Alan J. Wolf

Director

Alan J. Wolf brings nearly 30 years of hands-on teaching and administrative experience to his new role as principal. In 1993, he became a social studies teacher in Pennsylvania and an administrator in the Orangeburg 4 School District before joining Richland Two in 2018. As assistant principal at Ridge View High School, he was the administrator over all CTE programs and discipline and was the instructional leader for the school’s physical education, CTE, and Social Studies departments. He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies from Mansfield University and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Scranton. Mr. Wolf's favorite quote: "Success is Not Final, Failure is Not Fatal: it is the Courage to Continue that Counts."--Winston Churchill

Russell Redford

Assistant Administrator

Russell D. Redford brings a wealth of experience in education to the Student Innovation Center, having served as both a teacher and an administrator. His career began as a Middle School English teacher at a charter school in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he taught both in-person and online classes during the challenges of the 2020 pandemic. He later moved to Sahuarita, Arizona, where he continued teaching high school English and developed his skills further as an instructional coach. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, preparing him for leadership roles in education. Following the completion of his graduate studies, Mr. Redford served as Assistant Principal at Sandy Run K-8 School in Calhoun County, South Carolina. Eager to return to his high school roots and passion for student-centered innovation, he now serves as Assistant Administrator at the Student Innovation Center. Outside of work, Mr. Redford enjoys going on adventures with his wife and their four children—three adventurous boys and one spirited daughter. He is inspired by the words of J.R.R. Tolkien: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

Sandra Baker

Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper

Sandra Baker grew up in Augusta, Georgia; more specifically, Hephzibah. She graduated from Hephzibah High School, went to business school for computer programming, then pursued a career working in the medical field in medical transcription before returning to school and completing her Associates Degree and rejoining the education field several years ago. She says, "One of the best things about R2i2 is that we are on the cutting edge of such interesting and exciting happenings that affect not only our students' futures, but those of so many others and have the potential to impact our world!" Her favorite quote is "The only limits you have are the limits you believe." -Wayne Dyer

Natasha Vaughn

School Counselor/Outreach Officer

Natasha Vaughn brings a wealth of experience to her role as an educator. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Francis Marion University. Natasha also has a Master of Arts in Teaching General Science and a Master of Education in Counselor Education from South Carolina State University. Her passion for helping students reach their full potential led her to pursue a career in school counseling-- where she felt she could make an even more significant difference in their lives. With over twenty years of experience, Natasha has made an impact on the academic and personal lives of countless students.   Currently, Natasha provides comprehensive support to students as R2i2 Student Innovation Center's School Counselor. Her approach is holistic, addressing not only academic needs but also the social/ emotional and career development aspects of student growth. In addition to her work within the school, Natasha actively participates in professional organizations. Her empathetic and approachable nature ensures that students feel comfortable seeking her guidance, whether they are navigating personal challenges, planning their future careers, or needing academic support. Natasha's collaborative spirit with fellow educators, parents, and community resources allows her to create a robust support network for students.

Candance Kannaday

Employability Coach for POWER-i

Cary Sussman

Ready to Work Job Coach

Cary Sussman is a proud Columbia, SC native and a graduate of Richland Two (SVHS c/o 1992). He has dedicated 27 years to serving Richland Two, including 14 years as a social studies teacher before joining the Career Prep program in 2013. Cary earned his degree in Sports Management from the University of South Carolina. Before beginning his career in education, he worked in professional sports for several years before returning home to Richland Two, where he found his passion for helping students prepare for success beyond the classroom. Throughout his career, Cary has been committed to equipping students with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to transition successfully into college, careers, and the workforce. His work in Career Prep reflects his dedication to building meaningful pathways that connect education with real-world success. Outside of work, Cary enjoys staying active by working out, playing pickleball, and golfing. He treasures spending time with his wife, Jamie, his children, Addison and Cameron, and bonus daughters, Jenna Kate and Charlotte. "You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." -John Wooden

Christi Floyd

Instructor

Meet Ms. Floyd

Dipali Vaughan

Instructor

Dipali Vaughan immigrated to Columbia from London, UK where she lived for over 25 years. Dipali grew up in Kenya where she completed her middle school, she then moved to the UK to continue her high school studies and obtained a BA in Decorative Arts from Nottingham Trent University. She has a broad and varied career history from working in the retail industry as a visual merchandiser and sales manager, to managing an art gallery and working with art publishers and contemporary artists from around the world, to an exciting career in design and manufacturing working as a toy designer and product developer. While working as a toy designer she lived in Hong Kong for almost 3 years working directly with toy manufacturers and suppliers. This diverse experience in industry gave her a solid platform on which to build her teaching career.  She completed a Teach First Leadership Development programme and obtained her postgraduate teaching certification in Design & Technology from Canterbury Christ Church University and a Masters in Leadership from University College London. Dipali has worked at R2i2 as a long-term substitute. What she loves most about R2i2 is that it provides students amazing opportunities to explore their capabilities and release their potential. The courses are designed to broaden student’s horizons, teachers foster a love for learning and nurture achievement and students strive to be the best that they can be. She is very excited to be joining the team and looks forward to working with students from all the Richland Two high schools. One of Dipali’s favorite quotes is: “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be” - Rita Pierson

Kirstin Bullington

Next Energy/EV Engineering Instructor

Kirstin Bullington has taught science and engineering for over twenty years. Her current classes at the Student Innovation Center include Clean Energy Systems, Electric Vehicle Fundamentals, and Battery Research, Development, and Innovations, which comprise the Advanced Automotive Engineering Technology state pathway.  Prior to teaching, she was a health specialist volunteer in the Peace Corps, Togo, where she discovered her passion for education. Kirstin is an alumna of Teachers for Global Classrooms (Senegal), the Transatlantic Outreach Program (Germany), and the Japan-US Teacher Exchange for Education for Sustainable Development. Participation in each of these programs led her to discover that students show greater aptitude and interest in engineering when presented from a relevant global context.

