Dana Hutto earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. She was the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction of East Point Academy in West Columbia, SC  since 2014. Mrs. Hutto has twenty-eight years of experience in education, having taught elementary and middle school as well as university level courses for in-service teachers. She has worked at both the South Carolina Department of Education and Lexington School District One as a science, health, and physical education coordinator. She has extensive experience in working with teachers on integrating standards, classroom instruction and assessment.

Prior to joining the East Link team, Lee Simmons spent time working as an administrator in English immersion schools, programs and centers across China. He helped open six English immersion organizations during his time in China.

Before moving to China, Lee earned his Bachelor's degree in Finance and his MBA. He recently achieved certification as an administrator of school finance and operations. Together with his wonderful wife, Cyndi, he has two children, Catherine and Lucas. 

Lee enjoys spending his free time grilling and going to the lake with his family. He is excited to support the students and staff for a fourth year at ELA. 

Alexandra Manning

Director of Academics

Alexandra is a South Carolina native who has grown up in the classroom/teacher environment. Helping her mom, who is a teacher, Alexandra continued to pursue her passion for teaching, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, then a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. 

Alexandra loves any chance to be outdoors, hiking, biking, and running. She also works at Cyclebar, where she can enjoy her love for cycling. 

As the Director of Academics, she continues to work with students and support them, the teachers, and the families of East Link.