June Thomas
Substitute Teacher
Creighton Shelby
ESOL Teacher
DeAndre Searcy
Dr. Tamela Brown
I grew up in a small farming community in Southwest Michigan, where literally “everybody knows your name”. I was raised in a single-parent household, and I am the middle child of my mother’s three children. I met my husband at Western Michigan University and have been happily married for 19 years. I am the proud mother of two amazing children. My daughter (14 yrs.) will be a freshman and my son (16 yrs.) will be a junior in high school, this fall. I have also been a foster mother and an adoptive mother to several children.
Allyson White
Allyson White is the School Operations Manager at Learn4Life High School Charleston and has proudly been part of the school since its opening. With a heart for service and a passion for supporting students and families, Allyson sees every interaction as an opportunity to make a difference.
Guiding families through the enrollment process is more than a responsibility—it’s something she genuinely enjoys. She believes that creating a warm, welcoming environment where families feel heard and supported is essential in helping them make the best decision for their educational journey.
Allyson holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s in Human Services with a focus on Marriage and Family Counseling. Her background deeply informs her approach to her work, allowing her to connect with others compassionately and offer support that extends beyond logistics.
Outside of school, Allyson enjoys spending quality time with her family and traveling—experiences that continue to fuel her love for connection, growth, and learning.
Chesley Patterson
I am very outgoing and adventurous. Always willing to lend a helping hand. Have experience in Public Relations and marketing after receiving my Bachelor’s in Mass Communication at Savannah State University.
Ashley Gibbs
Ashley Gibbs brings over 15 years of experience School Counseling experience with her to Learn4Life. She believes all children can learn and reach their goals! Let’s change your story together!
Dr. Joyce Washington Davis
I am a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. I matriculated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. Upon graduating from South Carolina State University I taught high school English for 15 years years in Colleton County .Later I moved into administration and then to the District leadership role in Dorchester County.
I hold many awards and titles, but have always had a passion for education helping to shape and direct young people to fulfill their ambitions and become a productive citizen.
I have been at Learn4Life Charleston since its inception four years ago.
To whom much is given, much is required.
Marisa Jacobs
I am a social studies teacher and lifelong educator originally from New York City, with a strong commitment to helping students reach their full potential. I earned my degree in history from the College of Charleston and have spent my entire adult life in the classroom, guiding young minds through the complexities of the past and present.
As a mother of three, I’m inspired daily by the energy and curiosity of my children, who remind me of the importance of perseverance and purpose. I aim to empower students to become thoughtful, engaged citizens who take ownership of their paths.
Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, photography, horticulture, and spending time with family. You can find me at city council meetings, local events, or the beach with my kids—planning our next adventure. Grounded in faith and guided by a strong sense of justice, I am committed to helping our youth grow through education, civic engagement, and shared values.
Destinee Nicole Cherry
This is my second year as the Online Course Facilitator at Learn4Life Charleston High School. My passion is partnering with students, families, and communities to create a better version of ourselves. I started working in education as a high school teacher and middle school basketball and volleyball coach, yet I have since worked with every grade level from Pre-K through high school. Education has the power to lift each of us to a better place – that is what drives me each day. I love spending time with my husband and our two kids, Faith and King. I am a better person because of them. I look forward to partnering with you and your family this year.
Sharon Rivera-Doublin
Hi, my name is Sharon Doublin, and I’m excited to join Learn4Life High School – Charleston as the new CTE Business and Entrepreneurship teacher. I also proudly serve as the Multilingual Learner Program (MLP) Coordinator, where I provide support, advocacy, and resources to help our multilingual students and their families thrive.
I bring over 20 years of combined experience in both the business world and the field of education. My background includes working in corporate settings, running my own small business and serving as an educator and community liaison. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and building meaningful connections across cultures.
As a proud Puerto Rican and bilingual professional, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating education in a new language and culture. My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to pursue their goals whether it’s starting a business, entering the workforce, or continuing their education.
I’m passionate about teaching real-world skills that our students can use beyond the classroom, and I believe in second chances, strong community ties, and the power of education to transform lives.
I’m honored to be part of the Learn4Life family and excited to walk alongside our students as they create their own paths to success.
Dana Young
I’m excited to be apart of the Learn 4 Life team. I’m a happy wife of 14 years with a blended family of 9 children. We have 4 adult children, 5 younger children and one grandchild. I enjoy reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends .
