STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susan Newman

Charleston, SC

Dr. Susan Newman is a Health Sciences Endowed Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse with clinical experience in acute inpatient medical rehabilitation, caring for individuals with various disabilities, including spinal cord injury. Her research interests include the application of community-engaged research approaches to address issues affecting community participation, health, and overall quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Susan has received funding from the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, National Institutes of Health, the Agency on Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation. Outside of the office, she can most likely be found holding a paddle, in a saddle, hauling hay, shoveling manure, or somewhere outdoors enjoying the day

Pauline Hunt

Conway, SC

Pauline, an Ohio native, retired in 2010 from the world of finance in both Government and industry business banking. She and her husband, Larry, then moved to Conway, South Carolina. In 2012, Pauline and her husband were involved in a motorcycle accident. Both sustained spinal cord injuries, but Larry regained his ability to walk. At L-1 and T-12 areas, Pauline's injury left her as an incomplete paraplegic. Pauline is also a retired volunteer Paramedic/Firefighter. She and her husband are active in their local Breeze group. Pauline enjoys crafts, reading, fishing, her cat, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She feels her purpose in life is to advocate for improving the quality of life for current and future generations with special challenges and spinal cord injuries. Her motto: Always smile!

Alex Jackson

Charleston, SC

Alex sustained a C6 SCI from a car accident at nine months old and is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies Communication and a Master of Arts degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication, both from the College of Charleston. Alex is the Chief of Media in the Public Affairs Office at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic. He also serves on the Disabilities Board of Charleston County and the City of Charleston Mayor’s Commission for Disability Issues. He has a disability blog called “Tuesday Talk With Alex,” in which he shares his experiences living with a spinal cord injury. Alex has also contributed articles to the national spinal cord injury magazine, New Mobility.

Christina Easler

Columbia, SC

Christina was born and raised in the upstate of South Carolina. She attended the University of South Carolina and obtained a Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Social Work. She practiced social work in the state government for the first several years of her career. Since 2010 she has worked as a clinical social worker at Fort Jackson.

While out cycling in 2018, Christina was struck by a vehicle and sustained a T12 incomplete spinal cord injury. She is grateful to be a part of the association and to be able to give back to the SCI community. In her free time, she enjoys adaptive fitness and snuggling with her two cats.

Joe Pomeroy

Easley, SC

Joe lives in the Upstate of South Carolina. In 2013, he sustained a spinal cord injury at the T7-T8 level due to an engine failure while road racing a motorcycle. The first few years injured were extremely difficult, but he’s here to tell you that life does get better. He was introduced to adaptive sports around 2015, and in 2017 he bought his first handcycle. Handcycling has become his number one passion, and provides him with a feeling of freedom, is excellent exercise, and is wonderful therapy for his soul. In 2020, he handcycled 6,405 miles, and he keeps piling on more miles every month.

Gloria Stokely

Fountain Inn, SC

Gloria grew up as an Air Force dependent then as a Navy wife until 1989 brought her and her husband to the Upstate and to Fountain Inn. She and her husband, Kelvin, raised two children. Both children are active-duty military, which they support in any way they can. Gloria is an Alumni of Greenville Tech, Lander University and Webster University. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling.

Gloria was injured in July of 2004 and is an incomplete paraplegic at L4/L5/S1 (Cauda Equina Syndrome). She has been an active member of the Upstate Breeze Groups since 2007 and a member of various SCI support groups online. She is a strong believer in Networking, Educating & Advocating as knowing what resources are available is key to improving life with a SCI. She enjoys attending Disability Expos in various states & SCI events. She is a member of the United Spinal Association.

She enjoys her grandchildren, great-granddaughter, swimming, volunteering, crocheting, genealogy, cruises & both domestic and international travel. Trying new things (ex. Waterskiing, handcycling, jet skiing) and doing old things in a new way (ex. Driving with hand controls) are ways to enjoy life to the fullest. She is known as the resource person as she has a large list of resources and contacts that continues to grow. Gloria is rarely seen without her service dog, Nainoa Hoe.

Life is only limited by the limits you put on it, so focus on the positive and enjoy!

Ashley Williams

Blythewood, SC

Ashley Williams was born and raised in Blythewood, SC. Ashley became paraplegic after an act of domestic violence and was shot in 2012. A few months after her injury Ashley refused to sit in the house and become depressed due to her injury and decided she wanted to attend South University to study Psychology. After graduating with her BA in Psychology Ashley discovered her love for learning and decided to continue her education in the Masters program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

Ashley has been in her current position since 2019 working as an HASCI Waiver Case Manager (head and spinal cord injury) so that she can advocate for individuals with disabilities. Ashley continues to advocate for many different populations/ issues: survivors/victims of domestic violence, the homeless population, and individuals with disabilities. Ashley promotes the importance of mental health and great self care. In her free time for her own self care Ashley enjoys modeling, traveling, adaptive watersports, enjoying time at the beach and spending time with her son Emory. 

Mark Riffle

Columbia SC

As an Information & Referral Specialist at Able SC , Mark handles phone calls and inquiries at the front desk. He strives to direct consumers to requested resources from Able SC or those that may exist in the community. He also manages the Assistive Technology Re-use Program so that donated medical equipment and/or supplies may be reutilized by those with the appropriate needs.

