MS Career Day
Career exploration in Middle School offers many benefits for students. From developing more self-awareness to gaining a better understanding of future opportunities, Middle School is the perfect time to explore familiar and new possibilities. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, our Middle School students will welcome around 20 guest speakers who will share presentations about their careers, educational backgrounds, passions, and talents that led them to where they are today. Each student will have the opportunity to attend four sessions with different speakers.
Heathwood Hall Middle School Career Day Speakers
Please note: Biographical information and speaker list is subject to change.
Paul Gowder: Digital Entrepreneur & Content Creator
Ever wondered how people make a living online? Meet Paul Gowder, a digital entrepreneur who turned his passion into a full-time career! Paul is the founder of PowWows.com, a website and online community that celebrates Native American culture. But that’s just the beginning!
Paul has built a massive audience online:
Over 1 million followers on Facebook
100,000 subscribers on YouTube
100,000 followers on TikTok
Through content creation, social media, and smart marketing, Paul has turned his ideas into a thriving business—working from anywhere, traveling the world, and helping others along the way. If you’ve ever wanted to start your own YouTube channel, build a brand online, or turn your hobbies into a business, come learn how Paul did it—and how you can too! Dream big. Start now. The internet is YOUR playground!
Marc Van Essen: Associate dean of International Programs and Partnerships, associate dean of Undergraduate Programs, and professor of the Sonoco International Business Department at the Moore School. Heathwood parent.
His duties include research, teaching, and traveling to meet international partners. Read more about Dr. Van Essen’s role in this article and interview.
Maxwell Oliver: Airbus 320 First Officer American Airlines Retired US Navy Commander and Naval Aviator. Heathwood parent.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Maxwell Oliver earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998. In November 2001, he was commissioned as an ensign through the Navy Officer Candidate School. Maxwell holds a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and a Master of Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
Maxwell started his flying career in SH-60 Helicopters with HSL-47 Saber Hawks aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Later, he served with the HSL-51 Warlords onboard the USS Blue Ridge and as a flight instructor in Navy T-34s and T-6 B turboprop airplanes. Maxwell retired from the Navy as a Commander with over 3000 flight hours.
As a civilian, Maxwell served as a Captain in a Citation V jet, providing passenger service and medevac support for organ donations. Currently, he works for American Airlines as an Airbus 320 First Officer, providing flight service throughout the country and internationally. He volunteers with the US Civil Air Patrol providing flight instruction to Senior members and Civil Air Patrol cadets. Maxwell is married to EC3 Lead Teacher Nancy Oliver, and they have a son, Charlie (class of 2030).
Thomas Hipp: Vice President of Industrial Real Estate, Heathwood Hall Class of 2008
Thomas is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with a proven track record deal-making and strategic leadership. Joining Whiteside Properties in 2022, he has quickly become a prominent figure, successfully closing over 47 transactions with a combined value exceeding $65 million with the company. Thomas has earned local recognition as a top producer, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the industry.
Prior to his role at Whiteside, Thomas served as the Vice President of Industrial Sales atBinswanger, showcasing his expertise in driving successful deals. His career trajectory extends beyond real estate, with over six years dedicated to franchising development.Notably, he contributed significantly to the growth of renowned brands like BestWestern, Chicken Salad Chick, and Driven Brands. His impactful efforts at Best Western Were acknowledged when he was named the Top Producer of 2019.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business Management And Marketing, Thomas remains active in professional associations such as SIOR Carolinas Chapter and CRCBR. Outside of his career, he finds joy in spending time with his wife, two children, and their dog. Thomas enjoys traveling, golfing, and cheering for his favorite teams – the South Carolina Gamecocks, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Braves.
Ashley Lindler: Entrepreneur and owner of A Little Happy.
Alissa Marchione: PhD student at the University of South Carolina in the Biological Sciences program.
“I am a teaching assistant and a graduate researcher. My work focuses on finding targeted therapeutics in breast and colorectal cancers that are ING4 deficient. My research models are cancer cell lines and zebrafish.”
Dr. Cashena Hastie: Psychiatrist and HHES class of 1996
Dr. Hastie is a doctor who helps people improve their mental health and wellness. She works at the Dorn Veterans Medical Center here in Columbia. Dr. Hastie works to assist people in improving their mental health by helping them with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.
Matt Riddle: Vice President of Corporate Lending, AgSouth Farm Credit/Baseball Letterman at the University of South Carolina. Heathwood parent.
