Administration Team

I began my teaching career as a teacher assistant at the Charleston Development Academy Public Charter School in 2012. After two years at CDA I spent the next four years as a band director at Alston Middle School. After relocating to Columbia, SC, I spent one year as a band director at Fulmer Middle School before spending the next three years as an assistant principal at Dutch Fork High School. I spent two years as the principal at Oak Pointe Elementary School in Lexington-Richland Five before becoming the principal at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School in Richland School District Two.

I have obtained an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina (2023), two M.Ed. degrees in Educational Administration (Charleston Southern University, 2018) and Curriculum & Instruction (Concordia University-Portland, 2015), and a B.M. in Music Performance from the University of South Carolina (2012).

I am married to Ashley McCloud, a Richland Two teacher, and we have three children. I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, watching movies, and reading the Bible. I am also a licensed minister at Word of God Church and Ministries International. 

Mr. Hunt serves as the Assistant Principal at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary, bringing a diverse background in both business and education. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, as well as Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix and in Educational Leadership and Administration from Grand Canyon University.

Before transitioning to administration, Mr. Hunt taught 5th grade at Jackson and Blaney Elementary Schools, where he focused on student-led learning and the integration of technology in the classroom. He also showcased his leadership by coordinating the K-2 Summer STEAM Camp at Camden Elementary. In addition to his educational career, Mr. Hunt  coached archery for six years, leading the Blaney Elementary Archery team.  His dedication to precision and discipline has shaped his archers into skilled athletes with a profound respect for the sport. He has instilled in them a champion's mindset, both on and off the field.

Outside of school, Mr. Hunt enjoys obstacle racing, working out, reading, hiking, and traveling, and he values time with his family. He lives by the words of John Wooden: "The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example," a philosophy that guides his approach to both education and personal development. Mr. Hunt is dedicated to fostering strong relationships within the school community and committed to continuous professional growth.

Dr. Octavia Hamilton is in her fifth year as Assistant Principal at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary.  She served as the Technology and Learning Coach at Polo Road Elementary for ten years before becoming Assistant Principal at BHE.  Dr. Hamilton has been an educator for more than 20 years.  She has taught grades 2, 3, and 5 in both North Carolina and South Carolina.  Dr. Hamilton is a native of Columbia, SC and a Richland Two graduate.  She began her Richland Two career as a 2nd and later 5th grade teacher at Lake Carolina Elementary (when there was only one campus).  While at Lake Carolina, Dr. Hamilton was selected as their Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for District Teacher of the Year. From there, she transferred to Polo Road Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher in 2009.

Dr. Hamilton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from South Carolina State University.  She continued her education to earn a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education, Master of Education degree in Educational Administration, and her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Technology all from the University of South Carolina.  Dr. Hamilton earned her National Board Certification while teaching in Charlotte, NC and has since re-certified as a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards teacher.

When there is spare time to be found, Dr. Hamilton enjoys reading, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. A favorite quote of Dr. Hamilton’s is, “What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul” - Joseph Addison.  This quote is a strong guiding force in both her personal and professional lives.  Dr. Hamilton is excited to be a member of the Bethel-Hanberry family and looks forward to building meaningful partnerships with its students, staff, family, and community members.