Sam Clements

executive director

Hi, my name is Sam Clements. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2017 with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Upon graduation, I joined Teach For America and taught two years of eighth grade science in Nashville, Tennessee. After completing the corps, I moved to Charleston and found Doors to Dream - a perfect opportunity to continue my newfound passion of children development and social justice. I steadfastly believe in the power of service to teach both professional and social-emotional skills that students will need to live their inspired, purposeful lives after graduation! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, cooking, being a sports fanatic, and hanging with friends and family.

Contact me at samclements@doorstodream.org.

Angelica Frontz

Director of Programming

Hi, My name is Angelica. I was born with a fiery, innate passion for being a voice for the unheard, edifying others, and impacting my community through genuine and gracious leadership. I find joy in caring for others and helping them grow - authentically caring for them while being part of a team with a shared mission to make a difference in our next generation by doing small things with great love!  

I have a professional background in childcare, life coaching, health coaching, sales, and retail. Straight into my 20-somethings, I began to venture out of what I knew and jumped into a new field of work that aligned with my passion for impact. At age 21, I started my journey in serving the next generation as Director and Minister of the Children’s Ministry at a local church for nearly 3-years. My skills in planning weekly teaching events, building summer and winter programs, engaging with children, and serving my community increased. 

Discovering Doors to Dream quite literally opened up the door to my dreams of branching out to the underserved community and being a cheerleader and mentor, helping build strategic programs and resourceful bridges for high school students to fill the gaps between high school and their dreams. Why? To help them find freedom, courage, confidence, and hope where they have previously felt paralyzed, overlooked, or hopeless. I believe our next generation's role in society should be esteemed and nourished. Every child should exit adolescence having been known and loved, and I want to leave this earth knowing I was a part of making this happen. Now is our time to make a difference and join the mission. In my leisurely time, you can find me singing, being in nature, spending quality time with my loved ones, and doing something artsy and power-napping. Some of my favorite movies are She’s the Man, the Lorax, and The Sound of Music.

Contact me at angelicafrontz@doorstodream.org

Hi, my name is Conner Aker. I grew up in a small town in rural Appalachia, where my love for education and community was nurtured from a young age.  I've known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to be an educator—not just to teach, but to drive systemic change within local school systems and communities. My journey led me to Virginia Tech, where I earned a B.A. in English Literature and an MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction.

For eight years, I taught in a wide variety of communities, from rural Appalachia to the bustling areas outside Washington, D.C., and Mt. Pleasant. In each of these diverse settings, I channeled my passion for equity and inclusion, leading equity committees, spearheading initiatives, and constantly seeking to deepen my understanding of topics like social justice, inherent bias, and educational equity.

I reached a point in my career where I realized that to make the broader impact I envisioned, I needed to step outside the traditional classroom. A few months after leaving teaching, I discovered Doors to Dream and instantly connected with its mission. It felt like the perfect place for me to continue my work—where I can learn, grow, and serve in a meaningful way.

In my free time, you can often find me curled up with a good book, exploring the beautiful streets of our city with my husband, daughter, and dog, or discovering a new favorite restaurant. I’m excited to be part of this incredible team and to continue making a difference in the lives of students and communities.

My name is Samantha Cole, and I was raised in the charming town of Summerville, South Carolina. My journey into the world of public health began at Coastal Carolina University, where I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. This followed an Associate of Science in Biology, which I earned in 2020 from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

My passion for equality has been a driving force in my life. I deeply resonate with a quote made by Martin Luther King Jr.: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane.” This belief has guided my career choices and advocacy efforts.

Professionally, I've been fortunate to work with children in various capacities. At SOS Care in Charleston, I supported kids with autism and intellectual disabilities, an experience that deeply enriched my understanding of the unique challenges these children face. Before that, I worked with children ranging from six months to eighteen years at the YMCA in Summerville, where I developed a strong foundation in childcare.

After graduating from college, I embraced the opportunity to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, which led me to join Doors to Dream in Charleston. This role has been incredibly rewarding, as I get to witness firsthand the growth and confidence that children develop through our programs.

Outside of my professional life, I appreciate moments spent in nature. I love hiking with my dog, Charlie, and camping with friends. As I look ahead, I am excited to continue making a positive impact, particularly in the areas of public health and children's development. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to justice and a desire to help others, and I am eager to see where it takes me next.

Brittany Westbrook - Board President

• President of the DeLoache Family Foundation

Carey Dunn - Board Member

• Co-Founder of Doors to Dream

Antoinette Green - Board Member

• STEM Career Specialist for Liberty Hill

Krista Stackley - Board Member

• Managing trustee for the Fuller Education College Fund