Meet Our Team
We’re here to support your council, your school, and your community.
Behind every great School Improvement Council is a team dedicated to empowering families, schools, and communities. Meet the passionate people who make SC-SIC thrive!
Meet the SC-SIC Team
Karen Utter, Associate Director
Champion for meaningful family engagement and thriving School Improvement Councils.
Karen brings a wealth of expertise from her career in the nonprofit sector, where she has trained, supported, and inspired countless leaders and community members. At SC-SIC, she develops resources, programs, and training that help local School Improvement Councils grow their impact and strengthen family and community engagement across the state.
Karen also leads the Carolina Family Engagement Center, a statewide initiative focuses on supporting underserved families and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. Through her leadership, she helps councils and families work together to create positive, lasting change in their schools.
Why I love this work:
“When families, schools, and communities work together, there’s no limit to what students can achieve.”
Dr. Quantina Haggwood, SC-SIC Executive Director
Passionate advocate for partnerships that transform schools.
Quantina has spent more than 25 years dedicated to improving education as a teacher, principal, and district leader. She believes in the power of collaboration between families, schools, and communities to create meaningful, lasting change for students across South Carolina.
At SC-SIC, she leads efforts to empower local councils and drive statewide improvement through innovative programs and support. Her background includes leading schools to success, expanding access to early childhood education, and mentoring education leaders to reach their full potential.
Why I love this work:
“Every school has the potential to thrive when families and communities are part of the journey.”
Jennifer Dever, Communications Coordinator
Passionate about clear, accessible communications that connect every community.
Jennifer has spent over a decade helping organizations share their stories and reach diverse audiences. At SC-SIC, she manages communications for both SC-SIC and the Carolina Family Engagement center, focusing on making information accessible and engaging for all families and communities.
Whether it’s through creative campaigns, resources, or events, Jennifer works to ensure that everyone has the tools and knowledge to be active partners in education.
Why I love this work:
“Everyone deserves to feel connected to their school community and empowered to make a difference.”
Our Board of Trustees
The SC-SIC Board of Trustees provides strategic guidance and leadership, ensuring that our work stays focused on empowering councils and elevating students statewide.
Clara Heinsohn, Chair (Charleston)
Stewart Cooner, Immediate Past Chair (West Columbia)
Dr. Tasha Louis-Nance, Vice Chair (Orangeburg)
Jessica Adamson, Secretary (Rock Hill)
Elizabeth Horton Bost (Oconee)
Maggie Dangerfield (Charleston)
Rachel Hui-Hubbard (Rock Hill)
Anita Hunter (Sumter)
Craig Q. King (Midlands)
King Lawrence (Aiken)
Latusha McNeil
Christie Moore (Anderson)
Crystal Sandifer (York)