I’ve homeschooled my children for several years and have taught in an international school while living abroad in Costa Rico. I am a believer in the success that non traditional schooling can provide for many learners.
I’m excited to bring my experience to the team and even more excited to learn and grow here at L4L.
I’m also a veteran and my experience of serving for 11 years has taught me that values are important. Values like duty, integrity and respect are what I will strive to be an example of to all I encounter.
“Grow where your planted”, every moment is a teachable moment”, and “preparation is the key to success:” are all sayings that I want to share as encouragement as we take this educational journey together.
Alexis Jenkins
Hello, My name is Alexis Jenkins and I an a native of Charleston, SC . I am excited to start this off as an Educational Aid . I am fairly new to the Education field, but I am excited to be able to work one on one with our scholars on their future goals. One of my favorite quotes is by Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.
June Thomas
Ms. Thomas worked for several decades as a paralegal at various law firms in the New Jersey- New York metropolitan area and Low Country.
As a grandmother, Ms. Thomas enrolled in Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ. At first she thought she was only going to obtain an Associate’s Degree, but continued and in 2003 received a Bachelors of Science Degree in business administration. In 2006, Ms. Thomas furthered her education and received a dual Masters Degree in Public Administration and Psychology. Ms. Thomas was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha a global honor society for public administration. Pi Alpha Alpha recognizes outstanding students in public administration.
Ms. Thomas also possesses a Grade K-5 New Jersey Teachers Certificate. Her specialty is working with at-risk and special needs students. Ms. Thomas was an adjunct instructor, teaching paralegal studies at Miller-Motte College. Ms. Thomas is a Committee Member of College of Charleston Academy for Lifelong Learning and Charleston Jazz Society.
Ms. Thomas loves fashion, sewing and going to the beach; currently resides in N. Charleston, SC.
Talitha Baker
I am Talitha Baker and I serve as the Special Education Coordinator. I have been in education for 18 years. My experience has spanned 6th grade through 12th, gifted to learning disabled, English, Math and Social Sciences as well as being an officer in the Navy Reserves.
Gudelia Collins
I am a California native where I studied Marine Biology at California State University – Long Beach. I am excited to begin my teaching career. Although this is my first year teaching, I have tutored high school and college students for the past 7 years as well as taught a preschool class for 3-4 year olds.
Creighton Shelby
Hello! My name is Creighton Shelby, and I’m an ESOL teacher here at Learn4Life. I’m originally from Columbia, SC but moved to Charleston in 2018 for college. I graduated from the College of Charleston in 2022 (go cougs!) with a BA in Spanish and Foreign Language Education and a minor in Linguistics and have taught middle and high school Spanish for the past three years. This fall I will begin pursuing my Master of Social Work at the University of South Carolina, focusing on supporting families through life’s many challenges.
I initially got into education because I wanted to show students the beauty of other languages and cultures, but quickly realized the impact inclusive classroom practices and social-emotional awareness has on students and families. Supporting students holistically became the thing I love most about teaching, and the focus of my career. For me, being a teacher is about much more than teaching a subject. It’s about helping students realize the strength and abilities they have inside of them, guiding families in how to best support their children, and creating environments that encourage everyone to thrive.
Saronna Carter
Hi, I’m Saronna Carter, Data Clerk at Learn4Life High School. I earned my B.S. in Christian Ministries from Liberty University and have a deep passion for helping others, especially mentoring young adults. I’ve been honored with awards like the Women of Excellence and One Person Can Make a Difference, which reflect my heart for service. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.
DeAndre Searcy
I’m a passionate educator and creative professional dedicated to inspiring young minds through education and the arts. I served as a Substitute Teacher in the Syracuse City School District, where I helped support students learning across various grade levels and subjects. Previously I worked as an Instructor Assistant at Syracuse University, assisting with courses such as Art of Voice Over, Production Management, and Directing.
With a background in media production, I brings a dynamic and engaging approach to the classroom. Earning my Master’s degree in Television, Radio, and Film from Syracuse University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts and Sales Marketing from Clark Atlanta University.
Before my work in higher education and public schools, I served as an after-school counselor at the Boys & Girls Club in Pompano Beach, Florida, where I mentored students and led enrichment activities. My experience in both education and media has fueled his commitment to helping students express themselves creatively while developing the skills they need to succeed academically and socially.