Our Staff

Meet Our Pee Dee Kids Staff

T’challa Douglas | Owner | Early Intervention Supervisor

Before attending college, I believed I would pursue a career as a pianist or music therapist, inspired by playing classical piano since the first grade. I began my studies at South Carolina State University as a music major before changing my focus to Psychology, graduating in 1998 with a BS in Psychology.

Throughout my career, I have worked as a Social Worker, HASCI Service Coordinator, and Service Coordinator/Case Manager, gaining valuable experience supporting children and families. In 2007, I earned my MA in Mental Health Counseling, and during my internship I discovered my passion for early childhood services.

In 2008, I began working as an Early Intervention Specialist and quickly realized I had found my true calling. Since then, I have remained dedicated to helping young children and their families access the support and resources they need to thrive. In 2025, I obtained my certification in the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) from The Lincoln Institute of Applied Psychology. I’m not quite sure where this certification will lead just yet, but stay tuned.

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

I have a background in early intervention and childcare, including two years of running an in-home daycare. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a focus in Chemistry

I have been working in this field for 8 months and have developed a strong commitment to helping children build essential skills for growth and independence.

What I enjoy most about my profession is making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, especially by helping children reach milestones and gain confidence in their abilities.

I am passionate about supporting children with developmental needs and am dedicated to helping create a brighter, more successful future for them.

In my free time, I enjoy thrifting, which allows me to explore creativity and discover unique items.

Beatrice Walker | Family Trainer

Lancaster & Chester Counties | beatricewalker@peedeekids.com

With over 20 years of experience as an Early Interventionist, I have dedicated my career to supporting young children and their families during the most important stages of development. After graduating from college, I began working in the human services field and quickly discovered my passion for family-centered work and early childhood development.

Throughout my career, I have developed a strong background in family services and early intervention, working closely with families to support children with developmental needs. I believe that early intervention plays a critical role in helping children build the skills they need to thrive, and I am committed to partnering with families to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement along the way.

What I enjoy most about my work is seeing families grow stronger and watching children make progress and reach their full potential. Supporting families, celebrating milestones, and helping children succeed continues to inspire and motivate my work every day.

Outside of my professional role, I enjoy traveling to the beach and spending time relaxing near the ocean.

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

Jasmine Burns has been working in Early Intervention since 2014 and is passionate about supporting young children and their families during the most important years of development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Charleston Southern University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University. Jasmine is also a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Through her work in Early Intervention, Jasmine partners with families to help them better understand their child’s developmental needs while providing strategies and support to encourage growth within everyday routines. She enjoys working closely with children and caregivers, helping families navigate challenges, access resources, and celebrate developmental milestones along the way.

Jasmine is deeply committed to empowering families and believes that when caregivers feel supported and confident, children are able to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Fun Fact: Jasmine loves celebrating children’s milestones, both in her work and at home with her own family.

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

Greetings! I am so happy to be working for Pee Dee Kids serving families in the role of Family Trainer. I have 25 years of professional experience in the field of education. I began working in early childhood as a teenager and this inspired me to pursue and earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After college I began my career in the classroom, teaching kindergarten and art, and later preschool. As a classroom teacher I took great joy in helping parents to understand their children and support their education. This led me to eventually seek work in Early Head Start as a home visitor and later as the supervisor of the home visiting team. While serving in Early Head Start my passion for working with parents and children in tandem grew and I became very aware of the importance of Early Intervention. When the opportunity to continue working with parents and families as an Early Interventionist was presented to me, I accepted with enthusiasm! Over the years I have also been privileged to teach parenting courses. I am certified to teach Circle of Security Parenting Courses, Nurturing Parenting Courses, and Strength Based Family Worker Courses. Personally, God has blessed me over my lifetime with a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and now seven grandchildren. I originally hale from the New Jersey Shore but have lived in several states over my lifetime. I am very involved in my church. I love art, music, long walks, but most of all I love spending time with my family.