DIRECTOR

Alison Thomas

Alison Thomas grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and attended suburban public schools throughout her childhood. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Alison worked as an Architectural Project Manager for seven (7) years, developing and managing multi-million dollar portfolios for Fortune 500 corporations across the continental United States. Shortly before the birth of her first child, Alison decided to take a break from Corporate America to raise her family. She and her family moved to Beaufort in October 2003 in pursuit of small town life on the Coast. In the Spring of 2007, while serving on the Board of Directors at her daughter’s Montessori school, Alison participated in a Riverview Focus Group hosted by AnnMarie Bowden and Jody Hayward, and her interest in joining their effort to start a charter school was piqued. Having always been an advocate for public education, it was easy to become passionate at the prospect of opening a public charter school.

Alison served as the Chair of Riverview’s Charter Committee from November 2007 through December 2009, and was elected as the Chair of the Board of Directors by the parents, faculty and staff of the school in January 2010. She served in that capacity until January 2011 when she was in turn hired to serve as Riverview’s Director. Alison is currently a Board Member for the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina.

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Donna Haram-Deines, M.Ed., B.A.
As a National Board Certified Teacher, also certified in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, my experience includes ten years of teaching in the high country of Colorado, followed by twelve years in the low country of South Carolina. Before coming to Riverview Charter School, I served as an International Baccalaureate Curriculum Coordinator collaborating with teachers to develop school curriculum and assessment. In addition, I provided support to teachers in the implementation of the IB program. As an IB Trainer, I have led workshops locally and nationally. The ideal school environment offers a family culture built on honesty, open-mindedness, and collaboration where everyone is committed to one another's success - just what Riverview offers! It is an honor and delight to be part of the Leadership Team as my experience and knowledge of best practices in education will support and guide teachers to move the Riverview community forward in its mission and philosophy.

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ASSESSMENT LEADER
Anna Katherine (A.K.) Harper, M.A.T., B.S.
Ms. Harper received her Psychology degree at Emory University. She went on to earn a Masters in Special Education with certifications in LD and ED from the College of Charleston. A.K. is a National Board Certified teacher with 14 years of experience in public schools. The last 12 of those years have been spent at Beaufort Middle School. She is looking forward to teaching in the school her rising firstgrader will attend. She and her family can often be found on their boat enjoying Beaufort's wonderful natural resources.

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CURRICULUM LEADER

AnnMarie Bowden, M. Ed.
AnnMarie grew up along the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. After graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Secondary Education, she served as a public school educator in South Carolina and Georgia for ten years. While teaching in the metro-Atlanta area, AnnMarie also worked as a curriculum consultant for Turner Broadcasting and a curriculum writer for Turner Classic Movies. She completed her Masters of Education from the University of Georgia where she published an article, in a national journal, describing a vision for 21st century schools in America. Anxious to get back to the coast, she and her husband, Brad, moved to Beaufort to raise their family. AnnMarie is one of the original charter committee members and has served as the Curriculum and Instruction Chair on the Riverview Board of Directors. In addition, she has assisted Riverview as the Communications Director and as a third grade teacher. Having led the charge in drafting the educational plan outlined in the Riverview Charter, she is knowledgeable about best practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment and is passionate about Riverview's mission and philosophy. Her daughter and son both attend Riverview.

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OPERATIONS MANAGER
Mandy Klepper
Mandy is the Operations Manager and has enjoyed being part of Riverview since it’s first year in 2009. Mandy has over 18 years of sales and marketing experience, and prior to Riverview worked at the Walt Disney Company, and was a successful small business owner and consultant.   Mandy’s experience includes many aspects of human resources, communication, and accounting.  As the Operations Manager, she is responsible for overseeing the school's finance, accounting, facilities, safety, personnel, purchasing, communications, and front office functions.  Under her leadership is the Tidewatch program, Eco-Cuisine program, front office, technology, and the nurse’s clinic.  Mandy serves on two committees, Fund Development and Finance for Riverview’s Board of Directors.

Mandy and her husband Eric have two children and enjoy camping, swimming, fishing and traveling.  She is proud to be a part of the Leadership Team as her experience in operations, communications, and planning will assist the school toward its mission. 

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