Head of School | University School of the Lowcountry

Laura Turner

Building Substitute Teacher (PM)

In August 2025, my family and I moved to Mount Pleasant from Lake Stevens,
Washington. My husband’s job with Boeing brought us here. I graduated from Brigham Young
University with a bachelor’s degree in Fitness and Wellness management. At BYU I also ran on
the Cross Country and Track teams. I was part of two national championship teams and received
All-American honors 7 times. After college I ran professionally for Reebok, competed
internationally for 2 years, and represented the USA at the world ½ marathon and cross-
country championships.

I was then able to stay home and my raise 4 children. I loved
volunteering often in their classrooms as an art docent for class activities and parties and
helping with individualized learning. When my youngest was in First grade I started substitute
teaching part time in the Lake Stevens School District. I substitute taught for the past 3½ years
in kindergarten through 12th grade. I am excited to be here in Mount Pleasant and enjoy
the sunshine and beaches. I look forward to helping all the students at University School of the Lowcountry
find joy in learning.

Email Laura Turner at lturner@uslowcountry.org

Libby Wachter

Intermediate School Math & Science, LOTCs

Libby was born and raised just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her B.A. in Communications from the University of Georgia and her M.Ed. in Elementary Teaching from Boston College. After completing her graduate studies, she moved to Los Angeles, where she taught elementary students at a public Title 1 school before transitioning to an international private school, where she taught both elementary and preschool students. During her 10 years in Southern California, Libby got married and welcomed her first two children. She and her husband later decided to return to the Boston area to be closer to family. Back in Massachusetts, she taught elementary students at a private international school, welcomed her third child, and worked part-time as a Reading Intervention teacher in the public school system.

In 2019, motivated by cold Boston winters and a family business opportunity, Libby and her family relocated to Mount Pleasant, SC. She worked with her husband and father to create Carolina Park Academy, a preschool and childcare center, where she served as owner, operator, and curriculum coordinator for nearly five years. After selling CPA, Libby began searching for the right opportunity to return to the world of elementary education. She was excited to learn of the Intermediate School Math and Science teaching position at USL and is thrilled to join the team!

Libby and her family, including two dogs and a bearded dragon, are loving life in the Lowcountry. In her free time, she enjoys family movie nights, taking Pilates and adult ballet classes, cheering on her kids as a soccer, band, and dance mom, cooking, and baking sourdough.

Email Libby Wachter at lwachter@uslowcountry.org

Claudia González

IS Spanish

Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Claudia holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Caracas) and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Nottingham in England. She has taught a variety of subjects—including sociology, methodology, and social sciences—at both high school and college levels in her home country.

In the United States, she has focused her career on Spanish as a Second Language, teaching children in independent schools as well as teenagers in middle and high school. Her teaching career spans more than two decades, driven by her passion for education and cultural exchange. This passion eventually inspired her to open her own center dedicated to teaching Spanish to children and adults. Claudia joined University School in 2025.

She lives off Clements Ferry with her husband (Reinaldo) and is the proud mother of two adult children, Renata (25) and Andrés (22). In her free time, she enjoys bowling, exercising, and discovering great Italian restaurants.

Email Claudia Gonzalez at cgonzalez@uslowcountry.org

Jennifer Kahrs

Art & Art Club

Raised just outside of Charleston, Jennifer graduated from Stratford High School and the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts before moving to Brooklyn, NY where she received a BFA in Painting from Pratt Institute, graduating Magna Cum Laude. After graduation, Jennifer founded a niche design studio specializing in exhibition design which led her to work with many prestigious artists, including her now husband, sculptor Dave Cole. Together they built a 15,000 square foot art complex outside of Hudson NY where they employed many young artists and built numerous exhibitions, the most recent at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Jennifer moved home in 2024 to be closer to family. She is in the process of completing the Teachers of Tomorrow Alternative program to be a certified K-12 Art teacher in South Carolina. Family time is her favorite time. She enjoys adventuring with her husband, son, and their chocolate lab, Mark.

