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TLA will be open on October 13, 2025 for Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Jen Gibson has served as Executive Director of Trident Literacy Association (TLA) since 2023, leading the organization through a period of significant transition and growth. Under her leadership, TLA has restructured its programs to better align with community needs, expanding English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services, workforce development, and career pathway opportunities. She also introduced innovative tuition and scholarship models based on the ALICE threshold to ensure programs remain accessible to all learners, regardless of income.
In just two years, Jen has guided TLA in diversifying its revenue streams beyond federal funding, launching business-funded workplace ESOL contracts, developing revenue from proctored testing services, and cultivating a stronger base of philanthropic giving. She has strengthened board governance by expanding membership, launching a new multi-year strategic plan, and implementing Results-Based Accountability practices across all programs to ensure measurable student outcomes.
A lifelong advocate for education and opportunity, Jen brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership and communications experience to her role. Originally from the Lowcountry, she is deeply committed to breaking cycles of generational poverty and helping families thrive through literacy and workforce skills. When she isn’t working alongside community partners and staff to grow TLA’s impact, Jen enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and volunteering in local civic organizations.
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.
Dr. Stephen Mercer
ESOL Instructor
smercer@tridentlit.org
I am Dr. Stephen Mercer. I have done some things in my career related to education and helping adult learners. Among the most rewarding have my experiences working with adult ESL learners. Call it selfish, but the work makes me feel good and appreciated. That just doesn’t happen enough to a “salty ole senior citizen” like me. I spent a lot of time in Ohio. But I now proudly hale from Moncks Corner, SC. Stop by and visit me in my classroom or our computer lab and I promise to tell you some stories that will make me look good and hopefully make you laugh. By the way, every gray hair I have was legitimately earned.
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.
Philicia Baugh, EdS
ESOL Instructor
pbaugh@tridentlit.org
Philicia Baugh has an extensive educational background, holding a BS in Human Service from Springfield College, an MS in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Troy University, and an EdS in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Philicia is a Board-Certified Human Services Practitioner with a wealth of experience in educating adult learners in technical and secondary education settings. Born in New York and raised in Mount Pleasant, SC, she is actively involved in the Charleston community, serving on several local and national boards and owning and managing multiple businesses. In addition, she is well-versed in the real estate industry as a lender and investor. While passionate about teaching, Philicia also considers herself a lifelong student. In her leisure time, she finds joy in teaching and practicing yoga, gardening, spending quality time with her family, and exploring new destinations. She is thrilled to be a part of the Trident Literacy Association's team.
Rachel Knights
Rachel Knights
ESOL Instructor
Rachel grew up in Seattle, graduating from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Education, Communities, and Organizations in 2020. She spent two years working as a bilingual paraeducator for her local school district in Bremerton, WA, before moving to Charleston at the end of 2021. She started at Trident Literacy Association as the Early Childhood Program Manager, but her love for teaching adults was quickly reawakened as she became involved with other programs. As our Administrative Director, she now handles building-wide administrative duties such as staff onboarding and registration. When she does not have her nose in a spreadsheet, Rachel can still be found teaching ESL classes to learners of all levels.
Dr. Chris Hairfield
ESOL Instructor
chairfield@tridentlit.org
Chris Hairfield, Ph.D., is a registered nurse and dedicated educator with a passion for serving his community. Currently on faculty at MUSC’s College of Nursing, Chris’ journey in healthcare began in 2006 as part of the MUSC Clinical Associate Apprenticeship Program. He earned an associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) from Trident Technical College. While working as a frontline nurse, he went on to earn his BSN and MSN from Western Governor’s University and a Ph.D. in Nursing Education from Walden University. Chris also holds a post-master’s Certificate in Adult Online Education. During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Chris assumed a leadership role at the MUSC Health COVID-19 Specimen Collection Site, where his responsibilities included education and overseeing daily operations. Chris is committed to supporting the mission of Trident Literacy Association as a volunteer instructor.
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