Meet our team! Names are listed alphabetically.
K-8 Administration & Support Staff
Coordinator of Community & Culture
Humaira Afzal (transliteration) was born in Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her primary and secondary schooling in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While attending Georgia State University for her Bachelor’s of Science in Education, she was placed in Mrs. Nickey Hardon’s class as a resident teacher in the Fall of 2014 where she fell in love with ANCS. After graduation, she took on the role of mathematics instructor for sixth and seventh grades where she shared her love of algebra while bringing in mindfulness and meaningful local and global connections with the lens of race and equity. In 2019, Ms. Afzal graduated with her Master’s in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia.
In her current role, Ms. Afzal is committed to building a school environment where all members of the community feel seen, heard, and valued. She works to highlight the diverse stories and experiences of our students while supporting the goals of the school’s strategic mission.
Besides her important work with ANCS, Ms. Afzal spends most of her time with her large, close-knit family. Ms. Afzal is a globe trekker, book nerd, international epicure, multi-lingual, and a data purist.
Custodian
Nichole Banks joined the ANCS staff in 2024 and serves as a Custodian at the school. She earned her GED and brings valuable experience from several roles in facilities and janitorial services.
Before joining ANCS, Ms. Banks worked with Joint Venture Management, HSBC Arena, Time Warner Cable, and Helds Janitorial, where she supervised cleaning crews and ensured high standards of care in a variety of settings.
Ms. Banks is dedicated to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all members of the school community. She takes pride in her work and enjoys being part of a team that supports students’ daily experiences.
Outside of school, Ms. Banks enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being around children. She finds joy in watching kids learn and grow and values the opportunity to contribute to a nurturing school environment.
Nutrition Staff
Coming soon
Custodian
Steven Beaver joined the ANCS staff in 2024 as a Custodian. He brings nine years of experience working in school settings and a strong background in facility care and maintenance.
Prior to joining ANCS, Mr. Beaver worked as a Floor and Linen Technician at Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, and later held similar roles at Piedmont Healthcare and Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. His professional experience reflects a deep commitment to creating clean, safe, and welcoming environments.
Mr. Beaver takes pride in his work and genuinely enjoys cleaning and servicing facilities, buildings, and automobiles.
Outside of work, he brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does, helping to make the school a better place for students and staff alike.
K-8 Technology Specialist
Michael Boardman has been at ANCS since 2010. Previously, he was an advanced math teacher at Inman Middle School who used technology in his classroom. He also provided tech support at the school including training. As systems administrator and digital learning specialist, Mr. Boardman developed best practices for teachers to most effectively use technology to enrich their curriculum.
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Since joining the ANCS community, Mr. Boardman has updated the school-wide technology resources of dedicated lab, library and classroom computers and maintains the ANCS fleet of mobile student computer resources.
Mr. Boardman loves the ANCS community and its focus on the entire development of children, not only as students but as growing members of the community.
Mr. Boardman has a lifelong love of technology and high commitment to public service and education. He lives in Candler Park with his family. When not supporting ANCS technology, he enjoys renovating his house (circa 1920), carpentry, ultimate Frisbee, and creating traditional and digital artwork.
Mr. Boardman has a B.S. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also has an M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from Georgia State University.
Chef / Nutrition Director
David Bradley joined the ANCS faculty in 2014 as Chef and Nutrition Director. He is also the sponsor of ANCS Pickleball Club at the Middle Campus. He holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Emory University and worked in Atlanta restaurants for 15 years prior to starting at ANCS, including as Executive Chef at Lure (2012-2014) and Chef de Cuisine at Ecco (2006-2012).
Chef Bradley is also a parent at ANCS whose hobbies include guitar, baking bread, and any and all racquet and paddle sports.
K-8 ESOL Teacher
Margarita earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Sociology from Hunter College, CUNY. Also, she earned a Master in Social Work from the Fordham University School of Social Services and a Master of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Margarita is certified as an ESOL teacher.
