The Teachers Who Make Liberty Oaks Different

 Kathy Stanton is a graduate of Columbia International University with dual degrees in Bible and elementary education. She taught 2nd grade in Pelion, SC and 3rd grade in Clover, SC before spending 17 years homeschooling her daughters and directing a homeschool co-op in Anderson. Her experience gives her a strong foundation in individualized, student-centered learning and early elementary instruction.

Kathy and her husband, Danny, have been married for over 25 years and moved to Anderson in 2006. They have two daughters, one attending Anderson University and the other graduated from Anderson University in 2025. She loves reading, crocheting, time with family, and Diet Coke. Kathy is excited to partner with families and help each student grow in confidence and skill.

 Andrea is a graduate of Clemson University with bachelor’s degrees in history and education. She has taught across Anderson District One from kindergarten through middle school and brings early childhood experience from Trinity Methodist Preschool. Andrea has taught K–2nd grade with Liberty Oaks, focusing on helping young learners feel confident, supported, and successful.

Andrea is mom to Finley and Adalynn and shares her home with her golden retriever, Max. She’s a big Clemson fan, loves all things pink, and never says no to cookie dough. Andrea looks forward to building strong relationships with students and families at Liberty Oaks Academy.

  Dana McElreath brings a deep background in both education and theater to Liberty Oaks Academy. She earned a degree in elementary education from Lander University and has taught in public school, homeschooled her own children, and led theater classes for homeschool co-ops.

Dana spent six years as Office Manager at Electric City Playhouse while assisting with youth theater, and she has more than 20 years of experience in theater both onstage and behind the scenes. She is excited to work with students and create a fun, engaging theater experience for every participant.

 With more than 3 decades of teaching experience, Mr. Coughenour brings deep knowledge and a visible passion for education to Liberty Oaks Academy. He earned a degree in elementary education from Clemson University. Throughout his career, he has taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and middle school students, building strong expertise across core subject areas.

Outside the classroom, Dan enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and staying active in his church. He is grateful to be part of the Liberty Oaks community and is committed to helping each student grow in confidence, character, and academic skill.

Kelly brings more than 30 years of experience in education to Liberty Oaks Academy. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Southern Wesleyan University and has taught in public, private, and charter schools throughout her career. Kelly is known for creating joyful classrooms where students feel known, encouraged, and challenged to grow.

Kelly believes teaching is more than a profession, and she see it as an opportunity to invest in the lives of children. She is passionate about partnering with families and creating a classroom where faith and learning go hand in hand.

Kelly is the proud mother of three and "Gmama" to two wonderful grandchildren. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cheering on the Clemson Tigers, reading a good book, and creating resources to support fellow teachers.

Kelly is excited to be part of the Liberty Oaks Academy family and looks forward to helping her students grow in knowledge, confidence, and character.

 Mrs. Coker holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Erskine College and a master’s in teaching from Clemson University. She brings 4 decades of teaching experience, including 36 years serving students in Anderson District Five.

Mrs. Coker and her husband, Buddy, are lifelong residents of Anderson and have been married for more than 35 years. They have two grown children, Chas and Molly, and four grandchildren—Jude, Clark, Kennedy, and Mary Allen. In her spare time, she loves being with her children and grandchildren.

 Ansley Burke graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. She previously taught 5th grade math and science in Spartanburg District Five and 3rd–5th grade English language arts and math (gifted and talented) in Anderson District Five. Ansley brings a strong background in upper-elementary instruction and a passion for helping students build confidence and skill in math.

Ansley and her husband, Jason, have been married for over fifteen years and have one son, Sullivan, who attends Liberty Oaks Academy. Her husband serves as Head Baseball Coach at Lander University and has also coached at Wofford College and Gardner-Webb University. Sullivan plays travel baseball and for the T.L. Hanna High School team. As Ansley puts it, “To say we are a baseball family is an understatement.”

Rebecca graduated from Lander University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career as a special education teacher at Starr-Iva Middle School, where she developed a passion for helping students reach their individual potential.

A lifelong Anderson County resident, Rebecca grew up in Anderson School District 3 and has always known she wanted to work with children. She believes every child is capable of success and is passionate about creating a classroom where students feel encouraged, supported, and challenged to grow.

Rebecca married her husband, Ryan, in February 2025, and together they enjoy life with their pet rabbit, Minnie. Outside the classroom, she enjoys coloring, singing, and spending time with family and friends.

Rebecca is excited to join the Liberty Oaks Academy family and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and their families throughout the school year.

Michelle graduated from Southern Wesleyan University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She is passionate about helping young learners explore, ask questions, and discover the world around them. Michelle believes the best learning happens through curiosity, hands-on experiences, and creating a classroom where students are excited to learn.

Michelle has been married to her high school sweetheart for over 30 years, and together they have five children, two grandsons, and a yellow Labrador Retriever named Sunny Rae. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, gardening, creating diamond art, and spending time with family and friends.

Michelle is excited to join the Liberty Oaks Academy family and looks forward to partnering with parents while inspiring students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of science..

 Mrs. Buczko teaches English to Liberty Oaks middle school students and brings a strong blend of classroom, homeschool, and professional writing experience. Originally from Alabama, she has lived in several states with her retired Army husband and their three children. She has taught English and writing in homeschool co-op settings and has worked as a writer and editor for an SEO company.

