March 2016

Kindergarten: Ms. T. Jackson

I have a BS and Master's + 30 degree in Early Childhood Education. I've taught 27 years in the classroom. I'm the mother of two amazing daughters, Kristen and Lauren. I have a precious miniature schnauzer named Bentley that I enjoy so much each day. I'm looking forward to beginning a new journey as LCE's Reading Coach next year!

First Grade: Ms. Letsche

I am originally from Iowa, Go Hawks! In my free time I enjoy running, reading, traveling, and shopping. I have been teaching since the fall of 2013. I have been teaching at Lake Carolina since 2014. 

Second Grade: Mrs. Carroll
I have been teaching in Richland Two since 1994. During this time, I have taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.

My husband and I have 2 children attending Richland Two schools. I enjoy reading and cooking in my free time.

Special Areas: Mrs. Ramos

I was born in El Paso Texas and come from a military family. I am Puerto Rican and love my Hispanic culture! I have been teaching since 1989 and have a bachelor’s Degree in Learning Disabilities and Early Childhood as well as a  Master’s Degree in Divergent Learner. I have been involved in the Hispanic Presbyterian Fort Jackson Ministry for eight years helping soldiers. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, reading and working on puzzles.

February 2016

Kindergarten: Mrs. K. Jackson
I joined the Lake Carolina family in 2013. I have taught all grades K-5. My husband, Phillip, and I have two children. Joshua is our oldest child. He is 11 and is in 5th grade at the upper campus. Lindsay is our youngest. She is 9 and is a 3rd grader at the upper campus.

I love spending my days with children discovering new things and unveiling new possibilities learning opens up to us. I like to have a classroom where the kids walk away smiling and smarter everyday. We dance like no ones watching, we read like everyone's listening, and we love each other like family.

First Grade: Mrs. F. Lewis
I began my teaching career in 1996. I have taught 3rd grade and 2nd grade but 1st grade is by far my favorite! I am so thankful that I get to be a part of so many children’s educational journey.

My husband and I have 2 children and we live in Northeast Columbia. When away from school, I enjoy reading, shopping, and learning more about photography.

Second Grade: Ms. O'Neal
I have been teaching at Lake Carolina Elementary since 2013. Prior to teaching at Lake Carolina, I taught middle school special education in Richland One for two years. I am originally from Greenville, S.C., but I have lived in Columbia since 2011. My hobbies include running, playing with my dog, going to sporting events (Go Tigers!), and watching reality T.V.

Special Areas: Mr. Lane
I have been teaching since 1991 and joined Lake Carolina in 2008. Both of my parents were artists, so I am experienced in a large variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art media.
In addition to creating art, my hobbies include snowboarding, bodysurfing, stop motion animation, writing, and discovering new music.

January 2016

Kindergarten: Mrs. Agee
I joined the Lake Carolina family in 2015. I have taught kindergarten and first grade. My husband, Preston, and I have a four legged, furry child named Sadie (a golden retriever). I have believed education was my calling from an early age and feel so grateful to be doing what I love.

First Grade: Mrs. Richardson
I have been teaching at Lake Carolina since 2003. I have taught first grade and second grade. My family and I reside in a neighborhood in downtown Columbia. When away from school, I love to play tennis, snow ski, curl up to a good book, and shop!

Second Grade: Ms. Basha
I have been teaching since at Lake Carolina since 2014. I completed all of my internships for USC here at Lake Carolina. I am excited to continue my journey of being an educator at this wonderful school.

I was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. I have a black lab named Sadie. I am a huge fan of the Gamecocks and enjoy Carolina football and baseball games.

Special Areas: Ms. Louthian
I have been teaching in Richland Two since 2015. I attended Winthrop University and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Special Education. I am thrilled to begin my journey as an educator at Lake Carolina Elementary!

I was born in Blythewood, South Carolina and attended Richland Two throughout my time as a student. I enjoy spending time at the beach, shopping, spending time with family and friends, and rooting for my Tigers.

