Leadership Team
Interim Director
Elizabeth O’Brien, B.A.
I was born and raised in Beaufort and lived in the Midwest for 15 years before returning to Beaufort in 2007 with my husband and two children. I graduated from Indiana University in 1996 with a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science and moved to Chicago. In Chicago I worked at advertising agencies primarily focused on internet marketing and as a manager in a regional sales office for AOL. Prior to joining Riverview I worked at the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce as the Public Relations and Marketing Manager for tourism. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to put my experience to use to show off our amazing little town while making a positive impact in the community and I love working with the talented Riverview faculty and staff and getting to know all of the children and their families. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, outdoor exercise, reading and traveling.
Interim Director
Elizabeth O’Brien, B.A.
Assessment Leader & Cycle 3 Lead
Nan Burvenich
Nan Burvenich believes that every child deserves to feel welcome, supported, and successful in school. She began teaching in 2009, career changing after the banking industry and several wonderful years as an at-home Mom. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Science & Environmental Studies and Master’s of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina, secondary Science certification in all areas, and is currently completing a Doctoral Degree in Teaching and Learning from Clemson University with a focus on Equity. She is a certified Master Naturalist, a former Zumba, Yoga, and Pilates instructor for the YMCA, and loves everything outdoors. In her free time, you will find her reading (probably outside), gardening, and spending time with her husband Pete and their four (almost grown) children.
Assessment Leader & Cycle 3 Lead
Nan Burvenich
Instructional Leader & Cycle 1 Lead
Jenna Gow, M.Ed., NBCT
Jenna Gow is grateful to have been at Riverview since it opened in 2009. She received her Bachelors and Masters in Early Childhood Education at The Ohio State University and became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2014. She also holds a Gifted and Talented Education endorsement and is a Certified Master Naturalist. Jenna is married to a wonderful man named Yuri and has two dogs and one cat.. When she is not working you can find her playing board games, spending time with her family and by the water. She strongly believes that all children are capable of incredible things when they are safe, supported, challenged, encouraged and loved.
Instructional Leader & Cycle 1 Lead
Jenna Gow, M.Ed., NBCT
Curriculum Leader & Cycle 2 Lead
Karen Miller, M.Ed, NBCT
Mrs. Miller graduated from Presbyterian College in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and theatre arts and holds a masters of education from Clemson University. Mrs. Miller is endorsed in gifted and talented instruction and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She’s been a member of the Riverview family since 2009. Mrs. Miller loves to design and create curriculum and serve children, teachers and families. Mrs. Miller and her husband Aaron have lived in Beaufort since 1994 and raised 3 young adult children, 2 of whom are Riverview alumni. Go Rays!
Curriculum Leader & Cycle 2 Lead
Karen Miller, M.Ed, NBCT
Support Staff
ADEPT/Testing Coordinator
ADEPT/Testing Coordinator
Erica Freeman, M.A.
ADEPT/Testing Coordinator
Erica Freeman, M.Ed.
School Nurse
Cathy Bridgers, R.N.
Nurse Bridgers is originally from Beaufort and came to Riverview in 2009 and has been the school’s nurse ever since. She believes students learn better when they are healthy. Cathy Bridgers earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Florida and her associate degree of nursing from the Technical College of the Lowcountry. When she’s not at school you can find Cathy in or on the water or possibly the pickle ball courts. Cathy spent many years working for EMS and in the emergency department before becoming a school nurse.
School Nurse
Cathy Bridgers, R.N.
Executive Assistant
Lindsay Kave, B.S.
Lindsay Kave began working at Riverview in 2014. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Information Systems at Virginia Tech in 2001. Her favorite part about her job is that she gets to collaborate with our staff and parents daily to uphold the mission and vision of Riverview. When she’s not at Riverview, you can find her hiking in the mountains or relaxing on the boat with her family.
Executive Assistant
Lindsay Kave, B.S.
