Ms. Amy DeShazo started in the Director position in June 2026. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, and M.Ed. in Education. Ms. Amy has spent almost 20 years in Early Childhood Education, working in Early Intervention and Family Advocacy. She conducts professional development courses in child development, special education, and has run successful county-wide programs.
Ms. Amy DeShazo
Director
Ms. Billie Green-Smith
Associate Director
Ms. Beth Clelland
Office Manager
Ms. Lori Tumlin
Security Director
Ms. Vernetta Fogle came to CJDS in 2007 and has been in the field of education for more than 30 years. She has served as an educator to special needs children at both the elementary and middle school level in Cumberland County School Systems in Fayetteville, North Carolina. During this time she coached girls track, softball, basketball, volleyball, and refereed youth basketball. Ms. Vernetta also substituted in both Richland One and Two school districts as well as working for Montessori Schools in Columbia. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Sports/Exercise Science from The University of North Carolina. Ms. Vernetta also earned a Master of Arts degree in Sports Administration from The University of North Carolina. When asked why she chose CJDS she responded, “I enjoy working with all children. CJDS is unique and I want to be a continuing part of its excellence. I thrive to contribute to its continued success.”
Ms. Vernetta Fogle
Ms. Lisa Aiken
Ms. Lisa has lived in Columbia most of my life and graduated from the University of South Carolina. After graduating, she worked in State Government for many years. Ms. Lisa joined the Cutler family in March 2017. "CJDS has become my second career. It’s been a pleasure working with children of all ages and of great enjoyment seeing the growth in the children through out the years. They are very special to me. The teachers and staff at CJDS are wonderful to work with."
Ms. Lynn Cassidy
Ms. Lynn Cassidy is happy to be part of the team at CJDS. She joined the staff at CJDS in January of 2016 as a substitute and in 2019 became an assistant teacher. Prior to moving to Columbia in 2015 from Maryland, Ms. Lynn was the office manager for a successful dental practice for 18 years. She iis a native Pittsburgher and you will see her in her Steeler, Penguin and Pirate t-shirts throughout the school year. She shares her love of cross stitching with her students. She has a kind and nurturing soul and adores working with all ages of children but the ones hold a special place in her heart. When asked why she chose to work at CJDS, Ms. Lynn replied, ”The teachers at CJDS are my role models and every day is a learning experience”.
Ms. Niomi Kenner
Ms. Melanie Stokes
Ms. Sharny Barhydt
Ms. Sharny Barhydt has been teaching at CJDS for 15 years in the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Before that she taught four year olds in public school. She also has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University.
Ms. Candace Hall
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Ms. Charmaine King
Ms. Charmaine joined CJDS in September of 2022. She has over 15 years of experience working in early child care settings, including working with children with special needs. Ms. Charmaine has an associate's degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s in behavioral science. What she likes most about CJDS is the student-teacher interactions and the hands-on learning through students' interests. She enjoys working for a school that offers these incredible opportunities.
Ms. Amy Benson
Ms. Amy originally joined CJDS in 2014 after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 10 years of early childhood experience. "I love working at CJDS because of the nurturing environment that values curiosity, and meaningful learning opportunities. I love creating a space where children feel loved and cared for while we explore the world around them! "
Ms. Linda Cokley
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Ms. Remi Palevich
Ms. Andrea Bezerra
Ms. Linda Jacobs
Ms Linda is from Charlotte NC and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She retired from Richland School District One after a 30 year career. Her positions in the school district included being the Registrar in the Guidance Department at Dreher High School and the Administrative Assistant to the principal at Mill Creek Elementary School. This is her tenth year at CJDS and 40th year working in education. She loves being a part of the children's lives at CJDS.
Ms. Joanna Roots
Morah Maya Brodchandel
