Special Education
Melinda Chappell-Bursey - Preschool Support
My name is Melinda Bursey and I have been at Cotton Belt since 2018. I have worked with young learners with special needs since I started my career in 1996. Prior to starting at Cotton Belt, I worked in the BabyNet early intervention program in SC. I love special education and everything about it! I enjoy watching how my students reach their milestones and the independence they gain throughout the year. I feel Special Education is truly the most rewarding place to teach!
I live in York with my husband. I am from Rock Hill but have lived in York since 2007. I enjoy reading, shopping and spending time at my 2nd home in the mountains of Maggie Valley, NC. I also enjoy spending time with my family. I went back and got my MAT in Special Education from Winthrop University and have been teaching ever since.
Winthrop University – Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and MAT in Special Education
Jennifer Harris (Assistant)
My name is Jennifer Harris. I was born and raised in York, South Carolina and graduated from York Comprehensive High School in 1998. My husband Chris and I have one daughter, Jenna. I started pursuing my dream job in 2018 working in the Special Education program here at York School District One.
In my spare time I enjoy working in my yard, lying by the pool, watching a good movie and most of all spending time with my family. I am extremely excited to be part of the Cotton Belt family.
Larry Harrison (Assistant)
Vicki Wood (Assistant)
My name is Vicki Wood and I have been an assistant at Cotton Belt Elementary since 2014. Both of my children went to Cotton Belt and I got to know many of the teachers through volunteering there. When I was offered a position, I jumped at the chance to work at Cotton Belt. There is not a better place for children to receive an education with loads of caring, nurturing, and fun thrown in as well.
Beverly McAteer - Special Education
My name is Beverly McAteer and I have taught in York School District One since 1997. After spending my first five years in other districts, I was very excited to "move home." All but two years have been spent with special learners at every class, level and category possible. I love my kids and their families and strive to help them reach their highest level possible; I especially delight in helping my parents be their child's best advocate. I live locally with my husband and adult son and two rowdy fur-babies. Our family enjoys spending time at the coast, competing in off-shore fishing tournaments. Well....they compete; I just drive the boat.
Winthrop University – Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Masters in Elementary Education
Gardner Webb University-- Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction
Anna Bosson (Assistant)
Summer Freeman (Assistant)
Hello, my name is Summer Freeman. I have lived in York, SC my whole life and I am a proud YCHS graduate class of 2020. I started assisting for the school district in 2021. I automatically fell in love with the feeling of teaching. I am very excited for the opportunity given to me to be a part of Cotton Belt!
Connie Roberts (Assistant)
My name is Connie Roberts. I was born in New York state, raised in Colorado, and have lived in the Carolinas since 1991. After which seemed like a lifetime of working in retail, I made a career change and started subbing for the district in 2016. I immediately fell in love with assisting in special Ed. I was hired on in 2017.
I am married, have three kids and five grandchildren. I love spending time with them, camping and fishing. I look forward to being a part of the Cotton Belt family.
Scottee Horne - Special Education
My name is Scottee Horne; I'm a York native, and a proud product of YSD1 (and CBES!) My favorite days are spent with my husband and two daughters. I enjoy rocking on the back porch rocking chairs, and planning a good Disney trip! I am so thankful for the additional family given to me by Cotton Belt – we are truly the best team!
Winthrop University: B.S. in Special Education with a concentration in Intellectual and Severe Disabilities
Angie Broome (Assistant)
My name is Angie Broome. I am a native of York, SC where I live with my husband and our two dogs. I graduated from York Technical College. I worked at Head Start for 20 years before joining the Cotton Belt family
Brian Dover (Assistant)
I am a native of York, SC, where I live with my wife and 2 children. I am a York Tech graduate and spent 26 years in the medical field.
Joyce Ellingson (Assistant)
My name is Joyce Ellingson. I graduated from Clover High in 1976, earned my B.S. in Art Education from the University of South Carolina in 1981 and with a minor in Sculpture, promptly followed my dream of becoming a Glassblower in Colorado.
After twenty-five years in the Glassblowing field I was able to follow my second career passion and became an educator of Elementary age students.
Angela Good (Assistant)
Hello, my name is Angela Good. I am a special education teacher assistant at CBES. I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 32 years. I have been married for 21 years, with 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, while living in York for 51 years. As a child growing up with a physical disability myself, I always had a desire to give back to the community. My motto is: History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children. – Nelson Mandela
Lexie Jamison (Assistant)
Madison Merritt (Assistant)
My name is Madison Merritt. I live in the York area with my husband and 4 children. I have worked with children of all ages for most of my life. I am a busy momma and I absolutely love it! I enjoy spending time with my family, Gamecock football, and camping. I am so grateful to be part of the CBES family.
Lindsey Sigmon (Assistant)
I live in the heart of York with my husband and our two sweet boys. While I'm originally from Clover, York is home to me. To say that I love being a part of the CBES family would be an understatement. It’s something I've dreamt of since I first stepped into the school. I’m currently enrolled at the University of South Carolina-Aiken pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Special Education. It truly is never too late to find what you’re called to do!