Email Jennifer Kahrs at jkahrs@uslowcountry.org

Stephanie Lehman

Physical Education / Exercise, Health

Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Stephanie graduated with a BS degree in Health and Physical Education from Virginia Tech University. She is excited to join the faculty at University School of the Lowcountry as the new Health and Physical Education teacher. With a dynamic background in teaching and coaching, she brings a vibrant energy and a passion for helping students grow both physically and personally.

Stephanie has experience teaching Health and PE across all grade levels, K–12, and is committed to creating a positive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Her teaching philosophy centers on encouraging lifelong wellness through movement, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.

In addition to her classroom experience, Stephanie has coached soccer, basketball, and golf at the middle and high school levels. Her coaching style reflects her belief in building confidence, character, and collaboration through sport.

Known for her enthusiastic personality and student-centered approach, Stephanie is dedicated to making every PE class a fun and meaningful experience. Whether leading a game, teaching health concepts, or mentoring young athletes, she strives to bring out the best in each student. She enjoys Hokie Football, going to the beach, offshore fishing, and playing golf any chance she gets!

Stephanie is thrilled to be a part of the USL community and looks forward to an active and inspiring year ahead!

Email Stephanie Lehman at slehman@uslowcountry.org

Chelsea Keyes

Student Development and Wellness Coordinator

Chelsea was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant. She now lives on James Island with her husband, son, and rescue hound dog. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Clemson University in 2011 and then later received her Masters of Education in School Counseling from The Citadel in 2020. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with her family, taking her son to parks around town, and attending concerts. She is so thankful to have found her passion in helping students learn and utilize the tools to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals!

Email Chelsea Keyes at ckeyes@uslowcountry.org

Darla Barnett

Bookkeeper

Darla was born and raised in rural Pennsylvania. She graduated from Brigham Young
University with a BA in Communications. She has worked in the banking industry and
owned her own catering business for eight years. She moved to Charleston in 2012
because it’s warm here. There is a beach, and she can buy banana popsicles by
the box! Currently she is the office manager for a chiropractic clinic in West Ashley in
addition to handling the bookkeeping for USL.

Her true passion is her family. She has six children, thirteen grandchildren, and so far,
one great-grandchild. She loves to read, dabbles in watercolor painting, plays the piano
and organ for her church congregation, and serves in her church in many capacities.
Darla finds joy in life and the people around her!

Email Darla Barnett at accounting@uslowcountry.org

Heather Mahoney

Administrative Assistant

I moved here in June 2021 with my family from Cleveland, Ohio. I graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in Human and Consumer Sciences. I was fortunate enough to stay home and raise my three boys. I was very involved in their educations. This included serving on our local school board for 10 years, volunteering in the classroom, actively participating/leading in organizing efforts/involvement of parents, and teaching fitness and yoga. For the past three years, I have managed the Center for Regenerative Medicine. My hobbies include exercising, exploring the Lowcountry, traveling, boating, reading, and watching our boys play their sports. My oldest son is at the University of Georgia, and the other two attend Bishop England High School. I am excited to join the USL family!

Email Heather Mahoney at hmahoney@uslowcountry.org

Janice Young

Middle School (MS) Science, LOTCs

Janice graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta with a B.S. in Education and an M.Ed. in Middle School Education. She taught science for ten years in public and private schools. She took time off to raise her son all the while volunteering in many capacities. One fun role was being a Science Fair judge for sox years at the Gwinnett County Science and Engineering Fair. After launching her son to college, Janice moved to Charleston in May of 2024 and now joins our faculty at University School teaching middle grades science.

Janice lives in Charleston with her two dogs on the Wando River. She enjoys vegetable gardening, healthy cooking, dancing, and learning something new every day.

