NaToya Cartledge - Executive Director

NaToya Cartledge, a native of Plum Branch, SC, is a highly motivated and purpose driven Executive Director with a background of 15 years of experience in early childhood education and the nonprofit sector. Throughout her career, she has proven to be effective in strategic planning, operational management, and funding procurement. 

NaToya is a devoted mother to her son, Jaelan, and furbaby Coco who both inspire her to be a servant leader and deepen her connection with the communities she serves. Outside of work, NaToya enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones. 

Mary White - Preschool Program Administrator

Mary has dedicated 19 years to early childhood education, driven by a passion for helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a healthy and safe environment. She is a strong advocate for children and their families, committed to creating positive learning experiences that support every child's success.

Mary is the proud mother of two amazing sons, Nolan and Adonis, and a beloved dog, Romen. She is also a passionate disciple leader at her church, where she enjoys encouraging and mentoring others in their faith. In her free time, Mary enjoys reading, solving easy sudoku puzzles, shopping, and spending quality time with her family.

Liz Baysden - Training Coordinator

With more than 2 decades in operating early childhood programs, Liz Baysden returns to The Champions Center in the role of Training Coordinator. Liz’s focus is on training and equipping our classroom staff to best meet the needs of the very special children we serve. Her passion for seeing children living with exceptional needs reach their full potential drives her work. Liz is a mother of 3 adult children and “Nana” to one precious granddaughter.

Laura Capell - Director of Development

Laura is an Anderson native and calls both TL Hanna High and Anderson University her alma maters. She has served The Champions Center for over 10 years and is passionate about building strong relationships that generate community impact. Laura has completed multiple nonprofit leadership programs and has held board roles with the Anderson Sertoma Club, Nurse Family Partnership, and the Anderson Civic Center. Laura and husband, Chris, live on their family farm in Pendleton. They are proud parents of 2 adult daughters and 2 wonderful “sons-in-love”. Their favorite hobby is enjoying time with cherished grandchildren, Lyda Raye and Walker.

Terri Burns - Operations Administrative Assistant

Terri has been on The Champions Center team for more than 8 years. She has served children as a classroom lead in multiple age groups. Terri recently expanded her role, coming out of the classroom to serve as our Operations Assistant. She now has the opportunity to interact and serve all of our families. Terri’s hobbies include as many trips to the beach as possible and being the number one fan of music group “Alabama”.

Katey Sanchez - Nurse

Katey has worked as a Registered Nurse for 2 years, with experience in both Critical Care and Emergency Services. After working in healthcare for a total of 10 years, Katey finds the most joy in serving children with medical complexities and the families that love them. Katey is an Anderson native and a graduate of Tri-County Technical College. When Katey is not at work, she enjoys reading a variety of books, hiking with her son Leo, and yoga.

• Ahead Start

• Anderson-Oconee Speech & Hearing

• Bright Start

• Celebrate You ABA

• Promising Futures

• Tri County Therapy

• SC First Steps

• Sight Savers America

• Babynet

• SCDDSN – SC Department of Disabilities & Special Needs

• United Way of Anderson County

• Anderson School District 5

• Anderson Sertoma Club

• The Abney Foundation

• Dabo’s All-In Team Foundation

• First Citizens Foundation

• Gambrill Foundation

• The Josephine Moffatt Stevenson Trust

• Young Family Foundation

• Help Me Grow South Carolina

• Beginnings SC

• Pyramid Pieces

• Michelin North America

• Yoder’s Building Supply

• Panagakos Paving

• Emcor

• First Quality Tissue

• Electrolux

• TTI - Ryobi

• Yoder’s Building Supply

• First Citizens Bank

• The Clever People Realty

• WAHL-94.9 FM - Anderson County’s Information Station