

ABOUT CAROLINA EARLY INTERVENTION
All of our services are free!
Early Intervention Services Include:
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Developmental evaluation and assessment to determine your child’s strengths and needs
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Service Coordination
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Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
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Family Training
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Transition Services
All services are provided in your child's natural environment (home, daycare, library, park, etc.), and are family-centered. Your child's outcomes are based on your concerns and needs. At Carolina Early Intervention, we use the latest research-based strategies to help your child make progress towards meeting their individual goals.
CAROLINA EARLY INTERVENTION TEAM

VALORIE GARNER
Owner/Early Intervention Supervisor
Hello, and welcome to Carolina Early Intervention! My name is Valorie Garner, and I am honored to serve as the founder/owner of Carolina Early Intervention, LLC. I began my career in 2009 after graduating from Francis Marion University with a degree in Psychology and Business. I have accrued over 16 years as an Early Intervention supervisor. This community is my home, and it is my passion to serve the children and families that live here. I love to spend time in the mountains and outdoors with family, friends, and dogs. I also coach the Carolina Sluggers for Miracle League and love every minute of it! I am looking forward to serving you however possible. Please do not hesitate to email me at CarolinaEarlyIntervention@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
AMANDA BAILEY
Early Intervention Supervisor
Carolina Early Intervention would like to introduce you to Amanda Bailey. She is currently serving as an Early Intervention Supervisor. She graduated from Francis Marion in 2005 with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. In 2016, she obtained a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. Prior to working as an EI, she was a classroom teacher, a Curriculum Coordinator, and a Principal. Amanda says that children are her passion, and it is a joy serving them and their families daily. In free time, her three boys keep her busy playing! Should you need to contact Amanda, her email address is abailey.carolinaei@gmail.com.


SARAH WATTS
Early Intervention Supervisor
Carolina Early Intervention is pleased to introduce you to Sarah Watts, Early Intervention Supervisor. Sarah grew up in Florence and still resides here today with her family. Sarah proudly graduated from The University of South Carolina in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has 13 years of experience in her field, and has worked with young children in preschool and public elementary school. Sarah has a passion to see children reach their potential, and is excited to connect with, and coach, many lucky families! You can contact Sarah with any concerns at swatts.carolinaei@gmail.com.
NOAH CLIFFORD
Early Interventionist
Carolina Early Intervention is pleased to introduce EI, Noah Clifford. Noah recently relocated to the Florence area from upstate New York. Noah graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social Work with a concentration in family and community while attending the University at Albany in New York State. While completing his bachelor’s degree, Noah also worked as a preschool teacher in Vermont. Noah chose to pursue this degree and his relocation to South Carolina after volunteering in the Horry county region since 2017. When he’s not working, Noah loves going to the gym, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions for Noah at nclifford.carolinaei@gmail.com.


CRYSTAL MANGUM
Early Interventionist
Carolina Early Intervention is excited to tell you about EI, Crystal Mangum. She is a native of the Chesterfield County area. She graduated from Coker College with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She has been providing Early Intervention Services for 18 years. Crystal says she loves working with children and helping them grow. Most of all, she enjoys celebrating accomplishments with children and their families. Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, on and off the baseball field, and reading a good book. If you should have any questions, please email Crystal at cmangum.carolinaei@gmail.com.
KIMBERLY MERRITTS
Early Interventionist
Carolina Early Intervention is excited to introduce EI, Kimberly Merritts. She is a resident of Florence, SC and proud graduate of Wilson High School. She graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She is the proud mother of three children. Kimberly has worked as a youth leader for over 10 years and is the founder of The Inner ME, a nonprofit that empowers young girls. Her love and experience with children led her to Carolina Early Intervention. She is excited to work with the many families in the community. Feel free to reach out to Kimberly if needed at kmerritts.carolinaei@gmail.com.


JACQUI PERUGINI
Early Interventionist
Jacqui is a proud Clemson University graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also a wife, mom to two wonderful girls, and dog mom to her energetic German shepherd, Ellie. Much of her free time is spent at the ballfield watching her girls play softball or traveling and exploring new places with her family. Jacqui chose to become an Early Interventionist because she believes the early years are the foundation for a child’s future. Supporting children and their families during these important developmental stages is both a privilege and a passion for her. Feel free to reach out to Jacqui if needed at jperugini.carolinaei@gmail.com.
INGRID LEE
Early Interventionist
Ingrid grew up in Darlington and now resides in Florence with her husband and three children. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ingrid spent over 15 years in the classroom, teaching multiple ages including preschool, first grade and even high school English. Ingrid currently serves as preschool assistant at her church. In her free time, she enjoys theatre, concerts, reading and traveling with her family. Early intervention is truly rewarding for Ingrid…she loves connecting with families and is passionate about helping children reach developmental milestones. Feel free to reach out to Ingrid if needed at ilee.carolinaei@gmail.com.


ALLISON FIGLESTAHLER
Early Interventionist
Allison is a family-focused and compassionate professional with a diverse background in psychology, athletics and small business ownership. She brings over 16 years of experience coaching young athletes in gymnastics, along with a decade of co-owning a successful cleaning business—demonstrating her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and commitment to quality service. Allison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has completed Master’s-level coursework in School Psychology, with experience advocating for oncology patients. She is passionate about supporting children, families, and communities, and thrives in roles that require empathy, collaboration, and leadership. Allison brings both academic knowledge and real-world experience supporting children, families, and patients. She is honored to be able to help others grow, whether in a clinical, educational, or athletic setting. When she's not working, you’ll likely find her at the beach or paddle-boarding with her pup. Allison is grounded by a close circle of wonderful friends, a loving family, and the joyful chaos of life with her dog, Scout, and two playful kittens. Feel free to reach out to Allison if needed at afiglestahler.carolinaei@gmail.com.
KIRBY LESESNE
Early Interventionist
Kirby is a Florence native, fiancée to Johnathan, and mom to energetic twin boys, Brooks and Landon. Their family also includes a beloved dog, Kota. She holds a BA in Theatre from Converse College and a Master’s in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. With over eight years of experience working with children, Kirby has a true passion for helping young minds grow and thrive. In her free time, she enjoys reading and running her family’s business, Kirby & Kids Rentals. She’s excited to begin this new adventure and continue making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. Feel free to reach out to Kirby if needed at kmcgee.carolinaei@gmail.com.


OUR MISSION
Carolina Early Intervention aims to provide quality early support and to enhance families’ capacities to meet the developmental and health-related needs of their children.
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Our goal is to provide an individualized approach, based on the uniqueness of each family. We recognize and respect the beliefs, knowledge, culture, and preferences of each family, and incorporate these facets in the planning and execution of all services. By molding the best practices in education to the needs and backgrounds of each child and his/her family, we work to create specialized supports that will yield the most beneficial results for each child and family we service.
By providing support in settings most comfortable to each child and family, Carolina Early Intervention strives to promote collaborative partnerships between a family, their community, service and health care providers, schools, and childcare programs to strengthen and enhance families’ abilities to develop and use lasting networks of support.