Email Janice Young at jyoung@uslowcountry.org

Claire Haas

Associate Head of School-Operations, Upper School (US) Director, Latin, LOTCs

A native of Nashville, TN, Claire attended Belmont University where she received both her BS and MAT degrees. She started her teaching career in Nashville before getting married and moving to Baltimore, MD. In Maryland, Claire continued teaching and moved into educational leadership roles. Her family relocated to the beautiful beaches of the Florida panhandle in 2015, where she worked at an independent school as the Head of the Upper School and faculty member. After becoming empty nesters, Claire and her husband continued south to St. Pete, FL where she worked as the VP of Education for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.

Both of Claire’s adult children have settled in the Charleston area, and now the entire Haas family will live in the same city!

Email Claire Haas at chaas@uslowcountry.org

Sophia Witz

Middle School (MS)/Upper School (US) English, Journalism, LOTCs

Sophia is a writer from Norris, Tennessee, a town with 1,400 people and zero stoplights. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her M.F.A. in creative writing from Boston University, where she won the William A. Holodnak Fiction Prize. There, she also discovered her love of teaching.

Sophia moved to the lowcountry in 2022 and lives with her partner and cats in North Charleston. Before joining USL, she worked at Charleston County Public Library and as an adjunct English instructor at Trident Technical College. In her free time, she loves to oil paint, read, make bagels and watch motorsports.

Email Sophia Witz at sshelton@uslowcountry.org

David Fuller

Middle School (MS)/Upper School (US) Humanities, Administrator, LOTCs

David is in his 32nd year of education in public, private, and independent schools and has taught at the middle and high school levels. A native of Burlington, Iowa, where his parents still live, David earned a B.A. in History from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa and an M.A.T. from Drake University in Des Moines. His recent experience at NOVA Middle School in Olympia, Washington made it possible to appreciate and love the small, independent school experience! David and his wife of 15 years are now empty nesters, having five children between the two of them. As new residents in Summerville, they are renovating his wife’s father’s house. In his spare time, David enjoys history of all kinds, reading, travel, trivia, and living vicariously through family.

Email David Fuller at dfuller@uslowcountry.org

María José Pacas

Intermediate School (IS), Middle School (MS), and Upper School (US) Spanish

María was born in El Salvador. She moved to Washington D.C and attended Radford University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. María returned to El Salvador to take a Lead Kindergarten teaching position at an English Immersion School. She married, returned to the US, and had three wonderful children. After starting a business with her husband and acting as office manager and a licensed insurance agent, María and her husband moved from Maryland to Mount Pleasant in 2021. She tutored and taught Spanish at The Learning Center and El Colegio Miercoles before joining USL. María loves sharing her language and culture. Her instruction includes visual, auditory, and tactile approaches to increase memory retention, understanding, and fluency. In her free time, María travels, visits area beaches, paddleboards, or spends time with family and friends.

Email María José Pacas at mpacas@uslowcountry.org

Jason Kreutner

Head of School

Jason Kreutner, raised in Mount Pleasant and a current resident, is the founder and Head of University School of the Lowcountry.

As a leader who is also a faculty member, Kreutner teaches all students in Leadership and Life Skills, organizes and leads the weekly experiential learning activities, and coaches the Quiz Bowl teams. Prior to establishing University School of the Lowcountry, he was Dean of Students and then Director of Studies at Charleston Collegiate School, served as Upper School Dean and History Department Chair at Porter-Gaud School, and was Dean of Students and Humanities Instructor at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC.

Read Jason’s complete biography for more on his background and accomplishments.

Email Jason Kreutner at jkreutner@uslowcountry.org

Jody Lemmon

Intermediate School (IS) Math & Science and IS Co-Director, LOTCs

Jody Lemmon grew up in New Jersey, where she attended Saint Peter’s University, earning her BA in Elementary Education and American Studies. Since 2019, she and her family have called Charleston home. Jody joined the USL staff in 2023, and her math team students brought home the 1st Place trophy at the inaugural SCISA Intermediate School Math Meet.

Throughout her career, Jody has been a dedicated teacher with experience in both general and special education. She has served as a team leader at her previous schools. Jody’s diverse interests and passion for adventure are reflected in her teaching, where she encourages her students to think critically and approach math and science with creativity and wonder. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm and creativity to USL’s Intermediate School classroom and inspire students to reach their full potential.

