Mr. Christopher Coleman is a transformational servant leader who believes in the success of 100% of his students. Leading with a vision and a growth mindset are just two of the many characteristics evident in Mr. Coleman’s leadership style. “While there has been some progress in education, compared to a rapidly changing world, it has become archaic in some practices. In many cases, today’s students learn in very different ways from when I was in school. No longer memorizing formulas or facts, students must be creative, flexible, and able to think critically.” 

Mr. Coleman was born and raised in Miami, FL, and is a proud graduate of THE Florida State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education. Mr. Coleman later earned his Masters of Education degree from Union University. Before becoming the Principal at the Alfred Rush Academy, Mr. Coleman served as Assistant Principal at West Florence High School. Mr. Coleman recently completed his School Management and Leadership certificate from the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at Harvard University. “I am honored to serve as the Director at the Academy. We are the ‘intensive care unit’ of Florence One Schools. The faculty and staff here are dynamic, reflective practitioners with growth mindsets to get the job done. Thank you to the F1S Board of Education, Dr. O’Malley, Mr. Hall, and the Rush Academy community for the opportunity.”

Mrs. Lisa Barber is originally from Flint, Michigan, and moved to Florence to attend Francis Marion University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She then received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Webster University.  Mrs. Barber has been working with the Clinical Day Program since 2001.  Our program was first located on Highway 52 near Florence Darlington Technical College, where, shortly after, the program moved to a location on Irby St. For 20 years, the Clinical Day Program was housed in the James F Reames Center on National Cemetery Road. At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, the program transitioned to the lower wing of Alfred Rush Academy.

“I live by the motto: You must be the change you wish to see in the world by Mahatma Gandhi.”

I am excited to continue our Clinical Day Program in partnership with Alfred Rush Academy.