Our Staff

Meet Our Pee Dee Kids Staff

T’challa Douglas | Owner | Early Intervention Supervisor

Before starting college, I always thought I wanted to become a music therapist. I entered SC State University as a music major only to change my major to Psychology by my sophomore year after realizing I wanted to work with families in a different capacity. I will be the first to admit that after graduating in 1998 with a BS in Psychology I was still unsure about how I wanted to work with families. In my earlier years I’ve worked as a Social Worker with the Florence Salvation Army as well as HASCI Service Coordinator with Florence DSN Board. In 2005, while working as a Service Coordinator with SC Continuum of Care I obtained my MA in Mental Health Counseling. That is when I truly understood that the earlier services begin for a child and their family, the better. I was then blessed to obtain a job as an Early intervention Specialist and that’s when I realized that I’ve found my calling. That was in 2008 and I haven’t looked back since!

While our page is under construction, listed below are all current EI’s and their areas served.

Midlands/Sandhills Area

Maria Nelson | Early Intervention Supervisor

Kershaw, Lancaster, & Richland Counties | marianelson@peedeekids.com

Maria Nelson, MS, BCBA candidate, is an Early Intervention Supervisor, Family Trainer, and Service Coordinator with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across early intervention, mental health, school settings, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Throughout her career, Maria has worked closely with children and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures with a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, including those who are medically complex and have dual diagnoses. Her background across multiple service systems allows her to provide comprehensive, family-centered support while addressing each child’s unique developmental needs. She has extensive experience collaborating with families, therapists, educators, medical providers, and community resources to ensure children receive appropriate and individualized services in their natural environments.

Maria is especially passionate about early childhood development and the importance of early intervention. She believes that empowering families with knowledge, resources, and practical strategies leads to stronger long-term outcomes for children. In her roles as a supervisor, family trainer, and service coordinator, she focuses on building strong relationships with families, supporting family-identified outcomes, and helping caregivers confidently support their child’s development within everyday routines.

Known for her compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive approach, Maria is committed to advocating for children and guiding families through services, evaluations, transitions, and developmental milestones. She takes pride in ensuring families feel heard, supported, and equipped with the tools and resources they need to help their child thrive.

Maria also enjoys balancing her professional dedication with a full and active family life. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband, their four children, and their dogs. As a family, they enjoy traveling, exploring new places, hiking, and spending time in the great outdoors. These experiences continue to reinforce Maria’s appreciation for family connection, exploration, and the importance of creating meaningful moments together.

Roshawnda Gooden | Early Intervention Specialist

Richland & Fairfield Counties | roshawndagooden@peedeekids.com

RoShawnda Gooden, MA is a dedicated child and family professional with over 20 years of experience working with children and their families across early intervention, mental health, education, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from Benedict College and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Mental Health.

After completing her degrees, Ms. Gooden began her career as an Early Interventionist with Easter Seals of South Carolina, serving Florence County from 2004 to 2006, and later with the Richland County Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) Board from 2006 to 2007. Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of children and family systems, she expanded her experience with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ), where she served as an Independent Living Counselor.

Ms. Gooden then transitioned into the school system as a School-Based Counselor with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH), providing services in Clarendon County, Sumter County, and Kershaw County schools from 2007 to 2014. Seeking to further focus on prevention and intervention, she joined the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), where she served as a Child Protective Services Supervisor in Foster Care and Family Preservation from 2014 to 2023. Through her work in Family Preservation, Ms. Gooden gained valuable insight into the importance of early support for families and recognized that the most effective way to strengthen families is through early childhood intervention. This realization led her back to her passion for Early Intervention. In 2023, she joined Pee Dee Kids, LLC, where she continues to support and empower families in Richland and Fairfield Counties.