Outside of work, Jody enjoys exploring her creative side through mixed media art and spending time with her family.

Email Jody Lemmon at jlemmon@uslowcountry.org

Frank Williams

Middle School (MS) and Upper School (US) Latin

Frank grew up in Northern Virginia and attended the Westminster School, an independent coeducational day school with an emphasis on the Classics. He continued his study of the Classics and Latin throughout high school and holds a B.A. degree in Classics and a Minor in Art History from Wake Forest University. At Wake Forest, he also studied overseas at Casa Artom in Venice, Italy. Upon graduation, he attended Florida State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Classical Archaeology and his teaching certification. At FSU Frank was a graduate assistant for four summers at the excavations at Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, located between Florence and Siena. He has been teaching at the high school level, university level, or online for over 20 years. He currently is an Instructor and Department Chair for the North Carolina Virtual Public School.

Frank has been living in Charleston for almost five years after relocating from Raleigh, NC. He enjoys his family, traveling, and the water.

Email Frank Williams at fwilliams@uslowcountry.org

Tasha Tirpak

Director of Community Life

Tasha was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, SC, and is a lover of all things topped with sprinkles and near the water. She is a recent graduate of Winthrop University and earned a degree in Elementary Education. Her time as a swim coach for Snee Farm Swim Team is what drew her to a career in education. Tasha has experience in grades kindergarten through 8th, from several student teaching internships and fellowship programs in South Carolina and California. She also enjoyed teaching art and cooking classes to University School students on Zoom during the 2020 quarantine.

Outside of the classroom, Tasha loves to bake cookies and cakes, watch the sunset, and spend time with family and friends.

Email Tasha Tirpak at ttirpak@uslowcountry.org

Tiffany Thompson

Upper School (US) Math, Red Cross Instructor, & School Testing

2022-2023 Upper School Teacher of the Year for S.C. Private Schools

Tiffany Thompson grew up in Mount Pleasant and is very excited to be returning home after a few years away in Waynesville, NC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics at Erskine College. Tiffany realized that she loved to teach and decided to pursue education right away. She spent one year substitute teaching, as she was transitioning into married life in NC, then she taught seventh-grade math for two years in Canton, NC.

Tiffany was honored as the 2022-2023 High School Teacher of the Year for South Carolina’s Independent Schools.

Tiffany is married to her husband, Kirby Thompson, who is also a Charleston native. They have two young boys. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys playing piano, swimming, playing with her two cats, and playing trivia.

For more on Tiffany Thompson, read Tiffany Thompson is USL’s 4th Teacher of the Year.

Email Tiffany Thompson at tthompson@uslowcountry.org

Sara Peck

Director of College Counseling & Special Learning Activities (Grades 8-12)

2020-2021 High School Teacher of the Year for S.C. Private Schools

Though born in Charleston, Sara was raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She returned to the Lowcountry to receive her BA in English and Creative Writing from the College of Charleston before completing a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from Columbia College Chicago. Following graduate school, Sara resumed managing Blue Bicycle Books, teaching a creative writing day camp for kids, Write of Summer, and began working with the University School.

Sara taught middle and high school writing and English at USL since from 2013-2024. In 2024, she shifted to the role of College Counselor and Special Learning Opportunities Coordinator (grades 8-12). She was honored as the 2020-2021 High School Teacher of the Year for South Carolina’s Independent Schools.

Email Sara Peck at speck@uslowcountry.org

Jen Payes

Physical Education, Red Cross Instructor

Jennifer, or as friends refer to her, Jen, is a Maryland native and made her way to the Lowcountry in 2010. She graduated from St. Joe’s University in Philadelphia with a BS degree in marketing. While obtaining this degree she played basketball all four years for St. Joe’s Women’s Basketball team.

Jen was in sales for AT&T Business Solutions for a brief stint before realizing that her true passion was still basketball. She made a career switch and became an assistant coach at Long Island University for the women’s basketball program. After coaching for six years at LIU, she transitioned to Monmouth University and was an integral part of the Women’s basketball program for two years.