Cristy is also an active board member at Electric City Playhouse and frequently performs on stage, bringing a creative, literature-centered energy into her classroom. 

She is pursuing additional study in Literature to deepen her English training and is dedicated to helping students grow in confidence as readers and writers through a supportive, engaging environment.

Michelle Cornforth brings over 20 years of real-world experience in business ownership, construction, and financial leadership into her teaching. A licensed General Contractor and founder of StrateCor Contractor Coaching, she specializes in helping people understand finances, build structure, and make confident, informed decisions.

At Liberty Oaks Academy, Michelle teaches practical business and entrepreneurship skills such as financial literacy, budgeting, and real-world decision-making. As a homeschooling mother herself, she is passionate about equipping students with responsibility, critical thinking, and practical life skills that support long-term independence and leadership. Her instruction emphasizes strategy, structure, and responsibility, equipping students with the foundational tools needed to thoughtfully build, manage, and grow future ventures. 

 Dr. Angela Dixon earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in 1999. She has spent more than two decades serving the Anderson community alongside her husband of over 42 years, Chuck, and their son, Chase, in their family chiropractic practice.

Angela has also enjoyed teaching Anatomy and Physiology at both Tri-County Technical College and Forrest College. She loves helping students understand complex concepts while encouraging them to reach their full potential. Her years of teaching have strengthened her belief that meaningful relationships and genuine encouragement are essential to student success.

Outside the classroom, Angela enjoys bargain shopping, baking, and caring for her four cats—Toothless, Little Kitty, Lulu, and Mr. Ethyl. She is an active member of Covenant Baptist Church and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Anderson County Library.

Angela is excited to be part of the Liberty Oaks Academy family and looks forward to helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Casey Heard is a dedicated educator and the proud mom of two children, Peyton and Adam. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a focus in Secondary Education from Charleston Southern University, as well as a Master of Arts from Argosy University.

Casey has a deep passion for teaching foreign languages and exploring the sociology behind language—how it evolves, influences culture, and shapes the way we connect with one another every day. She loves helping students understand not just how to communicate in another language, but why language matters.

She is honored to be part of the Liberty Oaks Academy community and is grateful to call LOA her second family.

Stephanie Hopper brings more than 20 years of experience in education and a passion for helping students discover their God-given potential while developing a love of learning. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Anderson University and her Master's degree in School Counseling (K–12) from the University of West Alabama. Having taught students from kindergarten through eighth grade, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of child development.

Stephanie and her husband, Kevin, have three grown children. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and serving at Gospel Light Church.

Stephanie believes teaching is both a profession and a ministry. She is passionate about partnering with families to help students grow academically, spiritually, and in Christlike character while creating a classroom where every child feels known, valued, and encouraged. She is excited to be part of the Liberty Oaks Academy family.

 Renee brings nearly three decades of special education experience to Liberty Oaks Academy. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Special Education and earned a master’s degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. Her long career in the classroom gives her deep insight into supporting students with a wide range of learning needs.

Renee is married to Brad, and they have one son, Eli, along with a Boston terrier named Blueberry and a cat named Kitty. She loves reading (so much that her family gets nervous when she’s near the end of a book), spending time outdoors, and enjoying nature—especially watching the birds in her backyard. Renee is grateful to be part of the Liberty Oaks community and is committed to helping students grow in confidence and success.

 Brad Poore brings a strong blend of academics and leadership to Liberty Oaks Academy. He holds a B.S. in Political Science from Georgia Southern University, a degree in secondary education from Clemson University, and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration.

Brad is a two-time Golden Apple recipient and was named a WYFF Teacher of the Year finalist. He has taught history, geography, and honors government and economics at T.L. Hanna, while also coaching football, basketball, and baseball in a variety of roles, including Head Coach.

Brad is married to Mrs. Renee Poore, and they have one son, Eli. He is committed to helping students grow in knowledge, character, and confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

 Mrs. Stephens brings experience in both education and administration to Liberty Oaks Academy. She previously worked at a small Bible college in Savannah, Georgia, where she taught English and business courses while also serving in a variety of administrative roles. Valerie holds an MBA in Business Analytics from Carolina University and brings strong organizational and analytical skills into her work with students.

Valerie relocated to Seneca to be closer to family. She is married to her husband, Joseph, and is a proud mom to their energetic son. In her free time, she enjoys time with family and getting settled into her new community. Valerie looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students and families at Liberty Oaks.

 Stephen Tilson graduated from Southern Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned a two-year degree in Machine Tool Technology from North Georgia Technical College. He brings real-world industry experience from roles in the aerospace field, including Senior CNC Machinist/Programmer, Continuous Improvement Specialist, and Supervisor.

Stephen has also served in ministry for many years and currently pastors a church in Oconee County, South Carolina. He is passionate about teaching and loves creating an engaging math classroom where students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and explore how math connects to the world around them.

Stephen is married and has three children. He is committed to helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, and strong academic habits. 

  A graduate of Liberty University and a U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Webb brings a deep commitment to discipline, integrity, and lifelong learning into the classroom. His teaching style blends structure, creativity, and real-world relevance, helping students feel supported while staying challenged and engaged.

Mr. Webb is married to his wife, Peggy, and together they are the proud parents of ten children. Family life has given him plenty of perspective, patience, and humor—qualities he brings into his work with students. Mr. Webb’s goal is to create a steady, encouraging learning environment where every student can grow in confidence and skill.