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Claire Haas
Claire Haas
Executive Director
843-747-2223 ext. 102
chaas@tridentlit.org
Claire Haas is an experienced education and nonprofit leader with a proven record of strengthening organizations, developing people, building community partnerships, and advancing mission-driven growth. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience across education, nonprofit, and multi-site organizations, with expertise in strategic planning, program development, operations, fundraising, and organizational growth.
Claire is passionate about expanding access to education and creating opportunities for individuals and families to build stronger, more successful futures. As Executive Director of Trident Literacy Association, she is committed to building on the organization's strong foundation, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding its impact throughout the Lowcountry.
Holland Clayton
Holland Clayton
Director of Career Pathways
843-747-2223 ext. 103
As Trident Literacy Association’s Director of Career Pathways, Holland Clayton leads innovative programs that connect adult learners to meaningful education and workforce opportunities. She oversees the Literacy Career Center, where students build the academic and workforce readiness skills needed to thrive in today’s economy, and manages the organization’s data systems to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Holland also directs the College and Career Navigation program, guiding participants as they transition into higher education, technical training, or direct employment.
With a strong commitment to equity and access, Holland works closely with students, staff, and community partners to design pathways that remove barriers and open doors to self-sufficiency. Her leadership ensures that Trident Literacy Association’s participants not only improve their literacy skills, but also gain the tools, confidence, and direction to achieve long-term success in careers and life.
Caroline McKinney
ESOL Program Director
843-747-2223 ext. 106
Caroline is currently serving in her eighth year of teaching English as a Second Language classes at Trident Literacy. With a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Carolina and certification as a TEFL instructor, Caroline has experience teaching every English proficiency level. She specializes in pronunciation training for non-native English speakers. During her time at Trident Literacy, Caroline has taught in both the traditional classroom and online platforms. Finally, she is a self-professed grammar nerd, and her love of language and ESL instruction have led her to become proficient in French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Troy Cole
Education Director
tcole@tridentlit.org
Troy originally graduated from Purdue University in the state of Indiana and received his Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management in 2017. He worked as a field superintendent for two general contractors specializing in apartment building construction. He decided to leave this field in 2021 and pursue an education certification that he eventually received from Purdue University- Fort Wayne. Troy volunteered twice a week for three years as a tutor in adult education while going back to school for his educator’s license. After working in the school system as a middle school teacher, Troy decided to pursue a career in adult education, landing him at his current position with the Trident Literacy Association. His passion for helping people and learning in general led him to TLA. Outside of work, Troy enjoys traveling, hiking, running, reading, and going to the beach.
Jake Jones
ESOL Instructor
jjones@tridentlit.org
Jake Jones is originally from the UK and has lived in South Carolina since 2004. He holds an undergraduate degree in English and American Literature from the University of East Anglia (UK) and an International MBA from the University of South Carolina. He has previously taught ESL to children in Taiwan, and worked as a business communication consultant in the business school at USC. He has a full-time job in Compliance for a large debt buyer. Jake began volunteering as a classroom assistant in Trident's ESL program in 2023, and began as an ESL instructor in March 2024.
Emel Ibryam
ESOL Instructor
eibryam@tridentlit.org
Emel hails from Bulgaria, where she lived and taught for several years before immigrating to the United States. After earning a master's degree in English Philology at Shuman University in Bulgaria, she taught English as a Second Language to middle school students for a period of 11 years. Following her relocation to the United States in 2010, she pursued a degree in paralegal studies at Trident Technical College. Emel works as a paralegal on weekdays and dedicates her weeknights and Saturday mornings to online and in-person ESL instruction at Trident Literacy.
Spencer Harvey
ESOL Instructor
sharvey@tridentlit.org
Following a 25-year career as an executive in the high tech industry, Spencer pursued his longtime interest in teaching. He earned a master's degree in education from Fitchburg State University (Massachusetts) and proceeded to teach middle school for nearly 15 years. During his time as a middle school instructor, Spencer earned certification in Sheltered English Instruction and led his school's effort to develop curriculum for non-English speaking students. Spencer moved to Charleston in 2022 to indulge his passion for year-round outdoor activities, including golf, tennis, and cycling. He enjoys teaching ESL classes in basic- and intermediate-level instruction at Trident Literacy.
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