Staff
I graduated from SC State with a BA degree is Social Work and a Masters in School Counseling. I've worked in Orangeburg for 10 years and Hampton County for 12. I'm married with 4 girls and have a passion for kids. I am a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and I am a team worker.
Kari Foster, Career Facilitator and Student Activities Coordinator
Welcome you to the 2023-2024 academic year. This year I will be serving as the Career Facilitator and Student Activities Coordinator. We will have an exciting year as you develop into logical thinkers and confident problem solvers.
My philosophy is based on the belief that education is a vital tool that can teach children the fundamental skills necessary to live successful lives as confident and informed citizens. I decided to become a teacher to make a positive impact on the lives of children and to engage them in meaningful thinking and learning. I believe that teaching is a highly rewarding profession that allows me to change the lives of students and to effectively provide them with the skills and attitudes necessary to build their character and achieve success. It is my mission to instill a love of life-long learning, to ensure that my students are capable of thriving in today’s world, and to make sure our students are college and/or career ready.
As William Butler Yeats said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” The opportunity to ignite a spark in students’ learning is what fuels my passion for teaching.
Alashia Steadman-Barr, District Clinical Social Worker
Alayshia S. Steadman-Barr was created to empower others and serve God. She strongly believes in the quote by Marin Wright Edleman, "The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to." Mrs. Steadman-Barr is an undergraduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelors Degree in Child and Family Development and emphasis in Family Life Education. Mrs. Steadman-Barr also attained her Master of Social Work with an emphasis in Micro Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Mrs. Steadman-Barr is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and believes in a trauma-informed approach with a whole-person outlook. Her positions have ranged from mental health counselor, behavioral health counselor, intensive in-home team lead, military and family life counselor, school social worker, independent therapist, and most recently district clinical social worker. Mrs. Steadman-Barr attributes her impact in schools to her willingness to become embedded and invested in the present and future of each student she directly impacts.
Greetings!! I am Mrs. Sharena Wright, the data specialist and attendance clerk for Hardeeville Junior-Senior High School. I am a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina (Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology) and Troy University (Master of Public Administration).
I am a native of Richland County, South Carolina and my husband is a native of Jasper County. My goal as the data specialist and attendance clerk at HJSHS is to positively change the culture of the lackadaisical attendance through accountability and creative incentives. I am hoping that I can encourage each child that I encounter to show up for themselves and be the change that they would like to see in the world.
Hi! I’m Chrystal Grimes, MSW, the district’s School Social Worker. I am the mother of three amazing children and a Columbia, SC native. I attended Claflin University where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later went on to receive my Master’s in Social Work from Limestone University. I have served in the education field in various capacities over the last 20 years. I’m passionate about social work and believe that everyone deserves to be the best version of themselves. Please let me know how I may support you.
Greetings!
I am Anna Marie Puentes. I am 34 years old, and I was born in Houston,Texas. I moved to Hardeeville S.C. when I was 5 years old. I have 4 beautiful daughters. I speak spanish, so I help a lot with translations. My favorite color is brown, my favorite food is tamales, and my favorite thing to do in my down time is take a nap.
Hello, I am thrilled to be a part of the Hardeeville Junior Senior High School family. I am the School Based Mental Health Counselor for the Hardeeville Campus. I provided individual, family, and crisis intervention services to the children and adolescents of HJSHS. I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years, and I love working with children, adolescents and their families. It is my duty to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for students to explore a wide range of issues that may be troubling them and fostering a meaningful, supportive, and helping relationship. My method of therapy is based on a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, focusing on helping to change the thinking and behavior patterns of an individual. I am a firm believer that everyone’s MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!