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Meet The Team

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Executive Director

Nicole Thomas

Nicole Thomas is from Union, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina- Columbia with her BA in Liberal Studies with a focus in Sociology. In her free time, Nicole enjoys listening to music, watching movies and spending time with her family and friends. 

Email: nicoleglenn@unionfirststeps.org

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Outreach Coordinator/Program Assistant

Deadra Rice

Deadra Rice is a proud graduate of Union County High School. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. Deadra values opportunities to explore new places and experiences, which inspire her both personally and professionally. 

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Email: drice@unionfirststeps.org

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PAT Supervisor/ Lead Parent Educator

Joni Long

Joni Long is from Lockhart, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina- Upstate with her BA in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Joni enjoys baking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. 

 

​​Email: jlong@unionfirststeps.org

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Parent Educator 

Shanell Route

Shanell Route is from Union, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina- Union and Ashford University where she obtained her BA in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Shanell enjoys shopping, eating and traveling. 

Email: sroute@unionfirststeps.org

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Parent Educator 

Mallerie Knox

Mallerie Knox is from Union, SC and a graduate from Union County High School. Mallerie has over ten years in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Mallerie enjoys going to church and spending time with her husband and their three children. 

Email: mknox@unionfirststeps.org

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Work-Study Student

Anna Jennings-Hall

Anna Jennings-Hall is from Simpsonville, SC, and is currently a student at USC-Union, where she is studying Education. When Anna's not studying or working, she enjoys reading, watching TV, and spending time with her family and friends.

Email: jenningshallanna@gmail.com

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Board Member of the Year! 
Mrs. Robin Rodgers

 

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Members of the Board

Robin Rodgers (Chair)

Rhonda Hollingsworth (Vice Chair)

Amanda Newton

Dena Addis  

Jan Carter 

Taylor Atkinson

Stacy Farr

Jesse Kaylor

Mary Thomas

Jacquline Gilliam-Stevens

Frank Charles

Annual Reports
*click the link below to review our yearly report*

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