• Who We Are Hero

Who We Are

Our Staff

Spencer R. Scott

Spencer R. Scott

Spencer R. Scott is a native of Lancaster SC. He moved to Florence SC to attend Francis Marion University (FMU). As a 1994 graduate of FMU with a BS degree with a dual collaboration in Sociology and Business Administration, he obtained a position with Circle Park Prevention Center as a Prevention Specialist. He later became the Program Director for the Florence Area Literacy Council focusing on parents receiving their GED while providing childcare for their children.

In 1999, he was hired to write the initial grant for Florence County First Steps. Once the grant was funded , Mr. Scott was hired as the Executive Director. In 2003, he also became the executive director of Marion County First Steps.

Spencer has served on numerous boards such SC United Way, United Way of Florence County, Hope Health Advisory Council, and Smart Start Advisory Council. He also served as a member of several civic, community and fraternity organizations such as Rotary International. Kiwanis Club, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Spencer is married to Tracey Scott, a social worker and they have four beautiful children, Brittani (deceased), Autumn (attends Clemson University), Ayshia and Spencer II (both attends Trinity Byrnes Collegiate School).

Lana Hopkins

Lana Hopkins

Lana is responsible for the Family/Group Child Care Grant awarded by SC DSS and provides services in the areas of: Technical Assistance, Child Care Training, and Flo-Mar Childcare Network Association. The FCCH/GCCH grant covers both Florence and Marion counties. She and her English Bulldog, Sullivan, and Labs, CeCe and Coco reside in Lamar, SC.
Anastasia Spann

Anastasia Spann

Anastasia Spann is the Program Coordinator for Florence County First Steps’ Parenting, Facility, Quality Enhancement, Child Care Training, and Child Care Scholarship programs.

Anastasia’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and as Masters of Education degree in School Counseling from Clemson University. She is a Master Certified Trainer and a Generalist II Technical Assistance Provider with the Center for Child Care Career Development.

Anastasia is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (SCAEYC), and the South Carolina Early Childhood Association (SCECA).

For the past seven years, Anastasia has been involved with providing technical assistance to childcare facilities, coordinating and conducting childcare trainings, and partnering with local and state agencies in order to spread awareness to both childcare facilities and communities of the need for high quality childcare in order to ensure school readiness.

Our Board

Kippie Brown

Chairperson
August 2014
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Jordan Waters

Vice Chairman
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Mary Howard

Secretary
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Phoebe Clark

August 2014
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Eleanor Fleming

August 2019
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Orbree C. Friday-Widder, MSW

November 2017
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Debbie Jones

March 2018
Treasurer
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Laura Marsh

January 2017 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Denita Davis, RN, BSN, CLS

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Nicole Echols

Sheridan Murray

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Shalah Sweeney

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Dr. Belinda Cain

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Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

Learn about the types of programs and projects First Steps provides funding for in Florence County.

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Donate or Volunteer

Donate or Volunteer

With your donation, 100% of funds go back to programs. Help support programs dedicated to the healthy development of children in our community with your donation! You can also become a volunteer and help provide our youth with opportunities that will serve them for a lifetime.

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Apply for Services

Apply for Services

Are you a parent or daycare provider who is looking for assistance? Visit this link to see what all we require to get started!

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