A.R.I.S.E. is transforming the community by supporting the educational system with initiatives that are contextualized.
A.R.I.S.E. International was founded by Angela Henderson to bring community transformation by supporting the educational system with initiatives that are contextualized, empowering students from grades K5-12 to Aim, Reach, Inspire, Succeed, and Enrich their own lives and the lives of others.
Words are inadequate to describe the positive impact that Angela Henderson and the ARISE program has had on Northwoods Middle School and me. I was new to Charleston County School District and a first year principal when I met Angela through another principal. From the moment I met her and learned of her social-emotional program, I knew I needed her and it in my school.
Northwoods Middle School is a Title 1 school and that designation means that we have a high percentage of students in poverty. We also have historically underperformed in academic pursuits. Having students who live in poverty who struggle academically does not mean that our students lack promise or potential. I knew that while we needed to strengthen academic programs and rigor, we also needed to make sure that students knew that we believed in them and that they believed in themselves. That's the piece that Angela brings. Through her ARISE program, students spend five days with her for about 45 minutes each day engaging in meaningful activities that help them discover and see the value in themselves. When I ask my students to share their thoughts on ARISE, I only get positive feedback---and that's even from some of my toughest students! Even the teachers who are present when Angela takes the students on the journeys have told me about the positive impact it has had on them.
Last year I was not able to fund the ARISE program in my school and I missed Angela's presence and several students asked why we didn't have it. It broke my heart to say we couldn't afford it this year and nothing brought me more joy than to be able to tell them that it was returning for this school year. Even though we didn't have ARISE last year, we made great academic gains, but we struggled with climate (the social-emotional aspect of schools as perceived by teachers and students). Our preliminary data has already shown that we have grown into the double-digits in climate already this school year and I have no doubt it's in large part because our students were able to begin ARISE journeys shortly after Labor Day! I strongly advocate for any resources that can be shared with Angela Henderson and the ARISE program. It makes a difference and we need it!
Dr. Keturah Gadson
Principal
Northwoods Middle School
Our Team
Our Partners
Charleston County School District
North Palm
Church
Northwoods Middle School
C E Williams North 6th Grade Academy
North Charleston Police Department
Stand for Haiti
Humanities Foundation
Beyond Our Walls (BOWs)
Starshine
Marketing Group
Cornelius Coakley
Board Member
Founder of Neil Lavon Creative Firm with expertise in event planning, artist management and branding.
Angela Henderson
President
With over 20 years of experience in teaching and coaching professionals and their teams, Angela is a business owner, motivational speaker, author, tv personality, community leader, and lover of life. She inspires students of all ages and equips them with life skills tools that will empower them to live their dreams.
Cindy Mellard
Vice President
Over 30 years of public school teaching experience coinciding with over 10 years of coaching experience. Cindy also serves in her local church, coordinating a children’s leadership development program.
Keith Henderson
Treasurer
Over 28 years of leadership experience and the CFO of North Palm Church. An entrepreneur owning several businesses from real estate to coaching.
Terri Kohensky
Board Member
Over 40 years of nursing experience. 6 of those years as a US Navy nurse. Retired from Roper St. Francis hospital bone marrow transplant unit and ICU.
