Learn about our mission, values, and who we are. Meet our Board Members, who are crucial to our success, along with the Dorchester County First Steps staff!
Mission
Collaborating with other entities, Dorchester County First Steps helps families and caregivers in our county prepare their children for school success by maximizing public and private community resources to deliver, enhance and expand high- quality early childhood services.
Values
- The years of early childhood are a critical window of development during which much of human potential is shaped.
- Families are the single most important influence on the development of their young children.
- The work of supporting families and caregivers is a collaborative effort between state and local stakeholders within the public, private and faith sectors.
- School readiness is the result of a child’s development in many areas, with each contributing to the child’s success.
- Services must be individualized and adaptable to meet the unique needs of children and families.
- We value, and demonstrate in our collaborative work and advocacy, diverse perspectives in the development of public policy and programs.
- To achieve desired results, services must be high-quality and grounded in strong evidence. First Steps operates within a culture of accountability.
Meet the Board
Name | Position | Board Category |
---|---|---|
Trimeka Johnson | Chair | Parent of a Child (Birth – 5) |
Tracy Jackson | Title One Coordinator |
DD4 School Representative |
Ronda Simmons |
Little Fish Academy |
Child Care Director |
Teresa Kelly | Parenting Coordinator | DD2 School Representative |
Kathy Sanders |
Dorchester County Library St. George |
Library Appointed |
Crystal Rouse | A. Philip Randolph Institute Greater Charleston | Community |
Travis Schaffer |
Family, Advocacy, Mediation, Intervention Services |
Business Community/ Technology |
Almarie Scroggins | Secretary |
Faith Based |
Lisa Hart | Vice Chair |
Community |
Sharon Bennett |
DHEC |
Health Community Appointed |
Elenora Brown |
High School Nurse |
Community |

Dorchester County First Steps Staff
Crystal Campbell, Executive Director
Alicia Turner, PAT Program Director
Ariel Taylor, Parent Educator
Sabrina Marshall, Quality Enhancement Specialist and Couch; ABC Voucher Specialist
Courtnee Benjamin, Naturing Parents Program
Maria Michalet, Outreach Coordinator