Meet Our Team
Mrs. MaKayla Anderson
2nd Grade Team - Teacher
Mrs. Anderson began teaching at Meeting Street - Burns in 2020. She grew up in Virginia, but moved to Tennessee for four years to attend East Tennessee State University where she studied Human Services and Early Childhood Education. During the time she spent completing this degree, Mrs. Anderson realized she had a passion for teaching students how to advocate for themselves and be a part of the reason that the achievement gap is closed. After college, Mrs. Anderson attended the College of Charleston to obtain her Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Anderson enjoys spending time with family, going out on the boat, finding seashells and walking her neighborhood in the evenings!
Ms. Jennamarie Aull
Leadership Team - Academic Dean, Grades 1st and 5th & Behavior Intervention Lead
Ms. Aull is the Academic Dean at Meeting Street - Burns. She is a Charleston native and played volleyball at Wando High School and then went on to play in college. She graduated from Columbia College with an Elementary Education degree and pursued her masters degree from Northeastern University. During her 10 years of teaching she gained experience from multiple states including South Carolina, Connecticut & North Carolina. While in Connecticut Ms. Lesky was apart of the 2014-2015 third grade team that had the highest math scores in the state and was recognized by her Superintendent. While working as a third grade teacher in Raleigh, NC, she also served as the leader of the Tier Behavior Team to support teachers and students throughout the building. She is so excited to be moving back to Charleston and closer to her family! She loves spending time on the boat with her family and loves to take her 4 year old son shark fishing. In her free time she loves to go fishing offshore, hunting, running, and anything competitive.
Mr. Nick Bellanco
Explore Team - Physical Education & Health
Coach Bellanco is the Physical Education teacher for Meeting Street @Burns. He moved to Charleston from Scranton, Pennsylvania in August 2018. He is beginning his seventh year teaching and has experience teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. When not teaching, Coach B is extremely passionate about health and fitness, especially bodybuilding. He is also an avid sports fan, whose favorite teams include the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Hurricanes, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ms. Carly Brewington
Exceptional Children Team - Teacher
Carly Brewington graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Special Education in May 2021 from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). While at ETSU, Carly was also a 4 year student athlete (triathlon). She started her professional teaching career at North Charleston High School and fell in love with the Charleston community. While Carly’s experiences at North Charleston High School were fulfilling, she felt called to work in the elementary school setting and joined the Meeting Street Elementary Burns team in 2022. Carly was raised in south Florida and in her spare time she enjoys traveling , spending quality time with friends, going to the beach, and reading and hanging out with her dog Goose.
Mr. Joshua Cardenas
4th Grade Team- Teacher
Joshua Cardenas is currently in his second year teaching at Meeting Street - Burns. Originally hailing from south Florida, he attended the University of South Carolina where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. Mr. Cardenas enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, and exploring historic Charleston with his wife and three dogs.
Mrs. Meg Case
Academic Intervention Team - Interventionist
Marguerite (Meg) Case is an academic interventionist at Meeting Street - Burns. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Southern Wesleyan University with a Master of Education in Leadership. She has an extensive background in literacy and, and she is trained in multiple reading intervention programs. Meg loves to travel, spend time with her family and dogs, go to the beach and read.
Ms. Lori Cameron
2nd Grade Team - Teacher
Ms. Cameron is beginning her third year as a teacher at Meeting Street - Burns. She was born and raised in North Carolina and attended UNC Pembroke where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. After graduation Ms. Cameron began her teaching career in NC where she taught for twenty years. In her spare time Ms. Cameron enjoys traveling, cooking, Pilates, playing tennis and spending time with her son, Adam (20) and her two dogs; Gus and Tucker.
Ms. Kristen Barbar
Exceptional Children Team - Teacher
Ms. Barbar began her teaching career in 2016. She came to Burns in 2020 where she has fulfilled the roles of Exceptional Children teacher and EC department chair. She was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, but later moved to Charleston. She attended the College of Charleston for her bachelor's degree and later pursued her Masters at the University of Georgia. Outside of school Ms. Barbar enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and being outside!
