Meet our Directors............
Catherine Campbell
Curriculum Facilitator/Visual Arts /Graphic Design
Catherine Campbell is an Art Educator for the FAME program as well as serving as Curriculum Facilitator. She teaches Introduction to Art (6th Grade) & Art (7th & 8th Grades), and Advanced Art (7th & 8th Grades). This is her 30th year of teaching, all of which have been at Dent Middle School. She is National Board certified (2001, 2012) and was Dent's Teacher of the Year for 2000-2001. She serves as Richland School District Two’s Department Leader for the Visual Arts Specialists. She just completed her term as the SC Art Education Association’s Past President, and served as the National Art Education Association's Southeastern Region Vice-President from 2020 to 2022. She currently is serving as the Southeastern Region Middle Level Division Representative and is in the cohort for the NAEA School for Arts Leaders class of 2023.
She received the 2006 SC Art Education Association's President’s Award for Service. She was named the 2014 Columbia Museum of Art's MacArthur Goodwin Art Educator of the Year Award.
Born and raised in Columbia, Ms. Campbell attended the University of South Carolina where she earned a B.A. in Studio Art (1987) a B.F.A. in Studio Art/Graphic Design (1991), and a M.A.T. in Art Education (1993). She is AP 2-D, 3-D and Design certified (2019). Besides teaching, Ms. Campbell has presented at many State and Regional conferences for the SC Art Education Association, and the National Art Education Association, as well as presenting at the Magnet Schools of America Conference in 2008 and the SC Social Studies Conference in 2010.
She sells her artwork has also participated in various art shows and auctions, and shows her work around Columbia.
Ms. Campbell enjoys working primarily in the media of paint (watercolor and acrylic), clay and photography.
You may contact Ms. Campbell at [email protected] or at (803) 699-2750 x72117
Check out the Art, Advanced Art and Graphic Design website with lessons at http://fameartprograms.weebly.com/
Check out the Richland District Two webste at http://r2visualarts.weebly.com/
Curriculum Facilitator/Visual Arts /Graphic Design
Catherine Campbell is an Art Educator for the FAME program as well as serving as Curriculum Facilitator. She teaches Introduction to Art (6th Grade) & Art (7th & 8th Grades), and Advanced Art (7th & 8th Grades). This is her 30th year of teaching, all of which have been at Dent Middle School. She is National Board certified (2001, 2012) and was Dent's Teacher of the Year for 2000-2001. She serves as Richland School District Two’s Department Leader for the Visual Arts Specialists. She just completed her term as the SC Art Education Association’s Past President, and served as the National Art Education Association's Southeastern Region Vice-President from 2020 to 2022. She currently is serving as the Southeastern Region Middle Level Division Representative and is in the cohort for the NAEA School for Arts Leaders class of 2023.
She received the 2006 SC Art Education Association's President’s Award for Service. She was named the 2014 Columbia Museum of Art's MacArthur Goodwin Art Educator of the Year Award.
Born and raised in Columbia, Ms. Campbell attended the University of South Carolina where she earned a B.A. in Studio Art (1987) a B.F.A. in Studio Art/Graphic Design (1991), and a M.A.T. in Art Education (1993). She is AP 2-D, 3-D and Design certified (2019). Besides teaching, Ms. Campbell has presented at many State and Regional conferences for the SC Art Education Association, and the National Art Education Association, as well as presenting at the Magnet Schools of America Conference in 2008 and the SC Social Studies Conference in 2010.
She sells her artwork has also participated in various art shows and auctions, and shows her work around Columbia.
Ms. Campbell enjoys working primarily in the media of paint (watercolor and acrylic), clay and photography.
You may contact Ms. Campbell at [email protected] or at (803) 699-2750 x72117
Check out the Art, Advanced Art and Graphic Design website with lessons at http://fameartprograms.weebly.com/
Check out the Richland District Two webste at http://r2visualarts.weebly.com/
Shantelle Graham
Dance/Dent Dance Company
I discovered my love of dance when I saw an African Dance Performance my senior year of High School. This performance motivated me to attend Columbia College where I received a BA in Dance. This gave me the opportunity to explore ballet, contemporary, jazz, African, Indian, and many other dance styles. When I graduated I began my dance career in Ballroom and Latin Dance at Fred Astire Dance Studio.
