My name is Dawn Beckler and I am so excited to meet the Cotton Belt Family! I have previously taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade in the Rock Hill School District. I graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I am married to a Special Education teacher named Robert and we have one daughter named Shelby. In my spare time, I love a good book, walking and the great outdoors, scrapbooking, and spending time with those I love.

I absolutely LOVE Kindergarten and I am so thrilled about teaching and building a relationship with your child this year. I believe that communication is the key to your child’s success and to a great parent/teacher relationship. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. I look forward to working with you and your child because together we can make a difference! 

My name is Kimberlee Cooke.  I have been a kindergarten assistant since 2015 at Cotton Belt Elementary School. Prior to that I was a kindergarten assistant at Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School for one year.  I absolutely love kindergarten. I enjoy watching the excitement our students have with each new accomplishment.  Our kindergarten class is a wonderful place to learn while having fun.

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 sons.  I also enjoy watching baseball, especially the New York Yankees, reading, and travelling. I cannot wait to begin a new year making magic happen in kindergarten. 

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ 

My name is Lauren Fitzkee and I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten at Cotton Belt Elementary. I love the students, staff, and families at CBES. I graduated from Winthrop University (Go Eagles!) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I strive to encourage my students to love learning and develop a strong self-efficacy.

I was born and raised in Florence, SC and have two younger sisters. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love all things; coffee, plants, outdoor walks, reading, the beach, and travel.

Winthrop University -
Early Childhood Education Certification
Elementary Education Certification
Gifted & Talented Endorsement

My name is Vanessa Stephens. I’ve been a kindergarten assistant at Cotton Belt Elementary school since 2019. Prior to that, I was a preschool teacher for eight years. I love kindergarten and I’m always learning with the children as I enjoy helping teach them! 

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my grandkids! I also enjoy reading, cooking, and exercise! 

York Technical College, Rock Hill SC 

My name is Rachel Manera. I graduated from Winthrop University in May of 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I was born and raised in York and attended Cotton Belt Elementary when I was a little girl. I joined the CBES family as a teacher in 2021.

In my free time I enjoy going out with my fiancé, spending time with my family, and snuggling with my sweet kitties!

My name is Brandi Price. I am a cougar graduate from the class of 2006. After graduating high school, I went on to York Tech where I studied and earned my certification for Early Childhood Development. I started my journey with Cottonbelt in 2019 where I assisted in kindergarten for two years and one year in pre-k and in 2022 I will get to transition back to kindergarten! Cottonbelt is such an inviting school and so glad I get to call it home!

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Brett and my two boys, Chandler and Cooper .  You can also catch me drinking coffee , shopping and on the ball field !