Meet Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet the heart and soul of Beyond Basic Life Skills. Together we work as a team to achieve our goals. Meet the Team Captains that make it all happen!
Ashton Johnson
Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
My “why” is personal my family’s experience with intellectual disability showed me both the need and the possibility for more. At Beyond BASIC, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for our teammates to build confidence, gain life skills, and thrive. My strengths are in leadership and building meaningful connections, and my goal is to continue growing a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.
ajohnson@beyondbasiclifeskills.org
843-200-9857
Molly Smith
Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
Molly Smith was working privately with Anthony Pope when she heard about the program Ashton began working on. While practicing music therapy in the Lowcountry, Molly began working with Anthony, A 25 year old man with autism, part time. She soon realized that she was his only friend. Upon shadowing Anthony at Ashton’s pilot program, Molly and Ashton realized that they shared a vision. Ashton asked Molly if she would be interested in making Beyond BASIC a reality with her, and Molly decided to resign from practicing music therapy.
Adrianne Dukes
Team Captain
Movement Coordinator
I want every Teammate to have the opportunity to reach their full potential and to dream big. I know that physical health is an important tool in living our best lives, which is why I enjoy making fitness a part of our daily routine by going to the YMCA as well as maintaining that daily movement outside of the walls of BB through our Monthly Movement Challenge Fitness Trackers and our ongoing Rec Club. I also want to make sure we celebrate our Teammates every way we can, so making sure we have Birthday Celebrations and fun incentives in the Teammate BB Store help make that happen!
adukes@beyondbasiclifeskills.org
(843) 459-3359
Alyssa Degregorio
Team Captain
Certified PEERS Social Coach
I was blessed to grow up alongside my sister, Gabriella, who has an intellectual disability—and she is truly my “why.” Growing up with Gabriella shifted my perspective on everything. She’s shown me, over and over again, that she can do hard things and achieve anything she sets her mind to—just like anyone else. It might look different, and the path might not be the same, but she can absolutely get there. This community has my whole heart. Finding Beyond Basic has been so meaningful because it’s given me the opportunity to advocate not only for my sister, but for every person who walks through our doors. It’s incredible to be part of a space that supports independence while also allowing Gabriella and me to navigate adulthood together—learning, growing, and figuring it out side by side as adult siblings.
Jana Debney
Team Captain
Leadership Program Coordinator
When Teammates master skills in our skills groups and show qualities of a good leader, as well as express an interest for the next step, Teammates are invited to the Beyond BASIC Leadership Program! The Leadership Program gives Teammates the opportunity learn what it means to be a great leader not only in our building, but at home and in the community. They take their skills practice to the next level by working in a variety of capacities. Teammates are a vital part of our Beyond BASIC Vending Program as well as working in our Beyond Handcrafted Store. Many Teammates are given the opportunity to work with local businesses to continue to grow their skills and work towards independence, and, for some, employment. My job is to help them hone those skills, make community connections, and provide a variety opportunities for Teammates.
jdebney@beyondbasiclifeskills.org
(843) 209-6437
Jennifer Reynolds
Team Captain
Mount Pleasant Lead Team Captain
My “why” for working at Beyond BASIC is knowing that I am part of a nonprofit that truly cares about each individual and encourages them to be as independent as possible. I’ve had the privilege of watching teammates learn home skills on their own and gain so much confidence because they accomplished the task themselves instead of someone doing it for them. Seeing that growth is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to teach Home Skills in SMV and Money Skills in MTP and to be part of helping our teammates build independence every day.
jreynolds@beyondbasiclifeskills.org
(843) 209-9737
Jon Gibbs
Team Captain Support
Jon is a longstanding member of the Beyond Basic team who is always willing to help. From forming special relationships to teammates, to being the buildings handyman, Jon is an asset and amazing friend to everyone here at Beyond Basic!
Ashley Infinger
Team Captain
Program Director
My heart for people with intellectual disabilities began at a young age with a very special person, my cousin. My cousin has an intellectual disability, and from every holiday to family gathering, we were inseparable. As I grew older, I became more aware of the challenges she faced—the stares, the comments, and the whispered questions from others. These experiences shaped my perspective and fueled my passion to help change how people perceive individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through my cousin and many others, I witnessed both the achievements and barriers faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her journey inspired me to pursue my undergrad and Masters degree in Special Education at Clemson University and instilled a determination to be an advocate, educator, and innovator in this field. I believe everyone has a purpose, and my passion is rooted in ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to pursue their own dreams, and goals. As you are reading this, if you could chase one dream or goal, what would it be?
ainfinger@beyondbasiclifeskills.org
(843) 860-0463
Kristie Hogeboom
Mount Pleasant Lead Team Captain
I love getting to come to work everyday and watch our teammates as they reach their goals and then some. It's been a joy to be working in this community for the last 15 years and I can't wait to see what the next 15 bring.
Mattie Hendrix
Team Captain Support
Office Manager
In 2024, I left my job as a corporate paralegal with the goal of discovering my true passion on a different career path. I started at Beyond BASIC as an administrative assistant to our co-founders, willing to learn anything and everything. I quickly fell in love with Beyond BASIC's mission and the purpose behind our non-profit. Since then, I've discovered a world of purpose, passion, and career ambitions that I never thought was possible.
mhendrix@beyondbasiclifeskills.org
(843) 459-5472
Priscilla Coats
Team Captain
Priscilla runs our garden club and garden skills programs. She has such a love for helping plants and people alike to grow and reach their fullest potential.
Easton Hendrix
Beyond Basic Mascot
Easton is our unofficial Beyond Basic Mascot. An expert at maintaining morale and being fluffy, he works hard every day to make sure we never forget he is the best boy in the world.
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Norah Clements
Pottery Studio Manager
After graduating Clemson University with a degree in Art and Economics, I found myself open to try new things. When the opportunity arose for me to work with the amazing people at Beyond Basic, I was ready to give it my best. I have always been a creative person, and at Beyond Basic, I have the opportunity to constantly grow and use that creativity. It is truly a gift seeing all of my favorite things about art and business flourish here. The community, expression, and independence that we have all made together is inspiring every day, and I love getting to be a small part of it.
nclements@beyondbasiclifeskills.org
(843) 300-8394
Wilson Troxel
Vending Social Enterprise Coordinator
I have always had a heart for our demographic. the teammates I get to work with every day are so genuine. They care so deeply, and they love life. I love to watch them all thrive, and I am just so humbled and honored to be in this position.