Meet our Team
Staff Team
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Founder, Executive Director
Travelers Rest, SC -
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the dream of starting an outdoor program. I think the seed was planted during my first time at summer camp. Each year I looked so forward to returning to camp and eventually became a counselor at the same camp. The new experiences, friends I made, outdoor adventures, lessons learned, and wonderful memories have stuck with me through the years. I always wanted others to have the same opportunity!
Upon graduating from college, I put summer camp life behind me and entered the “real world.” However, my love of camp life and working with children led me to positions at two residential therapeutic outdoor programs and a farm-based therapeutic boarding school. I’ve witnessed the positive impact of the outdoors on my own mental and physical wellbeing as well as on the children and teenagers I’ve had the privilege to work with. I’ve also seen the impact a lack of resources and support can have on an individual as well as the entire family, particularly within the neurodiverse community.
So! It only made sense to develop a program for neurodiverse students that incorporates the outdoors, experiential learning and new adventures that revolves around empowering students and their families.
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I earned both my Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. Professional roles I have had include residential staff member at two outdoor programs, case manager in the medical field and state agencies, therapist at a psychiatric residential facility as well as a farm-based therapeutic boarding school. I have also owned and operated a private practice.
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I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Outdoor activities I enjoy include camping, kayaking, hiking and going for scenic drives through the mountains. Playing with my dogs and rabbit as well as listening to music are also some of my favorite pastimes.
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Academic Director and Teacher
Clemson, SC -
My husband, Chris, and I live in the upstate and have 5 children with three of them currently in college and the other two in high school. We also have two dogs and two cats that are always entertaining.
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After being born and raised in Orange Park, Florida, I attended Clemson University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education along with certifications in Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education. I also attended Columbia College where I received my Master’s in Divergent Learning. I spent 18 years in the public school system teaching elementary and middle school students in both resource classrooms as well as self-contained classrooms specializing in teaching students with Autism, behavioral issues, emotional disabilities, mild and moderate intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities. I also spent a few years as a lead behavioral therapist where I led ABA therapy with students with Autism. Seeing that students needed more than just academic support in order to become confident, independent young adults, I began teaching in a private, therapeutic school where I was both a teacher and academic director for two years. It was during this time that my love of working with students in a non-traditional, outdoor setting and in an experiential way grew exponentially and became my passion. Students need to be supported academically, socially, and emotionally in order to learn, grow, and be successful.
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In my spare time, you can find me reading, listening to music, out on the water, going for a hike, or spending time with my family and friends. Of course, I will always cheer on the Clemson Tigers and Navy Midshipmen!
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Outdoor Programming Director and Teacher
Clemson, SC -
I was born and raised in the Greenville area and am thrilled to be a part of the team at Trailhead. It is a dream come true to be able to bring this type of school to my hometown.
I currently call Clemson home, with my wife Julie and our five kids (three of which are in college already and two are not too far behind), our dogs Sophie and Koda, and our cats Tillie and Dolly.
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I am a graduate of Anderson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and a Masters in Teaching degree in Special Education from Walden University. I have taught for 12 years in public education, mostly teaching middle school students, and most recently 2 years in a private school setting. I have a passion to help students find ways to enjoy learning, especially by learning through experiences. I believe that we have a great opportunity to reach a certain population of students here in the upstate who need hands-on learning experiences, and what better way than through outdoor and farm-based adventures. I also believe that the ability to work hand in hand with the therapist to give our students the very best school experience makes TCFS one of a kind.
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In my free time, you will definitely find me outside fly fishing on the Chattooga, working in the garden or in my yard, reading a good book, listening to music, playing drums, taking a jog on a trail somewhere with my dogs, perfecting my barbecuing skills, or just hanging out with my family and friends.
