Memminger Elementary School

What an incredible Water Day at Memminger!

What a way to kick off the countdown to the new school year! It was so much fun seeing so many students, families, and staff enjoying a day filled with laughter, water slides, sprinklers, and time together.

We served hundreds of hot dogs, hamburgers, and snow cones, but the best part of the day was seeing our Memminger community reconnect and welcome so many new families.

Thank you to everyone who came out and to our amazing staff and volunteers who made today possible. We are so excited to welcome our Mariners back soon. The countdown to an amazing school year is officially on!

Bayleigh brings a strong start to her teaching career and a clear commitment to student growth and engagement. She currently serves as a kindergarten teacher in CCSD, where she has driven substantial student growth through intentional, data-informed instruction.

Early in her career, Bayleigh has earned both Rookie Teacher of the Year and the Excellence in Teaching Award, reflecting the impact of her work in the classroom. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education with dual certification in special education from the University of Delaware.

“I’m so excited to be joining the Memminger team this upcoming school year! I am finishing up my third year teaching Kindergarten, and I’m so grateful for the experiences that have shaped me as an educator. While I’ve truly loved teaching Kindergarten, I’m really excited to begin this next chapter in 1st grade. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and to be part of such a supportive and welcoming school community!”

"If some students are unresponsive, maybe you can't teach them yet, but you can love them. And if you love them today, maybe you can teach them tomorrow." - Jeffery R. Holland

Meghan brings a strong foundation in elementary education along with valuable experience supporting students in both classroom and afterschool settings. She is a graduate of the College of Charleston and has already gained hands-on experience through clinical teaching, substitute teaching, and expanded learning programs.

Meghan completed her student teaching experience with us at Memminger in 2nd grade, where she led daily instruction, assessed student learning, and collaborated closely with her mentor teacher to support diverse learners.
Meghan is passionate about creating structured, engaging classrooms where students feel supported, valued, and excited to learn each day.

“I’m so excited to join the Memminger Elementary School community and be part of a school that truly invests in its students while creating a positive and supportive environment for learning. After completing my student teaching experience, I’m especially excited to have found a school community that already feels like home. I look forward to working alongside a dedicated team of educators and helping students grow not only academically, but also in confidence, responsibility, and character.”

Leslie brings a strong foundation in early childhood education and a passion for supporting young learners in inclusive classroom settings. She has experience teaching both kindergarten and 1st grade, where she created engaging, student-centered environments that support academic growth, language development, and social-emotional learning.

Leslie has worked extensively with diverse learners, including students with IEPs and multilingual learners, and is skilled in differentiating instruction to meet a wide range of needs. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Education from James Madison University and is certified in both early childhood and special education.

“I am so excited to be joining the Memminger Elementary community! I am eager to meet and collaborate with families, fellow educators, and students to create a learning environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all. As an educator, I am passionate about building strong relationships and fostering a classroom family where every child feels valued, encouraged, and inspired to grow. I look forward to helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning while working together as a community to ensure each child is supported and celebrated.”

James brings a commitment to strong instruction and meaningful student relationships. He has taught both 3rd and 4th grades in Charleston County and was named both Rookie Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year, reflecting the strength of his instruction and leadership.

James designs and delivers rigorous, data-driven instruction while building structured classroom systems that support student engagement and maximize learning time. Beyond the classroom, he is the founder of the L.E.A.D. Mentorship Framework, which promotes leadership, accountability, and personal growth among students, and has developed schoolwide initiatives that strengthen community and student involvement.

He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Charleston Southern University, with a focus on instructional systems and student development.
"I am excited to join the Memminger community and look forward to collaborating with staff, students, and families. I am committed to continuing the work of supporting students and helping make this corner of the community a better place.”

Katie brings more than 15 years of experience supporting students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth across elementary, middle, and high school settings. She currently serves as a school counselor in Charleston County, where she leads PBIS and wellness initiatives, facilitates student support groups, and works closely with families and staff to create a positive school climate.
Throughout her career, Katie has focused on building strong relationships with students while creating systems that support student success and well-being. She has extensive experience with MTSS, SEL instruction, restorative practices, attendance support, and crisis response, and has led initiatives focused on student leadership, school culture, and family engagement.

Katie holds a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from St. Bonaventure University and has been recognized for her leadership and impact as a Counselor of the Year finalist and Teacher of the Year nominee.

“I am thrilled to join the Memminger team and can’t wait for next school year! I am excited to build meaningful relationships with students, staff and their families. I look forward to being part of a team who works hard to create a positive, welcoming school community.”

Melanie brings 27 years of experience in elementary education, including roles as both a classroom teacher and school leader. She most recently served as principal of Cold Hill Elementary, where she led the school to national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School and sustained high levels of academic achievement.

Throughout her career, Melanie has focused on creating supportive, student-centered environments where high expectations and strong relationships drive success. Her leadership has resulted in consistent academic growth, including top performance in math across the state and recognition as a “Spotlight School.” She has also served as an assistant principal, curriculum specialist, and classroom teacher, giving her a comprehensive understanding of instruction across grade levels.

Melanie holds advanced degrees in instructional leadership and brings a deep commitment to ensuring every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to learn.
"I am thrilled to join the Memminger team! There is nothing more rewarding than fostering a love for learning in a school that feels like a family, and I can’t wait to dive in with our students.”

Kristine brings over a decade of experience working with students from preschool through middle school, with a strong focus on building inclusive, engaging classroom environments where all students can thrive.

She has extensive experience as a 1st grade teacher and most recently, Kristine worked as a math interventionist at Meeting Street Academy where she designed targeted lessons based on student data and collaborated closely with teachers to improve outcomes. Kristine is passionate about creating structured, supportive classrooms where students feel confident, engaged, and successful.

“I am so excited to join the Memminger community and work with such a dedicated and passionate team of educators! I look forward to building strong relationships with both colleagues and students, learning from each other, and contributing to a positive, supportive, and fun learning environment! ”