I then opened my dance studio, “Love of Dance,” in March of 2007, were we offer; Latin: Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba; Rhythm: Shag, East Coast Swing; Ballroom: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango; Others: Hip Hop/Jazz, Line Dance, Beginning Yoga, Contemporary, and Ballet. Soon after I created a few dance companies: “Love of Dance Salsa Company”, “Mujeres de fuego”, and the “Junior Company”. These companies are to promote togetherness and allow dancers the knowledge that any and every one can dance. Love of Dance Companies allows the development of collaboration while teaching and educating its dancers. I look forward to sharing these same passions with the students, parents and staff members here at Dent Middle School.
I received my Master’s in Professional Counseling from South University in September 2008 and then had an opportunity to continue my love of teaching within our Richland School District Two. I began my career in our school district within the Richland Two Child Development program. I then became the dance teacher at Ridge View High School.I am truly enjoying my time working with the parents, children, faculty/staff, schools and community within our district. I am very fortunate to work with such an awesome group of people who enjoy teaching and helping children and family develop and grow through education.
I have an incredible family which includes my husband, son and daughter. My family and I have a true “Love of Dance”. I believe that anyone and everyone can learn anything if they have the passion and drive, that includes dance!I know that this school year will be wonderful learning experience for you and your child. I can be reached at (803) 699-2750 ext. 72163.
To learn more about the Dent Dance program, go to https://dentmiddledancecompany.weebly.com/dentmiddledancecompany.weebly.com/
Twitter @DanceDent
Instagram @Dancedent1
You may contact Ms. Brown at [email protected] or (803) 699-2750 x72163
Dance/Dent Dance Company
I discovered my love of dance when I saw an African Dance Performance my senior year of High School. This performance motivated me to attend Columbia College where I received a BA in Dance. This gave me the opportunity to explore ballet, contemporary, jazz, African, Indian, and many other dance styles. When I graduated I began my dance career in Ballroom and Latin Dance at Fred Astire Dance Studio.
I then opened my dance studio, “Love of Dance,” in March of 2007, were we offer; Latin: Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba; Rhythm: Shag, East Coast Swing; Ballroom: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango; Others: Hip Hop/Jazz, Line Dance, Beginning Yoga, Contemporary, and Ballet. Soon after I created a few dance companies: “Love of Dance Salsa Company”, “Mujeres de fuego”, and the “Junior Company”. These companies are to promote togetherness and allow dancers the knowledge that any and every one can dance. Love of Dance Companies allows the development of collaboration while teaching and educating its dancers. I look forward to sharing these same passions with the students, parents and staff members here at Dent Middle School.
I received my Master’s in Professional Counseling from South University in September 2008 and then had an opportunity to continue my love of teaching within our Richland School District Two. I began my career in our school district within the Richland Two Child Development program. I then became the dance teacher at Ridge View High School.I am truly enjoying my time working with the parents, children, faculty/staff, schools and community within our district. I am very fortunate to work with such an awesome group of people who enjoy teaching and helping children and family develop and grow through education.
I have an incredible family which includes my husband, son and daughter. My family and I have a true “Love of Dance”. I believe that anyone and everyone can learn anything if they have the passion and drive, that includes dance!I know that this school year will be wonderful learning experience for you and your child. I can be reached at (803) 699-2750 ext. 72163.
To learn more about the Dent Dance program, go to https://dentmiddledancecompany.weebly.com/dentmiddledancecompany.weebly.com/
Twitter @DanceDent
Instagram @Dancedent1
You may contact Ms. Brown at [email protected] or (803) 699-2750 x72163
Sharonda Hill
Media Technology
Ms. McCoy-Hill began her teaching career in 1998 and has been a part of the Dent family since 2000. Prior to coming to Dent, she taught two years at the high school level and dedicated nearly five years of her life to teaching with adult education. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina (BS 1998), Webster University (MA 2001).
She prides herself as being a team player, and one of her favorite quotes is "Mistakes are not permanent failures." Her firm belief that anyone can achieve anything as long as he or she is willing to work tenaciously to achieve it is one of the reasons she decided to pursue a career in education.
