Meet the Beginnings SC Team!

Preston Trippe is a South Carolina native, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management before going on to work for an Anheuser Busch wholesaler for over ten years as the Sales Execution Coordinator, Accounts Payable, IT, and High End & Craft Brand Manager (most of that was all at once).

Preston then transitioned into a 5-year career in residential real estate with Coldwell Banker and then ERA Wilder. 

Preston was first introduced to Beginnings SC as a parent of a D/HH child. He and his wife really valued that Beginnings SC provided them with guidance and access to a wealth of resources - IEP assistance, community resources, social gatherings, and even ASL classes. Looking to get more involved in the organization, he began serving as a board member. That same willingness to serve and desire to give back is why he accepted the Executive Director position when it became available. Though he has only been a part of the Beginnings family for a short time, he cannot imagine his family's life without the guidance, support, teachings, and love the whole organization provides them.

When he is not working, he enjoys running and spending time with his family in the mountains of North Carolina.

Email: preston@beginningssc.org

Teague Albenesius graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Modern Languages and earned a certificate in K-12 Educational Interpreting. She also earned a masters from Gallaudet University, when she obtained teaching licensure in Deaf education and elementary education, as well as an additional certificate in educating Deaf students with additional disabilities. Previously, Teague worked as both an itinerant teacher and a teacher in a self-contained classroom for Deaf students. Teague began her time at Beginnings SC in her role as a part-time Parent Education Specialist in addition to working as a community interpreter in the Columbia area. In September of 2023, Teague accepted the position of Director of Programs.

When she isn’t working, Teague enjoys foraging, gardening, and challenging herself to cook with whatever she finds or grows. 

Email: teague@beginningssc.org

Abigail Moellering studied at Grace College in Northern Indiana, where she double majored in Communication: Film Studies and Visual Communication Design. She spent the next six years working in the hospitality industry and has been the manager a local small business for the last four and a half years. Abigail's work and education history have instilled in her a passion for storytelling and for community. She is invested in improving accessibility and education in her community through her skillsets and abilities. 

When she’s not in the office, Abigail is often found walking the riverwalk with her partner and their dog. She enjoys reading, cooking new recipes, and spending as much time as possible outdoors.

Email: abigail@beginningssc.org

Lisa Jolly is excited to provide unbiased guidance and information to parents of children with hearing loss. She participated in Beginnings as a parent while living in Charlotte, NC after the birth of her second child. With the support of her Beginnings Parent Educator, she and her husband were empowered to make choices for her son based on facts and consideration of all options for communication. Her family remains connected to her Charlotte community where she founded Hitch-Up a social and educational support group for families of those with hearing loss. They reunite each May at Camp Cheerio where all communication modalities are present and respected as families come together to learn, network and play.

She is currently co-president of AG Bell’s SC Chapter, serves as director of Lowcountry Special Needs Network and is a member of an advisory panel with the Medical University of South Carolina charged with promoting comprehensive family wellness for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. She passionately educates about ability where many may see disability and firmly believes every person has a gift to use to better the world.

Married to her college sweetheart, Steve, the Jolly’s and their 2 sons, enjoy spending time visiting the mountains and beaches for family trips.

Email: lisa@beginningssc.org

After 11 years of whole-hearted dedication to Beginnings SC, Mary made the decision to step down from her role as Director of Programs. Her heart is still with BSC and she will continue to advise and support however she can. Read her blog post about this decision here.

Mary Reaves is a Rehabilitation Counselor by training who worked in Deaf Mental Health for nearly 10 years before co-founding Beginnings SC - a statewide nonprofit that aims to help families who have deaf or hard of hearing children find belonging. Their programs include parent counseling, services for child care providers, advocacy and policy, training and technical assistance, and awareness and education to support the families and professionals who serve deaf and hard of hearing children. She received her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from UofSC School of Medicine in 2009 with a Certificate in Deaf Studies and through this program learned American Sign Language and found a home in advocating alongside deaf and hard of hearing adults and children. Mary received a Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from William & Mary Law School in 2021 and has gone on to support families (including her own) as they navigate the educational needs of children with disabilities. 

Mary has served on the board of directors for community organizations including Girls Rock Columbia and is currently a member of the Advisory Board the The Hive. Mary's goal is to help remove the barriers put into place when language access is not provided so that all deaf and hard of hearing children can reach their fullest potential. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Larry, and together they have 3 small humans. She loves making cool stuff, baking, reading, learning new things, and naps, on the rare occasion she can get one.

Cara is a National Board Certified Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She has taught students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing for 20 years in a variety of educational settings, as well as serving as an administrator at the district level for a Midlands’ D/HOH program.

Unable to accept the status quo with regard to intervention and education of students with a hearing loss, she co-founded Beginnings SC to focus on proactive intervention and parent education and empowerment.

After 12 years of leading Beginnings SC, Cara made the decision to retire. Her dedication to Beginnings SC paved the way forward for the organization and her support continues to bolster the organization.

When Cara is not working, she spends her time crafting, cooking, and hanging out with her kids.