Board of Directors
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Board of Directors, Chair
Cleveland, SC -
As a stepmom, my transition into parenthood seemed both abrupt and gradual at the same time. While our youngest was in elementary school, I was on the fringes of his academic experience, with mom and dad both attending parent-teacher conferences and helping with homework. But as he got older, and seemed to be silently struggling through each day of traditional school, I started to speak up and ask questions and get more involved. From co-parenting as a team, I know that it takes as many resources and caring adults as possible to support neurodivergent students’ unique needs and individual gifts. As my step-son now enters high school, homeschooling with me for the last 3 years, I’ve been drawn to the opportunity to co-create Trailhead Community Farm School for so many students like him, and so many families like ours.
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I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Youth Programming and Camp Management, and have professional experience in environmental education, camp management, volunteer management, and non-profit executive leadership. I am currently the Director of Communication at YMCA Camp Greenville and the owner of Stacie Simpson Consulting, LLC.
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In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, drinking delicious coffee, visiting Disney World, and cuddling with my dog.
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Board of Directors, Treasurer
Powdersville, SC -
I am excited to be a part of the development and implementation of Trailhead Community Farm School (TCFS). Right now, there is a tremendous need for educational opportunities for children with ASD and ADHD, especially middle and high school students and for their families. TCFS will provide a local school so children can remain with their family rather than having to be sent to a specialized boarding school. And parents can see their child thrive in a supportive, accepting environment. What could be better than that for both the children and family?
I am privileged to serve on the TCFS Board of Directors. I have learned so much from the other talented and experienced Board members and from parents and professionals who have shown interest in the school. I’m glad to be a part of this initiative and want to do all I can to see this school come to fruition.
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I am a retired Registered Nurse and have devoted my life to helping children and families in need.
I serve on several boards and committees that support women and children. These are primarily through my church and as a Board member for the Friends of the Greenville County Guardian Ad Litem program.
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I love to sew, quilt, work in the garden and travel. Perhaps my favorite pastime, though, is to sit in from of a warm fire, reading a book, with each of my two dogs lying on either side of me. It doesn’t get much better than that!
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Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
Greer, SC -
Watching my child struggle was heart wrenching. Finally, at age 14, we discovered that they were autistic and had ADHD. We struggled for years to get the needed support and appropriate academic environment from the school district, which proved to be a disappointing battle. When Courtney mentioned a new school for kids with these same characteristics, I was completely on board. I am passionate about the need for this educational environment and providing support for our students and families.
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My career was in the commercial furniture industry, design and project management. I worked with companies of all sizes, including many Fortune 500 companies, helping them determine their needs and design their facilities to best accommodate them. I also founded and owned a company providing interior design, furnishings and project management for hotel renovations and upgrades.
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Retirement has provided me with plenty of time to pursue my love of crafting. As an “artist wannabe”, I enjoy paper crafting, knitting, polymer clay, origami and many other fun activities. My creative projects have taught me the very important life lesson that you should never work with spray glue and glitter outside on a windy day when you have long hair. It was a sparkling Christmas that year!
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Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
Greenville, SC -
I have grown up and lived in the upstate all my life. I am passionate about the environment. I was previously a chair for the landscape committee at my children's school and maintained & organized educational events for the "secret garden" on site.
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I attended Francis Marion University where I received my B.S. in Economics and minor in Environmental Studies, that's where my passion for the environment blossomed.
I am an entrepreneur and owned a landscape business for 15 years with my late husband, and was also in the health and wellness field. Recently I had a career change and now own a MedSpa where I am an esthetician.
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In my spare time you can find me in the garden, attending a yoga class or outside hiking. I also love to travel.
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Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
Pickens, SC -
I worked with Courtney Eidson for a number of years at a similar school. During that time, I appreciated her passion for the population and really enjoyed our conversations about best practice and what the student population needed in order to fully access the education they deserved. Joining the board for TCFS allows me to further those conversations and be a part of bringing visions to fruition. I'm excited for our community and the hope that TCFS will bring so many families.