If you would like to contact Ms. McCoy-Hill, she can be reached via email at
[email protected] or at 803.699.2750 extension 72174.
Check out Mrs. Hill's Media Technology classes at http://shahill3.wix.com/mediatechnology
Media Technology
Ms. McCoy-Hill began her teaching career in 1998 and has been a part of the Dent family since 2000. Prior to coming to Dent, she taught two years at the high school level and dedicated nearly five years of her life to teaching with adult education. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina (BS 1998), Webster University (MA 2001).
She prides herself as being a team player, and one of her favorite quotes is "Mistakes are not permanent failures." Her firm belief that anyone can achieve anything as long as he or she is willing to work tenaciously to achieve it is one of the reasons she decided to pursue a career in education.
If you would like to contact Ms. McCoy-Hill, she can be reached via email at
[email protected] or at 803.699.2750 extension 72174.
Check out Mrs. Hill's Media Technology classes at http://shahill3.wix.com/mediatechnology
Andrea Camp
Choral Music
Andrea Camp is the Chorus Director at Dent Middle School. This is her 1st semester teaching at Dent Middle School, and has taught for 3 years at Millwood Elementary School in Sumter, SC and 2 years in Charleston County Schools. At Dent Middle, she teaches General Music, and 6-8th grade Chorus.
Mrs. Camp attended Lower Richland High School where she participated in band and various community ensembles like Baptist AllState Choir.
She attended Newberry College where she earned a Bachelors of Music Education with an emphasis in Instrumental Music and Music Theory. During her studies, she participated in the College's choir, the auditioned Madrigal Singers, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and Concert Band.
Music has always been her passion, from singing in the woods as a young child, singing in church youth choirs, to playing French Horn from Middle School to present day. She currently plays French Horn with the Palmetto Chamber Orchestra.
She believes that everyone has musical ability. She also believes that singing is the most intimate way of performing music. She strives to inspire students to become lifelong leaders and participants of music.
If you would like to contact Mrs. Camp, she can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (803) 699-2750 x 72017.
Chris Patterson
Band
Chris Patterson the Director of Bands at Dent Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina. A native of Myrtle Beach, SC and an alumnus of Socastee High School, Mr. Patterson earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of South Carolina. While at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Patterson performed under the direction of Mr. James Copenhaver.
Mr. Patterson began his teaching career in 2002 as Director of bands at Lower Richland High School. While at Lower Richland High School, he directed the Symphonic Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and the Marching Band. Mr. Patterson also started and coordinated the school wide world music and rhythms class where they performed for the community.
In 2007, Mr. Patterson accepted the Director of Bands position at Dent Middle School. Under his direction, the Dent Middle School Bands consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings at the South Carolina Band Directors Association concert band festival. During his tenure, Mr. Patterson has showcased the Dent Band program at festivals including the National Adjudicators Invitational in Atlanta, GA and the Carowinds Music Festival. The Dent Middle School Band program has been awarded the Outstanding Performance Awarded (OPA) Six consecutive years.
Mr. Patterson has been a guest clinician for The South Carolina Band Director’s Association Region 3 Band Clinic as well as the Richland County School District 1 Band Clinic. He has also been invited to be the guest clinician for the Georgetown County Band Clinic. Mr. Patterson has been the Associate Director of Bands for the Tri-District Arts Consortium the past 5 years.
Mr. Patterson is a member of the South Carolina Band Directors’ Association, Music Educators’ National Conference, National Band Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
You may contact Mr. Patterson at [email protected]
or (803) 699-2750 x72118
Band
Chris Patterson the Director of Bands at Dent Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina. A native of Myrtle Beach, SC and an alumnus of Socastee High School, Mr. Patterson earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of South Carolina. While at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Patterson performed under the direction of Mr. James Copenhaver.
Mr. Patterson began his teaching career in 2002 as Director of bands at Lower Richland High School. While at Lower Richland High School, he directed the Symphonic Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and the Marching Band. Mr. Patterson also started and coordinated the school wide world music and rhythms class where they performed for the community.
In 2007, Mr. Patterson accepted the Director of Bands position at Dent Middle School. Under his direction, the Dent Middle School Bands consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings at the South Carolina Band Directors Association concert band festival. During his tenure, Mr. Patterson has showcased the Dent Band program at festivals including the National Adjudicators Invitational in Atlanta, GA and the Carowinds Music Festival. The Dent Middle School Band program has been awarded the Outstanding Performance Awarded (OPA) Six consecutive years.