After the arrival of her second son, she decided to stay at home in order to spend more time with her kids. Her family relocated to the Lowcountry in order to be closer to extended family and enjoy warmer weather, and Jen has given private basketball lessons, organized kids’ camps, and coached elementary and middle school girls’ basketball.

She resides in Mt. Pleasant, and in her spare time, she enjoys hanging out on the beach, stand up paddle boarding, hiking in the North Carolina mountains and exploring all Charleston has to offer!

Email Jen Payes at jpayes@uslowcountry.org

Wei Ma

Intermediate School (IS) Mandarin

Wei Ma was born and raised in China where she received her B.A. in Education. She immigrated to the United States in 1997 and received an A.S. from Santa Barbara City College (CA) in Office Management. Wei Ma has been teaching Mandarin Chinese to children in Charleston for several years. She is passionate about her teaching and believes learning the Chinese language and culture will give students more opportunities in the future.

Wei Ma is also the director of Charleston Chinese Language Center which offers one-on-one and small group lessons.

She likes to do Chinese calligraphy and Chinese folk dance in her spare time. She lives in West Ashley with her husband, Elijah Siegler, and two children, Lucy and Henry.

Email Wei Ma at wma@uslowcountry.org

Nan Kleiner

Intermediate School (IS) Humanities & English and IS School Director

Originally from Greenwood, SC, Nan received her B.A. in Public Relations and her M.A.T. from the University of South Carolina, where she was a South Carolina Teaching Fellow. Nan started her teaching career in Columbia, SC, and also taught the elementary grades in New Jersey and Maryland. She became passionate about the needs of high-achieving learners when she taught in the Center Programs for the Highly Gifted in Montgomery County, Maryland – a program designed to enrich, accelerate, and extend the district’s gifted curriculum. Nan has a special interest in how the brain learns and enjoys planning lessons that teach with the brain in mind. Formerly, Nan spent summers teaching a graduate course for educators on teaching and learning through movement.

Nan lives in Charleston with her husband, Jonas, and kids, Lila and Sam. She enjoys hanging with her family, being outside, reading, and cooking. She is thrilled to be a part of the USL community!

Email Nan Kleiner at nkleiner@uslowcountry.org

Jake Keim

Upper School (US) German

Jake is a native South Carolinian: he was born and raised in Spartanburg. He decided to make his move to Charleston more permanent after graduating from the College of Charleston in 2019. Jake earned his undergraduate degrees in English with a concentration in creative writing and German as well as a degree from the school’s Honors College. While at C of C, Jake worked for Miscellany, the school’s undergraduate literary magazine for four years and served as Managing Editor and Editor in Chief his last two years. Jake also has articles and work published online through the Frankfurter Neue Presse based out of Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany where he worked as an intern in the summer of 2018.

Outside of the classroom, Jake enjoys good coffee, loud music, weird movies, and weirder books.

Email Jake Keim at jkeim@uslowcountry.org

Monica Doubal

Middle School (MS) and Upper School (US) Spanish, LOTCs

Monica was born in Acapulco, Mexico, and lived in many different cities within the country while learning local traditions. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Hospitality in Merida, Yucatán. After college, she moved to California where she started her own floral business, raised three beautiful children, and enjoyed all that California has to offer. She moved to the Lowcountry where she worked in the Spanish Immersion Program at the Learning Center in Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. She fell in love with teaching Spanish and the traditions of the Latin culture. In 2012, Monica joined Charleston County School District where she taught Spanish (K through 5^th). She served as a translator when school staff interacted with Spanish-only parents. Monica has also tutored students in Spanish since 2010.

Monica also has worked as a translator, interpreter, and legal assistant in an Immigration Law firm, helping the Spanish-speaking community to understand and follow US immigration laws.

She loves to cook and enjoy the beach with her family. Monica also has an enthusiastic positive attitude, living by this quote: “If you cannot find a kind person, BE ONE.”