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I received my undergraduate degree in education from Winthrop University. While pursuing my masters, I was invited to teach on campus at Winthrop as an example of a model classroom where undergraduate students could observe and participate. Fast forward eight years and quite a few life lessons. I took on a role as the program manager over a children's home and had my eyes opened to how deeply family and health issues impact every student's ability to learn. Even though I had known that previously, it became REAL at the children's home.
Most recently, I was the Academic Director at a school for students with a variety of issues impacting social, emotional, behavioral, and academic performance. Part of my role there was to look at the whole child and all environmental factors to create individualized learning plans for each student. I also spoke on behalf of students and families in order to acquire state funding to meet all identified needs in instances where they could not be met in a student's home school district.
I volunteer in our community's food pantry along with my mother and my daughter-in-law. I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to GIVE! Both your time and financial gifts are precious. The need is great and growing!
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At home, I have an ever-growing list of arts and crafts that I enjoy. The most prominent of my crafts is jewelry making. I began selling it when I was in college and have had products in stores throughout South Carolina. At one point, I was even featured in my local art museum's gift shop. Most everything I make now is donated to be sold in fundraisers and craft fairs to raise money for local charities.
My favorite pastime, however, is enjoying activities with my family. My younger son and I love to go on day trips in the mountains and visit local festivals. He has just started collecting coins, so by default, I am spending time learning about coins lately as well.
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Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
Greenville, SC -
I moved to Greenville in 2019 to complete my postdoctoral fellowship, and fell in love with the area and the people and decided to stay put. Through my work at Prisma Health and my involvement with Greenville CAN, I was asked to do a presentation on therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism. I was lucky enough that Courtney found my presentation and asked me to join the board and lend my clinical expertise to TCFS. Seeing the passion of the individuals already on the board had me excited to join the program and be able to better serve the community. I live in Greenville with my wife, our two dogs, and our cat.
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I began my career working with individuals with ASD in the summer of 2013 at a summer camp for individuals with autism and other developmental and behavioral challenges.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Washington College before moving to Fort Lauderdale, where I completed my Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) at Nova Southeastern University in 2019. Throughout my doctoral program, I focused my practicum work and internship in psychological assessment of ASD and other developmental disorders, and completed my doctoral directed study with a focus on improving recreational programming guidelines for individuals with ASD.
I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at through Prisma Health Pediatric Psychology in 2020 and was hired full time and continue my role as a pediatric psychologist specializing in autism assessment.
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Much of my free time is spend in the kitchen as I love cooking and entertaining my friends and family! On weekends I can be found at trivia nights, playing disc golf, and when I have the chance scuba diving, especially when on vacation as my wife and I try and travel often!
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Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
Greenville, SC -
I am a Maine native and relocated to the upstate in 2014. I wanted to live somewhere I could be outdoors year-round to enjoy hiking and exploring. Nature has always been very regulating for me. I currently live in Greenville with my husband, daughter, dog, and cat.
I am passionate about building inclusive environments that support all people and when I learned about TCFS, I knew I had to become involved immediately. I am excited about helping neurodivergent learners maximize their potential and thrive at TCFS.
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I studied Kinesiology and Physical Education as well as Disability Studies at the University of Maine. While at the University of Maine, I had the privilege of serving as a teaching assistant in the Adapted Physical Education course and classroom assistant at a Montessori school, where I supported several neurodivergent students in their educational setting. I earned a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Southern Maine.
I recently graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina where I earned my post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. My capstone project: Inclusive Healthcare Service for a Neurodiverse Population was focused on improving healthcare service and accessibility for autistic young adults by advocating for improved clinician education on the needs of this population. I have been privileged to share my work at professional presentations and guest lectures.
I have experience as an occupational therapist in the school setting, early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, skilled nursing facility, and home health. I am a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Alliance for Disability in Health Care Education. I also serve on the Executive Committee of the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association.
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Anything active and outdoors! My family and I enjoy hiking, running, attending local music, festivals, and sports events, working out at the Y, and volunteering. During our free time, you can catch us out and about in the community – we are always on the go!
