Meet the Board & Staff

Amy took on the role of Executive Director in July 2005. As ED she is responsible for providing professional leadership necessary to ensure the development and expansion of the human and financial resources necessary to carry out the organization’s mission of improving the quality of life for children and families in Horry County.

She enjoys spending time outdoors going kayaking, hiking, and fishing. She and her husband, Joe, are completing visits to SC State Parks to obtain the designation of Ultimate Outsiders.

Melissa joined HCFS in August 2011 as Facility Quality Enhancement Technical Assistant. She then transferred to the Program Assistant. She became Program Coordinator in 2016. As Program Coordinator she ensures that HCFS funded programs achieved their goals and objectives.

As a former Director and Preschool teacher, Melissa brings with her over 20 years of experience in the Early Care and Education field. She is a native of Horry County and passionate about the children and families we serve in our community. Melissa and her husband Bob share four wonderful children together and love to travel.

Amanda joined HCFS in 2016 as an Administrative Assistant and transitioned to the role of Program Assistant in 2019. She acts as the main point of contact for the agency and strives to connect families in need to programs and resources throughout the community. Amanda is a graduate of George Mason University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Developmental Psychology.

Originally from Northern Virginia, Amanda is a lifelong Girl Scout and served as a troop leader for several years prior to relocating to South Carolina. She is an avid reader and enjoys camping, gardening, cooking, and crafting in her free time. Amanda and her husband, Michael, live in Conway with their 3 year old daughter Jillian and fur babies Mabel and Sadie.

Deanna joined the Parents As Teachers program in November 2019 as a Parent Educator. She assumed the role of Program Supervisor in July 2019. As program supervisor she ensures that the PAT program is implemented to fidelity.

She has worked with families and children in some capacity for over 30 years and loves supporting families in all ages and stages of life. Prior to moving to SC, she lived in Kentucky and was a social worker. Although Deanna is a true Kentucky girl she loves living in South Carolina! She and her husband have three grown sons and an amazing, energetic grandson. She loves cooking, listening to audiobooks, exploring new places, trying new foods, and spending time with her family and friends.

Gloria has been a part of the HCFS staff since October 2011. She recently took on the role of FQE Technical Assist. Previously she served as a Parents As Teachers Parent Educator.

Karena Rouse is an AmeriCorps service member who grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She is currently serving as Community Engagement Organizer at Horry County First Steps. She is providing service to the Parents As Teachers program and the HCFS/WIC Collaboration.

Karena graduated from Horry-Georgetown Technical College with her Associate in Applied Science for Human Services. She is now pursuing her Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Social Justice at Coastal Carolina University. Ultimately, she plans to pursue her Masters in Sociology to further her experience and knowledge in community service and advocacy. Karena is the mother of one beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Neysa Joy, who has been the motivation behind her passion to make positive changes in the community. She is passionate about providing resources, support, and advocacy to the community and looks for new ways to serve each day.