Email Monica Doubal at mdoubal@uslowcountry.org

Heather Connelly

Upper School (US) Chemistry & Physics

Heather moved to Charleston to attend the College of Charleston where she graduated from the Honors College with a B.S. in Biology and Secondary Education Certification followed by a M.Ed. in Math and Science education. She taught High School Science in Charleston for six years before finding her way to the University School where she became a Middle School science teacher. After teaching at USL for 6 more years, she stepped away from teaching to stay home with her children for a few years. Heather is excited to rejoin the faculty teaching Chemistry to the Upper School students.

Heather lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband Drew and their five children. She enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors (especially on or near the water), reading, and cooking.

Email Heather Connelly at hconnelly@uslowcountry.org

Winnie Chapey

School Counselor, Job Shadow Program

Winnie was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Central Connecticut State University. While attending CCSU, Winnie played Division I lacrosse, interned with the local preschool, and volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club. Upon graduation, Winnie moved to Tennessee to earn an M.S. in School Counseling and to assist in starting the Division II Women’s Lacrosse team for Lee University. Winnie was the high school counselor and Head Girls Lacrosse coach at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia before moving to Charleston to be with her family. In Charleston, she was a school counselor at West Ashley High School.

In her spare time, you may find her walking the city, coaching lacrosse, or attending local concerts. Winnie has a huge passion for helping others and is excited to be a part of the USL community!

For more on Winnie Caetta, read For First Year Staffer, Winnie Caetta, Every Day is Different.

Email Winnie Chapey at wchapey@uslowcountry.org

Don Burkard

College Counselor

Recently retired from a 30-year career at the College of Charleston where he was Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions, Don Burkard is a member of the college counseling team at University School. His inside higher education insight along with his skills as a counselor combine to make him an invaluable aid for our students. Don especially enjoys focusing on the juniors and seniors and their journey to college and beyond.

Don resides in Mt. Pleasant with his wife Mary, and he enjoys traveling to explore and to see his three children and his grandchildren.

Email Don Burkard at dburkard@uslowcountry.org

Nicole Brockman

Interim Head of School

2017-2018 Middle School Teacher of the Year for S.C. Private Schools

2022-2023 Middle School Math Teacher of the Year for S.C. Private Schools

Born and raised in Indiana, Nicole graduated with a BS degree in Biology. Later in life, she followed her heart and went back to school to become a mathematics teacher. She graduated with honors from NC State with a BS in Mathematics and Education. Her teaching career spans over two decades of guiding children in public and independent schools. She joined University School in 2011. In addition to teaching, Nicole sponsors USL’s Chess Club and Math Club.

Due to USL’s hallmark individualized approach to mathematics education, as of 2023, she has led her students to eight State Championships (and two runners-up) in the last ten years at the SCISA State Math Meet. Nicole was honored as the 2017-2018 Middle School Teacher of the Year for South Carolina’s Independent Schools. Nicole was named the South Carolina Middle School Math Teacher of the Year (SCISA) for 2022-2023.

Nicole resides in Mt. Pleasant with her children, Evie and Riley. In her spare time, she can often be found hanging with her children, golfing, or reading.

Email Nicole Brockman at nbrockman@uslowcountry.org

Christine Beddia

Director of Development

Christine is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with 17 years of nonprofit, marketing, and strategic planning experience. She has served as Development Director at the Alliance for Education and Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Seattle, WA, and at the Savannah Music Festival in GA. Prior to that, she served in various roles at Coastal Community Foundation.

A native of Pennsylvania she earned her B.S. from Philadelphia University, then earned a Masters in Public Administration from the College of Charleston. She was a Student Ambassador in Brazil with the Rotary Club and spent a semester in Italy.

Christine aims to connect people to what they are passionate about, keeping community improvement always top of mind.

She and her husband Brent and their two kiddos live on the Peninsula with their 16-year-old rescue dog, Daisy.

Email Christine Beddia at cbeddia@uslowcountry.org