Mr. Anthony Cornish
1st Grade Team - Teacher
Anthony Cornish is beginning his first year at Meeting Street Elementary - Burns. After being raised in Philadelphia, PA, Anthony moved to SC in 2018 to eventually graduate from Mauldin High School in Greenville, SC the following year. Since then, he has gone on to recently graduate from Coastal Carolina University in Spring 2023 with a degree in Early Childhood Education participating in the Call Me MiSTER program, and other campus activities such as pursuing leadership roles, community service opportunities, and greek life. Currently, Anthony is pursuing a M.ED in Instructional Technology that will be completed this coming December. Outside of the classroom, Anthony enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and listening to music, as well as cheering on any and all Philadelphia sports teams.
Miss Lindsey Ferreira
First Grade Team - Teacher
Ms. Ferreira is excited for her third year as a first-grade teacher here at Meeting Street - Burns!! She was raised in Connecticut and then graduated from the University of Lynchburg. She received her degree in Elementary Education while playing varsity level lacrosse. She is so thrilled to bring that passion into the classroom. Outside the classroom, Ms. Ferreira likes to go to the beach, try new coffee spots, read, and relax with friends.
Mrs. Savannah Francis
First Grade Team - Teacher
Ms. Francis grew up outside of Birmingham, Alabama and attended Mississippi State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, Ms. Francis got married and moved with her husband to Los Angeles where she became a first grade teacher. In 2021, she earned her Master’s Degree in Reading Instruction from Grand Canyon University. After teaching first grade in California and Colorado, Ms. Francis, her husband Tyler, and their aussiedoodle Roary moved across the country to Charleston, a place that has always felt like home. They now have an adorable daughter named Natalie. In her free time, Ms. Francis enjoys traveling to new places, grabbing coffee from Lodi, and watching Disney movies at home with her family.
Mrs. Nik'Toshia Flowers
Leadership Team - Dean, Grades Pre-K and Kindergarten
Ms. Flowers received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. While attending USC, she was a South Carolina Teaching Fellow. Through this program she was able to attend several professional developments, including attending Ron Clark Academy in Georgia. She brings innovative hands-on activities into the classroom and focuses on confidence building in each student. She believes in setting a high standard of academic excellence and achievement. Outside of school, Ms. Flowers enjoys traveling, listening to music, and hanging out with her friends and family.
Ms. Bronwen Gammons
Leadership Team - Academic Dean, Grades 3rd and 4th
Bronwen Gammons has been with Meeting Street Burns as an Academic Dean for two years. Previously, she was an assistant principal at River Oaks Middle School; and before at Ashley Ridge High School—with a total of 11 years as an administrator in Dorchester School District 2. Bronwen started her educational career in Virginia Beach, teaching Spanish at Bayside Middle School; transitioning to the position of AVID Coordinator, with a total of 10 years teaching. Originally from Charleston, Bronwen graduated from high school in Greenville, South Carolina; then moved back home to attend THE College of Charleston. She received her Master’s of Education from Cambridge College. Outside of school, Bronwen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, exercising, and going to the beach.
Mrs. DeAndrea Hampton
2nd Grade Team- Teacher
DeAndrea Hampton is a 2nd grade teacher here at Meeting Street @Burns. She was born and raised in Savannah, GA and later moved to Charleston, SC. She attended Bethune Cookman University were she received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Later received her Masters in Education at Claflin University. She began her teaching career in 2021 with the Charleston County school District. Education has always been a desire for her to teach as it has been passed through generations. In her free time she loves to enjoy her family, travel, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ms. Holly Harrison
Exceptional Children Team - Teacher
Ms. Harrison started teaching at Meeting Street @Burns in 2022 as a special education teacher. She found Burns through the Teach for America program after graduating from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in political science. Outside of education, Ms. Harrison enjoys running, surfing, playing volleyball, reading, and exploring new places with her family and friends.
