The Office

 

Mara Dunkin has been the director at HOPE Academy for the past seven years.  She was raised in Lexington, SC and graduated from USC with a degree in Elementary Education.  Her husband spent nine years in the Air Force and they enjoyed living in Florida, Delaware, Oklahoma, Germany, and Virginia before coming home to South Carolina.  Her husband now works full time at McEntire Air National Guard in charge of Air Traffic Control.  Mara has worked in daycares, YMCA after school programs, and a christian mother's day out program before coming to HOPE Academy as a teacher.  She taught the twos for a few months before taking over the four year old class.  She took time off to have the last of her four children and came back as the director.  Mara has three boys ages 15, 12, and 9 and her daughter is 7.  Mara and her family are active members here at HOPE Baptist Church and she enjoys scrapbooking and reading in her spare time.

 

Brandy Schaefer is our Assistant Director at HOPE Academy.  She has worked with us for over 3 years in different positions.  She started off as our Toddler teacher and then Mara asked her to help in the office.  Once the spot in the kitchen came available, Brandy left the office for her first love, cooking!  Brandy took some time off to care for her three young girls and then came back in the kitchen.  When Mara once again needed help in the office, Brandy graciously agreed.  Brandy attended Johnson and Wales University where she obtained degrees in Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, and Food Service Management.  Brandy enjoys gardening, reading, and running her Gourmet Housewife business.  Brandy attends HOPE Baptist Church and assists with the Keepers At Home program for girls and their mothers.

 

Our Featured Teachers

 

Infant Room

Irma Reynolds has been at HOPE Academy over five years.

 

Young Toddler Room

Pam McClinton has been at HOPE Academy for over one year.

 

Older Toddler Room

Michelle Oakley has been at HOPE Academy over three years.

 

Young Twos

Jackie Diaz has been at HOPE Academy for over seven years. 

 

Older Twos

LaShawnda Kirkland has been at HOPE Academy over two years.

 

Threes

Evy Bryant has been at HOPE Academy over three years.

Raquel Jorgensen has been at HOPE Academy over four years.

Ann Howell has been with HOPE Academy for over two years.

 

Fours

Sandy Crider has been at HOPE Academy seven years.  Sandy's website www.mssandysroom.biz.ly

Yolanda Valenzuela has been at HOPE Academy  four years.

 

Kindergarten

Darla Jones has been at HOPE Academy four years.

 

Floaters

Yvette Moses has been at HOPE Academy for over two years.

Amanda Watkins has been at HOPE Academy for three years.