Hello! My name is Holly Steadman and I am so excited to be your new Elementary School Counselor for FIVE (Flexible Innovative Virtual Education)! I grew up in the Hudson Valley, in New York, and received my undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. It’s very cold up there!! I received my Masters degree in School Counseling, from Mercy College. I am certified as a School Counselor K-8, both in New York, and South Carolina. I have over 15 years of experience as an LPC (licensed professional counselor), and 3 years as an Academic Intervention Support Teacher, for grades 3-6. I have been part of Lexington-Richland District 5, as a Special Services Assistant, as well.
I am looking forward to helping each student reach their full potential, and build their self-confidence, as a student, and as an individual. I believe all students are capable, strong, and can grow, educationally, and emotionally, no matter what level, or pace, they begin at. I can’t wait to meet you all, and support you through your journey in FIVE! Please reach out and let me know how I can assist!
B.A. in Public Relations:
SUNY Oswego
M.S. in School Counseling:
Mercy College
Certificate in Human Services:
Westchester Community College
School Counseling Certification in South Carolina and New York
DASA certified (Dignity for All Students Act)
Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Grief Therapy
School Counseling Certification (K-12) in SC, TN, and GA
High School Counselor-11 years
Middle School Counselor- 6 years
College Advisor- 4 year
Greetings! My name is Lakesha Earl. This is my second year at the Flexible Innovative Virtual Education Program (FIVE) and my 22nd year in school counseling. My family and I moved to Lexington from Chattanooga, Tennessee by way of Aiken, SC. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor's of Social Work and a Master's of Education with a concentration on School and Guidance Counseling. I started my career as a school counselor working in middle and high school settings and before moving to Aiken, I served as the Director of Academic Completion and Prior Learning Assessment at Chattanooga State Community College.
I believe in meeting the unique needs of ALL students in the pursuit of their personal growth and education and have a passion for empowering students to meet their goals and aspirations. I am so excited to serve as an advocate for the students at FIVE during the 2022-23 academic year! Please let me know if I can assist you in any way!
Master of Social Work:
Tulane University
Career Development Facilitator Program:
Midlands Technical College
GCDF (Global Career Development Facilitator)
Hello! My name is Cindy Hawkins. I am so excited to begin my second year as part of the FIVE family! Irmo has been home for my family since 2001. Our two older children are District 5 graduates, and our youngest is currently a student at Dutch Fork High School. I am also a grandmother to two precious little girls.
I earned a BA in Sociology from Furman University and a Master of Social Work degree from Tulane. I served in the health care field for over 20 years. I also have extensive subbing experience in District 5 schools. A few years ago I completed the Career Development Facilitator course, which has led to my current position.
My family enjoys traveling in our RV and hiking. I also love to read, work word puzzles, crochet, and lead an adult class at my church.
I look forward to working with our FIVE students and families this year!