LCAE Board of directors

We are a team of individuals who know education plays a significant role in people reaching their full potential.

The values that guide our work are:

  • Integrity

  • Sustainability

  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

  • Innovation

  • Health & Wellness

  • Phyllis Barrett, Chairman of the Board of LCAE, is a retired civil and criminal court reporter, having served throughout the state of South Carolina for 33 years. She served as president of the SC State Court Reporters Association from 2002-2006. In her freetime, Phyllis enjoys gardening, playing mahjong, and baking.

  • Lindsey Elmore has more than 20 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, with a background in teaching, youth development, curriculum design, and program leadership. She is passionate about ensuring every child has access to the opportunities and support they need to succeed and is honored to serve on the LCAE Board of Directors. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

  • Amey Wrenn is a dedicated education professional with a rich background in early childhood teaching, having taught kindergarten and first grade in Charleston County School District. She earned her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston in 2020 and currently serves as the Assistant Director at Kids Garden, a drop-in creative arts learning center. Amey is dedicated to supporting students and families by providing the academic resources they need to bridge the testing and achievement gap. In her free time, she enjoys singing, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.

  • Kristen Cobb is a dedicated healthcare professional and advocate for academic equity. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kentucky and currently works as a cardiothoracic intensive care unit nurse. During her time at UK, she served as Vice President of Inclusion for her sorority, where she helped organize and fund literacy events for the local community. She also worked as a tutor, developing academic plans to support student success. Passionate about ensuring every child has a fair shot at academic achievement, she is committed to bridging educational gaps and fostering equity. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.

  • Steph Eldridge is a science teacher and graduate student pursuing research in issues of equity in science teacher preparation. Since 2016, Steph has taught a range of students from rising 5th graders through college students throughout the Lowcountry. Steph earned their MAT in Biology from The Citadel and is pursuing a Ph.D. in science education through University of Georgia. Steph’s research interests include LGBTQ+ issues in education, gender equity, and game-based learning. In their free time, Steph enjoys paddleboarding, traveling, creating art, and planning meetups for their crafting group.

  • Melissa Barrett, LCAE Founder and Executive Director, is a native of South Carolina. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching, in public and private sectors, in high, medium, and low socio-economic schools since 2001. Her experiences, knowledge, and passion for activism and equity led her to found Lowcountry Center for Academic Equity. When she’s not teaching, Melissa spends her time exercising, gardening, and keeping up with current events.