Welcome to Doors to Dream
WHAT COULD CHARLESTON BECOME IF WE EMPOWERED ALL OF OUR YOUTH TO HAVE:
the life skills, confidence, and knowledge
to achieve THEIR goals
I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2017 with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Upon graduation, I joined Teach For America and taught two years of eighth grade science in Nashville, Tennessee. After completing the corps, I moved to Charleston and found Doors to Dream - a perfect opportunity to continue my newfound passion of children development and social justice. I steadfastly believe in the power of service to teach both professional and social-emotional skills that students will need to live their inspired, purposeful lives after graduation! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, cooking, being a sports fanatic, and hanging with friends and family.
Sam Clements
Executive Director
Email: samclements@doorstodream.org
I grew up in a small town in rural Appalachia, where my love for education and community was nurtured from a young age. I've known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to be an educator and drive systemic change within local school systems and communities. My journey led me to Virginia Tech, where I earned a B.A. in English Lit and an MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction. For eight years, I taught in a wide variety of communities, from rural Appalachia to the bustling areas outside Washington, D.C. In each of these diverse settings, I channeled my passion for equity, spearheading initiatives, and constantly seeking to deepen my understanding of social justice. A few months after leaving teaching, I discovered Doors to Dream and instantly connected with its mission. It felt like the perfect place for me to continue my work. In my free time, you can often find me curled up with a good book, exploring the beautiful streets of our city with my husband, daughter, and dog, or discovering a new favorite restaurant.
Feel free to contact me at conneraker@doorstodream.org
Conner Aker
Director of Programming
Email: conneraker@doorstodream.org
Born and raised in Summerville, South Carolina, I have a genuine heart for serving others and building meaningful relationships. As a proud mother of three and grandmother of seven, family, love, and connection are an important part of who I am. I am passionate about encouraging others, lending a helping hand, and making people feel seen and valued.
I am truly grateful to be a part of Doors to Dream, where I have the opportunity to serve, connect, and make a positive difference. I believe there is great purpose in loving people well and leaving a meaningful impact wherever we go.
Cheryl Robinson
Program Manager - Morningside Middle
Email: cherylrobinson@doorstodream.org
Meet Our Board
Brittany Westbrook - Board Chair
President, DeLoache Family Foundation
Antoinette Green - Board Member
Career Specialist, Charleston County School District - Liberty Hill
Carey Dunn - Board Treasurer
Co-Founder of Doors to Dream
Nancy Aguirre - Board Member
Professor, The Citadel
Founder, Triunfo First-Gen Coaching
Kiersten Searles - Board Member
Worship Director, Grace City Church
Gulanna Woods - Board Member
CRNA, Trident Medical
Owner, Rainbow Connection Academy
