South Carolina Child Care Inclusion Collaborative

Our Team

portrait of Heather Googe, Ph.D.

Heather Googe, Ph.D.

Director and Principal Investigator

Dr. Googe has over 20 years of experience working in the field of early childhood special education and holds a PhD in Special Education from the University of South CarolinaShe is a Research Assistant Professor at the Yvonne & Schuyler Moore Child Development Research Center at the University of South Carolina. She is the Director and Principal Investigator of the South Carolina Child Care Inclusion Collaborative, Principal Investigator of the Mix EC Project, and Principal Investigator of the South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion project. She has experience as an early interventionist working with infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, as a preschool teacher in an inclusive preschool, as a trainer and technical assistance provider supporting child care providers to increase their use of inclusive practices, and as an adjunct instructor teaching courses in early childhood and early childhood special education for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Dr. Googe’s research and professional interests include supporting access to high-quality inclusive settings for young children with disabilities through the provision of professional development related to evidence-based inclusive practices among early childhood teachers the development and implementation of cross-sector professional development systems in early childhood. 

Dr. Googe believes early care and education providers play an important role in supporting children with disabilities/developmental delays and their families. She is passionate about supporting providers to increase their skills and knowledge related to including children with disabilities in their programs.

SC Child Care Inclusion Collaborative (SCIC)

portrait of Sarah Shaw, M.Ed.

Sarah Shaw, M.Ed.

Program Coordinator

Sarah Shaw joined the SC Childcare Inclusion Collaborative in October 2019 as the Program Coordinator. She provides support to our Inclusion Specialists and coordinates our developmental Screening initiatives.

Sarah earned a BS in Early Childhood Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY and an M. Ed.in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. Sarah was an Early Interventionist for 10 years. During this time, she provided service coordination and family training to families who have children with disabilities. Prior to early intervention, Sarah worked as a childcare teacher in several childcare centers in Albany, NY and Columbia, SC. Sarah has experience working with children from birth to five years of age.

Sarah has a daughter with whom she enjoys spending spare time. Together they enjoy the beach, museums, art, dance, and theater.

portrait of Nicole Randall, M.S.

Nicole Randall, M.S.

Project Manager

Nicole Randall joined the Mix-EC: Multi-System Inclusion Expansion for Early Childhood Project in March 2021 as the Project Manager. Prior to joining the Mix-EC Team, Nicole supported early childhood professionals with promoting the social-emotional development of young children in her role as an Education Specialist and Behavior Specialist for a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency in North Carolina. Over the past several years she has gained extensive experience in the Human Services and Early Childhood Education Field working with children, adolescents, and adults as a Preschool Teacher, Job Coach, Inpatient Discharge Planner, Adjunct Instructor and Early Learning Coach.
Nicole holds a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree from Florida State University and her Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina where she majored in Psychology.

Nicole's favorite activities include playing board games and traveling with her husband and their two children.
portrait of Jennifer Taylor

Jennifer Taylor

Referral and Outreach Coordinator

Jennifer Taylor has been in education for over twenty years. During this time, she has served in several classrooms and administrative roles across the country in early childhood, special education, elementary, and secondary education. In her current role as the Referral and Outreach Coordinator, Jennifer is responsible for communicating with childcare programs, parents, and community partners to spread awareness of SC Inclusion Collaborative programs and initiatives. She provides administrative support to the director and the program staff which includes assistance with technology and its management. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi.

portrait of Kimberly McCollum, M.Ed.

Kimberly McCollum, M.Ed.

Inclusion Specialist

Kim McCollum joined the Inclusion Collaborative in December 2014 as an Inclusion Specialist. Prior to joining our team, Kim taught Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten for 17 years, served on the board of First Steps of Pickens County for 2 years, was a child care trainer for Lifelong Learning of Greenville County for 3 years, and was a Preschool Director for 3 years. Kim has experience in private and public schools and child care facilities.

