How a Military Veteran & His Wife Found Purpose as Franchise Owners

Big changes are underway at Huntington Learning Center in Bluffton, South Carolina. This fall, the center welcomed new owners Anthony and Melissa Canterberry, a husband-and-wife team bringing a powerful combination of military leadership, educational expertise, and community spirit.

Anthony and Melissa officially took over the center in August 2025, and they’re already making waves with their mission to serve families, support schools, and revitalize the center’s role in the community.

A Legacy of Service, A New Chapter in Education

Anthony Canterberry served in the U.S. Air Force for over three decades, including 33 years in Special Operations and the Air National Guard. As a pilot of C-130s and C-17s, he led high-stakes missions around the globe. But ask Anthony what shaped him most, and he’ll tell you it was the leadership training and team-first mindset that now guide his work at Huntington.

“You’re an officer first, and that means putting people first,” he says. “The military gave me the foundation to lead with purpose and build systems that make a real impact. Huntington allows us to do that for both students, families, and schools.”

Melissa brings her own deep background in education, having worked as a special education teacher supporting students of all abilities. Her passion for personalized learning is at the heart of their center’s culture and services. Together, the Canterberrys saw Huntington as the perfect opportunity to combine their strengths and make a difference.

“We fell in love with the Bluffton community and saw this as a chance to start something meaningful,” Melissa said. “It allowed us to build a business with purpose while continuing the work we care deeply about, helping students grow and thrive.”

Rebuilding and Reconnecting with the Bluffton Community

The Bluffton center has been part of the community since 2019, offering academic support in reading, writing, math, and test prep. Under the Canterberrys’ leadership, the center is entering a new chapter—focused on renewed school partnerships, personalized learning, and local outreach.

Since taking ownership, they’ve launched high-dosage math tutoring programs in collaboration with nearby schools and are continuing to build new partnerships to support even more families. Their short-term goals include building enrollment and strengthening local trust. Long term, they hope the center becomes a true fixture in the community; known for expert instruction, meaningful relationships, and student success.

“Our mission is simple,” says Anthony. “Help as many students as we can, build trust in the community, and make a positive difference every single day.”

A Veterans Day Reflection

With Veterans Day around the corner, Anthony hopes to inspire other service members exploring what comes next after military life.

“Veterans already have the core skills—leadership, resilience, systems thinking,” he says. “If you can identify a mission that aligns with your passion, you can build something powerful.”

For Anthony, Huntington has been that mission. In addition to running operations, he also tutors students himself bringing his leadership full circle from flight deck to classroom.

“It’s a family business in every sense,” adds Melissa. “And that’s what makes it so special.”

Looking for Academic Support in Bluffton, SC?

Whether your child is preparing for a big test, catching up in class, or just needs a boost in confidence, Huntington Learning Center is here to help. Call (843) 310-4300 or visit HuntingtonHelps.com to schedule an academic evaluation today.

Interested in becoming a franchise owner? Learn more at HuntingtonFranchise.com. Huntington offers 25% military discount for qualified franchise owners.

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