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Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
Travelers Rest, SC -
Coming Soon
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Coming soon
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Coming soon
Consultants
Deanna Parish, PhD
Deanna Parish has been serving students with disabilities for over 25 years. As a classroom teacher, she worked with students with intellectual disabilities, specializing in students with extensive support needs. Deanna has also served as a lead teacher, working with other teachers of students with low incidence disabilities. Her passion for teacher training was ignited through serving as a cooperating teacher for pre-service teacher candidates and as a coach for in-service special education teachers. Deanna has moved on to work in special education administration, spending time as both a coordinator and as a director of special services. In her current role as program director of the Academic Alliance of South Carolina, Deanna works in collaboration with other state technical assistance agencies to promote the implementation of evidence-based practices in SC. These experiences have led to opportunities to increase outcomes for students with disabilities and their families through the development of teacher leaders and support for quality instruction within special education programs. Deanna has worked with state-level leaders on alternate assessment development and instructional support.
Christi Foster, LISW-CP
Christi Foster has extensive experience providing services in a variety of settings, including but not limited to the medical field, educational settings, and as a private practitioner. As a clinical social worker, Christi enjoys empowering others and seeing individuals and families reach their full potential. Christi is currently employed full time as a clinical social worker at a high school in Spartanburg, SC where she provides mental health services and support to the students. In addition, she works with students to set future goals and develop a plan of action to reach those goals. She assists the students to learn life skills and build on their strengths. Her additional experiences have provided her the opportunity to learn and utilize assessment tools, crisis management skills, case management experience, and effective bereavement counseling skills.
Dr. Matthew Fisher, Psychiatrist
Dr. Matthew Fisher completed his General Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas-Galveston and a Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University of South Carolina. He serves as the Medical leader of Springbrook’s Psychiatric Residential and Outpatient Treatment Program (specializing in treating Autism Spectrum Disorders) and is an authority in minimal medical management of ASD and ASD with comorbidities. Dr. Fisher speaks at Autism Conferences on Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medication Management for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Myths and Misconceptions in Autism, Autism and Co-Morbid Conditions, and helping siblings and other children understand Autism.
Property/Facilities Task Group
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Committee Description
The Property/Facilities Task Group assesses potential properties for the site of TCFS, compares property features and prices, makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors on property selection, reviews lease agreements and provides feedback to the Board.
Task Group members have experience in property management, real estate, contract law, or similar.
Note: The task group will be dissolved after the selection of a school site, at which time a permanent facilities committee may be formed
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Jennifer Lassausaie
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
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Sandi Cromer
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Fund Development Committee
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Committee Description
The Fund Development Committee evaluates and implements potential funding opportunities to support both general operations and special projects/purposes for TCFS. Plans and hosts in-person and virtual fundraising events. Identifies potential grant opportunities and writes grant applications. Develops annual fundraising plan/calendar to include a variety of donor engagement opportunities.
Committee members have experience in fundraising, grant writing, events planning, or similar.
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Lee Carroll
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
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Nancy Davis
Program Advisory Committee
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Committee Description
The Program Advisory Committee assesses potential curriculum materials and plans for balancing formal instruction with hands-on and individualized learning. Prepares TCFS for future academic accreditation. Identifies and evaluates potential program partners for field trips and classroom guest experts. At the specific request of the executive director, may provide feedback and insight on teacher qualifications.
Committee members have experience in education, recreation, managing collaborations, or similar.
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Jennifer Lassausaie
COMMITTEE CHAIR
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Marketing/Communications Committee
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Committee Description
The Marketing and Communications Commitee develops and distributes marketing and communications materials on behalf of TCFS, to include website, social media, print media, and brand identity. Takes an active role in the promotion of the school and its mission, teacher recruitment, student recruitment, and community involvement/partnership. Directly supports the Fund Development Committee, as requested.
Committee members have experience in written communications, social media management, graphic design, or similar.
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Stacie Simpson
COMMITTEE CHAIR
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Ali Pedrick