Kim earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Southern Wesleyan University in 1993 and her Masters of Education specializing in Teacher Leadership from Walden University in 2013. Kim holds a South Carolina Professional Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood as well as being a Certified Trainer and Technical Assistance Provider with the SC Endeavors.

Kim has been married since 1991 and they have four children. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending as much time as possible with her children, family, and friends or going to the movies and reading.

Kim provides training and technical assistance to child care providers in the following counties: Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Laurens, Newberry, Greenwood, McCormick, Abbevilleand Anderson.

portrait of Megan Smith, MS

Megan Smith, MS

Inclusion Specialist

Megan Smith joined the SC Inclusion Collaborative in July 2022 as an Inclusion Specialist.  Originally from Michigan, Megan earned her Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and later her Master's in Child Development from Erikson Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Megan worked as a preschool teacher for 10 years and also as an Early Interventionist for 3 years. Along the way, Megan found her passion working with children who have special needs as well supporting the families and schools. As a Certified Trainer and Technical Assistance Provider with SC Endeavors, Megan is able to continue supporting childcare programs and teacher's professional development related to evidence-based practices that can be used to support the inclusion of children with disabilities/developmental delays and to support healthy social and emotional wellbeing of the young children in their care.

Megan provides training and coaching to childcare providers in the following counties: York, Chester, Lancaster, Fairfield, Kershaw, Union, Richland, Lexington, Saluda, Edgefield, Aiken, Barnwell, and Bamberg.

She enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, Miggy, as well as reading, traveling, and doing CrossFit.

portrait of Karen B. Middleton, M.A.

Karen B. Middleton, M.A.

Inclusion Specialist

Karen B. Middleton is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. She joined the SC Inclusion Collaborative in January 2013 as an Inclusion Specialist. Prior to joining the Inclusion Collaborative, She worked in many facets of Head Start, serving as both an Education Specialist and Center Coordinator for 22 years.  She has worked with both Aiken Barnwell Head Start and GLEAMNS Human Resource Commission.

Additionally, she was a Grantee Performance Support Specialist with STG International, Inc. providing training and technical assistance throughout Head Start Region IV.

She received her Masters of Arts in Human Behavior and Conflict Management from Columbia College. In addition, she received a certificate of 40 hours in Civil Mediation Training from Columbia College.

Karen has an A.A. in General Studies from North Greenville College. She received a BS in Child and Family Development from Benedict College. While attending Benedict College, she received a Certificate in Child Protective Services from the Social Work Department. She is also a President’s Trophy Scholar. She is a Certified Trainer, Technical Assistance Provider through SC Endeavors, also TPOT, TPITOS Reliable and a Certified Pre-K CLASS Observer.  

She has received many professional training hours, certificates, and honors. She is a member of NAEYC and The High/Scope Educational Research Foundation.

Karen enjoys traveling, shopping, listening to music, especially jazz, and photography. Her personal motto is “The sky is the limit and always continue to aim high.” 

Karen provides training and technical assistance to child care providers in the following counties: Calhoun, Orangeburg, Allendale, Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton, Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston. 

portrait of Phines Black, M.Ed.

Phines Black, M.Ed.

Inclusion Specialist

Phines J. Black is a native of Florence, South Carolina. She joined the SC Inclusion Collaborative in January 2018 as an Inclusion Specialist. Prior to joining the Inclusion Collaborative, she worked as a 4K Preschool Lead Teacher for three years with South Carolina First Steps. In 2016, she was awarded 4K Teacher of the year in her regional area. She has worked in the education field for many years and has touched many little lives along the way. Phines believes as educators, we are a part of the brick and mortar that builds that sturdy foundation for our children.
She received her BS from Grand Canyon University in Elementary Education with a Dual Major in Special Education and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is a certified Trainer and Technical Assistance Provider through South Carolina Endeavors.
She has received many professional training hours and certificates. She is a member of South Carolina Early Childhood Association and South Carolina Education Association. Phines enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and traveling. Phines provides training and technical assistance to child care providers in the following Counties: Chesterfield, Marlboro, Darlington, Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg, Georgetown, Horry, Florence, Marionand Dillon.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” - Maya Angelou
portrait of Mallory Cannaday

