South Carolina Child Care Inclusion Collaborative

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 Carolina. She 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.

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.

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.

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, Abbeville, and Anderson.

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.

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. 

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.

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.