Our Staff

Our director, Janice Ironside has over 30  years experience as a teacher and director both in Hawaii and South Carolina. She holds a Master's Degree from the University of South Carolina in Early Childhood  Education. She is also a South Carolina Department of Social Services Master Trainer. She is certified in infant/child CPR, AED, and First Aid. She and her husband Jim enjoy traveling in their RV, reading and spending time with their grandchildren. 

Mrs. Audrey Rivers has over 20 years experience teaching 4K. She is our lead 4K teacher in the Whales classroom and our Assistant Director here at MEGA.  She has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and is seeking her Bachelor's Degree from USC. She has been featured many times as a spokesperson for First Steps 4K. She is also certified in child and adult CPR/AED and First Aid.  She enjoys crocheting and spending time with her family.  

Miss Alayna Way is one of our assistant 4-K teachers in the Whales class here at MEGA. She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her daughter, they love going to the lake to swim on a hot day or spending time together at home. She is also certified in infant/child CPR, First Aid and AED

Miss Malinda Yoakum is the Lead 4K Teacher in our Sea Turtle Classroom here at MEGA. She earned her Associate's Degree in Secondary Education from Roana State Community College in Tennessee and has been teaching for two years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, Orion, caring for their chickens, and playing games with friends and family. Miss Malinda is also certified in child and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Ms. Melissa is the Assistant Teacher in the 4K Sea Turtle Classroom. She has been teaching for five years and earned her Early Childhood Education certificate through Midlands Technical College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, cooking, crocheting, and gardening. Ms. Melissa is also certified in child and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Mrs. Cedesia “Desi” Price is one of our co-teachers in our MEGA 3K Dolphin class. She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education. She has a passion for working with young children and enjoys art projects with the very young. She is very  “craftsy” and enjoys making accessories and printing T-shirts in her free time. Mrs. Desi was a student in our preschool program years ago. We are happy to have her back at MEGA as a teacher! She is also certified in child and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Mr. Jackson Devore is another one of our co-teachers in the Dolphin 3K class. He earned his certificate in Early Childhood Education at Midlands Technical College and is currently pursuing coursework to earn a Bachelor's degree in Education. He brings a sense of fun and creativity to the 3K classroom. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family. He is also certified in child and adult CPR/AED and First Aid.

Miss Isabella (Isy) Rangel is the Lead Teacher in our 2K Sea Horse Classroom. She completed her Associates in Arts at Midlands Technical College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and going to the movies. Miss Isy is also certified in pediatric and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED. 

Miss Alexa McCormick is one of our Assistant Teachers in the 2K Sea Horse Classroom. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling to Nashville to visit her boyfriend, and finding new ways to be creative inside and outside of the classroom! Miss Alexa is also certified in infant, child, and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Miss Dese Wise is another one of our Assistant Teachers in the 2K Sea Horse Classroom. She has worked in child care for nearly six years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, homeschooling her children, painting and exploring new creative projects. She is also certified in infant, child and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Ms. Allison Covin is one of our teachers in our Babyshark infant and toddler room. She completed her Associates in Early Childhood Education from Midlands Technical College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son among many other activities. She is also certified in infant, child and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Ms. Elizabeth Harmon is one of our teachers in our Babyshark infant and toddler room. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughters, exploring antique shops, and attending local yard sales. She is also certified in child and adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Ms. SK is our wonderful afterschool teacher who brings joy and care to our school-age children once they arrive from Centerville Elementary. She earned her Early Childhood Education certificate through Midlands Technical College. She's passionate about outdoor activities-- riding horses, practicing archery, and caring for her pet birds. She is also certified in child and adult CPR/AED and First Aid.

Ms. Suzi Darbyshire is our fabulous cook. She originally hails from Hawaii and brings her love of cooking to all of our MEGA classes. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, sewing, and quilting.