OUR BOARD
Matt Walton, Board Chair
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 intervention services through the school. Connor subsequently attended the Pattison’s Academy summer camp in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Connor also attended Pattison’s 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.
Dr. Scott Benjamin, 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.
Terri Nichols, Member
Terri Nichols, a Wilmington, North Carolina native, serves as Associate Superintendent of Leadership Development in Charleston County School District. Nichols has experience teaching in two North Charleston schools, was assistant principal at Hunley Park Elementary, and was principal at both Mary Ford Elementary and Belle Hall Elementary.
In 2024, Nichols received a proclamation at the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant in recognition of her storied career as an educator, which began in 1977. She was a Mount Pleasant Rotary Club Director and Past President.
In addition to her time with the district, Nichols is the CitListen Facilitator as a Community Partner for the Citadel.
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.
Amanda Johnson, Secretary
Amanda Johnson is a dedicated mother of three and an active member of the Pattison’s Academy community. Her youngest daughter, a current student at Pattison's Academy, has been attending since 2020. With a background in education and finance, Amanda brings valuable experience from her roles in both the Charleston County School District and Garland ISD in Texas. In addition to her professional work, Amanda has a long history of volunteering, having served on PTA boards and the ROTC parent board during her children's school years. Currently, she works in the pediatric finance department at the Medical University of South Carolina, where her knowledge and connections in school finance continue to be a key asset to Pattison’s Academy.
Dr. Laura Ganci, Ex-Officio Member & CEO
Board SharePoint
Board Governance Documents, Agendas, Minutes, and Full Packets
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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.