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How We Got Started

When visionaries collide…

With well-known education philanthropist Dale Halton (1937-2023) as the catalyst, the Aspire Carolinas Foundation team brought their extensive backgrounds in philanthropy, education, and fundraising together to create a new model of “school.”

Dale Halton and Jennifer Nichols began planning for an organization to help establish independent schools in areas where there is a clear need for alternative educational settings for students who learn differently. The organization would assist local communities in creating a framework of collaboration and network of support to establish and maintain each school.

They worked with Marty McCarthy on the start-up phase. Marty had served as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church when he experienced the call to begin opening schools in the Carolina region based on the Classical Education model. Jennifer Nichols had many years working in both education and non-profit fundraising, with a specific focus and passion for helping challenged learners. Dale Halton was a well-known philanthropist who has supported education in the Charlotte region for decades.

What if they could partner to help children with learning differences and Asperger’s all across the Charlotte region gain access to small schools in their local community? They knew there was a huge need, and there are children currently struggling in their local public and private schools unable to attain success.

By partnering with existing special needs schools looking to expand into new areas, and with local communities already organizing to create schools, a vision to create a non-profit to support the opening and expansion of these schools was born. Slowly an idea took shape and they felt they had been pulled together for a reason. The perfect team, with a wealth of experience to achieve the number one goal of Aspire Carolinas: to give every child the ability to succeed, had been created.

One driver of success will be the curated selection of staff and board members. Combining their many talents, the staff and board has years of experience and expertise in starting new schools, working with key stakeholders, donor management, advancement, non-profit fundraising, business acumen, zoning, government, entrepreneurship, communications, marketing, administration, and special education. Above all, a drive and a passion to help students with learning differences. This established, seasoned team is the best of the best!

Meet the Team

Jennifer Nichols

Board Member

Executive Director/Founder of the Aspire Carolinas Foundation

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Malone University in Canton, Ohio and completed additional coursework in reading education (Eastern Michigan University) and developmental disabilities (CPCC). She taught for nine years in Michigan before moving to North Carolina and changing careers. After several years in sales and management, she entered the non-profit field. She is a certified grants writer and seasoned fundraiser working with organizations such as InReach, The Arc of Mecklenburg, The American Red Cross, and Discovery Place. Jennifer most recently worked at The John Crosland School as Director of Institutional Advancement. For eight years she was responsible for fund development, program development, marketing and public relations. The opportunity to start the Foundation and serve as Executive Director of Aspire Carolinas marks the culmination of a lifetime dream. She always wanted to start an educational non-profit that would address the needs of underserved populations such as students with learning differences, Asperger’s and those needing career and technical options.

Cathy Fasciana

Marketing and Communications

Cathy attended Lafayette College and then transferred to Seton Hall University where she received her B.S. degree in Secondary Education and History. She completed her M.S. degree in Management (HR Concentration) at the College of St. Elizabeth. Cathy previously worked in Human Resources Management for ten years. After relocating to Charlotte she took the position of Advancement and Communications Coordinator at The John Crosland School. Cathy is excited to bring her website administration, marketing, social media, writing, administrative and communications experience to her new role at the Aspire Carolinas Foundation.

Jessie Norman

Operations and Fundraising Manager

Jessie received his business degree from Gaston College. Jessie has over ten years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Jessie began his career working at a non-profit group as a Direct Support Activity aide for adults with disabilities. He was then promoted to Insurance Billing Administrator, Manager, and finally to Office Administrator. Jessie also helped the non-profit in raising funds. After a career change, Jessie spent 3 years working at a mortgage company. He was hired as a Mortgage Processing Assistant and he was promoted to Underwriter’s Assistant. Jessie is excited to bring his excellent administration and fundraising skills and his passion for exceptional students to his new role as Operations and Fundraising Manager at Aspire Carolinas Foundation.

Meet the Board of Directors – Benner

Meet the Board of Directors

Board of Directors

James Secunda

Board Chair

Investor/Business owner

Mr. James (Jim) Secunda graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1975 with a degree in business and marketing. He then received his Master’s degree in 1976 from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in 1976. He began working for the INA Corporation in Philadelphia in 1977. In 1979 he started his first company, American Rehabilitation Inc., which he later sold in 2008. Jim then co-founded two additional companies, CompSource Inc. in 1993 and Synergy Coverage Solutions Inc. in 2005. In addition to his extensive business experience, Jim also generously gives of his time serving as a board member for both schools and non-profit organizations. Jim has served on the boards of: Stony Brook Prep School, Charlotte Pregnancy Center, Community Health Services, Boy Scouts of America (Special Needs Board Member) and The Epiphany School of Charlotte. In addition, he currently serves on the board of Charlotte Christian School.

Dale Halton (1937-2023)

Vice Chair emeritus

Retiree of Pepsi Cola Franchise

Ms. Dale Halton graduated from Myers Park High School and attended Agnes Scott College in Georgia. After two years she returned home to marry and start her family. In 1970 she began working for the family business, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Charlotte, managing the company’s advertising. Although many good people worked at the company the business was struggling, and in 1981 she was made President of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Charlotte. She began successfully running the company and gradually turned it around to again become profitable. She created a charitable foundation that gave 10% of the company’s profits to charity each year. Notable recipients include UNCC Charlotte and the NC Dance Theatre. “The more you have, the more responsibility you have to give to others,” Halton said. “I think it’s important to help folks who don’t have what I have. I wish I could do more. It’s fun.” Because Dale successfully faced many obstacles working in business at a time when it was difficult for women to do so, she continued to always root for those that face challenges. She was a strong supporter of children with learning differences and Asperger’s/autism spectrum disorder, and was thrilled to be able to support schools that help the students reach their potential.

Details coming soon!

Treasurer

Derek L. Partee, MPA

Secretary

Private Investigator

Derek L.Partee served two years on the Town of Huntersville Board of Commissioners. He was elected on November 2, 2021, to a two-year term serving the citizens as liaison to the Huntersville Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and Greenways Committee. Mr. Partee retired in October 2007, as a Criminal Investigator with the Nassau County Police Department, NY after serving 25 years. His early retirement was due to health issues from responding to the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. Mr. Partee was assigned to the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force as a U. S. Deputy Marshall in the Manhattan Office from 1999-2003. Derek has been trained and certified in investigating major auto crimes, dignitary protection, gang violence, homicides, narcotics, sexual offenses, and special weapons tactical response situations. Mr. Partee retired after 24 years from the Nassau County PD Homicide Squad in 2007, where he had a 100% solvability and conviction rate. Upon moving to North Carolina in 2010, he obtained his private investigator’s license and consulted on homicide cold cases for Carolina Fingerprinting /Citywide Investigations. From 2010 to 2013 Mr. Partee served as a board member for Family Support, Inc., serving on the finance committee, and as security consultant for group homes managing troubled and emotional youths. Mr. Partee has served in many community organizations, he is a life member of the NAACP and a 43-year Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Derek Partee is a graduate of Southern University (1975) and holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Long Island University CW Post College (1982). He also attended NY Institute of Technology and took courses in Industrial Labor Relations (1980).