Margarita worked as a Social Worker in various agencies in New York City for over 20 years. Margarita’s teaching career began in 1998 for City Schools of Decatur as a Spanish teacher. She worked as a Spanish teacher in grades k-3 for 6 years and then as a Kindergarten teacher for 13 years. Margarita retired in 2017 from Glenwood Elementary, City Schools of Decatur. She joined the ANCS staff in 2018 as the ESOL teacher.
Margarita’s interest outside of the classroom include yoga, Qi gong exercises, nature walks, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Nutrition Staff
Jake has a culinary arts degree from Baltimore International Culinary College. Prior to coming to ANCS he worked at a variety of culinary and event planning establishments such as Whole Foods, Miller Union, Legendary Events Catering, Planters Garden Design, and Keystone Organics. He is the current designer and co-owner of Fundamentally Feline.
Jake has lived in Grant Park for 21 years. He enjoys gardening, skateboarding, and music – especially the guitar. He loves cats…and dogs too!
Fund Development Coordinator
Bex Godsey earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a minor in Photography from the University of North Florida. Bex returns to the school setting as an alumna of AmeriCorps and Communities In Schools, having served in both during college.
In her professional journey, Bex has consistently focused on connecting communities, supporting Atlanta’s vibrant cultural landscape, and strengthening public programs and spaces without barriers. She currently works in the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, where she prioritizes marquis event production and permitting. Before joining the municipality, Bex held roles in the nonprofit sector, including programming with Atlanta Celebrates Photography and community engagement with the Grant Park Conservancy.
A self-described “grazer of creative exploration,” Bex is always eager to dive into new interests, often moving on to the next fascination just as she’s equipped herself to master the last. Currently, landscape design and native gardening captivate her attention—but she’s always up for a new ceramics class!
Nutrition Staff
Ella Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Agnes Scott College. With one year of experience in the school setting, Ella has previously worked in various roles, including baking bread and desserts, decorating cakes, and organizing archives for student research in a gallery. She has also contributed to the after-school program at ANCS, substituted at Paideia, and worked in retail at The Container Store, helping people organize their homes.
Ella loves spending time outdoors, enjoying activities such as gardening, hiking, and camping. She also has a passion for animals and maintains two small aquarium habitats for freshwater fish, snails, and shrimp.
Business Manager, Personnel & Budget; Title IX Investigator and Supportive Measures Review Administrator
Business Manager, Personnel & Budget; Title IX Investigator and Supportive Measures Review Administrator
Coming soon…
Maintenance Director
Jim Kessenich has worked at ANCS since 2014. He attended one semester of junior college and then decided to get his training in the real world. He has 37 years of construction experience, both as an employee and as a business owner.
Mr. Kessenich has worked residential and commercial construction for site preparation and underground utilities to roofing the final structure. Most of Jim’s career has been as a business owner.
Mr. Kessenich was born and raised in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan area. As a Wisconsin native, Jim spent many a brutal winter working outdoors. Finally, after a March visit to Georgia, Jim decided he too wanted to live the life of temperate weather. In 2001, Jim and his family moved to the Atlanta area and have not looked back since.
Business Manager, Accounting & Cash Management
Martha Kessenich holds a B.B.A. in Business Administration – Finance from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She enjoys working at ANCS because she loves being surrounded by children and the school’s welcoming staff.
Before joining the ANCS family, Ms. Kessenich worked in both private and public accounting for 35 years. Originally from Wisconsin, she loves Georgia’s warm weather. She is the proud mother of five children.
Dean of Student Supports
Rhiannen Laurent has worked at ANCS since 2008. She has her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her Master of Education degree from Georgia State University. She has been working in education for 19 years with 13 of those years at ANCS.
Prior to ANCS, Rhiannen taught 4th grade in Fulton County Schools and 5th grade in Atlanta Public Schools. She is originally from southwest Florida. However, she has been in Atlanta for 22 years and currently resides in East Atlanta Village with her two kids. In her free time she enjoys reading, bike riding, hiking, spending time with her family, and trips to the beach.
