Special Areas

Kristi Patterson

My name is Kristi Patterson.  I am the Academic Interventionist at HSES.  I am a graduate of YCHS and Winthrop University.  During my time as an educator I have worked as a second- grade teacher, kindergarten teacher, and kindergarten assistant.  This will be my twenty-fifth year working with children.  Time really does fly when you enjoy what you are doing!

On a personal level, I have been married for twenty-two years, and I have one son.  Our family loves watching Disney movies, and we also enjoy visiting the beach and the mountains.

Lyndsey Baity

Tonya McGriff

Hi! My name is Tonya McGriff, and I am the Behavior Interventionist. I am from (and currently still live in) Lancaster, SC, however, I have worked in York for many years before coming to Hunter Street. I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina, and I earned my Masters degrees from Liberty University. I have always loved working with children, and for the past nine years I worked as a registered behavior technician with children who were on the autism spectrum. I am happy and excited that I can bring my training and knowledge here to Hunter Street.

I have two older brothers and an older sister, as well as a total of nine nieces/nephew/great-nieces/great-nephew. I love to craft, I love the Dallas Cowboys, and I love spending time with my family. I am excited to be here at Hunter Street, and looking forward to my journey here.

Shari Root

Leesa Parker

Click here for more information on our Gifted and Talented program.

My name is Mrs. Parker and I teach the gifted and talented students in the MERIT program here at Hunter Street. This will be my 22^nd year in the classroom. I have been teaching at HSES for 16 years of those years! Before that, I was a teacher in Ohio. I went to college at The University of Akron. When I became a gifted and talented teacher, I was inspired to work for my Master’s in Gifted Education. As the years passed and technology became more prevalent in education, I discovered a passion for integrating tech into the classroom, so I returned to graduate school for my Specialist’s Degree in Educational Technology. I love helping others—students and teachers learn new tricks and apps that enhance learning and make it fun.

I love to travel, and my husband and I will soon have opportunities to visit our two boys in Texas and Japan! We love to visit state and national parks to hike and take in nature. I think South Carolina has the most beautiful parks around. When I’m at home, I love backyard birdwatching with my six cats.

Sara Howard

Click here for more information on our Library program.

I have been the school librarian at Hunter Street since 2018. I love working in the Hunter Street Library and helping students and staff find books they enjoy! I graduated from Clemson University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and from the University of South Carolina in 2018 with a master’s degree in Library and Information Science.  

 My husband, Josh, and I have two precious boys. We also have a sweet Great Dane mix and a spunky Dalmatian. I enjoy reading, traveling with family, and attending Clemson football games!  

Beatriz Snow

Click here for more information on our ESOL program.

My name is Beatriz Snow, and this is my 3^rd year teaching ESOL at Hunter Street.  I was born in Mexico and moved to San Antonio, TX when I was 9 years old.  I received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in International Relations and worked in the travel industry for many years before becoming a teacher.  After teaching Spanish for 9 years, I completed the ESOL certification through the University of Phoenix. 

My husband Tracy and I celebrated our 27^th wedding anniversary in May.  Our son, Harrison,  is a senior at the University of Notre Dame. We live in Lake Wylie with our 17-year-old cat P.J.   When not in school, I enjoy baking, traveling, gardening, reading, and going for long walks

Donna Fields

My name is Mrs. Fields and I am your music teacher at Hunter Street Elementary School. This is my 25th year in the classroom. Through the years, I have taught all ages and music subjects including band, chorus, and general music.  I graduated from Winthrop University with my Bachelor's and Master's of Music Education. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher. I live in York with my family although my hometown is Aiken, SC. 

Jason Roberts

Beth Mitchell

My name is Beth Mitchell.  I have been a literacy coach and reading recovery teacher at Hunter Street since 2013.  I love working with students to make their reading and writing stronger.  Another exciting part of my job is working with teachers and helping in classrooms in many grade levels.  My husband, David, and I live in York with our two daughters, Caroline and Maddie.  Our family loves Clemson, going to the beach and the mountains, and playing outside.  We have a puppy named Pixie who is very spoiled.  I enjoy cooking, reading and shopping. 

Courtney McSwain