Mark received his BA in political science from Marshall University and MA in public administration from the University of South Carolina. He worked in human resources and disability services for two State agencies during the 20 years prior to joining Able SC. He has been active in disability advocacy, peer support, and expanding recreational opportunities for folks who have disabilities. An avid gardener, Mark can often be counted on to provide fresh flowers to staff and visitors. With an appreciation for almost any kind of outdoor activity, his new favorite thing is adaptive surfing where the Kuad Kahuna can often be found angling for a tasty wave!

Summer Still

Columbia, SC

Summer James Still is Michael Still’s sister Little Still or as she says Mike is the steak and she’s the chopped liver because she can’t go anywhere with out people wanting to meet her big brother Mike. He was quite popular before his accident too.:) Michael is a vehicle accident and spinal card injury survivor.
Summer is a radio & television personality who made the biggest Market jump from Myrtle Beach to Los Angeles with her own radio show.
Interviewing on the RadCarpets and being on the scene was second nature every day until her brother and mom asked her to return.
Summer attended college in Los Angeles for film and Broadcasting but returned to SC when she got that call.
Upon her arrival Summer found a radio show in Columbia then won SCBroadcasting Awards 2019
‘Star Awards Personality of the Year’.
Being honored for her Radio show also meant the opportunities to help others in the Midlands could become a reality and then she joined our team and the SC Assistive Technology program where she has the opportunity to share equipment and knowledge for those with different abilities across the state.

Summer said “…coming back to help Michael in his mission was the best choice ever. We call ourselves The BookEndKids, our mom named us that because he’s the eldest child and I, the youngest…BookEnds! Michael inspires everything I do. Through his eyes, I have learned to see more than I could ever have seen on my own no matter how far I traveled”.
We hope together to make a difference and to make his life as happy as possible. We are honoured to be a part of the SCSCIA and to speak about it any chance we get asked.

Karen Pettus

Columbia, SC

Karen graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B. S. degree in Special Education. She completed a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Ph. D. in Educational Psychology and Research from the University of South Carolina. She has 11 years of teaching experience working with students with disabilities. Karen has worked in higher education for the past as the Director of the Student Disability Resource Center at the University of South Carolina and as the Director of the Counseling, Career, and Disability Services Center at Midlands Technical College.

Karen has served on numerous campus committees regarding student success and retention, strategic planning, and the SACS accreditation committee on Diversity and Inclusion. She has also chaired the Student Veteran’s Committee and the Disability Affairs Committee.

In her free-time, Karen like knitting and crocheting for my grandson, hiking, biking, and pickleball. She also enjoys visiting the National Parks across the country.

Lewis Stephens

Columbia, SC

Lewis Stephens is originally from Woodruff, SC, in Spartanburg County.  Due to a diving accident in 1981, Lewis was left a C4-5 quadriplegic.   After months of rehab at Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation and at home, Lewis never looked back.

After two years of college at Spartanburg Methodist College before his accident, and nearly two more years commuting to USC-Spartanburg, Lewis found out about a unique program at the University of South Carolina.  The program housed eight students with severe disabilities and 24-7 care at Woodrow Dorm on the Horseshoe. 

While a student at USC, Lewis began honing his advocacy skills.  In 1985, Lewis graduated with a Bachelor’s in Management Science and was soon hired at SCANA Corp., now Dominion Energy.  During his nearly four-decade work career, Lewis has worked in Strategic Planning, Research Services and Corporate Security.

Over the past forty years, Lewis has been a champion and advocate for citizens with disabilities.  He is currently chair-elect for the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association.  He previously served as commissioner for the South Carolina Department Disabilities and Special Needs.  Lewis also serves on the leadership team of the Dominion Energy DiverseAbility Employee Resource Group.

Lewis’s passion is to help for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. 

David Stringer

Elgin, South Carolina

David sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of fifteen (15) in a diving accident in his home town of Goose Creek, South Carolina.

He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1985 and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and has completed coursework towards a MBA at Webster University. David is an advocate for individuals with spinal cord injuries through his work as a coach with Columbia Wheelchair Basketball, the USTA Southern Wheelchair Tennis Committee and through the SCSCIA’s SCI Awareness Committee and other programs.

Cody Smith

Rock Hill, SC

I am 30 years old. My spinal cord injury occurred in 2017 as a result I have three herniated discs in my neck caused by cerebral palsy related falls. The herniated discs were located at C4, C5, C6, and C7. They have rendered me unable to walk. As a result I do a lot of disability advocacy work on YouTube and TikTok. See below:

https://youtube.com/@DisabilityApologetics-ui1pr?si=k-EAeJFozNN4x86q

www.tiktok.com/@apologetics30ad

Chasity Miles

Lake City, SC

My name is Chasity Lynn Miles, and I’m from Lake City, South Carolina. I have been a trauma certified emergency room nurse for the past 13 years. I was shot with an AR15 in August 2022, and I have a SCI at T12/L1 level. But this hasn’t stopped me from doing all the things I loved doing prior to my injury. I have a son named Boone, and two fur babies named poppy and gunner. We enjoy big game hunting and going to Africa yearly, boating during the summers, riding in the mountains on our side by side in the fall and winter, traveling, working out and training to be in a WCBB show one day, and most of all making memories with family and friends. I am a firm believer in mind over matter. We are people of determination, and there is nothing we can’t do when we have a drive and the right support systems.

Marly Saade

West Columbia, SC