Courtney founded Lowcountry Academic Consulting after nearly two decades of experience helping students overcome academic challenges — a journey that began when a teacher first 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 diverse professional background spanning classroom teaching with Teach For America, government service, academic coaching, and educational consulting. Having navigated significant personal health and academic challenges herself, Courtney also brings a deeply personal understanding of what it feels like to struggle — and of what the right support, expectations, and encouragement can make possible.

As Founder & Academic Director, Courtney leads LAC's academic vision and oversees the development of its programs, services, and team of educators and academic coaches. She conducts all new-client consultations, works closely with families to determine the right approach for each student, and remains directly involved with many of LAC's high school and college students. Her approach emphasizes looking beyond a single grade or subject to understand the whole student and build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for long-term success.

When she's not leading LAC or working with students, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, reading by the pool, cooking, and traveling with her husband, George, a Mt. Pleasant Police Corporal. Courtney and George are currently preparing for their newest adventure together as they expect a baby boy on New Year's Day 2027.

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

Brenda is an experienced South Carolina educator with more than 24 years of teaching experience. She is certified in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and completed her studies through Western Governors University and the College of Charleston, with particular expertise in elementary mathematics and science.

Throughout her career, Brenda has focused on creating engaging and supportive learning environments using explicit instruction, real-world experiences, differentiation, cooperative learning, and conceptual understanding. She believes in meeting students where they are while providing the appropriate challenge and support to build confidence, independence, and a strong academic foundation. Brenda also believes that communication and collaboration among students, families, and educators are key to student success.

At LAC, Brenda works one-on-one with students as an Academic Coach and supports students during Homework Hours as a Student Success Coach, helping them strengthen academic skills while developing positive learning habits.

Outside of education, Brenda enjoys spending time with friends and family — especially her three-year-old grandson — going to the beach, gardening, reading, and walking her lovable Border Collie.

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 one of the primary leaders 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Olivia Chigas is a current junior at the College of Charleston, where she is majoring in Marketing. Having started at LAC as a client herself, she understands the incredible support fostered within its doors. She credits Lowcountry Academic Consulting to so much of her growth as a student and is grateful to now have not only a better grasp on the subjects she studies at school, but also more confidence moving forward.

Now working as a marketing intern for LAC, Olivia brings kindness, perspective, and excitement as she joins our team. Her goal is to use a positive attitude and growth mindset to promote LAC for the incredible institution that it is in order to help other students similar to herself.

Outside of LAC and CofC, Olivia works at a restaurant downtown and is in a sorority on campus. She also enjoys fitness and spending time with her friends, especially at the beach!

Natalie is a senior at the College of Charleston, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Geology. Her interests in human development, cognition, and behavioral science have shaped her passion for understanding how people learn, grow, and navigate challenges

.

With several years of experience working with children and families through childcare, coaching, and educational settings, Natalie brings a thoughtful and encouraging perspective to LAC. As an Academic & Business Operations Intern, she is excited to gain hands-on experience in academic coaching, executive functioning, student support, and the business side of an academic consulting practice.

Outside of LAC and CofC, Natalie enjoys reading and writing, spending time with animals, thrifting, traveling, and discovering new places to eat around Charleston.

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.