4K & 5K
Melinda Chappell-Bursey
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
Rachel Greer
My name is Rachel Greer and I have taught kindergarten, second grade, and four-year-old kindergarten. I currently teach 4K at Cotton Belt. I got my Bachelor's degree from Winthrop University in 2006 in Early Childhood Education. I got my Master’s Degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College in 2012. I am also certified to teach Gifted and Talented, Early Childhood Special Education, and certified to be a Literacy Coach.
I am also a wife and mom. In my spare time, I love to read books, watch movies, and watch TV shows. My favorite place to visit is the beach. I love to teach and watch students learn! Laying the foundation of their educational journey is my pleasure and I look forward to the year to come!
Stephanie Balko (Assistant)
My name is Stephanie Balko. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Cotton Belt Elementary School family. In 2008 I obtained my Early Childhood credentials and since then I have taught at local childcare facilities. Making my way into the school district has always been a dream of mine and I could not be happier with where I have landed!
When I'm not at school I enjoy time with my family and our two German Shepherds. We enjoy trips to the beach and spending endless amounts of hours out on the lake
Sharon McNie
My name is Sharon McNie and I have taught at the prekindergarten level for over 20 years. I have been the lead pre-kindergarten teacher at Cotton Belt Elementary since 2017. I obtained my early childhood degree from Eastern Michigan University. I was a competitive gymnast all through college and today I still coach competitive gymnastics. I like to bring basic gymnastics skills into the classroom to help build strength, coordination, and confidence. Providing a positive and enriched environment in which young children can thrive on is my passion and mission.
After raising five children, I now get the honor of being a grandparent. When I am not playing with the grandbaby, I enjoy paddle boarding, the beach, and playing with my dogs.
Wendy Stephenson (Assistant)
My name is Wendy Stephenson. I have been employed with CBES since 2018 as a pre-Kindergarten teacher assistant. I am credentialed in Early Childhood Education. Prior to teaching, I was a registered Radiological Technician and a Fitness Instructor. My certifications were all obtained at York Technical College.
I am a mother of three boys and enjoy introducing 4 and 5 yr. olds to the classroom setting for the first time. My passion is helping to mold and shape our future generations to be successful and caring adults.
Larry Harrison (Assistant)
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.
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.
Lauren Fitzkee
My name is Lauren Fitzkee and I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten at Cotton Belt Elementary. I love the students, staff, and families at CBES. I graduated from Winthrop University (Go Eagles!) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I strive to encourage my students to love learning and develop a strong self-efficacy.
I was born and raised in Florence, SC and have two younger sisters. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love all things; coffee, plants, outdoor walks, reading, the beach, and travel.
Winthrop University -
Early Childhood Education Certification
Elementary Education Certification
Gifted & Talented Endorsement
Vanessa Stephens (Assistant)
My name is Vanessa Stephens. I’ve been a kindergarten assistant at Cotton Belt Elementary school since 2019. Prior to that, I was a preschool teacher for eight years. I love kindergarten and I’m always learning with the children as I enjoy helping teach them!
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my grandkids! I also enjoy reading, cooking, and exercise!
York Technical College, Rock Hill SC
Dawn Beckler
My name is Dawn Beckler and I am so excited to meet the Cotton Belt Family! I have previously taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade in the Rock Hill School District. I graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I am married to a Special Education teacher named Robert and we have one daughter named Shelby. In my spare time, I love a good book, walking and the great outdoors, scrapbooking, and spending time with those I love.
I absolutely LOVE Kindergarten and I am so thrilled about teaching and building a relationship with your child this year. I believe that communication is the key to your child’s success and to a great parent/teacher relationship. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. I look forward to working with you and your child because together we can make a difference!
Kimberlee Cooke (Assistant)
My name is Kimberlee Cooke. I have been a kindergarten assistant since 2015 at Cotton Belt Elementary School. Prior to that I was a kindergarten assistant at Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School for one year. I absolutely love kindergarten. I enjoy watching the excitement our students have with each new accomplishment. Our kindergarten class is a wonderful place to learn while having fun.
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 sons. I also enjoy watching baseball, especially the New York Yankees, reading, and travelling. I cannot wait to begin a new year making magic happen in kindergarten.
Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ
Rachel Manera
My name is Rachel Manera Faulkenbury, but my students call me Ms. Manera. I was born and raised in York and attended Cotton Belt for all of my elementary school years! I graduated from Winthrop University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and joined the Kindergarten team here at CBES not long after. I love making memories with my students and helping them become successful!
When I am not in the classroom, I spend time with my husband, reading a good book, and going to new places!
Brandi Price (Assistant)
My name is Brandi Price. I am a cougar graduate from the class of 2006. After graduating high school, I went on to York Tech where I studied and earned my certification for Early Childhood Development. I started my journey with Cottonbelt in 2019 where I assisted in kindergarten for two years and one year in pre-k and in 2022 I will get to transition back to kindergarten! Cottonbelt is such an inviting school and so glad I get to call it home!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Brett and my two boys, Chandler and Cooper . You can also catch me drinking coffee , shopping and on the ball field !