My name is Rachel Greer and I have taught kindergarten, second grade, and four-year-old kindergarten. I currently teach 4K at Cotton Belt. I got my Bachelor's degree from Winthrop University in 2006 in Early Childhood Education. I got my Master’s Degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College in 2012. I am also certified to teach Gifted and Talented, Early Childhood Special Education, and certified to be a Literacy Coach.

I am also a wife and mom. In my spare time, I love to read books, watch movies, and watch TV shows. My favorite place to visit is the beach. I love to teach and watch students learn! Laying the foundation of their educational journey is my pleasure and I look forward to the year to come!  

My name is Stephanie Balko. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Cotton Belt Elementary School family. In 2008 I obtained my Early Childhood credentials and since then I have taught at local childcare facilities. Making my way into the school district has always been a dream of mine and I could not be happier with where I have landed!

When I'm not at school I enjoy time with my family and our two German Shepherds. We enjoy trips to the beach and spending endless amounts of hours out on the lake . 

My name is Sharon McNie and I have taught at the prekindergarten level for over 20 years. I have been the lead pre-kindergarten teacher at Cotton Belt Elementary since 2017. I obtained my early childhood degree from Eastern Michigan University. I was a competitive gymnast all through college and today I still coach competitive gymnastics. I like to bring basic gymnastics skills into the classroom to help build strength, coordination, and confidence. Providing a positive and enriched environment in which young children can thrive on is my passion and mission.  

After raising five children, I now get the honor of being a grandparent. When I am not playing with the grandbaby, I enjoy paddle boarding, the beach, and playing with my dogs.   

My name is Wendy Stephenson. I have been employed with CBES since 2018 as a pre-Kindergarten teacher assistant. I am credentialed in Early Childhood Education. Prior to teaching, I was a registered Radiological Technician and a Fitness Instructor. My certifications were all obtained at York Technical College.

I am a mother of three boys and enjoy introducing 4 and 5 yr. olds to the classroom setting for the first time. My passion is helping to mold and shape our future generations to be successful and caring adults. 

My name is Melinda Bursey and I have been at Cotton Belt since 2018. I have worked with young learners with special needs since I started my career in 1996. Prior to starting at Cotton Belt, I worked in the BabyNet early intervention program in SC. I love special education and everything about it! I enjoy watching how my students reach their milestones and the independence they gain throughout the year. I feel Special Education is truly the most rewarding place to teach!

I live in York with my husband. I am from Rock Hill but have lived in York since 2007. I enjoy reading, shopping and spending time at my 2nd home in the mountains of Maggie Valley, NC. I love going to the mountains! I also enjoy spending time with my family. I went back and got my MAT in Special Education from Winthrop University and this will be my first year as the teacher in the classroom and school I love!

Winthrop University – Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and MAT in Special Education 

I have been at Cotton Belt Elementary School since 2022.  I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University. I have been teaching young children since 2002.  

I have lived in York since 2007. I am married with a son and daughter. We enjoy camping as a family.

My name is Jennifer Harris. I was born and raised in York, South Carolina and graduated from York Comprehensive High School in 1998. My husband Chris and I have one daughter, Jenna.  I started pursuing my dream job in 2018 working in the Special Education program here at York School District One.

In my spare time I enjoy working in my yard, lying by the pool, watching a good movie and most of all spending time with my family. I am extremely excited to be part of the Cotton Belt family.

My name is Vicki Wood and I have been an assistant at Cotton Belt Elementary since 2014.  Both of my children went to Cotton Belt and I got to know many of the teachers through volunteering there.  When I was offered a position, I jumped at the chance to work at Cotton Belt.  There is not a better place for children to receive an education with loads of caring, nurturing, and fun thrown in as well.