School Farm Specialist
Ms. Lupo’s very first job was to help her dad in her family’s quarter-acre home garden. Her first paying job was in a restaurant, and she continued that work at various establishments throughout high school, college, and even on the weekends when she began her teaching career. She spent summers working on local farms, which inspired her to combine her loves of good food, working with children, and being outside as much as possible. Prior to joining the ANCS staff in the fall of 2021, Ms. Lupo worked as a Farm to School and environmental educator for several metro Atlanta non-profits. She spent three years in three schools with the Seeds of Nutrition Program, followed by several years creating and delivering Farm to School workshops for teachers with Georgia Organics. In 2012, she joined the staff at Wylde Center as the Farm to School Manager, where she taught students in City Schools of Decatur in their garden classrooms, implemented two district-wide taste tests each year, and managed high school summer interns at farms, restaurants, and farmers markets around Decatur and Atlanta. She also supervised FoodCorps service members in their work in four APS elementary schools. She counts her lucky stars she got to join the school family in 2016 with Chef Lupo and their daughter, Cora.
When she’s not nerding out on plants/trees/food, Ms. Lupo can be found hiking, camping, watching, reading, listening, thinking, stretching, sipping coffee, and snuggling dogs–hers, yours, all the dogs.
Sous Chef / Assistant Nutrition Director
Robert Lupo received his Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. He specializes in the culinary arts.
Prior to coming to ANCS, Mr. Lupo opened Leon’s Full Service as Sous Chef, consulted for Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, and was the Recipe Writer/Consultant for a local Atlanta startup, PeachDish.
In his free time, Mr. Lupo is an avid music fan, enjoys reading, watching movies, exercising and traveling and spending time with wife, Nichole, and daughter, Cora.
School Psychologist
Terry Nagurney joined the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School (ANCS) as school psychologist during the 2021-2022 school year. In addition to working with both campuses of ANCS, Mr. Nagurney also serves the Wesley International Academy as a member of the Atlanta Public Schools Psychological Services Department.
Mr. Nagurney received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Southern
Mississippi. After graduation, he served in the AmeriCorps*VISTA program where he coordinated
reading tutoring programs and service-learning initiatives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Upon completing his AmeriCorps*VISTA service term, he attended graduate school at Georgia State University, where he earned Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in school psychology.
Mr. Nagurney has been a school psychologist since 2008. During his career, he has worked in urban and suburban school districts in Georgia and Virginia. While working in the Cobb County School District, he served as a lead school psychologist. In that same position, he also coordinated a special interest group in Specific Learning Disability (SLD) evaluation for school psychologists. While living in Virginia, Mr. Nagurney worked as a school psychologist in the Richmond Public Schools and the Charlottesville City Schools. In Charlottesville, he served as the lead school psychologist for two years.
Mr. Nagurney loves collaborating as part of a team to better understand the learning, behavior, and
emotions of students. When he’s not at school, he can often be found spending time with his wife and son. He also enjoys walking his Jack-Russell mix, playing music, drinking coffee, and riding his bike.
Executive Director
Alastair Pullen joined ANCS as Executive Director in 2023. His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College in 2002, where he developed a solid foundation for his academic pursuits. He went on to earn a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University in 2005 and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Emory University in 2012.
With an impressive 15 years of experience in the education field, Alastair has held various roles in esteemed institutions. He served as the Principal at the International Community School and held positions as the Dean and Assistant Principal at Wesley International Academy. Alastair’s teaching journey began in Atlanta Public Schools, where he made a difference as an English Language Arts and Special Education teacher. Beyond the school setting, Alastair has contributed to the educational community in numerous capacities. He worked as an Academic Advisor and Admissions Reader at Emory University and served as a Teaching Fellow at Emory University.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Alastair enjoys engaging in a variety of personal interests. He finds solace in kayaking and hiking. A lifelong learner, he enjoys reading and watching documentaries, always seeking to broaden his knowledge and perspectives. Above all, Alastair cherishes spending quality time with his wife, Sara, and their three children, Chatham, Winthrop, and Leyden.
