On A Professional Note ~

2025/2026 marks my 28th year teaching and my 9th year at Stone Academy.  Prior to joining the faculty here at Stone, I spent 11 years teaching at Mitchell Road Elementary School.  My 27 years in education have found me in a variety of positions, mainly 3rd and 5th grade, but I have also taught 1st and 8th grade.

My undergraduate degree was obtained from Columbia College and my master’s degree from USC. I completed post-graduate work at Furman University, obtaining an endorsement in Gifted Education and my TESOL certification. 

During my time, away from school and family, I enjoy doing consultant work with teachers developing their language arts and social studies curriculum. During the summer, I work with Roper Mountain Science Center as a teacher in their Science PLUS Institute that provides science instruction and resources for public school teachers across our state. In addition, I work diligently in the area of arts integration - both as a learner and an educator. Three years ago, I was honored to receive the Arts Integration Award through Palmetto State Arts Education and I am currently working on a certification as an Arts Integration Trainer through Arts in Basic Curriculum. In addition, I serve on the board for PSAE (Palmetto State Arts Educators). 

On a Personal Note ~

Ten years ago, I was blessed to marry my wonderful husband, Frank Powell, and my little family of three became a family of five.   

My husband (Mr. Powell) has come out of his retirement to join the staff at Rudolph Gordan School. He retired from his position as an eighth grade social studies teacher at League Academy in 2024 and worked as a retirement specialist with ValuTeachers, but ultimately decided he missed his students too much to stay out of the classroom.

Together, we have three children. Will, our youngest, is in his third year as a junior at Western Carolina in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Our daughter, Sarah, graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in psychology and begins her graduate work in the field of social work this year.  Our oldest, Austin, graduated from Furman University in 2020 where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in sustainability science.  He lives and works outside of Chicago in Wheaton, Illinois where he works with the local government to manage and initiate efforts to limit the areas impact on the environment.

In March 2021, my husband adopted my children and in June of that year our adoption story was featured on The Today Show.  Here is a link to the clip so you can learn a little more about our family:

https://www.today.com/parents/kids-surprise-stepfather-request-legally-adopt-them-t221976