As part of their coursework, Kirstin’s students design and optimize alternative energy solutions for local and global challenges. Her students and their energy solutions have placed in several national competitions, including Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Global Solutions STEM Challenge (IREX), and the Biomimicry Youth Design Competition.  Their collaboration with a school in Senegal resulted in a modular power apparatus, which was recognized by Special Climate Envoy John Kerry in 2021 and awarded a patent in 2023.  Kirstin is the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (2023), the South Carolina Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (2013), the 2022 South Carolina STEM Educator of the Year, and the 2023 South Carolina Conservation Teacher of the Year (secondary). She holds National Board Certification (AYA Science) and is a Lemelson-MIT Invention Education Fellow.

Chef Marilyn Ross

Instructor

Chef Ross is a product of Richland School District Two, having studied under the late Chef Turner at Blythewood High School. Marilyn specializes in Baking and Pastries and has worked with and for among the following companies: Sweet: A cupcake company, Bruegger's Bagels, and Whole Foods. Chef Ross has also contributed to the writing of the SC Baking and Pastry High School Curriculum Standards. Having attended the Culinary Institute of Charleston, Marilyn has developed skills in cake decorating, artisan breads, laminated doughs and pastries, retail baking, candies and confections, and plated desserts. Marilyn is a ServSafe certified professional and especially enjoys baking cookies, breads, and helping students discover their love for innovating in the kitchen.

Megan H. Assey

Ready to Work Job Coach

Nicolas Jones

Instructor

Nicolas Jones was born in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended North Springs Elementary, Summit Parkway Middle, and Spring Valley High School. He also attended USC and obtained a B.S. in Entrepreneurial Management. His career path included Retail Management and Construction Management. He was also a long-term substitute teacher at Ridge View for three semesters prior to coming to R2i2. Nicolas feels that R2i2 has the most active and project-based learning experiences of any school in the state. R2i2 is focused on a collegiate environment where students can excel and prepare for their futures. His favorite quote is "Teachers open the door, you enter by yourself." -Chinese Proverb

Robin Jones

Instructor

Robin Jones is a native of Columbia, SC. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and Management of Information Systems and a Masters of Business Administration with a Finance emphasis. Before coming to Richland Two, Robin worked in the banking industry for approximately 18 years. She also has over 15 years of teaching experience at the collegiate level. Her favorite thing about R2i2 is the opportunity to work with students from all the high schools in the district, collaborative opportunities, and the staff. Her enthusiasm for collaborative projects and her admiration for the dedicated staff at R2i2 reflect her belief in the power of education to shape the future. Robin's guiding principle is encapsulated in her favorite quote. "The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power underscores her drive to empower students to seize the opportunities that lie ahead."

Shironda Davis

Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Instructor

Shironda Davis is the Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Instructor at the Student Innovation Center @ R2i2. She brings more than 20 years of combined experience in education, school operations, fashion instruction, entrepreneurship, youth development, and career readiness. Throughout her career, she has worked with students at various grade levels and supported both instructional and administrative programs within public education. Before joining R2i2, Shironda served in educational roles within Richland County School District One, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, and Beaufort County School District. Her professional background includes teaching Family and Consumer Sciences and providing instruction in sewing, apparel construction, fashion design, etiquette, personal development, and employability skills. Shironda is the founder of Satin Ribbons Designs, a fashion education and sewing business that provides private instruction, workshops, youth programs, etiquette training, portfolio development, and custom apparel services. Through her business, she has worked with schools, community organizations, aspiring designers, and young people interested in developing practical fashion and entrepreneurial skills. Her experience as an educator and business owner enables her to incorporate authentic industry knowledge, customer service, branding, marketing, product development, and business management concepts into the classroom. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from South Carolina State University and holds a South Carolina teaching credential in Clothing Design and Construction. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at South Carolina State University. Her graduate studies have strengthened her knowledge of counseling, advocacy, human development, communication, cultural awareness, and supporting students with diverse academic, personal, and career needs. As an instructor, Shironda is committed to creating a professional, innovative, and student-centered learning environment. She uses project-based learning, technology, real-world business scenarios, fashion-industry applications, and collaborative experiences to help students develop creativity, confidence, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and workplace-readiness skills. She encourages students to explore their interests, recognize their strengths, establish professional goals, and prepare for success in college, careers, entrepreneurship, and life. Shironda believes every student has the ability to create, grow, and lead when provided with encouragement, structure, meaningful opportunities, and high expectations. Inspirational Quote: “Inspiring Creativity. Building Confidence. Shaping Futures.” — Shironda Davis