Mr. Patterson has been a guest clinician for The South Carolina Band Director’s Association Region 3 Band Clinic as well as the Richland County School District 1 Band Clinic. He has also been invited to be the guest clinician for the Georgetown County Band Clinic. Mr. Patterson has been the Associate Director of Bands for the Tri-District Arts Consortium the past 5 years.
Mr. Patterson is a member of the South Carolina Band Directors’ Association, Music Educators’ National Conference, National Band Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
You may contact Mr. Patterson at [email protected]
or (803) 699-2750 x72118
Alex Arrocha
Strings
Born and raised in Columbia, SC, Alex Lopez Arrocha (they/them) has lived a life filled with musical expression and artistic exploration. At a young age, Alex displayed a natural talent for the artistic world, their medium being the violin. Alex attended South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, an art residential high school in downtown Greenville, SC. In addition to greater musicality and technique work under the direction of Jennifer John, SCGSAH offered Alex a philosophical approach to understanding what it truly means to be an artist and a human. Afterward, they attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, along with a Violin Performance Certificate and a Cognate in Education. They studied performance and chamber music with Dr. Ari Streisfeld, Assistant Professor of Violin & Viola Pedagogy at UofSC. They taught private lessons and classes for first and second-year students at UofSC’s String Project, under the direction of Dr. Gail Barnes. Alex recently spent their summers in Leicester, Vermont being a cabin counselor at Point Counterpoint, under the executive direction of Jenny Beck. Their days were filled with activity planning, camper counseling, and musical enrichment for over 200 campers over 10 weeks. Alex currently teaches 6th-8th grade orchestra at Dent Middle School (their alma mater) in Richland 2 District. Alex aims to create a curriculum where art, identity, and interdisciplinary studies are used to enhance musical knowledge and engagement. When Alex is not being an educator, they spend their time singing to themselves and wondering how reality, in all its complexity, exists without a second thought.
Visit dentorchestra.weebly.com for information about our orchestra program, photos and more!
You may contact Mr. Arrocha at [email protected] or (803) 699-2750 x72209
Strings
Born and raised in Columbia, SC, Alex Lopez Arrocha (they/them) has lived a life filled with musical expression and artistic exploration. At a young age, Alex displayed a natural talent for the artistic world, their medium being the violin. Alex attended South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, an art residential high school in downtown Greenville, SC. In addition to greater musicality and technique work under the direction of Jennifer John, SCGSAH offered Alex a philosophical approach to understanding what it truly means to be an artist and a human. Afterward, they attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, along with a Violin Performance Certificate and a Cognate in Education. They studied performance and chamber music with Dr. Ari Streisfeld, Assistant Professor of Violin & Viola Pedagogy at UofSC. They taught private lessons and classes for first and second-year students at UofSC’s String Project, under the direction of Dr. Gail Barnes. Alex recently spent their summers in Leicester, Vermont being a cabin counselor at Point Counterpoint, under the executive direction of Jenny Beck. Their days were filled with activity planning, camper counseling, and musical enrichment for over 200 campers over 10 weeks. Alex currently teaches 6th-8th grade orchestra at Dent Middle School (their alma mater) in Richland 2 District. Alex aims to create a curriculum where art, identity, and interdisciplinary studies are used to enhance musical knowledge and engagement. When Alex is not being an educator, they spend their time singing to themselves and wondering how reality, in all its complexity, exists without a second thought.
Visit dentorchestra.weebly.com for information about our orchestra program, photos and more!
You may contact Mr. Arrocha at [email protected] or (803) 699-2750 x72209
Brandon Johnson
World Drumming/Steel Pans
Brandon Johnson is the World Percussion and Steel Pan instructor at Dent Middle School and is excited to be a part of the FAME program at Dent! Growing up throughout the Midwest region, Mr. Johnson graduated from David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, MO and went on to the University of South Carolina to earn a Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Percussion. While at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Johnson performed with the Percussion Ensemble and Palmetto Steel Pan Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Scott Herring.
