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, and 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.
Board of Directors
Ann Bertino
Board Member
Lawyer
Ann C. Bertino is a founding partner and Chief Operating Officer of Pellis Law Group, LLP. She has over 25 years of experience in employee benefits law. Ann’s philanthropy primarily focuses on child and adolescent mental health, housing, educational opportunities, and mentorship. She has extensive experience serving as a member and officer on non-profit boards. Ann welcomes the opportunity to serve on the Aspire Carolinas Board and to contribute her decades of executive leadership, legal expertise, and nonprofit board governance experience.
Vickey Day
Board Member
Educator
Vickey Day received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in Ohio in Special Education and Communication. She later earned a Master’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Math and Science Education. She went on to complete a second Master’s degree while pursuing doctoral studies at Indiana University. Ms. Day has over 20 years of experience as a middle school teacher working with exceptional children and at-risk students.
Throughout her career, she developed extensive expertise in behavioral management plans and strategies that support positive outcomes for students facing academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges. In 2001, she moved to North Carolina and continued her work in education, serving students in middle school, an alternative school setting, and high school in Catawba County. She retired in 2015, but remains deeply committed to supporting children and schools through volunteer work. She continues to volunteer at schools and libraries by providing visiting therapy dogs, including visits to Halton School. Ms. Day enjoys spending time with her dogs, being in nature, cooking, and participating in a card club. She has also published one children’s book. She is proud to serve on the board and hopes to contribute the perspective of an educator and specialist dedicated to helping students succeed.
Layla Stanley
Board Member
Principal
Details coming soon!
Dale Halton
Honorary Board Member 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 she was thrilled to be able to support schools that help the students reach their potential.