Ms. Sarah Hartsough
Behavior Intervention Team - Interventionist
Miss H moved from Ohio to Charleston in 2021. She began teaching in 2017. She has worked at public, private and alternative schools in various positions including exceptional child specialist, behavior interventionist, and high school advisor. Miss H graduated with her undergad in Special Education and Early Education, she obtained her masters in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis and Emotional Behavior Disturbances. In her free time Miss H enjoys fishing, weightlifting, surfing and exploring.
Mrs. Samantha Harvey
Pre-K Team - Teacher
Ms. Harvey is a PreK teacher, with this being her 3rd year with Meeting Street at Burns. She has 8 years experience working with children of all ages, infant to 18 years of age. She found her passion in getting to know each one of the kids and celebrating each victory and success, no matter how big or small. Ms. Harvey enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Charniqua Jenkins
Kindergarten Team - Teacher
Ms. Jenkins is a Kindergarten teacher at Meeting Street Elementary - Burns where where she has been teaching for 7 years. She is a graduate of Trident Technical College and has a background in education from Ashford University. She was born and raised in Charleston, SC she worked with Charleston County School District for 3 years in the Kaleidoscope program where she tutored students, helped children set career goals, and provided a safe, supervised, and structured program for youth. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jenkins enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with her husband and kids.
Mrs. Dulce Keesecker
3rd Grade Team - Teacher
Mrs. Keesecker is beginning her fifth year as a third grade teacher at Meeting Street - Burns. She was born and raised in California, after high school, she joined the United States Army. She completed a nine month tour in Afghanistan. After serving in the Army for four years, she attended the College of Charleston where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. When she is not in school, she enjoys the outdoors, going to the beach, and making memories with her husband and son.
Mr. Alex Kuzmenko
Operations Team - IT Manager
Mr. Kuzmenko is our campus IT Manager. He is the proud dad of two little ones and happily married to his childhood sweetheart. He was born in Cherkasy, Ukraine and migrated to Massachusetts in 2001 with his parents and nine siblings. He has fond memories of overcoming the language barrier and adjusting to the new culture. He played men’s varsity volleyball and soccer in high school and won the volleyball state title in 2010. He graduated high school with both a Diploma and the Information Support Services & Networking Certificate. Mr. Kuzmenko worked for an IT consulting company until he decided to move to Charleston South Carolina in 2015. Shortly after he became a Field Engineer primarily working on repairing copiers and configuring networking settings to make sure the end user had no problems printing, scanning, coping and faxing. Acquiring this knowledge, he became an expert troubleshooter and installer and was given the task of coordinating installs between customers and vendors and the end users to make sure the transition to the new devices were seamless. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, BBQing, playing sports and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Ms. Hannah Lamb
Explore Team - Art, Player Coach
Ms. Lamb’s teaching career started in 2017 with Teach for America, in a quest to make our education system more equitable across our country. She came to Charleston with 3 years of teaching experience from the banks of the Mississippi river in Arkansas. She has spent time teaching 5th grade general education and elementary art as well as leading explore teams as a grade level chair and player coach in the past. Ms. Lamb graduated from Campbell University in North Carolina with a double major in Public Relations and Spanish with a minor in Health Communication. She played Division I lacrosse for 4 years and loves to be active and share her love for the game with others! When not teaching and learning in the classroom, she loves to be outside, to be creating (literally anything-send her some ideas!), and to be with her dog, Levi.
Ms. Sarah Lansinger
Pre- K Team - Teacher
Sarah Lansinger began her first year teaching at Meeting Street Elementary at Burns in 2023. She was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and attended Towson University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She student taught in Baltimore County and Baltimore City Public Schools. Sarah wants to provide a safe learning environment for her students to have confidence in taking risks. She loves being in the classroom watching her students get excited about learning. In her spare time, Sarah loves to paint, see live music, travel and explore new places with friends, and spend time with her family.
