Second Grade
Mikayla Barnhart
My name is Mikayla Barnhart and am I so excited for this new school year! I am a York native and product of YSD1. After graduating from York Comprehensive High in 2016, I attended Winthrop University for my bachelor's degree in elementary education which I obtained in 2021. I have since gained certification in gifted and talented education as well as early childhood education. Currently I am attending Winthrop again working toward my master's degree. I have been teaching since 2021 in YSD1. I have taught kindergarten and second grade.
I live in York with my husband, Jeremiah, and our two boys, Gatlin and Hudson. I love to spend my time outside playing with my boys, reading a good book, or baking as well as traveling. I look forward to a great year!
Kimberly Dover
My name is Kimberly Dover and I have taught at Cotton Belt since 2006. I have taught 2nd and 3rd grades here, but I have been teaching 2nd grade since 2015. Prior to 2006, I taught second grade at Grassy Pond Elementary in Gaffney, SC, as well as 2nd and 3rd grades at Independence Elementary in Rock Hill, SC. I love second grade and everything about it! I enjoy watching the many milestones my students reach and the independence they gain throughout the year. It’s truly a year of growth as I help them to get ready for 3rd grade!
I live in York with my husband and 2 children. I enjoy drinking coffee, reading, shopping, and going to the beach. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Winthrop University – Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Gardner-Webb University – Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Amanda Gillespie
My name is Amanda Gillespie and I have been teaching at Cotton Belt Elementary since 2015. While at Cotton Belt, I have taught Prek and first grade. Prior to that I taught Kindergarten in a neighboring district. I love teaching the “little” people! I feel I learn just as much from them as they learn from me! I enjoy watching them blossom throughout the year, as they move from pre-readers and writers to fluent readers and writers!!
While not at school, I enjoy spending time together with my wonderful husband Ryan and our two kids, Zane and Paisley. One of our favorite things to do as a family is vacation at the beach! We also love traveling to Columbia to cheer on the Carolina Gamecocks!
Winthrop University- B.S. degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Morgan McKee
My name is Morgan McKee, and I’m so excited to be part of the 2nd grade team at Cotton Belt Elementary School! I graduated from the College of Charleston in 2017 with a degree in Elementary Education. My wish for my students is that they always feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves in our classroom. I was inspired to become an educator by my amazing second-grade teacher, who I later had the chance to work with as a Teacher Cadet in high school. That experience made me fall in love with teaching and sparked my passion for making a difference in students’ lives. I live in York with my husband, our daughter, and our super sweet Golden Retriever. We love traveling, watching soccer and football, and being outside.