Meredith Burton: Director and Lead Teacher

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Furman University
  • Master’s Degree in Reading/Literacy from Furman University
  • 20+ years experience in K5-first grade (public and private programs)
  • Served two terms as President of South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (state affiliate for the National Association for the Education of Young Children)
  • Serves as Treasurer and Public Policy Chair for the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children.
  • Adjunct Instructor for Furman University Graduate Studies in Education
  • Furman Reflection Fellow (2019-2021)
  • Served on the NAEYC for Families website Advisory Council (2014-2017)
  • Serves on the Education Advisory Board at North Greenville University
  • Served on the Board of Greenville County First Steps for many years
  • Presents at state and national conferences on topics related to Early Childhood practice and The Project Approach
  • Has conducted training for area school districts and private schools
  • Married and enjoys traveling, photography, reading, and tea culture
  • Mother to a teenage son.

Laura Johnston: CDC Teacher

  • Graduated from Furman University in 1993 with a B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
  • Completed graduate program in 2020 with an M.A. in Early Childhood Education
  • Member of NAEYC, SCAEYC, and Kappa Delta Pi
  • Over 25 years of experience working with young children in various early childhood settings
  • Taught Kindermusik with various nonprofit organizations and K5 with Upstate Homeschool Co-op
  • Teacher at the CDC since 2014
  • Enjoys spending time on the lake sailing and kayaking.  Enjoys gardening and hiking with her family.

Jennifer Blumer:  CDC Teacher

  • Graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education
  • Taught K4 and K5 in Rock Hill School District
  • Homeschooled three daughters for ten years
  • Worked for ten years in administrative and marketing positions in the accounting industry
  • Began teaching at the Furman CDC in 2019
  • Actively involved in women’s ministries at church
  • Loves going to the mountains and playing with her granddaughter

Kelly Fenwick: Teacher’s Assistant

  • Taught Preschool in Georgia for many years.
  • Recently moved to Greenville.
  • Began teaching at the CDC in 2022.
  •  Enjoys weekends at Lake Hartwell boating, fishing, and swimming with her family.