Meet the Teachers!
Candace Richardson (Left)
Shiyo Nigad (Hello Everyone). My name is Candace. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in literature, and I’ve worked in education and childcare since 2018 — primarily in special education, homeschool co-ops, and therapy settings.
I’m also an author and curriculum writer who creates books and resources for learning the Cherokee language. I sit on the board at The Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina, where I also teach Cherokee language classes. Coming from an Indigenous and neurodiverse family, I bring that perspective into my teaching and curriculum design. I specialize in Cherokee language and culture, as well as language arts.
Outside of that, my special interests include dinosaurs, musicals, and creating art.
Favorite dinosaur: Baryonyx.
Helen McLane (Right)
Hi, I’m Helen, and I’m thrilled to meet our new families! I’m originally from Charleston, SC, but I’ve also lived in Washington, North Carolina, Georgia, and California. I now call the Upstate home, where I’m close to family and enjoying life with my husband and daughter.
I’ve had a blast working with kids in various after-school programs and teaching at Carolina Kids Co-Op. In my free time, you can find me exploring nature, sipping coffee, thrifting, making art or checking out haunted houses.
Favorite dinosaur: Ankylosaurus