Meet the team behind Greenville First Steps. Our dedicated staff is small but mighty, working daily to create strong systems of support for Greenville’s youngest learners.
Derek Lewis
Executive Director
Derek joined Greenville First Steps in 2008 as executive director after serving as director of youth and teen services with the YMCA of Greenville. Derek served as a Trustee of the Greenville County School Board from 2014-2022. He also sits on a variety of community boards, including Greater Good Greenville, Communities in Schools SC, and the SC Children's Theatre.
In addition, he serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the South Carolina Joint Citizens and Legislature Committee on Children. Derek was part of Leadership Greenville Class 36 as well as a member of Leadership South Carolina. He is also a member of the South Carolina Education Policy Fellowship program (2011) and was named one of Greenville’s Best and Brightest 35 and Under (2009). Derek is married to Hedrick Lewis, a 4k teacher with Greenville County Schools, and they live in Greenville with their son, William.
Beth Jamieson
Strategic Operations Director
Beth is responsible for moving Greenville First Steps forward, supporting the program staff, and communicating our mission to the public, including promoting School Readiness, Parenting Services, and Early Literacy Strategies.
She serves on the Development and Endowment board at Greenville Tech Charter High School and has previously served on the Little Steps board of directors, Livewell Early Childhood Workgroup, and the United Way Request for Proposal evaluation panel. A graduate of Clemson University, Beth worked for YMCA Camp Greenville prior to joining Greenville First Steps. She and her son, David, live in Greenville
Nicole Sheppard
Program Director
Nicole is responsible for coordinating the parenting programs at Greenville First Steps, including the Triple P, Nurturing Parenting, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Family Connects Greenville. Prior to joining the team, Nicole worked 18+ years providing direct clinical and psycho-educational services at a local non-profit organization. Her focus was strengthening the health of families who had experienced trauma and adversity and educating and advocating for domestic violence survivors.
Nicole graduated from the University of South Carolina-Columbia with a degree in Sociology and Social Work. She serves as Board Chair for the Parenting Place. Nicole also volunteers each summer as camp counselor at the Greenville Police Department’s Officer Allen Jacobs G.R.E.A.T. camp, and she is a volunteer for Mentor Upstate. Nicole is a Greenville native, and lives with her beloved husband Tom and cat Lily.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors includes parents, educators, nonprofit leaders, and business professionals who share our vision for a more equitable and prepared Greenville County.
DeeDee Washington
Chair, Anderson University
Carrie Silver
Vice Chair, USC Upstate
Travis Wharton
Community Member
Kelly Byers
Travelers Rest City Council
Steve Hudson
Community Member
Cynthia Langley
SHARE Head Start
Lauren Luneckas
The Children's Museum of the Upstate
Corey McDowell
YMCA of Greenville
Ned Moore
Greenville DSS
LaVonda Paul
Small Impressions
Emily Pettigrew
Community Foundation of Greenville
Jennifer Pinkerman
Greenville County Library Carrie Silver, USC Upstate
Greenville First Steps is the county’s leading convener and connector in early childhood development—driving real impact by empowering families, supporting providers, and coordinating systems behind the scenes.
