Staff
I was born and raised in Greenville, SC and am a graduate of USC Upstate. I taught for seven years in Early Childhood Education programs before becoming the Director at Earle Street Academy in 2017. I have a passion for early childhood education. I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of this growing program that encourages children to explore and ignite their passion for learning in and outside of the classroom. I am a member of Earle Street Baptist Church and serve with both children and youth. My husband and I have three beautiful daughters, Emma, Tatum, and Mia. I love ESA, and I am thrilled to be here.
Executive Director
SHANNA JOHNSON
I am a local of Greenville, SC and a member of Earle Street Baptist Church. I graduated from the College of Charleston in 2015 with degrees in Public Health and Studio Art, and I have taught art to children of all ages since high school. I started at Camp Greenville and continued teaching through college. I am so excited to be teaching here at Earle Street Academy!
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Administrative Assistant
MACKENZIE ELLIOTT
My husband and I have been married for 13 years and we have four children. I was a teacher in West Virginia from 2003-2005 and in South Carolina from 2005-2009. Shortly after the birth of my son, my husband’s job brought our family to Columbia, South Carolina. After our move to Columbia, God opened doors for me to become a preschool teacher from 2009 until shortly after the birth of my daughter in 2011. After this, we moved to Greenville where I was blessed to be a kindergarten teacher at Rocky Creek Baptist. After teaching kindergarten, we decided to add to our family and I become a stay-at-home mom to our two sons that were born in 2016 and 2018. Throughout our journey I have seen God’s hand upon my family. He has opened and closed so many doors to get me to where I am. This is how I know that God has placed me in your child’s life and in yours. I am excited and encouraged to begin this journey with you!
K4 Teacher
MELISSA SILVERS
I was born and raised in Greenville, SC. I served 11 years in the Army Reserves with 1 tour in Iraq. I have a BA in Human Resource Management from Grantham University. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 12 years. Together we have a beautiful and energetic 4 year old daughter that completes our family. I have worked in childcare for the last 3 years. I’m excited to be a part of the Earle Street Academy team and I’m looking forward to exploring new adventures with each K4 child.
K4 Aide
RENARDA ROBINSON
I am a graduate of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, with a BS in Criminal Justice. After graduation, I worked for nine years for a therapeutic childcare facility. While working, I found that my calling was working with children. I know the importance of early education for children and the success they gain when taught. I am the mother of two children, Griffin and London. Some of my hobbies are playing basketball, singing, and being with family.
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K3 Teacher
GLORIA GRIFFIN
Hello, my name is April Pittman. I graduated from Southern Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation. I taught P. E. classes at camps, YMCA, and preschools. I have been teaching preschool children for 21 years. I love watching children develop socially, emotionally, and physically. I have been married for 20 years. We have three beautiful children. God has blessed our family. We like to walk on the beach and enjoy rides at Dollywood. I also enjoy volunteering at my children's schools. I have enjoyed working at Earle Street Academy
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K3 Teacher
APRIL PITTMAN
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and I worked in Marketing and Human Resources for ten years. After being a Stay-at-Home Mom for a few years, I began a career in Early Childhood Development. I truly love watching children learn and grow, helping them through their challenges, and celebrating their successes. My husband and I have been married for ten years and we have two children and a dog!
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K2 Teacher
SHERRY CLARKSON
I live in Taylors with my husband Martin and our two children, Alexis and Braydon. I’ve spent the majority of my life in Upstate New York until three years ago when we made the move south. We are so grateful to have ended up in the Greenville area. I have a certificate in Early Childhood Education. In addition I have fourteen years of experience teaching life, job and independent living skills to individuals with disabilities. I have always had a passion to assist people in obtaining the skills necessary for them to achieve their individual goals. There is no greater reward than to witness the happiness in someone else’s success. I am very excited to be a part of the Earle Street Academy family.
K2 Aide
ANGEL SCHAUB
I was born and raised in Greenville, SC and am a graduate of Columbus State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. After graduation I worked as an accountant at a local fuel company for 3 years during which time I had children of my own. After having my children I decided to become a stay at home mom for a few years before coming to work at Earle Street. My husband and I have been married for 7 years and have 2 beautiful children, Stella & Layden. I truly enjoy watching and helping children grow and learn! God has blessed my life in more ways than I can say!
Toddler Time Teacher
SAMANTHA ARROWOOD
My name is Dianne Poole. I live in Greenville, SC and am the mother of five children. I have been teaching for 35+ years, and I love it! I am a Toddler Time Teacher here at Earle Street Academy. I also coordinate childcare for another organization in Greenville, which allows me to truly enjoy my passion of helping children grow.
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Toddler Time Aide
DIANE POOLE
I believe there are few greater joys than being with a child. Daily worries have no place in the presence of a laughing, carefree child. Sharing a child’s discoveries and accomplishments brings reassurance that God is the great Creator.
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I have had the privilege of knowing hundreds of children in my 31 years of teaching in elementary school. My preparation for a teaching degree began at North Greenville College and continued at Winthrop College. I have witnessed the excitement of a child learning to read and write. I have been there to smile with them and cheer them on in their accomplishments. And yes, I have also cried with them and offered encouragement as best as I could. To know that I have made a difference in someone’s life has been the greatest reward.
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I began working at Earle Street Baptist Church in January of 2012 as an assistant to the Minister of Preschoolers and Children. Through the years I have assisted with the weekday preschool program here at Earle Street. I’ve never been quite sure of my job title. I think “jack of all trades” might sum it up nicely. What could be more of a blessing than seeing happy, inquisitive children on a daily basis and working with dedicated, caring teachers? I am so glad God has led me to this place for this time in my life. "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."
— Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa
Floating Aide