Courtney founded Lowcountry Academic Consulting after nearly two decades of experience helping students overcome challenges, a journey that began when a teacher asked her to tutor classmates in middle school.

She holds an MBA and two Bachelor's degrees from the College of Charleston and brings a background that spans classroom teaching with Teach for America, government service, and nearly two decades of hands-on academic coaching and mentoring. Having navigated significant personal health challenges herself, Courtney has a unique and deeply personal understanding of what it feels like to struggle — and what the right support can make possible.

Courtney conducts all new client consultations and works directly with many of our high school and college students.

When she's not with students or her stepson, she loves reading by the pool, traveling, and playing golf with her husband, George — a Mt. Pleasant Police Corporal who has supervised officers serving in local schools and shares her commitment to supporting students and families.

Click here to learn more about Courtney's background and LAC.

As the Office Coordinator at Lowcountry Academic Consulting, Rachel brings warmth, organization, and a genuine love for people to every part of the student and family experience. With 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry as both a server and manager, she has developed strong communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills that make her an invaluable part of the LAC team.

In her role, Rachel manages daily operations at the front desk, oversees scheduling and communication, supports staff and academic coaches, and ensures that every student and parent feels welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk in the door. Her calm presence and attention to detail help keep the center running smoothly and efficiently.

Rachel studied at Coastal Carolina University, and she continues to approach life with curiosity, creativity, and a desire to help others.

Outside of the office, she enjoys boating, shopping, and spending time with loved ones. She and Courtney (our founder) have been best friends since first grade, and that lifelong bond brings a unique sense of connection, care, and heart to the entire LAC community.

Kirsten is an experienced educator with more than 25 years dedicated to helping students build the academic skills, confidence, and habits they need to thrive.

She earned her Bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston and holds a Master's degree as a Reading Specialist. Throughout her career, Kirsten has worked closely with both students and teachers — serving as a reading and writing consultant where she partnered with educators to strengthen literacy instruction through lesson modeling, instructional strategy sharing, and hands-on classroom support.

At LAC, Kirsten serves as the primary leader of Homework Hours, where she creates a focused, encouraging environment where students can get the support they need, build strong organizational habits, and develop the confidence and mindset that lead to lasting success.

Outside of work, Kirsten enjoys attending concerts, reading, spending time at the beach, and making memories with her family.

Jessica has over a decade of experience in academic mentorship and teaching and is passionate about helping students develop a love for learning, as well as the skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals.

After finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience at Baylor University, Jessica completed her PhD in Neuroscience at Texas A&M University, conducting pre-clinical research related to neurodevelopment, learning and memory, and substance use disorders. Along with strong academic support, she brings a wealth of knowledge regarding effective study tools, test preparation, college and graduate level application processes, and career development, particularly in the fields of science and higher education.

Outside of LAC, Jessica continues to pursue her own love of learning as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina. In her free time, she loves to read, run, and spend time with friends, family, and her dog Riley.

Alison is excited to become part of Lowcountry Academic Consulting! After teaching for the last nearly 20 years in Connecticut, she has recently relocated to the Lowcountry and is really enjoying all that Charleston has to offer.

Alison has a Bachelor's Degree in Business (Finance) from Southern Connecticut State University and holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Fairfield University. She was a special education teacher focusing on math in both a public high school and a private middle and high school, as well as teaching for the last several years in an adolescent therapeutic placement school. She enjoys working with all age groups, and especially tries to help students understand that they can do more than they think when they seek out the relationships and patterns in math and other subjects.

She and her husband Evan have two children and two dogs. When she's not meeting with students, Alison enjoys all different sports and being outside in beautiful South Carolina.

Audra brings a unique and richly layered background to her work at Lowcountry Academic Consulting, combining years of classroom teaching experience with a deep passion for the arts, language, and inclusive education.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Notre Dame de Namur University, where she graduated Cum Laude, and a Master of Education in Mild/Moderate Special Education from Alliant International University. She is also credentialed in Social Sciences at the secondary level.

Audra has spent her career working with some of the most diverse and complex learners in education — including students with significant special needs, English Language Learners, and students from under-resourced communities. Her experience spans multiple school districts across California, giving her a broad and adaptable approach to academic support.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Audra works comfortably with bilingual students and families, bringing both linguistic and cultural awareness to every session.

Outside of academics, Audra is a passionate costume designer with over a decade of experience working on theatrical productions. She brings that same creativity, attention to detail, and love of storytelling into her work with students every day.

Blake brings a diverse background in education, academic writing, and public service, and is passionate about helping high school and college students build confidence, develop effective study skills, and reach their academic goals.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Lander University, where his interest in tutoring and academic coaching grew through supporting college students in creative and academic writing. After graduating, Blake obtained certifications in teaching English as a first and second language and taught abroad in South Korea, working with students from diverse backgrounds and collaborating with educators from around the world.

