CFEC Liaisons
Implementation of CFEC’s family engagement initiatives is accomplished primarily by
the four CFEC Family Engagement Liaisons/Project Leads (Liaisons) who work in the
field directly with schools, families, and communities. Each Liaison coordinates implementation
of the CFEC School Partner program at between 3-5 partner schools located in or adjacent
to their assigned region. They also serve as the point of contact for requests for
training and technical assistance, resources, and special projects for all districts,
schools, families, and community organizations within their assigned region.
Laurann Gallito Patel, MMFT,
Regional Family Engagement Liaison & Project Lead - Midlands
Laurann received a BA in History and Modern Languages and a Master’s in Marriage and
Family Therapy at Converse College. She participated in the AmeriCorps NCCC service
program assisting community organizations to address housing, education, disaster
relief efforts, and environmental needs. Her experience in refugee resettlement includes
positions with LSC and the IRC to assist, educate, and empower refugee youth. Laurann
has been a liaison for over 5 years with CFEC. She has worked with dozens of schools
and teachers. Laurann's special expertise is working with immigrant families.
Claressa Hinton Thompson, MA,
Regional Family Engagement Liaison & Project Lead - Lowcountry
Claressa Hinton Thompson received a Bachelor’s degree at Morris College and received
her Master’s degree at Webster University. Claressa has served as CFEC’s Low Country
liaison serving Allendale, Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton, Dorchester, Berkeley,
since 2020, as well as Lexington Two, Before joining the CFEC Team, she served as
the Parent Family Engagement Specialist in Richland One School District. Claressa's
special expertise is in mentoring new family engagement liaisons at the school level
and developing practical tools for parents to use, such as the Student Success Toolkit.
Ranina Outing, MHA, MPH,
Regional Family Engagement Liaison & Project Lead - Pee Dee
Ranina Outing earned a B.S. degree in Business Management with a Master of Business
in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Public Health with a focus on improving
the life and wellbeing of individuals through a combination of analysis, psychology,
social work, and methodologies. She has worked on a variety of research projects at
the University of South Carolina. She has many years of experience in administration,
providing training, technical assistance and coordinating programs. Ranina began work
with CFEC in 2019, working primarily in the Pee Dee Region, particularly with Clarendon
County School District. Her expertise is with connecting schools and families with
community resources and organizations, through initiatives such as the Community Family
Resource Centers.
Lorelei Swanson, PhD, LMFT, LPC,
Regional Family Engagement Liaison & Project Lead - Upstate
Lorilei Swanson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselor
with a PhD in Educational Leadership. She has a lifelong passion for strengthening
families with previous work experience at the National Dropout Prevention Center,
International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education and School District
of Oconee. Her prior leadership experience includes serving as School Improvement
Council Chair at Walhalla High School, earning the SIC Advocate of the Year Award.
In 2018, the Walhalla High SIC earned the Dick and Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence.
Lorelei has been with CFEC since 2019, serving in the Upstate. Her specialties are
in the areas of supporting Spanish speaking families, developing community partnerships,
and supporting Social-Emotional Learning.