Meet the L4L Charleston Staff

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 is the School Operations Manager at Learn4Life High School Charleston! Allyson enjoys getting to know our students and their families through the enrollment process. Allyson believes it is important to make sure all families feel welcome and leave with the information needed to decide if we are the right fit for their educational needs. Allyson has been with Learn4Life High School Charleston since the beginning. Allyson enjoys spending time with her family and traveling when she’s not in the office.

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.

Hello! My name is Ashley Gibbs, native of Moncks Corner, South Carolina. I bring with me 14 years of School Counseling experience at the K-12 levels, eight years of American Sign Language experience and a passion for working with children and a love for postsecondary transitions.

I am a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. I am a four time graduate of South Carolina State University where I matriculated with a Bachelor and Masters Degree in English Education. Later I received degrees in Education Administration and in Supervision and Leadership. I served in the roles of teacher, assistant principal and assistant superintendent for student services.

Welcome. I am Marisa Jacobs, the History and Social Studies teacher at Learn4Life High School – Charleston. As a dedicated mother of three, a College of Charleston graduate, and a lifelong learner, I bring passion and commitment to my teaching. Having lived in various places along the East Coast, I love exploring new perspectives and experiences.

I use investigation and engagement in my classroom to create personalized learning experiences that connect with present-day life. I believe in meeting students where they are academically and building a solid foundation of mutual respect. Together, we explore how our past shapes our present, appreciating the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedoms. My goal is to prepare students for the future, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to seize opportunities with gratitude and optimism.

I create a safe and accepting space where every student feels valued and understood. With humor and laughter, my classes are entertaining and lively—there is never a dull moment! My Advisory class consistently excels, reflecting our collective dedication and perseverance. We are building a brighter future, one student at a time.

I have served in schools and communities for over 10 years. I began as a teacher and had the opportunity to work in various roles with students and families, such as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, case manager, and coordinating after-school and adult education programs. One of my favorite opportunities was coaching middle school girls’ basketball and volleyball. Competing and challenging myself with new goals motivates me to learn, grow, and become a better person. I love to exercise and spend time with my family. My husband and I have a 2-year-old daughter. She is the joy of my life. We recently moved to Charleston from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I look forward to this new adventure with you all!

My Name is Christina Navarro. I am originally from Philadelphia, Go Birds!! I have had a love for dance since I was a kid and grew up performing and teaching dance. I find that its teachings are related to so many things in life that help me to connect with my students. I Graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelors’ degree in Special Education. I spent the next 6 years as a resource teacher in Charlotte before moving my talents to Charleston. I have spent the past 4 years at Jerry Zucker Middle School as a resource teacher before working in a self-contained setting. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and fur babies. For fun, I play pool/billiards in a league and never miss an Eagles game. Go Birds!!

With extensive experience in the educational field, I am a dedicated Bilingual Teacher Aide and MLP (Multilingual Learner Program) Coordinator at Learn 4 Life High School, fluent in both Spanish and English. My passion for supporting students and fostering an inclusive learning environment has driven my career in education.

As a Teacher Aide, I provide vital assistance in the classroom, ensuring that every student receives the individualized support they need to thrive academically. My bilingual skills enable me to bridge language barriers and connect with students from diverse backgrounds, promoting a positive and collaborative learning atmosphere.

In my role as an MLP Coordinator at Learn 4 Life High School, I work closely with multilingual learners and their families, developing and implementing strategies to support language acquisition and academic success. My commitment to multicultural education helps create an environment where all students can excel.

I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of students and their families, supporting their educational journey with compassion and expertise.

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.

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.

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.