CarolinaLIFE faculty and staff are experts in the field of inclusive education who are passionate about building intentional programmatic supports to assist students in achieving their goals while attending college.
Email: emilliron@sc.edu
Erica directly manages staff members and instructors and helps manage student-led communications with family members. Erica brings a wealth of experience to her role, having taught Special Education for 18 years in the public school system in Pennsylvania and serving as transition coordinator for 14 of those years.
Email: mfbaker@mailbox.sc.edu
Maggie coordinates the application and interview process, manages advising, scheduling, and registration for all CarolinaLIFE students, and supervises and trains Living & Learning Lab Coaches and Social Engagement Coaches. She also partners with campus offices to foster inclusive and meaningful opportunities for CarolinaLIFE students. She is passionate about helping students grow in independence and thrive in the college environment.
Email: mwhitaker@sc.edu
Megan coordinates internships and paid employment for CarolinaLIFE students, oversees assessment and instruction pertaining to employment, and supervises employment coaches. She also maintains connections with local employers.
Email: jessied@email.sc.edu
Jessie Guest is a Clinical Assistant Professor in USC's Counseling and Supervision Program. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor as well as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Jessie supports the personal development and resident coaches. Her research and publications include Social Emotional Learning, mindfulness and well-being, play therapy, and trauma.
Email: Smithrb@email.sc.edu
Becca worked for nine years as a social worker with families experiencing homelessness. She also spent nine years as a public school special education teacher in middle and high schools, teaching students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her research includes self-determination, sense of belonging, dignity of risk, identity development, and overall wellness for transition-age young adults. Becca has published over 19 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.