon College,
  Barnesville, Georgia
• Bachelors in Music Education from Georgia College and State University
• Four years in the profession
• I am a member of MENC, SCMEA and the Charleston Community Band.
• I have been playing the flute and singing for most of my
  life and love sharing music with anyone who will listen. I love teaching music because I enjoy passing that love of music on to my students. I feel that everyone should feel comfortable singing the National Anthem, their Alma Mater and any other song they want to sing or play. My goal is that my students will make music a part of their life for the rest of their lives.

Email: Michele.St.Marie@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Mrs. Leslie Sullivan – Social Studies

• BA in History from The Ohio State University, 2005
• MAT Social Studies from The Citadel, 2011
• Community/Professional Honors: Tradition Scholarship recipient at The Ohio State University, Kappa Delta Pi Member (Education Honors Society), Graduated
  with Distinction from The Citadel, Sergeant at Arms for the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 147
• Why I wanted to teach at Palmetto Scholars Academy: I have always wanted to be a teacher and I have a passion for Social Studies. In high school I was an AP student in a community that strongly valued education. I know what a great
  advantage it was for me to be surrounded by similarly talented students and to be pushed to my fullest potential. These benefits allowed me to obtain enough AP credits to finish my undergraduate degree in just 3 years. I love the idea of providing students with the same advantages that I had and encouraging the next generous to also be passionate about history.

Email: leslie.sullivan@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Melissa Venters—Social Studies

• BA in History, College of Charleston
• MAT in Social Studies, Columbia University
• Years in the profession: 7
• I am certified by the state of South Carolina to teach Social Studies to grades 6-12, and I have had gifted and talented endorsement for the last five years.
• My publications include the following: Hagood, M. C., Skinner, E., Venters, M., & Yelm, B. (2009). New Literacies and Assessments in Middle School Social Studies Content Area Instruction: Issues for classroom practices. In A. Burke and R. F. Hammett (Eds.), Rethinking Assessment in New Literacies. New York: Peter Lang. Venters, M. (2009). Day of Tears: Day of Desperation: Using Blogging to Make Social Studies Content Engaging and Comprehensible. In M. Hagood (Ed.), New Literacies Practices: Designing Literacy Learning. New York: Peter Lang.

Email: melissa.venters@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Billie Walden—Math

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Duke University
• MS in Physics; MSE in Weapons Engineering, Naval Postgraduate School
• MS in Elementary Education, Old Dominion University
• Years in the profession: 10
• I am certified in SC to teach all subjects Early Childhood and Elementary, as well as Secondary Math, and hold the SC GT endorsement. My Virginia professional license for K-6th grade is also current.
• My military service was 21 years in the U.S. Navy (culminating in the lead systems engineer with Aegis missile defense—it’s fun to be able to say I am a rocket scientist!). I tried retirement and couldn’t stand it, so decided to work in the “front end” of engineering by influencing the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Email: billie.walden@palmettoscholarsacademy.org

Ms. Donna Williams—ELA

• BA in English, Spalding University
• Graduate work at the University of Tennessee and College of Charleston
• Years in the profession: 11
• Why I Became a Teacher: I teach because my spirit soars when sharing great literature, ideas, and the beauty of the written word with the future leaders of the world. It is my hope that by this exposure to great works, students will be influenced to seek knowledge, thus, building strength, courage, and confidence while becoming better equipped to assemble all their unique qualities into the lives of their dreams.

Email: donna.williams@palmettoscholarsacademy.org