Literacy Team
Literacy Coach
Jill Downs has been teaching for 29 years, 13 of which have been at Leaphart. She has a Masters in Reading from the University of South Carolina and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Mrs. Downs also holds a Reading Teacher Certification and a Literacy Coach Certification. Contact: 803-476-4760 Email: jsdowns@lexrich5.org
Reading Specialist
Jamie Sandifer has been teaching for 11 years and 9 have been at Leaphart. She started her teaching career at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She also has a Master's in Language and Literacy from the University of South Carolina. Her professional and educational experience highly qualifies her to teach students in grades 4K through 3rd grade in the State of South Carolina. Contact: 803-476-4700 Email: jsandifer@lexrich5.org
Reading Specialist
Jennifer Kelly has been teaching for 26 years. She has taught at Leaphart for 20 years. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master's in Teaching from the University of South Carolina. Ms. Kelly is Nationally Reading Recovery Certified (Clemson University) and holds her SC Read to Succeed Literacy Teacher and Literacy Coach Endorsement. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education. Contact: 803-476-4700 Email: jnkelly@lexrich5.org
Reading Specialist
Welcome to Book Club! My name is Rachel Johnson. This will be my 9th year teaching at Leaphart and my 2nd year as a reading interventionist. I taught first grade for four years and third grade for three years. In 2016, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at The University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks! I am certified to teach 4K-3rd. In May of 2021, I completed my Master’s degree at USC in Language and Literacy. I absolutely love helping build lifelong learners and readers. I am married to my wonderful husband, Ryan and we just welcomed our beautiful daughter, Daisy a year ago. We have a Boston Terrier named Penelope, who we love dearly. She loves playing outside and cuddling on the couch. I am excited for the '25-'26 school year!
Email: rfjohnson@lexrich5.org
Reading Specialist
Jessica Kelley has been teaching for 14 years, and this is her fifth year at Leaphart. She received her B.A. in Education from the University of South Carolina. Mrs. Kelley is nationally Reading Recovery certified through Clemson University and holds her SC Read to Succeed Literacy Teacher endorsement. She has served as a classroom teacher in grades kindergarten through third, and she has served as a reading interventionist for grades kindergarten through fifth. Contact: 803-476-4700 Email: jkelley@lexrich5.org
Literacy Support Specialist
Patsy Turner has been working with and supporting students in their learning for 21 years. She has been at Leaphart for 10 years. Patsy holds a Bachelor of Science from Winthrop University and has received additional training in Literacy Support Instruction through District 5. Contact: 803-476-4700 Email: pturner@lexrich5.org