Our Team

East Carolina Early Learning Academy

"We are shaping minds for an exceptional future."

Tyeshia Holmes, Ed.S

Owner/Director

I am a native of Georgetown; however, I left the area in 1994 after graduating from high school and have been away for 21 years before moving back to my hometown. For the past 19 years, my career has been in the area of education. I have taught in the states of North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina and currently hold professional teaching certificates for both Georgia and South Carolina. I have also owned and operated a childcare center for six years in the state of Georgia. My educational background include:

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Masters of Arts in Elementary Education

Masters of Science in Theological Studies

Educational Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision

Gifted & ESOL Certified

I currently reside in Georgetown with my husband Eric and three daughters Morgan, Kadyn and Jordan. I look forward to providing the children of Georgetown County a safe and secure learning environment that will shape their minds for an exceptional future.

Maranda Lambert

Administrative Assistant

I am 27 years old and I have a 5 year old son named Avery. I came from a big family so family is very important to me. Here at East Carolina we are a family. I was born in Georgetown SC and went to Waccamaw High School. I also went to the U.S. Career Institute and became a CDA (certified dental assistant), but changed my career path to child care. Now I am the director's assistant here at East Carolina Early Learning Academy. I am super excited to work with East Carolina’s wonderful students, parent's and staff.

Kendra Altman

Toddler/Younger Twos Teacher

I am the Busy Bees (toddler/twos) teacher. I am from Johnsonville; however, I was raised in Georgetown county. I am married and have one child, McKenzie, who attends ECELA. I graduated from Johnsonville High School in 2009. I am an alumnus of Horry Georgetown Technical College and I also attended Francis Marion University. I have an Associate of Arts and have taken many education courses. My passion for education began when I was a child and grows every day. I am thankful for the opportunity to work in a nurturing and loving environment where children can learn and grow. I believe the early years are the most influential and a love for learning sparks when learning and playing are concurrent.

Betty Bennett

Older Twos/Threes Teacher

I am the Happy Hoppers teacher (older twos/threes). I hold an ECD 101 certificate in Early Child Care. Children are my passion. I have worked in the child care field for sixteen years. I'm married and I have three children and five grandchildren. I love cooking, going to church and attending family functions. I am glad to be apart of the East Carolina family.

Beverly Gardner Grate

4K Teacher

I am excited about joining ECELA as the 4K teacher. I am an early thirty year retiree from Georgetown County School District. I have worked as a teacher, master teacher, curriculum specialist, and principal. However, my first love is teaching. Children are our future and together we will move them forward!

Cevonna Brewington

Assistant/Floater

I am a resident of Georgetown County and a 2005 graduate of Carvers Bay High School. I attended Horry-Georgetown Tech and SC State University majoring in Social Work. I’ve always had a passion for children and helping them explore the world of wonder. I have over 15 years of experience working with children in Georgetown, Williamsburg and York Counties. My experience includes babysitter, floater, substitute teacher, group leader, mentor, and live-in-nanny. I am elated to be a member of the ECELA family!