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 one of our lead 4K teacher and assistant Director.  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.  

Mrs. Cedesia “Desi” Price is the lead teacher in our MEGA 3K 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!

Miss Laura Way is one of our lead 4-K teachers.  She loves working alongside and furthering the knowledge of her students. Miss Laura currently attends Southern Wesleyan Universtiy working to complete her degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies. In her free time she enjoys dance (teaching ballet, tap, clogging) and spending time with family and friends. She is also certified in CPR, first aid and AED

Miss Maddison Gable is one of our 4-K lead teachers. She holds a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. In her time away from the classroom she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, fishing on the lake, going to the mountains, and also being an active member in her church community. She is also certfied in infant/child CPR, First Aid and AED. 

Miss Alayna Way is the assistant 4-K teacher 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 Leilani Bunn works with our infant class. She has completed her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Midlands Technical College. She enjoys reading, arts and crafts and playing softball. She is also certified in child and adult CPR/AED and First Aid.

Miss Diana Balcazar is the assistant teacher in the Sea Turtle 4K class. She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education from Midlands Technical College. She enjoys riding her horse "Barbie" and spending time with her large family. She is fluent in spanish and adds her hispnaic heritage of language, culture, and music to our 4K classroom. She is also certified in child and adult CPR/AED and First Aid. 

Mrs. Mandy works in our infant class along side Miss Leilani here at MEGA. She is a mother of 3 children who are all involved in programs here at MEGA.  She is currently in school applying to an LPN program while she works here at MEGA with us. She enjoys drinking coffee and spending time with her kids when she is not working with those in the classroom. She is also a certified CNA, Patient care tech, Phlebotomist and EKG tech.

Ms. Melissa Couch works with our 3K, 4K, and afterschool students. She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education as well as an Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Certificate from NC State University. She enjoys spending time with her family and her "furry" babies. She is a favorite of all the MEGA children bringing her enthusiasm and creativity to each class. 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.