2019 York County
Early Childhood Educational Conference

Tracy Lee recently taught classes at Winthrop University.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Education degree from Winthrop University. Mrs. Lee is certified in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and as a Reading Teacher.  She is also a National Board Certified teacher in Early Childhood Generalist area. Mrs. Lee taught Kindergarten for fourteen years and First Grade for sixteen years.

Taylor Dee Spencer loves engaging students, parents, and educators through music, movement and literacy.  She is a current doctoral candidate at Liberty University, and holds a Clemson University Master’s degree in Youth Development Leadership.  As a former elementary teacher, Taylor now impacts learners on a larger scale as a Child Program Consultant, children’s author, and singer/songwriter.  She is the owner of TUMBLEBUS South Charlotte/Beyond Fit, a mobile literacy and fitness studio, and the founder of Right Now Works, a child program training and consulting agency.  Through her educational services and resources, Taylor specializes in developing youth programs and making learning experiences more engaging and effective.

Amanda Boatwright has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.  She taught 5K and third grade in the Rock Hill School District.  Amanda is an early childhood educator with the Main Street Children’s Museum/Museum of York County.

Cynthia Spratley has served as the Program Education Manager at the Museum of York County for the past five years.  Her responsibilities include the special event planning and facilitation at the museum, as well as the school education programming.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Education and Natural Resources Interpretation.

Carol Perkins has fifty years’ experience in early child education, twenty of them with infants and toddlers.  She earned her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina in 2009. She has been a parent educator with First Steps, an infant/toddler specialist with the SC Program for Infant/Toddler Care, and an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina for ten years.  She is the mother of four and grandmother of six, including a brand new baby girl.

Megan Lambert is a Senior Instructor at Johnson & Wales University, where she has been teaching for 14 years. Chef Lambert is a Registered Dietitian and also has a MS in Nutrition Science. She has a particular interest in gardening and cooking with kids.

Cece Krelitz has been teaching at Johnson & Wales University for 7 years. She has a BS from UNLV in Hotel Administration. She teaches both culinary and baking and pastry students the fundamentals of baking and pastry and a variety of other classes. She has dealt with obesity in her life and is passionate about teaching anyone how to enjoy food and make it healthier.

Quientina Stewart is a Chef Instructor at Johnson & Wales University. Chef Stewart is currently also working with CMS School’s food service program to promote more healthy innovative options for the school food program in conjunction with to high school culinary arts program.

Sophitmanee Sukalakamala earned a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration and a master’s degree in Food & Nutrition from Texas Tech University, and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand. Her research and publications focus on food consumption behavior.

Crystal M. Boyd is the BabyNet single point of entry supervisor with SC Department of Health & Human Services BabyNet program  for York, Chester, and Lancaster counties. She has a bachelor’s of arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Political Science from Winthrop University.  She also holds a SC Part C Infant and Toddler credential. Crystal has 17 years of experience serving in several roles with the Early Intervention system.  Before working with infant and toddlers, she worked as a residential counselor for teens and adults with disabilities and special needs. Crystal identifies and assesses children and families from birth to age three for developmental delays and disabilities and helps connect them to services that can increase their child’s development potential.

Shaun Rogers has assisted with product development and placement, and has taught teachers, administrators, distributors, and dealers the educational benefits of creative learning for 10+ years. He has conducted workshops across North America, primarily focused on incorporating creative arts and active play into the STEM curriculum. Rogers brings excellent ideas to the table that infuse critical thing and innovation through hands-on learning.

Sara Blancke serves as the Director of Communications for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Crescent Region serving Boys & Girls Clubs in South Carolina and throughout the region.  She has worked for Boys & Girls Clubs in various capacities since 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Masters of Social Work degree from Winthrop University.  Sara is a National Trainer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is a two-time BGCA MAC (Marketing & Communications Awards) Award winner. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Rock Hill where she serves as a Past President and also volunteers her time as a team leader for the Come-See-Me and ChristmasVille Festivals.  Sara is the co-founder of York County Gives, a local Giving Tuesday International community campaign. She was also appointed to serve on the city of Rock Hill’s Commission for Children and Youth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, graphic design and party planning. Sara and her husband Ryan, York County Government’s Assistant Public Works Director, reside in Rock Hill with their daughters – 7 year old Olivia and 4 year old Emma.

Cindy Taubenkimel serves as Rock Hill Schools Coordinator of ParentSMART and the Sylvia Circle Family Learning Center.  She has worked with ParentSMART since its inception in January of 1995. She holds a bachelor’s egree in Art with a minor in Psychology and Masters Certification in Gerontological Counseling from the College of New Jersey.  Cindy is a member of the York County First Steps board where she currently serves as Vice Chair, the Early Learning Partnership Board of York County, the United Ways EFSP Board, the ACE’s Task Force, and the City of Rock Hill’s Commission for Children and Youth.  She also volunteers as a team leader for the ChristmasVille Festival. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, decorating and gardening. Cindy is the proud grandparent of three grand-daughters and resides in Rock Hill where she is very fortunate to enjoy them every day.