Growing Spirit · Johns Island

Meet the Teachers

The people who lead the pods, the pond days, and the creative Fridays.

Our teachers

Joel Hamilton, music teacher at Growing Spirit

Joel Hamilton

Music

A professional musician and songwriter for over two decades, Joel has taught music for 15+ years, guitar, piano, vocals, drums, and more, and invites students to find and play the songs that connect with them.

Wendy Carver, emotional literacy teacher at Growing Spirit

Wendy Carver

Emotional Literacy

Wendy blends ten years in psychology with thirteen years in childhood development, helping students build resilience, emotional vocabulary, and self-awareness.

Chris Sample, math and science teacher at Growing Spirit

Chris Sample

Math and Science

Chris holds a BSE in Biomedical Engineering from Duke and an MS in Immunology from NC State, and managed research labs at Duke for two decades before joining CKC Johns Island to teach Math and Science.

Stephanie Underhill, creative writing teacher at Growing Spirit

Stephanie Underhill

Creative Writing

Stephanie has taught in the Charleston area for several years, blending a background in art and sociology to guide students through creative writing, mixed media, and confident artistic expression.