I am Melissa Reese. I am starting my 10th year of teaching. I went to Penn State as an undergraduate and graduate student. After moving to Charleston I completed my Primary Montessori training and have been a Montessori teacher for 4 years. I am looking forward to helping our Montessori program grow.

My name is Heather Grant and I have had the privilege of being a part of Frierson since 2019 and a part of CCSD since 2007.  I  have taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, and was the Early Childhood lead teacher for the Gifted and Talented Department.  I decided to become Montessori trained because it is a philosophy I truly believe in and am excited to be part of the Frierson team.  I am committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning.  Thank you for sharing your precious children with us! 

I'm Dominque Bennett and I am excited to be returning to Frierson for a fourth year, to teach Lower Elementary Montessori. All three of my previous years of teaching have been at Frierson! I have taught traditional third and first grade, and last year I was blessed with the opportunity to teach our first Lower El Montessori class, where I taught first grade only. I am excited to teach both first and second graders this year.

I am a born and raised Michigander, and enjoy traveling home with my husband and our dog, Stella, to visit with family and friends. I also enjoy reading, yoga, and going to the beach. I am looking forward to another wonderful year of growth and learning with all of you!

Hello!  My name is Louise Faythe Prince.  I go by my middle name, Faythe.  I am the new Lower Elementary Montessori teacher at Frierson Elementary.  I moved to the Charleston area this summer from the upstate and I live on John's Island.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master's in Elementary Education from Lander University.  I also hold Lower Elementary Montessori endorsement from Lander University and an Adolescent Montessori endorsement from Athen's Montessori Institute.  I have taught middle and high school sciences and have 13 years experience in lower elementary and adolescent Montessori.  I have taught 20 years, with the last 13 years teaching in Laurens 55 School District in Laurens, S.C.  I have three children.  My oldest two, Jessica and Jacob are grown and live in Laurens, S.C. My youngest, Kaitlyn, is 18 and she will be a student at College of Charleston this fall.  I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, swimming, yoga, and walking.  I love to travel.  One of my favorite trips was a school tour of Ireland, London, and Paris.  I am looking forward to the new school year and to working with students and parents.  Everyone at Frierson has been so welcoming!  My goal is to provide a safe, peaceful, and fun learning environment for your child.  I am always just an email away, so reach out to me whenever needed.

​My name is Crystal Blue. I’ve been a part of Edith L. Frierson for over ten years. I grew up here, in Charleston, South Carolina. I’m a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I received my Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. I’ve taught grades fourth, third, second, and child development (CD). I’m a wife, a mother of three children, and a small business owner. I’m looking forward to another great year here at Frierson!

Hello! My name is Nadezhda "Hope" Ivanova and this is my first year teaching. I am a 2020 graduate of Charleston Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I am originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, have been raised in North Macedonia, and have moved to the U.S. in 2013. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking on the beach, going to live sports events, cooking, baking, and watching movies. I am passionate and committed to educating children to become world changers by providing a safe learning environment. I feel honored and blessed to be joining Team Frierson and look forward to having a positive impact on the children's growth this upcoming school year.

I am the 5th-grade teacher here at Frierson Elementary School. This is my 3rd year here at Frierson and my 19th year teaching. I graduated from Florida State University and earned 2 master's degrees from the College of Charleston. I am a mom to two grown daughters and I live with my husband on John's Island. Being at Frierson is like being at a home away from home - it's like family and that's why I love teaching at Frierson.

My name is Deitra Gibbs and I am the School Counselor and Parent Educator.  I received my Masters from The Citadel and have spent the past nine years in Charleston County Schools. My role as a school counselor has truly been rewarding and my belief is to encourage all students to strive to reach their goals. I love puzzles, dancing, taking pictures, painting and traveling. I believe a successful education includes an emotionally healthy child. I look forward to teaching and working with your children!

Hi, I'm Lara Russell, and I'm the teacher librarian at Edith L. Frierson Elementary. This is my second year in the library as one of eleven CCSD/USC Teacher Librarian Cohort Members, but my 19th year as a teacher.

I began teaching as a Peace Corps volunteer in Hungary in 1994 and have since worked as a secondary English teacher, a K-12 teacher of gifted and talented, and an instructional coach.

When I'm not teaching or reading, you can find me fishing with my husband, Tommy, playing with our dogs, Suki Bird, Arlo, and Lodi, or enjoying a good cup of coffee.

I look forward to working with you and your learners!

 Hi! My name is Taylor Bensinger and I will be teaching Art and PE at Frierson Elementary.  I am a Charleston Southern University graduate and a native to the Lowcountry.  I love sports, biking, and fitness but I also love arts and crafts.  I am so lucky to get to share both of my passions with your children this year!  I believe Art and PE are so important to a well-rounded education because it allows for self-expression, creativity, and mental/emotional growth.  I look forward to being a part of this community and the great things that will be happening at Frierson Elementary School. 

My name is Samantha Kurtz and I am honored to serve as the Reading Coach at Frierson Elementary School. I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters Degree in Education with a focus in Literacy. I have worked in Charleston County School District for 8 years, the past three being here at Frierson. I am an avid reader and passionate about the students, staff, and community I have the privilege of serving every day. I am looking forward to another great school year here at Frierson Elementary School!