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Lara has spent over a decade in the non-profit sector in both development and communication roles. Most recently, Lara was the Chief Development Officer for Girl Scouts of South Carolina-Mountains to Midlands. Lara has learned the equal importance of donor acquisition, comprehensive stewardship and thoughtful cultivation. Her experiences and skills have allowed her to connect with stakeholders and nurture connections for successful development work. 

Lara is from the Upstate and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time loves to read and travel, but most of all she enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott and their children. She has two daughters Mayzie ('29) and Kit ('35) and a son Gus ('31), who are enrolled at Heathwood Hall.

Erin Pope joined Heathwood Hall as Director of Annual Giving in January 2013. Prior to Heathwood, Erin worked as the Manager of Annual Giving for Lexington Medical Center Foundation. She graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Marketing. Erin is passionate about educating the Heathwood community about the importance of good stewardship and the impact it has on our school. She and her husband, Will, have three daughters: Bonnie ’27, Everett ’28 and Sims ’33, all Heathwood Highlanders.

Julie Benoit joined Heathwood Hall as the Parent Engagement Coordinator in June 2021.  Prior to stepping into that role, she worked as the part time Alumni Relations Coordinator beginning in March 2017.  She holds a BA in psychology from Hollins University, an M.Ed in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia, and is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor.

Julie has been an active member of the Heathwood Hall community since moving to Columbia when her daughter entered the threes program.  She has volunteered in many capacities at Heathwood, from helping with events in the college counseling office to serving as HPA Lower School Chair and HPA Executive Board Chair.  Prior to joining Heathwood, Julie spent many years in the nonprofit world, specifically working in the foster care system.  She has two children who attend Heathwood, Annie '24 and Cole '27.

Beth joined Heathwood Hall in August 2019. As the Development Services Coordinator, she supports the Development Team by maintaining alumni and donor records, tracking all gifts and pledges, assisting with the Annual Fund, managing event registrations and mailing lists, and supporting the many school and alumni events throughout the year. She graduated from Presbyterian College with a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. Prior to Heathwood, Beth worked in banking for 19 years, primarily in the areas of credit risk and credit administration. She enjoys spending quality time on the beach or at the lake with her husband Ronnie, their son Gavin '32, and their springer spaniel, Zara.