Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & Sciences Charter School Board

Amleht Alston is employed as a Middle School Counselor.  She holds a Master's degree and is completing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.  Ms. Alston has served in various leadership roles and at one time was a Residential Counselor/Behavior Manager for Emotionally Disabled Children.  She is one of the founding Charter Committee members of RLOA.  Contact: amleht.alston@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2020.

Kelli Boniecki, Secretary, is the Director of Early Care & Education Instructor/Coordinator at the Technical College of the Lowcountry and serves on the Beaufort School Readiness Committee and the United Way Education Impact Committee.  She formerly served as the State Director of Early Childhood for South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness and as a Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 4th grade teacher in the Beaufort County School System.  Ms. Boniecki received a dual Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and Education and a doctoral degree in Early Childhood Education is in process.  Contact:  kelli.boniecki@rloacs.org.  Her term ends in December 2018.

Anne Bridgers, a resident of Ridgeland, has had a 42-year career in education.  She has taught in both public and private schools.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international teacher’s organization.  She retired from teaching in 2011 and has pastored Port Royal United Methodist Church for the last four years.  Ms. Bridgers is involved in many local community initiatives such as Relay for Life and is passionate about children’s education to which her many years in education testify.  Anne.bridgers@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2018.

Brandi Freeman, Treasurer, is an RLOA parent who owns a business with her husband.  She has a managerial background.  Brandi is an enthusiastic RLOA volunteer, especially in fundraising efforts.   She is very involved with programs that help children and the community.  Mrs. Freeman is committed to the vision of RLOA.  Contact: brandi.freeman@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2020

Harry (Rob) McBrayer, Chair, is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who owns a very active veterinary practice in Ridgeland.  He is an advocate for improving education in Jasper County and project-based learning.  Dr. McBrayer is involved in Jasper County politics and a strong believer in children understanding the importance of The Constitution and how our government works.  He is one of the founding Charter Committee members of RLOA.  Contact: rob.mcbrayer@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2020.

Sergio Nuno is an RLOA parent and a local business owner. He and his wife Maria own a small tortilla factory on Main Street. Their philosophy is that businessmen must paddle up creek, like a salmon who will fight against the current, swimming upstream.  Contact:  sergio.nuno@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2018.

Deanne Spikes is an agent with SC Farm Bureau Insurance for 14 years, servicing clients with all their insurance needs. She is the former owner of Cripple Crab Restaurant and Spikes Engines.  She is a member of the A-Tax Committee for the City of Hardeeville as well as the Chairperson for the Hardeeville Catfish Festival Committee.  Mrs. Spikes has served as both a full time and reserve police officer in Hardeeville as well as a board member for the Greater Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce. She has also volunteered with her church and other groups in the community when they have needed a helping hand.  Contact:  deanne.spikes@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2018.

Joan Rountree has been an educator for 32 years with a Masters degree in Education. She retired in 2008. She taught her first nine years at Ridgeland Elementary school and finished her career at Shell point Elementary in Beaufort. During her teaching career, she was a classroom teacher, teaching grades one through four, she taught a writing lab for grades two through five, and was a literacy coach for grades one through five. She received the honor of representing.  Shell Point Elementary as Teacher of the Year in 1999.  Contact:  joan.rountree@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2020.

Eunice Spilliards, M.A., Board Vice-Chair, is a mother, grandmother, and retired teacher and school administrator with more than 40 years of experience working with students in Jasper County.  Her experience spans both private and public education.  Mrs. Spilliards has a wealth of experience and particular insight into the challenges of children of poverty and those with disabilities.  She has mentored countless teachers and administrators and is a member of several boards, including the Palmetto Electric Cooperative Board.  Mrs. Spilliards has volunteered many hours of service promoting RLOA's vision. Contact: eunice.spilliards@rloacs.org.  Term ends in December 2018.