Hello everyone! My name is Mrs. Quesada and I am from Bluffton, SC and I graduated from Winthrop University. Some of my favorite things are the color green, strong coffee, my dog, going on long walks and indoor plants! Last school year I had the honor to be at JES as junior faculty and was able to stay!  I fell in love with this school, the teachers, staff, community and students and I’m beyond excited to begin this school year!

Classroom Assistants:

Mrs. Dubose

Mrs. Kitchin

Mr. Floyd

My name is Christy Waldrop and I am an assistant in the Multi level 1 class with Mrs. Quesada and Mrs. Jenner. This is my first year at Jefferson. I was formerly a teacher at Small World Academy in Sharon. I’m originally from Rock Hill but I now live in Sharon. I am married and have two sons and two step sons. I love spending time with my family, I love the beach, and I love watching football. My favorite team is Clemson. Some of my favorite things include pizza, Reese’s cups, and Doritos. I also love dogs, cats and pigs. I have two dogs and three cats. I don’t have any pigs but hopefully one day I will. 

I am from Huntsville, AL and have a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Athens State University.  I LOVE teaching children and my wish for them is that they always feel accepted.  I enjoy traveling and working puzzles.  My family and I are new to the area.  I have 2 adult children, 3 grandsons, and 1 granddaughter.

Classroom Assistants:

Mr. Larry Harrison

Mrs. Tamela Elswick

Speech Therapist

My name is Alyssa DeVane and I'm a Speech Language Pathologist. I have lived in 7 different states and went to JMU and ULM. I love to run, read, watch movies, and hang out with my family and friends. My favorite color is green and my favorite books are the Harry Potter series. I love my job and getting to work with various students.

2021-2022 Teacher of the Year

I was born in Germany and moved to the United States at age 2.  We traveled all over the United States while my father was in the military.  I am married with three wonderful children.  I graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.  I received a Master's Degree in Education, Learning, and Technology from Western Governors University.  I also received a Special Education degree through the University of South Carolina.  My favorite book is Island of the Blue Dolphins which I first read in 5th grade and have read multiple times over the years.  I enjoy reading, gardening, taking family trips, and having fun with our 2 dogs, 2 cats, and bunny rabbit.  I am looking forward to an amazing 36th school year at Jefferson and will do my best to ensure that each student has a motivating and safe learning experience.  My wish for my students this year is to discover a love of learning and exploration.  

Classroom Assistants:

Mrs. Waldrop

Mrs. Counts

Academic Interventionist

Mrs. Grier is in her 14th year of teaching exceptional learners. She has had the privilege of teaching every grade from kindergarten to 12th grade in varying positions.  Prior to earning her master’s in education from Converse College she worked as a law enforcement victim’s advocate for 5 years.  She is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina and enjoys attending Gamecock football games.

She lives with her husband in Chester, SC where they raise their four children-- two of which attend York School District One schools. 

I was born and raised in rural Minnesota and lived there until 2 years ago when my husband and I decided to move with our sweet puppy to warmer weather in South Carolina.  In Minnesota, I taught in Minneapolis and St. Paul and the last 2 years I taught in Lancaster County, SC.  I attended St. Cloud State University for my undergraduate degree with a major in Special Education and a minor in Human Relations and Multicultural Education, in addition to a teaching licensure in Learning Disabilities. After 20 years of teaching, I furthered my education by earning a Master's Degree from Bethel University in Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities.  My favorite childhood book has to be Charlotte's Web.  I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, fishing, cooking, baking, swimming, boating, planting and growing flowers, and spending time with family and friends.  I am excited about starting a new adventure at JES.  I mostly look forward to making connections with my students and their families as well as my colleagues.  I hope many things for my students, particularly that they see their own strengths and growth.

Speech Therapist

My name is Joy Pendarvis and I am a Speech Language Pathologist.

I enjoy bowling, getting my nails done and watching movies.

My favorite color is pink.

Favorite Quote: “ The decisions you make today will affect you tomorrow”

My name is Leon Floyd and I was born and raised in York, SC. I am a product of the York School District #1. I am a Special Education assistant in the class with Mrs. Quesada, Mrs. Dubose, and Mrs. Kitchin. This is my first year at Jefferson. I was recently a bus driver for several years for our district. I am a proud graduate of Northern Kentucky University. I have one son who is 8 years old, and he attends school in our district. In my spare time I love spending time with my son, traveling to different places, bowling, or playing sports with my son. I also coach different youth sports. I love watching all types of college sports. My favorite college sports teams are UNC Tarheels( basketball) and Florida Gators(football). My favorite color is red. I'm looking forward to this school year. I love building relationships with kids whether it's students in the schools or players on the teams I coach. It's about adding to their lives in a positive way.