Ms. Anna Lu
Explore Team - Performing Arts
Miss Lu loves Burns Turtles! She attended Oklahoma City University, and earned a Theatre degree with minors in Directing and Costume Design. After that, she worked for a touring children's theatre company and has been teaching since 2021. Before moving to Charleston, she taught at a school back home in Virginia. When not at school, she's with her dog, Daphne!
Mrs. Jennifer Martin
Second Grade Team - Teacher
Jennifer Martin relocated to South Carolina from Massachusetts in 2014. After spending many years as a behavior therapist, she went back to school to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. A graduate of the College of Charleston, Mrs. Martin believes we are all lifelong learners. In her free time she enjoys walking her dog, losing track of time in a good book and spending time with loved ones.
Mrs. Makayla Mitchell
Explore Team - Art Teacher
Mrs. Mitchell was born and raised in South Caronia. She attended South Carolina State University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Studio Arts. After graduation, she joined Teach Charleston to obtain her teaching certification. She taught art for 3 years in Charleston County School District before joining Meeting Street Schools. She is now beginning her 5th year teaching art education and her 2nd year teaching with Meeting Street - Burns. In her spare time, Mrs. Mitchell enjoys traveling, making art, and binge watching the latest television shows with her husband Michael.
Mrs. Jigisha Patel
Kindergarten Team - Teacher
Mrs. Patel started teaching at Meeting Street-Burns in 2019. She was born in Winona, Mississippi and raised in a small town called Covington, Tennessee. Mrs. Patel earned her Master's of Arts in Teaching at Relay Graduate School of Education and her Bachelors of Science in Education at the University of Memphis. She also speaks three different languages including English, Hindi and Gujarati. Outside of teaching she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs. Debbie Perdue
Operations Team - School Nurse
Debbie Perdue is the School Nurse at Meeting Street Elementary Burns. She moved to Charleston in 2021 from Florence, SC. Although, new to school nursing, she has been a nurse for 29 years. Most of her early years in nursing were spent in ICU settings. The past 15 years, she has worked in employee heath, infection control, immunizations and pre/post surgical care of infants, children and adults. Nurse Debbie is so excited for the opportunity to care for the students and to be a part of The Meeting Street @Burns family. Her true joy is her 2 grandchildren but she also enjoys boating with her family, shopping, interior decorating and exploring Charleston.
Ms. Eileen Piernik
Kindergarten Team - Teacher
Ms. Piernik is a graduate of Miami University. She is passionate and excited to teach Kindergarten this year and she hopes that each of her students develop confidence, empathy, and growth during the school year. She strives to help all of her students succeed and reach their goals as learners. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, traveling, cooking, and hanging out with family and friends.
Mrs. Melanie Quinn
Academic Intervention Team - Multilingual Learner Program Specialist
Mrs. Quinn started working as a teacher in 2014 while simultaneously taking leadership roles. Since 2021, she has held the position of an interventionist. Her passion for students has never wavered but has grown to include a love to mentor teachers. Her dedication to wanting to learn is what motivated her to graduate with her Master's in 2023. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters!
Ms. Caroline Reece
4th Grade Team - Teacher
Miss Reece is beginning her 4th year at Meeting Street Burns. She grew up in Columbia , South Carolina and moved to Charleston to attend The College of Charleston. She studied political science, where she discovered her passion for education. She started working with Teach For America to receive her teacher certification. Her passion for teaching and advocating for her students has grown more and more since starting at Burns Elementary. Outside of teaching, Miss Reece enjoys reading, attending locals concerts and knitting! Miss Reece cannot wait to start another amazing year at Burns!
