Welcome to Poynor
About Poynor School of Healthcare Innovation
Poynor Healthcare Innovation was established in 2025 to support the development of a capable and skilled healthcare workforce for the Pee Dee, but the building site has a long history rooted in education that dates back to 1866. The building serves as a community landmark that is preserving its past while shaping the future.
Today, the school is dedicated to preparing students, 11th - 12th grade, through clinician-led instruction, where students work directly with hospital professionals for careers in the healthcare industry in a modern, technology-forward facility for healthcare education. Students will be taught by clinicians and professionals associated with McLeod Health. The students will have the clinical rotations and or job shadowing opportunities at McLeod Health or MUSC.
Poynor is located in the heart of downtown Florence, close to our medical partner, McLeod Health. The school is passionate about empowering students and shaping future healthcare professionals with employable skills at competitive wages to support student success after high school.
Ideal for students seeking:
- Foundation certifications to support long-term career goals
- Part-time or PRN employment while in college
- Full-time employment directly after high school
Mission: To provide educational opportunities that empower students with the foundational skills and credentials needed to launch successful healthcare careers and transition seamlessly into the workforce with gainful employment upon graduation.
Vision: Discover! Prepare! Launch!
Motto: Together we can!
Administration
- Nichole Scipio - Executive Director
- Associate Vice-President of Talent Strategy - Charity Gerald
- Clinical Coordinator - Corlie Burr
Nichole Scipio - Executive Director
Nichole Scipio - Executive Director
Nichole Scipio was appointed Executive Director of Poynor Healthcare Innovation in April 2025. A veteran educator with 13 years of experience as a biomedical science teacher at West Florence High School, Nichole brings a unique blend of academic rigor and visionary leadership to her role. Her excellence in the classroom was recognized district-wide when she was named the Florence 1 Schools 2019-20 Teacher of the Year.
Her expertise and unwavering dedication to her students serve as the cornerstone of her work today. By bridging the gap between Florence 1 Schools and premier medical partners, she is committed to fostering a healthcare pipeline that will positively impact the health, well-being, and economic stability of the entire region.
Nichole enhances her educator profile with a decade of experience in pharmaceutical sales, where she worked closely with medical professionals in diverse healthcare settings. This unique blend of expertise allows her to recognize and cultivate the critical interpersonal skills essential for achieving professional excellence in the healthcare field.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Nichole is a creative spirit who enjoys painting and caring for the family tortoise, Saber. Above all, she treasures quality time spent with her husband, their two sons, and her close-knit circle of extended family and friends.
Associate Vice-President of Talent Strategy - Charity Gerald
Charity Gerald
Associate
Vice-President of Talent Strategy
Charity Gerald is a Florence, SC native and graduate of South Florence High School. She is a Registered Nurse with 25 years of healthcare experience and a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina. Charity has worked with McLeod Health for 17 years. Prior to becoming a member of the McLeod Health Human Resources team, she worked as a Director of Nursing in the ICU, Progressive Care, and Medical units. She is a Palmetto Gold Award recipient and has also earned the prestigious McLeod Health Merit Award. Charity is currently the Vice President of the South Carolina Healthcare Human Resources Association and a member of several community and state boards including South Carolina Hospital Association’s Imagine WHY, Partnership Grand Strand, and the Pee Dee Workforce Development boards. Charity has a Master’s in Business Administration/Healthcare Administration. Charity’s hobbies include spending time with her family, drawing, painting, singing, and traveling.
Clinical Coordinator - Corlie Burr
Corlie Burr
Clinical Coordinator
Corlie Burr is a native of Cheraw, SC and a graduate of Cheraw High School. A nurse with 25 years of experience, Corlie has been a dedicated member of the McLeod Health team for 23 years. Before joining Workforce Development, she served as the Director of Clinical Services for Hospice and Palliative Care. Corlie is a graduate of Florence-Darlington Technical College and Clemson University. She enjoys spending time with family, sitting on the beach, watching Clemson football, and exploring local estate sales.
Staff
- Hospitality in Healthcare & Medical Terminology - Deidre Giles
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) - Monique Grant
- Health Careers - Deon Evans
Hospitality in Healthcare & Medical Terminology - Deidre Giles
Deidre Giles
Deidre Giles is a native of Florence, SC, and a graduate of Wilson High School. Deidre is a Certified Professional Coder with over 20 years of healthcare experience. She received her certification in Medical
Coding, and her Associate’s Degree in Human Services at Florence Darlington Technical College. Prior to joining the Workforce Development team, Deidre has worked as a Certified Professional Coder in Radiology, along with various administrative roles. She has also taught Medical Coding courses at the Professional Medical Training Center located in Florence, SC. She enjoys writing and is the Author of two published books. She also enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and serving the church.
Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) - Monique Grant
Monique Grant
Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Instructor
Monique Grant was raised in the big town of Society Hill, SC, Monique Grant is native of Darlington, SC, and a graduate of Darlington High School. Monique is a License Practical Nurse with over 10 years in healthcare experience. She received her Diploma in Practical Nursing, and her Associate’s in Nursing at Northeastern Technical College in Cheraw, SC. Prior to joining McLeod and the Workforce Development Team, Monique has worked in many different fields of nursing and taught CNA courses at Florence-Darlington Technical College. Her hobbies are singing, crafting, cruising, and spending quality time with the ones she loves.
Health Careers - Deon Evans
Health Careers - Deon Evans
Dr. Deon Evans is a native of Lynchburg, SC, and a graduate of Timmonsville High School. After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Francis Marion University in 2013, he served 10 years in the U.S. Army as a Human Resources Officer, medically retiring at the rank of Captain. He has since served as a Career Center Director at Francis Marion University and a Management and Program Analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deon obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Resources Management in 2023. His hobbies include spending time with family, traveling, serving the church and community, and mentoring the youth.