Technology Coordinator
Kevin J. McGuire, M.A. CCC-SLP
Apple Certified Technical Coordinator 10.10
Kevin McGuire is thrilled to be a part of the exceptional community at Riverview Charter School. During the first two years of his employment here he worked as a speech language pathologist. Since then he has been enjoying the opportunity to use his technology experience and passion to assist both the staff and students of Riverview. Kevin and his wife Kim moved to South Carolina in 2002 but they continue to enjoy spending time with their families in Central New York when they have the opportunity to visit.
Chief Information Officer
Kevin McGuire, M.A. CCC-SLP
Apple Certified Technical Coordinator 10.10
Executive Chef
Lisa Eklund
I head our Culinary Services Department as Executive Chef. I have many years of food service management experience, specializing as a nutritional chef. I attended the Natural Gourmet Cooking School in New York, where I learned whole foods and specialty diets. I have worked with weight management, eldercare, health food and restaurants. Additionally I have taught classes to both adults and children. I bring great enthusiasm to our “Eco-cuisine” program at Riverview, which educates our children, families and community to eat more fresh, local, organic, homemade, whole-grain, natural and healthy. I love being a part of Riverview’s Wellness Team and Green Team, and contributing to the mission of educating the whole child by placing an emphasis on healthy lifestyle and earth-friendly practices. Although raised as an Ohio State Buckeye, I love living in the Lowcountry. My husband Steve and I feel so fortunate to have their children, Ian and Grace, attending Riverview.
Executive Chef
Lisa Melton
Office Manager
Meghan Pierro
Meghan Pierro came to Riverview in 2016. She loves getting to know all of our amazing families and is always ready to greet students and families with a welcoming smile. When she is not at school, Meghan loves spending time with her husband Tony, and three children, Peyton, Grey and Katherine.
Office Manager
Meghan Pierro
Communication and Development Director
Haley Romeo
Haley joined Riverview Charter School as Communications and Development Director in August 2023. Prior to this, she served as the Administrative and Outreach Coordinator at the Open Land Trust. Haley was born and raised in Charleston and moved to Beaufort in 2017. She pursued her passion for event planning in culinary school and is the owner of an event planning business. Haley is a devoted advocate for low country living. She finds the greatest joy in spending quality time with her husband, Joseph and their beautiful daughter, Brooklyn. Haley’s life is a testament to the importance of community, family, and friendship, and she continually inspires those around her with her passion and dedication to making every moment memorable.
Communication and Development Director
Haley Romeo
TIDEWATCH Director
Whitney Cowins, B.A.
Bio coming soon!
TIDEWATCH Director
Whitney Cowins, B.A.
Receptionist
Vicki Wilhelm, B.S.
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Communications and Special Education degree. After working as a Special Education teacher for a few years, my husband and I moved to Roswell, Georgia in 1998 where we raised our two beautiful children, Alexandra and Matthew. Now that they have graduated college, I am pursuing my dream of moving closer to the beach and I couldn’t be more excited to start my new life in Bluffton! My previous experience includes teaching preschool, substitute teaching, teaching physical education, and working as a front desk receptionist the last three years at the school I have been at for over 15 years. I am truly excited and ready to be back in the classroom working with students and watching them grow to be successful and productive students. Riverview’s philosophy and core values fit my teaching style perfectly. I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing school and ready for an awesome year! Outside of work, my passions include, traveling, decorating, being outdoors, going to the beach, walking my 2 dogs, and spending time with my friends and family.
Receptionist
Vicki Wilhelm, B.S.
Student Services Coordinator
Shandi Whitmore, M.S.
Shandi Whitmore has been committed to helping others learn how trauma can affect daily functioning, strengthen emotion regulation skills, and focus on healing their mind, body and soul as a whole since entering the mental health field in 2016. Shandi holds a master’s of science in forensic psychology and is passionate about assisting students manage behaviors in the school setting. Shandi prides herself on working with students, their parents and all collaborating parties to promote student voice, restorative justice and mindfulness practices; and being an advocate for families to meet their needs within the community.
Student Services Coordinator
Shandi Whitmore, M.S.
