OUR BOARD
Carol Aust, Board Chair
Originally, from Denmark, Carol has over fifteen years of experience supporting and advocating for charter schools in South Carolina. Carol Aust is the SC Director of External Relations and Board Governance for Charter Schools USA, one of the largest charter management companies in the country with 90+ campuses in 5 different states. She supports current boards, business development and manages external relationships for the company in South Carolina. Prior to joining Charter School USA, Carol was the Executive Director for the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina providing new school startup support, member engagement, board member training, expanding business partnerships and operational services for charter schools throughout the state. Carol’s interest in the school choice movement started years ago as a founder of Charleston Charter School for Math and Science (CCSMS). She served on the founding CCSMS executive board. Carol currently serves on the New Market Tax Credit Advisory Board for the South Carolina Community Loan Fund and was a long time board member of The Charleston Catholic School.
Dr. Scott Bemjamin, Vice-Chair
Dr. Scott Benjamin is a specialist in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. He went to college and medical school at Tulane University in New Orleans. He did his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Sinai Hospital and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. He did his fellowship in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at the Kennedy Kreiger Institute in Baltimore. He worked for a year at the Children’s National Medical Center in DC, and then spent 17 years at University of Vermont, and then in private practice for 3 years. He joined MUSC Department of Pediatrics in August of 2020 to develop a Pediatric Rehab Medicine program at the Childrens Hospital. He has expertise in spasticity management, bracing, equipment, and Botulinum Toxin injections He runs the Spina Bifida Clinic, the Baclofen Pump Clinic, and the Spasticity Clinic. He loves live music with a passion and plays drums and piano. He loves paddle boarding, going to the gym and running downtown along the water. He has recently been elected to the Board of Directors for Pattison’s which is an obvious fit since he cares for children with cerebral palsy and other special needs. He’s so proud and happy to be part of the Pattison’s family.
Eric Wickstrom, Treasurer
Eric Wickstrom is an IRS Enrolled Agent and owner of Wickstrom Tax and Bookkeeping Services, LLC. Eric attended Presbyterian College and studied business management and accounting. Eric is married to the lovely Kim Wickstrom, also a lifelong Charleston resident. Eric and Kim have three children, a daughter‐in‐law and a granddaughter. Eric heard about Pattison's Academy over the years from his wife and a current board member. After hearing about the good things the school provides and watching from the wings, the decision was made to get involved. After touring the school and watching the smiles on the kids faces, there was no other choice. Eric brings a lot of experience in business operations and accounting, but his biggest asset might be a large network of local business contacts. He is ready to serve the kids and families at Pattison's Academy in whatever capacity is needed.
Matt Walton, Secretary
Matt Walton is a lifelong resident of Charleston, as is his wife Bonnie. They met while attending West Ashley High School. Matt graduated from The Citadel with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2008, and from Charleston Southern University in 2019 with a master’s degree in organizational management. He is a project manager at The Boeing Company, where he has worked since 2014. Matt became involved with Pattison’s Academy in 2016 when his late son Connor began receiving early interventionist services through the school. Connor subsequently attended the Pattison’s Academy summer camp in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Connor also attended PACE for his entire year of kindergarten. Matt and his family have seen firsthand the incredible work Pattison’s Academy is capable of providing to the students and families that need a place like Pattison’s to call home. He is passionate about ensuring the success of Pattison’s for years to come.
Laurie Sessa, Emeritus Member
Laurie Sessa works in software sales for one of Charleston’s largest corporate employers, Blackbaud LLC. Laurie holds a bachelor’s degree in arts from the University of Notre Dame, a master of arts and teaching from Trinity University, and a certificate in executive leadership from Georgetown University. She brings 17 years of experience in the “social good” sector, working with nonprofits to streamline and enhance their fundraising, marketing and social media strategies. Most recently, she works with Blackbaud’s healthcare team to drive customer retention at a strategic level. As a member of the board, Laurie contributes these skills to Pattison’s and contributes to our fundraising and marketing efforts. Laurie is a certified leadership coach and is a parent to Eric, a graduate of PACE and summer camper.
Karina Garrison, Member
Karina is a senior vice president and office leader for Pinnacle Financial Partners. She leads an amazing team of experienced financial services professionals at Pinnacle’s North Mount Pleasant office.
As part of Pinnacle’s commitment to help grow and support local economies, Karina offers financial education classes to community partners and businesses, supports underserved communities with opportunities for financial independence through entrepreneurship, and advocates for affordable housing and homeownership in partnership with community and mortgage programs.
She is passionate about supporting small businesses and hosts an annual Mastermind forum to create community and synergy among local small business owners. She works in partnership with local schools to promote childhood and adolescent financial literacy.
Originally hailing from Cambridge, England, Karina moved to the United States in 2001 and now enjoys traveling with her husband and two young daughters.
Dr. Jennifer Perdue, Member
Jennifer Perdue was born in Iowa City, Iowa, and grew up in Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in science & kinesiology. She received her doctor of chiropractic degree from the founding school of chiropractic, Palmer College. While at Palmer, she was the president of the Pediatric Club helping students continually increase their skills when helping children and pregnant women. Dr. Perdue is the sole owner of Live for Wellness, which she opened in January 2013. She was honored to win Best of Charleston-Chiropractor in 2019. Dr. Perdue is the president of the Lowcountry Referral BNI Chapter in West Ashley and has been an active member for over seven years. Family members, students, and staff from Pattison's Academy visit Dr. Perdue for wellness care. She enjoys seeing the children and their families have relief and feel better with chiropractic care. The Live for Wellness team enjoys participating in events for Pattison's, such as Keeping the PACE and the annual Block Party.
John Foreman, Member
John Foreman was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, SC. He is Founder and Principal of King Street Agency (KSA) Insurance. KSA Insurance is an independent insurance company in downtown Charleston that offers a full range of commercial and personal insurance products. John also served as Chairman of Maritime Insurance International until December 2021. He graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Finance and Management from The University of South Carolina. He and his wife, Katie, live in Mount Pleasant with their three children Charlotte (13), Ellis (11), and J. Thomas (8). They love boating, traveling, and coaching their kids sports and activities. John has been a supporter of the Special Olympics, and was introduced to Pattison’s last fall. Since then, his company KSA has committed to being Pattison’s Presenting Sponsor of KTP this year, and he and Katie are excited to serve as 2022 KTP Honorary Chairs. Katie and John are passionate about making sure all children have access to quality education to help them reach their full potential, especially those at Pattison’s.
Dr. Laura Ganci, Ex-Officio Member & CEO
Interested in making a public comment during a board meeting?
Pattison’s Academy will accept public comments at the start of each board meeting. Comments are limited to one minute per person. Anyone interested in sharing public comments is required to notify board secretary Matt Walton at matt waltonmj21@gmail.com prior to the meeting.