Meet Our Staff
Angela Rodriguez, MSW
Executive Director
Elgin
, SC
Angela Rodriguez was born and raised in Illinois. She spent thirteen years in the United States Air Force, moving up the ladder to the position of Health Promotion Director. After leaving the Air Force she attended the University of South Carolina and earned a double major in English and Experimental Psychology.
Angela realized she enjoyed going to school so much that she went back to the University of South Carolina and obtained a Masters in Social Work. She began working with the disability population at the National MS Society and started her adventure with the SC Spinal Cord Injury Association in 2011. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing with her cats, and being outdoors.
Brian Denny
Outreach Coordinator
Columbia, SC
Brian Denny was determined to go back to work after a C3-4 spinal cord injury in 2010. The Columbia resident not only re-entered the workforce with a high-level injury but was named South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation’s 2016 Client of the Year.
In addition to his employment, Brian serves as the Accessibility Chair on the South Carolina Building Code Council. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Music Education and a Bachelors of Art in Trumpet Performance from Elon University. He earned a Masters of Music in Music Therapy from Illinois State University.
Brian is a diehard NC State Wolfpack fan and enjoys the outdoors and woodworking. He and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Kendall and Copper, and share their home in NE Columbia with a cocker spaniel named Tanner.
Kelly Smith
Transition Coordinator
Columbia, SC
Originally from Varnville, SC, Kelly moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education. After graduation, Kelly began teaching art at the elementary level. She later attended Winthrop University where she earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Art Education. Most recently, she received state certification in teaching students with hearing impairments. She has 13 years of teaching experience.
In addition to teaching students, Kelly also enjoys teaching fitness classes. She has been a fitness instructor in the Columbia area for 11 years. She has certifications from AFAA, Les Mills, and barre3. She currently teaches classes at the barre3 studio on Rosewood Drive.
In her spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being creative, and traveling.