My name is Rene Cazier, and I am honored to be the principal of River Oaks Elementary School. I have worked in the field of education for the past 27 years. After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. Bonaventure University in New York, I began working as a gifted and talented teacher. I continued my career teaching second through fifth grade before receiving my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University.

 I taught special education and served as an instructional coach. As I continued gaining experience in the field, I pursued my Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. I became an assistant principal and director of human resources. For the last six years, I served as an elementary school principal in Las Vegas. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and two dogs. I also enjoy traveling, hiking, reading and going to the beach.  

I look forward to partnering with ROE families and the school community to help all children learn, grow and show their true potential. Working together we will have a rewarding school year! 

My name is Billy Gainus, and I am excited to join the River Oaks Elementary School family as an assistant principal. I have worked for Horry County Schools and served the Carolina Forest community for nearly 16 years. I taught ELA and Social Studies at Ocean Bay Middle School from 2006-2017. When Ten Oaks Middle School opened in 2017 I served as the instructional coach.

I graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2006 with a degree in Middle-Level Education. In 2017, I graduated from CCU with my M.Ed. in Instructional Technology. I also earned my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from CCU in May 2022.

I was born and raised in Loris, South Carolina, and lived there until I completed my 7th-grade year. I then moved to Goose Creek, South Carolina, and stayed there until I graduated high
school. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I have 3 nephews and 3 nieces, ranging in age from 1 to 17. Being "Uncle Bill" is one of the things I love the most.

I am excited to be a member of the River Oaks team.

Hello! I’m Lashanda Pickett and I am excited to be an Assistant Principal at River Oaks Elementary. I have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Coastal Carolina University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University & a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Gardner Webb University. 

I have worked for Horry County Schools for nearly 17 years and had the amazing opportunity to teach students in grades 3rd thru 5th in both the General Education and Gifted & Talented setting as well as served as an Instructional Coach at River Oaks. 

My passions are reading, traveling, spending precious time with my family, continuous learning, and supporting the growth & development of both students and colleagues. I have two wonderful daughters and a lovable dog. 

There is an old adage that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I am glad to be a key member of the River Oaks village. I believe that by working together we can continue to raise our children in a positive, supportive, and academically challenging learning environment. It is a true privilege to continue serving the students, staff, and families of River Oaks Elementary.

My name is Nicole Williams. I am honored and excited to serve as one of the Assistant Principals at River Oaks Elementary as I have been for the last 4 Years. I have been with Horry County Schools for over 20 years and have served in various positions such as a primary grade level teacher and an Instructional Coach.

I graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology and continued there to obtain my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but lived in Vancouver, British Columbia for 10 years. I moved to South Carolina when I was a sophomore in high school and graduated from Conway High School. My favorite hobby is watching football and cheer on the Green Bay Packers. Spending time with my daughter is another one of my favorite things.

I am so excited to be part of the River Oaks team again this year and welcome any questions or concerns you may have.