Mr. Lavern Rush
4th Grade Team - Teacher
Mr. Rush is a native of Andrews, SC and 2019 graduate of the illustrious Claflin University located on the hilltop high of Orangeburg, SC. Go panthers! When Mr. Rush is not in the classroom, he enjoys singing and leading worship at his church, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends. His philosophy in life is to be happy while being useful, honorable, compassionate, and to make a difference in this life.
Mrs. Kristine Reifeis
Math Interventionist & Teacher Librarian
Mrs. Reifeis began teaching in 2013 & has been at Burns since 2020. She is from Chicago, Illinois & attended the University of Iowa where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education & a master’s degree in Teaching, Leadership, & Cultural Competency. She loves teaching 1st grade, but stepped into a new role as the media specialist & math interventionist. Outside of teaching, she loves to read, cook, & spend time with her family.
Ms. Dayana Reyes
Kindergarten Team - Teacher
Ms. Reyes is a kindergarten teacher at Meeting Street - Burns. She has been with Burns since 2019, where she has taught 1st and 2nd grade. Prior to joining Meeting Street, Ms. Reyes lived in Madrid, Spain and was a sixth grade teacher in a bilingual school for two years. She's a Charleston native and attended The College of Charleston, where she studied and received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, you can find her traveling, reading a good book, or trying out a new restaurant in Charleston!
Ms. Celycia Scott
Exception Children Team- Teacher
Ms. Scott is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University. She just recently relocated to Charleston from Winston-Salem, NC to be closer to family. She is a passionate educator who has worked with learners from all backgrounds on every end of the spectrum. Ms. Scott's favorite past times include spending time with family, learning, traveling, watching Jeopardy, and engaging in physical activity- including officiating basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
Briana Sharpe-Thomas
3rd Grade Team - Teacher
Ms. Sharpe-Thomas is the 3th Grade Math teacher here at Meeting Street - Burns. She is from Atlanta, GA and moved to South Caroline in August of 2011 to attend South Carolina State University. This is where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and was ready to begin here dream as an Elementary Teacher. This will be her 7th year teaching Elementary Mathematics. Her goal is to see all students flourish academically and socially through problem solving and mathematical practices that can be applied to everyday life. Ms. Sharpe-Thomas enjoys listening to music, binge watching the latest shows and cooking weekly meals to build her chef skills in the kitchen.
Ariana Snowden
1st Grade Team - Player Coach and Teacher
Ms. Snowden moved to Charleston, South Carolina from Orlando, Florida where she was formerly a Walt Disney World cast member. Originally from Chesapeake, VA, she attended Brenau University in Gainesville, GA where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theater and was in numerous productions. At Disney Ms. Snowden was a part of the professional internship program and lead teams in Animal Kingdom, at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, and in All Star Music Resort. In her spare time she likes to craft, follow Pinterest recipes, go to any and all professional athletic events, plan last minute weekend trips, and online shop. Ms. Snowden has always been passionate about two things: Musical Theater and children.
Chandler Soloway
Behavior Intervention Team - Interventionist
Chandler Soloway is a Behavior Interventionist for K -2 at Meeting Street - Burns. She was born and raised in North Carolina and attended East Carolina University for her Masters of Social Work, with a licensure in School Social Work. She is a major advocate for mental health and giving kids the tools needed to share their powerful voice with the world. When she isn’t at school, Chandler loves to read a good book with her dog, and explore the new place she calls home!
Mr. Danzel Thompson
Operations Tea - Data & Analytics Manager
Mr. Thompson is beginning his Meeting Street career this year as the Data and Analytics Manager. He is a local South Carolinian and even attended Burns and Brentwood for both Elementary and Middle School. After Graduating from Canebay High School he immediately entered the workforce jumping straight into the field of IT. He studied and passed several certification tests that qualified him as a Network and Computer engineer. He started with ITS as an intern when he was 17 and worked there until he turned 26 servicing the Low country’s IT needs for around 9 years. Through the world of IT Mr. Thompson worked at several schools one of which was MSEB. He worked there from the summer of 2020 to the start of the New Year as a contractor and now is an official employee! During his time at Meeting Street he helped facilitate IT centric projects and handled the day to day tasks that ensure the technology needs are met for all teachers staff and students. In his spare time Mr. Thompson likes to play video/board games, go to the gym, spend time with his beautiful daughter, and listen to thought provoking podcasts.