Ms. Gooden’s dedication to helping children and families is one of her greatest strengths. She has a genuine love for children and is deeply committed to equipping families with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Teresa Hales | Family Trainer

Kershaw County | teresahales@peedeekids.com

Noor Torki | Family Trainer

Kershaw County & Parts of Richland & Fairfield Counties | noortorki@peedeekids.com

Beatrice Walker | Family Trainer

Lancaster & Chester Counties | beatricewalker@peedeekids.com

Pee Dee Area

Denisse Guzman | Service Coordinator Supervisor

Lee, Florence, Sumter, & Williamsburg Counties | denisseguzman@peedeekids.com

For over 24 years, I have dedicated myself to the field of education, impacting lives across various roles. As an educator, I have worked tirelessly to create inclusive and empowering environments for diverse learners. My journey began with a strong focus on special education, where I developed individualized programs for students with unique needs, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they faced.

Transitioning into ESL teaching, I embraced the opportunity to support students from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. My fluency in both Spanish and Portuguese has been a valuable asset in connecting with students and their families, helping bridge communication gaps and fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom. This role allowed me to see firsthand how language acquisition opens doors for students, enhancing both their academic achievements and personal growth.

In my role as an Early Interventionist Behavior Specialist, I worked closely with children facing developmental and behavioral challenges. My goal was to provide timely interventions that set children on the path to success. By collaborating with families, educators, and therapists, I helped design and implement strategies that not only supported individual development but also cultivated positive learning environments.

Additionally, I served as the Director of Prevention Education at universities, where I spearheaded initiatives aimed at crime prevention and safety education. This role required a combination of leadership, research, and educational outreach, as I developed programs that addressed issues such as substance abuse, violence, and other high-risk behaviors among students. My work in this capacity underscored the importance of preventative measures in creating safer, more supportive academic environments.

Priscilla Ford | Early Intervention Specialist

Marion, Dillon, Florence & parts of Horry Counties | priscillaford@peedeekids.com

Hi! I am Priscilla Ford. I absolutely love working with families and assisting them by being a part of their team to provide resources to help the family reach their optimal potential for their child. I have over twenty years experience working with neurodivergent youth in various capacities, cultures, and age ranges in the community. My educational background includes undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, B.A in Child Development, and M.A. in Psychology.

Low Country Area

Jasmine Burns | Early Intervention Supervisor

Charleston, Berkeley, & Dorchester Counties | jasmineburns@peedeekids.com

Mary Barkley | Early Interventionist Specialist

Charleston, Berkeley & Dorchester Counties | marybarkley@peedeekids.com

I am from Oakmont, PA. I married into the military and lived in several states and another country. I have an Associates in Child Development and a Bachelors in Child, Adolescent, and Family Services from California State University of Bakersfield. I have worked in several daycare settings and schools. I have been an Early Interventionist since 2013 and absolutely love my job! I love the families and children that I have had the pleasure of serving over the years. I have 5 children and a grandbaby, but I also have 2 dogs and a fish. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Julie Fraley | Early Intervention Specialist

Charleston County | j uliefraley@peedeekids.com

Hello neighbors! I am Julie M. Fraley, born and raised in Albemarle, NC, and U.S.A.F./Ret enlisted military. My desire to be a light in my community has led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from Limestone University. I have enjoyed previous volunteer work with Brookdale Senior Living and ProMedica Hospice, and I hope to be able to resume that volunteer work someday, but my choice of work is with little children. I am honored to volunteer currently as a nursery worker and a children’s Sunday School teacher at my local church home at CoastalLightBaptist.com. I operate my personal life on foundations given in the Holy Bible and have grown to appreciate the learning experiences through my faith. I enjoy overcoming challenges that life presents to me by using what I have learned and renewing my mind day by day. My motivation centers on family, church, and helping others. In my free time I enjoy Bible study, gardening, and sewing (someone else can do the dishes, haha!).

What an amazing organization to work for at Pee Dee Kids, with such a caring spirit and desire to help families so beautifully. I am excited to have the opportunity to go into my community and work with Team Pee Dee Kids, giving my compassion a place to thrive!

Motto: Brighten the corner where you are!
M.O.: Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established (Proverbs 16:3 KJV).

Carrie Lawton | Family Trainer

Charleston, Berkeley & Dorchester Counties | carrielawton@peedeekids.com