Upon returning to the United States, Blake worked as a teaching assistant at technical colleges and later transitioned into public service, where he applied his educational expertise to clearly explain and interpret complex policies—skills he now brings to individualized tutoring and academic support.

Blake takes a student-centered approach to learning, tailoring instruction to each student’s needs and learning style. Outside of education, he enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring the outdoors, volunteering in his community, and reading.

Katie is currently a graduate student at the University of South Carolina, getting her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is a graduate of Clemson

University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Development Studies.

Between undergrad and graduate school, Katie was a Registered Behavior Technician at an Applied Behavior Analysis company, where she worked one-on-one with children on the Autism spectrum in their homes, schools, and communities. She was also a private nanny for two school-aged children, where she was the homework helper after school and helped the children work on their reading skills daily. She has experience with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, as well as many years of tutoring school-aged children and literacy coaching.

When she is not studying, Katie loves to spend time with her friends and family, as well as her cat, Eugene. She loves anything outdoors in the sun or near the water.

Kacie brings a passion for mentoring students, where she focuses on academic support and encouragement, particularly in the sciences.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina.

Kacie is passionate about sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each student. She enjoys guiding students toward academic and personal growth through a genuine, direct approach to learning.

Along with her involvement with LAC, Kacie also serves as a Dental Assistant, where she regularly applies her scientific expertise in a healthcare setting.

Outside of her professional life, Kacie loves spending time outdoors at her home in Georgetown, where she can often be found spoiling her dog, Ryder and spending time with her young daughter.

Margaret is a seasoned professional with many years of experience in career and professional development.

Margaret graduated from Vassar College with a bachelor's degree for an independent major in Latin American studies. While working in the computer industry, she graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology in Electronics Engineering.

With over 20 years of experience in hiring, she is widely respected for her background as a former manager and recruiter. She has a track record of success in personnel development, training, time management, resource allocation, human resources, recruiting, staffing, succession planning, and performance evaluations.

Her extensive experience and deep familiarity with Vocational Rehabilitation’s services uniquely qualify her to offer invaluable guidance to individuals with disabilities preparing for their careers.

Today, Margaret continues to lead and inspire many with her work for AARP as an SC volunteer leader in their Driver Safety and Tax Aide programs.

Madelyn is an integral part of the Lowcountry Academic Consulting team, bringing extensive experience in business management, operations, and entrepreneurship to her work both behind the scenes and within the office.

With over a decade of experience supporting families navigating academic and learning challenges, Madelyn offers a perspective that is both professional and deeply personal. As the mother of LAC's founder, she has lived firsthand the emotional, financial, and academic weight that learning differences can place on a family — and she brings that understanding to every parent interaction with warmth, honesty, and genuine care.

Whether she's keeping operations running smoothly or connecting with parents, Madelyn has a gift for making families feel heard, supported, and confident in their next steps.

Outside of LAC, Madelyn is a highly accomplished former professional equestrian and maintains a great passion for the sport. She also enjoys history, genealogy, gardening, crafting, and spending time with her husband and their animals.

As a current student at the College of Charleston and longtime LAC client, Charlotte has firsthand experience with the incredible support and growth fostered by Lowcountry Academic Consulting. Having overcome many of her own challenges with learning disabilities, she deeply values the guidance she received and is passionate about helping others benefit from what she describes as "life-changing support."

Now serving as a Marketing Intern and Student Mentor, Charlotte brings empathy, insight, and encouragement to every student she works with. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where students feel confident, focused, and capable.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Charlotte enjoys working with animals and children. Her previous experience at a therapeutic riding center allowed her to provide equine therapy for children, showcasing her compassionate nature and love for giving back. She is also an active volunteer in the Charleston community.

Lucas Weiner is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston, where he majored in Communications with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism.

He is excited to join Lowcountry Academic Consulting as Brand Ambassador. As a former LAC client himself, Lucas offers unique insights from the student perspective and is a shining example of just how amazing our students are!

Lucas brings a solid background in social media and advertising, along with a genuine passion for supporting students.

Beyond his academic interests, he enjoys classic superhero films, has an affinity for plants and animals, and a strong dedication to health and fitness.

Nyxy plays an important role in maintaining the warm, welcoming environment at Lowcountry Academic Consulting. As Director of Feline Surveillance, she takes window security very seriously, carefully monitoring all neighborhood activity (especially passing dogs… and leaves).

She is also known for greeting students and families, supervising homework from her favorite chair, and helping students feel relaxed and at ease. Her calm presence adds a unique energy to the space and serves as a reminder that learning thrives best in an environment that feels safe, comfortable, and full of heart.

Please note: A cat is present in our in-office environment. Families with known allergies or sensitivities may prefer virtual sessions.