Ms. Emily D. Thompson
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Thompson is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. After receiving her masters, also at the University of Arkansas, she became a speech therapist for an elementary school in Little Rock, Arkansas. In order to spread her wings and further grow, she decided to move away from Arkansas and chose the beautiful, historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. In her spare time Ms. Thompson enjoys traveling, spending time with family/friends, taking long walks with her goldendoodle, or reading a good book.
Ms. Sherrie Vanderhorst
Operations Team - Operations Specialist
Ms. Vanderhorst is the Operations Specialist. She was born in Johns Island, SC. After graduating from St. Johns High School she attended Beta Tech Technical College where she became a state certified Medical Assistant. In addition to furthering her education, she worked 20+ yrs in school bus transportation. Seeking a change of pace, she decided and agreed to join the excellent and stellar team at Meeting Street Elementary @Brentwood. She is one of the founding members of Meeting Street Elementary @Burns. In her spare time, Ms. Vanderhorst enjoys reading, outdoor activities, cooking, traveling, attending her church services and functions, along with spending fun quality time with her two sons, granddaughter, furry diva-Roxy and family.
Ms. Deloris Washington
Pre-K Team - Teacher
Ms. Washington was born and raised in South Carolina and attended Southeastern University where she received an Associate Degree in Medical Assistant and a credential in Early Childhood. She is currently attending Phoenix University to receive an Early Childhood Bachelor degree. She previously worked as a teacher assistant in Pre-k3, Special Ed; and a lead Daycare teacher. Ms. Washington is a mother of two, a grandmother of one and a wife. In her spare time she enjoys writing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Emily Williams
1st Grade Team - Teacher
Mrs. Williams is a 1st grade homeroom teacher. This is her 8th year teaching and her 6th year at Burns. Mrs. Williams is proud to be a founding member @Burns. She has taught both kindergarten and 1st grade. Mrs. Williams is originally from Irmo, South Carolina. She attended the College of Charleston where she studied and received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, you can find her hanging with her husband (Walker), daughter (Hattie) and dog (Hank) at the beach.
Mrs. Erica Wimpory
3rd Grade Team - Teacher & Grade Player Coach
Erica Wimpory is a 3rd grade literacy teacher and player coach here at Meeting Street @Burns. She moved to Charleston from Bedford, Massachusetts seven years ago and has been teaching with Meeting Street Schools ever since! She received both her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Special Education from Endicott College. Throughout her teaching career, she has spent time teaching in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and now 3rd grade! In her classroom, Mrs. Wimpory strives to help her students reach their goals while challenging them along the way. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, walking her two dogs, and going to the beautiful beaches in Charleston!
Mr. Dru Wolfe
Behavior Intervention Team - Interventionist
Dru is one of our Behavior Interventionists. This is his fourth year at Burns. He graduated with a BA in Accounting and Business Management from Marietta College. Before becoming a part of the Burns family he spent time in Corporate America and was also a City of Charleston Firefighter. In his free time he loves going to sporting events and listening to live music with his family.
Julia Wood
Academic Interventionist
Mrs.Wood is from down the road and across some bridges on Johns Island, SC where she grew up! She received both her BA (Hollins University) and her Masters of Science (College of Charleston) in Environmental Science. In addition, she is a Certified Practitioner of Orton-Gillingham through the Orton-Gillingham Academy. She started with Meeting Street@Burns in January 2019 and started her teaching career in 2010. Mrs. Wood likes traveling, making artsy things, baking sourdough, and all outdoor adventures - especially on the water.