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Principal
Mrs. Melinda Tavernier, Ed.S.Mrs. Tavernier has had over 30 years of experience in education. She graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master's in Educational Leadership. In 2018, she completed her Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology at Coastal Carolina University. Her current goal is to finish her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University by the spring of 2023.
Mrs. Tavernier started out as a 4th grade teacher and has taught students in grades 2-7 within the SC public school system. She homeschooled two of her children for ten years while operating Vine and Branches Homeschool Association. Over the past three decades, she has worked in five different districts across the state of South Carolina and one in North Carolina. In 2010, Mrs. Tavernier began working on her first charter school project in Horry County which opened in 2013 where she served as the founding principal. She has been awarded multiple grants to assist her previous schools and hopes to be able to do so at EPS as well.
Mrs. Tavernier is originally from Rock Hill, SC and has lived in Horry County since 1999. She has been happily married for 33 years and has had the pleasure of traveling to many wonderful destinations with her husband and family. She enjoys working in her yard, traveling and creating cool experiences for her students! The Tavernier's have 4 adult children,1 grandchild,1 cat and 5 grandcats!
Personal motto: The goal is to teach children to think critically and creatively!
Contact information: mtavernier@marion.k12.sc.us
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Assistant Principal
Ms. Kiara Jenkins, M.Ed.Hello! My name is Kiara Jenkins and I am an Assistant Principal here at EPS! I taught kindergarten here for eight years and moved on to become the curriculum coach for two years. I fell in love with the students and community of Marion County on day one! I am originally from Orangeburg, SC and I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from Coastal Carolina University. I recently received my Masters in Educational Leadership from CCU as well. I love working with students and their families and being a help to those around me. My passion is seeing students’ excitement when they master a new skill. I also love helping teachers enhance their practice to improve student achievement. I am so thrilled to continue my educational career as a member of the Wee Fox family! If I can be of service, please use the contact information listed.
Contact information: kjenkins@marion.k12.sc.us
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Reading Coach
Mrs. Angelia Furnace-Page, M.EdHello, and welcome to Easterling Primary School!
My name is Mrs. Angelia Furnace-Page, and I am enthusiastic to serve as your Literacy Coach for the 2023-2024 school year. This is my 2nd year as Literacy Coach of Easterling Primary School, and it has been an absolute joy and honor to serve with our school’s leadership team. I take pride in assisting to ensure that the vision and mission of our school is carried out intentionally and with fidelity.
I am a Marion High School Honors Graduate Class of 1993 and have received training and education at the following institutions of higher learning: a BA Degree in Elementary Education from Coker College and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. I have 17 years of educational experience: 5 years at Orangeburg School District as a classroom teacher and Instructional Coach, six years at Dillon School District 4 as Lead classroom teacher, and six years and counting right here in Marion County, where I served as a classroom teacher, a Facilitator of McCormick Elementary, and now a Literacy Coach of Easterling Primary School.
I fully believe that this 2023-2024 school year will be the absolute best year in the history of EPS. Our faculty and staff are prepared to provide our students with a high level of education. Again, I am honored to serve the children and families of EPS. I believe that our faith coupled with our intentional works will yield something wonderful in the lives of every student, every parent, every educator, and every staff member that walks through our doors.
If I can be of service, please use the contact information below: anpage@marion.k12.sc.us
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Instructional Coach
Dr. Kristel Wallace
My name is Dr. Kristel Wallace, and I am honored to serve as your Instructional Coach for the 2023-2024 school year. This will be my 1st year as the Instructional Coach of Easterling Primary School, and I am beyond honored to serve with our school’s leadership team. My passion is ensuring that every child’s learning needs are met daily and that school is their favorite place to be.
I am a native of Brunswick County, North Carolina, where I graduated from South Brunswick High School. I graduated from East Carolina University, earning my Bachelor of Science in Finance. My educational journey began at Anderson University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I continued my educational journey at Liberty University, earning my Masters and Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. I have many years of educational experience that spans from teaching 3rd grade in Charlotte, NC, 4th grade in Rock Hill School District, and then 4th Grade at Creek Bridge STEM Academy. The majority of my career has been working with Gifted and Talented students. I pride myself on ensuring that I keep myself up to date on current trends in education. I believe that every child can learn at high levels every day!
I fully believe that this 2023-2024 school year will be a phenomenal year at EPS. I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience to the faculty and staff at Easterling. I truly believe that we are on the journey from ordinary to “EXTRAordinary" and that our students can do amazing things.
Contact information: kwallace@marion.k12.sc.us