Mr. Johnson has previously taught guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo in a private setting, as well as Steel Pan, Drumline, and Wind Ensemble in an ensemble setting. Mr. Johnson is associated with the MusicWill organization which specializes in Modern Band approaches. He actively incorporates modernized music education techniques to help his students become 21st Century Musicians with diverse skill sets.
Mr. Johnson’s music education philosophy centers around creativity, collaboration, and culture. When an ensemble or individual musician has these three tenets embedded in their approach to music, the arts, and life, they will find themselves achieving high levels of success and fulfillment in the things they do.
You may contact Mr. Johnson at at [email protected] or (803)-699-2750 x72125
World Drumming/Steel Pans
Brandon Johnson is the World Percussion and Steel Pan instructor at Dent Middle School and is excited to be a part of the FAME program at Dent! Growing up throughout the Midwest region, Mr. Johnson graduated from David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, MO and went on to the University of South Carolina to earn a Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Percussion. While at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Johnson performed with the Percussion Ensemble and Palmetto Steel Pan Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Scott Herring.
Mr. Johnson has previously taught guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo in a private setting, as well as Steel Pan, Drumline, and Wind Ensemble in an ensemble setting. Mr. Johnson is associated with the MusicWill organization which specializes in Modern Band approaches. He actively incorporates modernized music education techniques to help his students become 21st Century Musicians with diverse skill sets.
Mr. Johnson’s music education philosophy centers around creativity, collaboration, and culture. When an ensemble or individual musician has these three tenets embedded in their approach to music, the arts, and life, they will find themselves achieving high levels of success and fulfillment in the things they do.
You may contact Mr. Johnson at at [email protected] or (803)-699-2750 x72125
Leah Stuhler
Theater
Leah Stuhler is excited to be joining the Dent family! Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, with concentrations in Acting and Directing, from Messiah University in Grantham, PA. She has earned her teaching certificate through the South Carolina PACE program.
Leah and her family moved to SC from Chicago, IL. While living in Chicago for 11 years, Leah worked as an actor, director, and theatre teacher for Chicago based theatre companies. Leah worked as an actor in theatre, film, and television while living in Chicago as well. After moving to SC, Leah worked from home, and was the Assistant Director for two productions at Round Top Elementary School. She also taught an Acting 101 class at her local YMCA. In addition, Leah began working with the Middle and High School Fine Arts group at her church. She has worked with them since 2014, taking her groups to the National Fine Arts competition each August. Leah jumped into the world of being a full time teacher in 2020, and began her teaching career at Carolina Springs Middle School in Lexington School District One.
Leah is a proud military wife and the mother of two growing boys. When she's not teaching, you'll find her moonlighting as Blossom the Flower Fairy at local festivals and events. Leah is also the editor and a contributing writer for Columbia Mom Blog. She created and hosts her own podcast about Young Adult books called YA Book Chat. Leah enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, camping, reading, and baking.
You may contact Mrs. Stuhler at [email protected] or 803-699-2750 ext. 72184
Theater
Leah Stuhler is excited to be joining the Dent family! Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, with concentrations in Acting and Directing, from Messiah University in Grantham, PA. She has earned her teaching certificate through the South Carolina PACE program.
Leah and her family moved to SC from Chicago, IL. While living in Chicago for 11 years, Leah worked as an actor, director, and theatre teacher for Chicago based theatre companies. Leah worked as an actor in theatre, film, and television while living in Chicago as well. After moving to SC, Leah worked from home, and was the Assistant Director for two productions at Round Top Elementary School. She also taught an Acting 101 class at her local YMCA. In addition, Leah began working with the Middle and High School Fine Arts group at her church. She has worked with them since 2014, taking her groups to the National Fine Arts competition each August. Leah jumped into the world of being a full time teacher in 2020, and began her teaching career at Carolina Springs Middle School in Lexington School District One.
Leah is a proud military wife and the mother of two growing boys. When she's not teaching, you'll find her moonlighting as Blossom the Flower Fairy at local festivals and events. Leah is also the editor and a contributing writer for Columbia Mom Blog. She created and hosts her own podcast about Young Adult books called YA Book Chat. Leah enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, camping, reading, and baking.
You may contact Mrs. Stuhler at [email protected] or 803-699-2750 ext. 72184