Matt was born and raised in West Columbia, SC. He was a baseball letterman at the University of South Carolina from 2000-2003. After graduating from USC with a business degree in Marketing and Management, Matt began his career with AgSouth Farm Credit. He is a Vice President in the Corporate Lending Group of AgSouth, providing loans and financial services to farmers and rural landowners throughout the midlands and upstate of South Carolina. Matt enjoys exercise, traveling, being outdoors, and raising his two daughters with his wife of almost 20 years, Kelty. Much of his spare time is spent coaching his two daughters and their travel softball teams. He currently serves on the board of The Congaree Land Trust and is a deacon at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. He is a former board member of Trenholm Little League and South Carolina Wildlife Association, and previously held a leadership role in the men’s fitness group, F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith).
Andrew Wagoner: Owner of Capital Karate, HHES class of 2007
Inspectors Smith, Faile, and Howell: Richland County Sheriff’s Department Gang Unit.
Paige Edwards: Real Estate Agent, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services of the Midlands. Heathwood parent.
Paige was born and raised in Columbia, SC. She went to Hammond School and received a Masters of Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. She has been married to Rich for 27 years and has 3 kids that are her greatest joy and biggest accomplishment. After teaching, coaching and working as a personal trainer, she began her real estate career in 2013. As a part of Andrea Reynolds team, she has earned awards such as the Presidents Circle for Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices and a lifetime achievement award for the Circle of Excellence at CCRA. She is a high producing real estate agent and loves helping people with their biggest investments. She is hard working, knows Columbia and lives to help others which is a great combination for the making of a successful real estate agent.
Gene Dinkins: President of Cox and Dinkins Engineers and Surveyors, HHES class of 1996 and Heathwood parent.
Sally Cheung: Restauranteur and Owner of Alley Street Eats and Fresh Poke, Operations Director of Revive Spa. Heathwood parent.
Jaime Harrison: Attorney and outgoing Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Heathwood parent.
Dr. Caroline Hartley: Dentist and Heathwood parent.
“My name is Dr. Caroline Hartley and I am a general dentist who has practiced in the Columbia area for over 15 years. Currently I work with 3 other dentists in a large office in the Northeast side of town called Brickyard Dental Group. I treat everything from surgery to simple fillings.
It is a joy to not only help people daily, but to also be able to use science and art in the process. Two Subjects I enjoy and have always been interested in. Dentistry is a wonderful profession and I can honestly say I would not choose another!”
Dr. Joshua “Bear” Coney: Cardiologist specializing in Advanced Heart Failure, Heart Transplantation, and Mechanical Circulatory Support. Heathwood parent.
Dr. Joshua "Bear" Coney is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in Advanced Heart Failure, Heart Transplantation, and Mechanical Circulatory Support. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and has trained at highly respected institutions, including Baylor University Medical Center and Loma Linda University, to obtain his post-doctoral certifications. After completing an Invasive Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center, he was invited to serve as section leader of Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Medicine at the Tidelands Health hospital system in Myrtle Beach, where he established their Heart Failure Clinic. He served our country as a reserve officer of the United States Navy, completing his service at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. If you’d like to read more about Dr. Coney’s work, please click here.
Judi Gatson: Journalist and Co-anchor at WIS News in Columbia.
Judi Gatson is co-anchor of WIS News at 5 and WIS News at 6. Under her leadership, WIS has won multiple Emmys for outstanding newscast. Judi has been honored as Anchor of the Year by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, Military Advocate of the Year by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Reporter of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Health, South Carolina (NAMISC) and celebrated as a trailblazer on the South Carolina African American History Calendar.
Judi also has a heart for service and devotes much of her community involvement to working with organizations that benefit youth and families. She is Honoree Co-chair for the United Way of the Midlands’ Campaign for Good, Chair of the 2025 Ripples of Hope Luncheon benefitting City Year and an active board member with Homeless No More. Over the years, she’s been honored to also serve on the boards of Healthy Learners, the Palmetto Health South Carolina Cancer Center, Palmetto Center for Women and United Way's Palmetto Society.
Judi is married to Dr. Dwayne Gatson, who served 22 years in the military and retired as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army. Judi and Dwayne share the blessing of two sons, Aidan Kash and Nicholas Jax. They are active members of Brookland Baptist Church and live in Columbia with their adorable but rambunctious black labs, Shiloh and Storm.
Stephanie Sox: Former Nurse/Current Director of Cardiac Ancillary Services at Lexington Medical Center, HHES class of 2000.