Who We Are

Lauren believes after school programs are an important space, both for child development and for alleviating educational inequality. As the Executive Director, Lauren is committed to Kids On Point building strong partnerships with students and their families. She is an ardent proponent of working in collaboration with community members and other nonprofits to produce successful outcomes for every KOP scholar. Lauren’s background is in health education, fundraising, and grant writing, and she has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, including work with Operation Home, Camp Happy Days, The Kennedy Center, and the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, where she served on the Board of Directors. Lauren received her degree in Health Promotion and lives in Charleston with her husband and daughter.

Stachia is a native of Charleston, SC and former educator with a passion for learning, earning her bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in English. As Director of Operations at Kids on Point (KOP), she optimizes assets and builds partnerships within the community to create meaningful learning experiences for KOP scholars and professional development opportunities for KOP staff members. She is recognized for her creativity and ability to elevate organizations through curriculum development, program development, relationship building and resource management.

Working with local youth has always been important to Dylan, as he believes giving back to be an integral aspect of life. Dylan is experienced in youth development, having worked for several other nonprofits, including WINGS for Kids and Camp Can Do. At Kids On Point, Dylan collaborates with Lead Mentors and ensures that every scholar is getting the most out of the program. Dylan is a graduate of College of Charleston and has a B.A. in Theatre.

Barbie brings to Kids On Point nearly 15 years of Charleston development experience. With a strong interest in elevating quality education, Barbie believes all children deserve to have access to opportunities and KOP is the place where students can thrive. As a lifelong learner herself, she received her Bachelor's degree from Ferris State University and her Masters degree from the College of Charleston. Barbie is passionate about connecting people, resources and opportunities throughout our community to create a sustainable impact.

Tenise is a former public school educator with a strong passion for academic growth. She is originally from Durham, North Carolina and has been a resident of Charleston since 2015. She received her Bachelor's degree in Math from Winston Salem State University in North Carolina and her Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary S.T.E.M. from The Citadel. As the North Charleston Program Director her goal is to provide a targeted curriculum that promotes academic growth and provides students with the opportunity to realize their full potential and achieve their goals.

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina to Mexican immigrants, Ms.
Macias was determined to graduate from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduating, Ms. Macias taught First grade for 3 years at Meeting Street Academy. Outside of work, she enjoys strength training and spending time with her family. Ms. Macias looks forward to joining the Kids on Point team and fostering a joy for learning.

Born and raised in Virginia just outside Washington DC, Coach Grim now lives in Charleston for the past 4 years working as a physical education teacher at Meeting Street Academy and an assistant varsity basketball coach at Charleston Charter School for Math and Science. Prior to moving here, he finished his undergraduate degree in health and human performance at Ferrum College where he played college basketball. He is now enrolled in a masters program in sports management at the University of Central Arkansas. Coach Grim is excited to be a part of KOP where he will help the students reach their highest athletic potential.

Born and raised in South Carolina’s Lowcountry to public school teachers with a combination of over 50 years of service, Mrs. LaShana has education in her blood. Mrs. LaShana is a graduate of Claflin University, the College of Charleston, and soon-to-be, Hampton University. Before joining Kids on Point, Mrs. LaShana taught secondary science in Charleston County School District for over five years. Outside work, she enjoys crouching over a good book and hanging out with her family and friends. Mrs. LaShana is excited to join the KOP team as Academic Coordinator to help alleviate education inequity.

David joined Kids On Point as a student in 2011 and was an active and engaged participant for several years, he graduated in 2018 and was #1 on the squash team for 3 years.