Leadership Team
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.
Liz Baysden - Program Director
With more than 2 decades in operating early childhood programs, Liz Baysden returns to The Champions Center in the role of Program Director. 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 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 - Intake Coordinator
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 Intake Coordinator. 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”.
Jennifer Campbell - Nurse
Photo coming soon…
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors, formally established when The Champions Center became a non-profit in 2010, governs all policies and guidelines for the Center. Consisting of alumni parents, local professionals, and community stakeholders, our Board is dedicated to the care and promotion of children and families with special needs.
Kristy Sullivan - Treasurer
Dogwood State Bank
Stacy Davis
Michelin US2
Cassandra Skelton - Board Chair
Alumni Parent, Kudzu Staffing
Dr. Mona Thornton
Southern Wesleyan University
Dr. Matthew Bradshaw
Anmed Pediatric Associates
To contact our Board of Directors, please send an email to the following address:
board@thechampionscenter.com
Jessica Clinkscales
Michelin US8
Mike Rippy
Grace Episcopal Church
Bobby Rettew - Vice Chair
Anderson University
Service Providers
Ahead Start
Bright Start
Promising Futures
Tri County Therapy
SC First Steps
Babynet
SCDDSN – SC Department of Disabilities & Special Needs
Partner Organizations
First Citizens Foundation
Gambrill Foundation
The Josephine Moffatt Stevenson Trust
Young Family Foundation
Corporate Partners
Community Partners
Boulevard Baptist Church
Grace Episcopal Church
Midway Presbyterian Church
NewSpring Church
Young Memorial ARP Church
Anderson Rotary Club
Rotary of Greater Anderson
Anderson Sertoma Club
Knights of Columbus
Furry Friend & Supporter - “Gracie”
Gracie was born on December 9, 2018, and is a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian. She’s a huge pup with a huge heart! Gracie is an ambassador for The Champions Center. She makes frequent visits to The Champions Center to meet new friends and get lots of hugs and love.