Mallory Cannaday

Inclusion Specialist - School Age Inclusion Specialist

Mallory has been working with children in various capacities for almost ten years. She has enjoyed providing assistance and guidance for children, families, and providers throughout her career path; and has found a special calling to focus on children with disabilities. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s in psychology and is now proud to be an employee! After graduating, she went on to work in a nearby school district while also working at a local children's home. She later went on to work as an early interventionist for over five years before joining the South Carolina Inclusion Collaborative team. 
Mallory believes it takes a collaborative team to help children reach their full potential. She has enjoyed working in various roles and learning how to strengthen the bond between families and providers.
She is a proud mom of one daughter. Mallory enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and shopping.

Mallory provides training and coaching across the state for school-age providers such as after-school programs and summer camps. She is currently in the process of receiving her Recreation Specialist certificate through the National Inclusion Project.
portrait of Erin Martin

Erin Martin

Inclusion Specialist – Family Child Care Home Statewide

Erin Martin joined the Mix EC team in March of 2021 as an Inclusion Specialist for Family Child Care Home providers. She provides support to FCCH providers by professional development related to evidence-based practices that providers can use to support the inclusion of children with disabilities/developmental delays and to support healthy social and emotional wellbeing of the young children in their care.
Erin earned a BS in Family Consumer Science Business with a concentration in Child Development from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC. She has 10 years of experience in early intervention and worked as an early intervention supervisor. During this time, she provided service coordination and family training to families that had children receiving services through BabyNet and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. Erin also worked in Washington, DC with Little Feet and Hands as their first Developmental Therapist. Prior to early intervention, Erin worked as a childcare teacher in several childcare centers in Columbia, SC, and with Richland County First Steps. Erin has experience working with children from birth to five years of age.
Erin is a wife and mother to four amazing children. Together they enjoy park adventures, baking, and taking trips.

BabyCoach and CRAwl

portrait of Kate K. Chappell, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., C.P.N.P.-P.C.

Kate K. Chappell, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., C.P.N.P.-P.C.

Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Kate Chappellis a Clinical Associate Professor with the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, and practices as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. She has been nursing faculty since 2007and teaches in didactic, clinical, and simulation settings across the BSN and Nurse Practitioner programs. Her research and practice interests include caregiver vigilance for child sexual abuse, creating equitable access to resources that address trauma, integration of social determinants of health across nursing curriculums, and resource support for children with significant healthcare needs. She is a member of several professional organizations including the South Carolina Nurses Association and serves as the Advocacy and Policy Chair for the Developmental, Behavioral, and Mental Health Special Interest Group in the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

portrait of Victoria H. Davis, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., C.P.N.P.-P.C.

Victoria H. Davis, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., C.P.N.P.-P.C.

Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Victoria Davis is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing and practices as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Florida. She has been a nurse educator since 2015 and teaches in didactic, clinical and simulation settings across the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Her research interests include preventive and accessible care for the school-age population and the integration of social determinants of health across nursing curricula. She is a member of several professional organizations including the South Carolina Nurses Association and serves as a state board member for the South Carolina National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

portrait of Naomi Barker, M.S.

Naomi Barker, M.S.

Project Coordinator

Naomi Barker joined CRAwl: Child Care Ready for All in June 2021 as the Program Coordinator. She coordinates the training program for child care providers of children with significant health care needs and facilitates families securing childcare services ready to provide care for children with health care needs.
Naomi earned a BS in Biology from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and an MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of South Carolina.
Naomi is passionate about patient advocacy and is dedicated to improving medical-related challenges in all aspects of individuals’ lives. She completed her thesis, “An Exploration of the Genetic Counselor’s Role in the Individualized Education Program,” in2021. Currently, Naomi is practicing as a CardiovascularGeneticCounselor in Charleston, SC.
Naomi enjoys traveling, trying new recipes and restaurants, and playing soccer