Who We Are?
Melanie I. Ray
President/Founder, Victoria's Place
Melanie I. Ray is the President/Founder of Victoria’s Place. She has always had the passion, heart, and patience working with people with special needs. Melanie worked ten years as a mental health counselor and three years as a behavior therapist working with children with autism. She also worked as a program director developing programs for people with disabilities.
Melanie has a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from Benedict College and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. She is an avid supporter of the Buddy Walk to support her daughter and other children with Down Syndrome. Her involvement in this annual event has allowed her to develop lasting friendships and to serve as a support parent for other moms.
She is a member of Ashland United Methodist Church located in Columbia, South Carolina. Melanie is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is the proud mother of two sons, 12-year-old Caden, and 10-year-old Ethan. Melanie enjoys traveling, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her family.
Kim Gordon
Vice President
I have lived right here in Columbia for most of my life. I attended MTC to obtain an associate degree in public relations, worked in the childcare industry for 25+ years and have since transferred into the customer service field. I have been married for 23 years and am the proud mother of three beautiful children.
Jennifer Thomas
Treasurer
Jennifer Thomas graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
She has worked at Colonial Life for 23 years in Claims and Information Technology.
She loves children and has volunteered in the nursery for the past 12 years at Ashland United Methodist Church. She is the proud mother of two girls, Maddy and Erin.
She has worked at Colonial Life for 23 years in Claims and Information Technology.
She loves children and has volunteered in the nursery for the past 12 years at Ashland United Methodist Church. She is the proud mother of two girls, Maddy and Erin.
Scott Efird
Scott grew up in Simpsonville, SC. In high school, he traveled all around the United States in
competitive gymnastics. After high school, he competed for two years at The Ohio State
University as a floor, vault, and still rings specialist (Go Bucks!). Then, at the old age of 20, he
decided to hang up his grips and retire, transferring to Clemson University (Go Tigers!) where he
earned a B.S. in Business Management. After college, he entered Erskine Theological Seminary
earning a Masters of Divinity.
Scott is married to Aimee and they have three children, Emmaleigh, Elizabeth, and Evan.
God has allowed his ministry to stretch all around the world, as he loves to work in the mission field. He has served God’s people internationally in Jamaica, Peru, and Ecuador; domestically in Mississippi, Charleston, and all over South Carolina.
Scott is married to Aimee and they have three children, Emmaleigh, Elizabeth, and Evan.
God has allowed his ministry to stretch all around the world, as he loves to work in the mission field. He has served God’s people internationally in Jamaica, Peru, and Ecuador; domestically in Mississippi, Charleston, and all over South Carolina.
Talisha Williams
Talisha Williams is a small town girl who moved to Columbia to attend The University of South Carolina. She is currently the assistant manager at Once Upon a Child. She has a heart for children; especially those with a “different set of superpowers.” When she’s not working or volunteering, she’s painting or writing. “I am honored and excited to be a part of such a necessary program.”
-Tee
-Tee