Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Conference 2025

Freddie Boan is the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department Area Supervisor for Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Calhoun Counties. He is a National Legislative Advocate for the National MS Society. Mr. Boan also serves as the Director of Community Relations for Carolina Learning Solutions.

Dr. Cassandra Sligh Conway has 21 years of academic teaching experience at HBCUs and PWIs. Over her career span, Dr. Sligh Conway has served as Director of Field Experiences, Professor, Chair, and Coordinator of a program. Dr. Sligh has a PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling and holds several certifications in several areas. She has been awarded over 1.5 million in grants over her career span. She has published several books and articles related to empowering women in ecovillages, diverse learners, mentoring students, and technology-related topics.

Rev. Jacques Days pastors Paradise AME Church. He is a family medicine physician. Dr. Days serves as Health Director for the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church and is an executive committee member of the AME Church International Health Commission. He is also a Regional Chief Medical Officer with the SC Department of Corrections, a member of the Chester County School District COVID Advisory Board, and a member of the SC Cancer Alliance Advisory Board. The Reverend Days has five children and one granddaughter. Dr. Jacques Days is the AME Health Ministry Director for the 7th Episcopal District.

Rev. Dr. Elaine J. Eskew, is a Board-Certified Chaplain, Licensed Social Worker, and Ordained Pastor in an African Methodist Church. She retired from the Department of Social Services, specializing in Child Protective Services. After retirement, she earned three advanced degrees culminating in a Doctors Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Leadership. Her area of expertise is the area of Secondary Trauma.

Dr. Gloria Hayes is Dean of Foundation Studies at Miles College. Dr. Hayes has specializations in Special Education. Her research includes diversity and motivation in learning, special education, and community engagement. Dr. Hayes has taught in the area of Special Education for over 20 years. She is a well accomplished grant writer and supports organizations in community engagement activities such as wellness, self-care, and providing services to persons with disabilities.

Dr. Crite served in the Marine Corps and completed a four-year tour of duty in 1980. In 2005, he acquired his M.S. degree in Education with a concentration in Workforce Education, Training, and Development. He is most humbled to share that in December 2012, he completed all requirements to obtain his Doctorate of Education, with a concentration in Higher Education: Adult Learning.

Mr. Murray graduated from the University of South Carolina Columbia, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He earned a Master of Science and Educational Specialist dual degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Carrington is a licensed School Counselor and Clinical Mental Health Counselor. He is employed as a High School Counselor with Guilford County Schools, at Ragsdale High School. He is the immediate past Seventh Episcopal District YPD President of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and loves leading/mentoring youth.

Stephen Patterson is a graduate of Elon University with a BA degree and from the University of South Carolina with a Masters Degree in Counseling. He is currently at South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation – Consumer Services. Mr. Patterson is the author of two books, Better Living Through Laughter and The King's Last Ride and Director of Training for Carolina Learning Solutions.

Dr. Tobie Pollock is a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains; Retired Board Certified Chaplain 2022, Pastoral Thanatologist Certified Specialist, Retired Hospice Director 2022, Dementia Dialogues Specialist Certification February 2008; Clinical Pastoral Education [completing 4 units in 2007]; Nursing Assistance certification August 1997; QPR Gatekeeper Certification (Suicide Prevention Training) August 2014; and the completion of numerous other courses that give continuing education units. She has achieved contact hours with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.; and has completed a Professional Certificate Program, "Advancing End-of-Life Care Across Disciplines" with Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC. She earned her DMin from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C., May 12, 2014. She is an AME Pastor.