December 2015

Kindergarten: Mrs. Rholetter
I began my teaching career in 2003.  I have taught Art, First Grade and Kindergarten. I am married and have two daughters, Madeline and Kennedy. I enjoy catching the latest movie flicks with my family and making travel memories. I am beginning my second year of teaching at Lake Carolina.  I am looking forward to a great year. 

First Grade: Mrs. Lewis
I have been teaching at Lake Carolina Elementary since we opened in 2002. I have also taught in Florence and in Lugoff, SC. It is important to me that my students develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. My husband and I have three grown children and six grandchildren. My hobbies include reading, gardening, and spending time with my family.


Second Grade: Mrs. Stewart
I have been teaching at Lake Carolina since 2013 and I am thrilled to be a part of such a positive school community as the one here at "the Lake"!  I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Carolina.  I was drawn to the teaching profession as a result of my continuous passion for learning and the enjoyment I receive from working with children.  

In June of 2013, I married my wonderful husband, Jason, whom also graduated from USC and we now have two chocolate labs, Drake and Maggie, that we added to our family.  In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, vacationing at the beach, shopping, reading and cheering on the Gamecocks!


Special Areas: Kelli Harper
I have been a school counselor since 2012 and absolutely love what I do.  I am originally from Eureka, Illinois but have lived in South Carolina since 2008 and now call it home! I enjoy staying active, spending time with friends, family, and my dog Bentley.  I am looking forward to working with all of the wonderful students, families and staff at Lake Carolina! 

November 2015

Kindergarten: Ms. Riley
This is my first year teaching and I could not be more thrilled to begin my journey at Lake Carolina! I have always had a passion for teaching and I love watching children grow and learn. I am so excited for a great first year in Kindergarten.

Some of my hobbies include running, yoga, and spending time with my family and friends. I have a sweet beagle named Ella who I love to take on walks every day! I also enjoy watching sports, especially football. Go Gamecocks!!

First Grade: Ms. Hobbs

I have been teaching at Lake Carolina since 2013. I love teaching first grade, and observing the growth in each child!I am extremely passionate about teaching young children, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to do so! 
My hobbies include running and spending time with my family and friends. I also have a yellow retriever named Henry! As a graduate of the University of South Carolina, I enjoy watching all USC sports. Go Gamecocks!

Second Grade: Ms. Bozard
I have been teaching since 1994. I taught at Conder Elementary School for eight years before moving to Lake Carolina in 2002 when it opened. I have taught kindergarten, first, second, and fourth grades. I am from Manning, S.C. where my family still resides. I enjoy reading, exercising, working in my yard, and spending time with my friends and family.

Special Areas: Mrs. Knowak

I have been teaching at Lake Carolina since 2007 and have taught for over 20 years. Teaching at the “Lake” is very exciting and rewarding. 
My family and I love to visit the SC beaches. During my free time I love to read, garden and exercise.

October 2015

Kindergarten: Mrs. Mattox
I am married and have two children. I have been teaching since 1986 and have been a part of the Lake Carolina Elementary learning community since 2002. In previous years, I have been a kindergarten, first, second, and third grade teacher. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching Gamecock football, and traveling to the beach or the lake whenever possible. We enjoy participating in church and school activities as a family.

First Grade: Mrs. Berzins
I have been teaching since 1999. I have taught first and second grade. I absolutely love this age! I have 2 boys, Tristan and Cayden. We spend a great deal of time outside playing, reading, and I also love to go running and do Crossfit.

Second Grade: Mrs. Branham
I moved to Columbia from North Carolina in 1982. My husband James and I have two children, Matt and Laura. I enjoy spending time with my family, baseball, and creative crafts of all kinds.

Special Areas: Mrs. Faile
I have been the media specialist at Lake Carolina since we opened in 2002. I thoroughly enjoy being able to work with all students and families at our school. Monty and I have two boys, and in our free time we enjoy traveling to new places, golfing, and attending sporting events. Of course, I also love reading!