top of page

Board of Directors

Sara Photo_edited.jpg

Founder & Executive Director

Sara Toppe

I'm a 4th grade teacher in Charleston County School District that created The TCC based on the belief that all educators deserve access to free wellness resources, meaningful connection, and a supportive community. My vision is to build spaces where teachers feel valued, restored, and reminded that they matter.

TCC_heartcharacter_color_rgb_small_character-2.png

Treasurer

Ellen Brankovich

Bio coming soon! :)

unnamed_edited.jpg

Secretary

Jessie Sazegar

I have my Masters degree in education and have temporarily stepped away to be a full-time mom. I'm deeply committed to supporting educators and believes teachers deserve the highest level of respect and advocacy. I hope to empower teachers so they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

IMG_3624.jpeg

Co-Director of Events & Programming

Hannah Lees

While I am not a teacher myself, I have tremendous respect for educators and strongly believe in supporting their mental health and overall well-being. The impact teachers have on our communities is immeasurable, and they deserve the same care and support they so often give to others. I look forward to joining the team to help direct event planning and programming in support of The Teacher Care Club’s mission.

image_edited.jpg

Co-Director of Events & Programming

Hannah Lamb

I taught in public schools for eight years before becoming the Curator of Education at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston. I believe the community outside of schools plays an important role in supporting teachers. When we care for teachers, we care for students, and The Teacher Care Club helps bring people together to invest in educators for the benefit of all children.

IMG_5791_edited.jpg

Co-Direct of Fundraising

Becca Amberg

After seven years in the classroom, I know how hard teachers work and how much they give of themselves each day. I’m passionate about helping educators find spaces where they can feel supported, have fun, and invest in their own well-being so they can continue showing up as their best selves for their students.

IMG_0684.JPG

Co-Director of Fundraising

Hannah Wolf

After leaving the U.S. Army, I sought new direction in my career and am attending UNC Chapel Hill to achieve my Master’s in Teaching. I eagerly joined the efforts of The TCC to support, uplift, and give back to the community I will be joining.

IMG_1611.heic

Director of Grants

Dr. Christopher Toppe

I recently retired from the U.S. Department of State where I was a lead social scientist. Prior to joining State, I was one of the country's leading experts in motivations for individual giving and volunteering, and originated the phrase, "The Power of the Ask." I'm eager to support The TCC's mission and vision through grant writing.

Team Members

Kelsey Azaroff_edited.jpg

Kelsey Azaroff

3rd Grade Teacher, DD2

att.IZ5NMBza7fAWO8xGYroFbjVwFUnrQ795tLVz4bv6wrA.jpg

Lizel Simmons

Core Academic Teacher, DD2

4217478759337465504.jpg

Alyssa Popolizio

K-8 Stem Teacher, SCPCSD

IMG_6081.HEIC

Dani Jesmonth

4th Grade Teacher, CCSD

IMG_2073_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Morgan Pink

2nd Grade Teacher, CCSD

IMG_6619 (1).jpeg

Necie Wald

Music Teacher, CCSD

IMG_6429 (1)_edited.jpg

Millie Stevens

CofC Graduate

IMG_0973_edited.jpg

Chapin Vasilake

Former Educator

2725A510-A836-49E7-A053-5F19500525A3.jpeg

Sarah Wingfield

Former District Sales Manager for Random House

Real Support for Real Teachers

bottom of page