Nutrition Staff
Bio Coming Soon!
Communications & Engagement Manager
Paige joined the ANCS staff in 2020 in the role of Business Manager of Advancement & Marketing. Drawing upon her background in marketing, communications, and graphic design, she develops and manages the school’s communications and engagement efforts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Communications from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Oglethorpe University.
Paige has a unique connection to ANCS, having become part of the school family as a student teacher while completing her graduate degree in 2012. This experience provided her with an insider’s perspective on the school and fostered a deep appreciation for constructivism and the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of ANCS. “My kids going to school seemed like a far-off thing when I was a student teacher at ANCS. But I knew it was a special place that I wanted them to be a part of someday.”
Paige and her husband, Eric, made Grant Park their home in 2005, and have two children, Everett (9th grade) and Cora (6th grade). During her down time, Paige enjoys traveling with her family and passionately cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Business Manager, Purchasing & Procurement
Elizabeth Wilke is a passionate and dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University. Her journey in the school setting commenced in 2002, and since then, she has wholeheartedly devoted herself to the field. With a remarkable tenure at ANCS, she shined as a kindergarten teacher from 2002 to 2016. Following a brief interlude, she joyfully returned to ANCS in 2019, ready to apply her wealth of experience to various aspects of the school.
Elizabeth’s personal life is filled with love and companionship, as she is happily married and shares her home with two delightful Labradors, Sir Clyde & Lady Florence. Apart from her professional commitments, she finds fulfillment in gardening, floral arranging, cooking delightful meals for loved ones, and planning exciting new adventures.
Director of Finance & Operations
Chiquetta West joined ANCS as Director of Finance & Operations in December of 2022. Prior to coming to ANCS, Chiquetta worked as Associate Director of Finance and Manager of Administration and Finance for the Morehouse School of Medicine. She also worked for the City of Atlanta as Budget Manager and Project Manager. She has worked in higher education for four and a half years.
Chiquetta holds a BA from Florida A&M University and a Masters of Public Administration from Georgia State University. She is an Atlanta native, loves to travel, and considers herself a foodie.
Director of School Services and Community Outreach; Title IX Coordinator
Dr. NaTasha Woody-Wideman earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clark Atlanta University, a Masters of Arts in Teaching in English Education from Georgia State University, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University. She is entering her 16th year in Education.
Dr. Woody-Wideman served as a Middle School and High School ELA teacher for the first half of her career. She also served as a middle and high school Instructional Coach and high school Assistant Principal.
NaTasha is the mom and bonus mom to five young people and fur mom to 2 adorable Shih-Tzu’s. She enjoys dance, as well as all things music.
School Farmer
Coming Soon
Elementary Campus Faculty & Staff
3rd Grade Teacher
Nicole Agadoni began her teaching experience at ANCS as a resident in the school’s teacher residency program during the 2014-2015 school year before moving into the role of 3rd grade lead teacher.Ms. Agadoni has a Bachelor of Science in Education with an ESOL endorsement and a Master of Arts in Creative and Innovative Education from Georgia State University. As an educator, she is passionate about building strong classroom and school community.
In her free time, Ms. Agadoni enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and trying new restaurants.
5th Grade Teacher
Camille holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education from Georgia State University. She also earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Accomplished Teaching with an Endorsement in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support from Georgia Southern.
With five years of teaching experience and currently starting her sixth year, Camille previously taught in Fulton County Schools. She has experience teaching 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 5th grade. During her time with Fulton County Schools, Camille served on the Data Team and as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) leader. This will be her first year teaching at ANCS.
In her spare time, Camille enjoys walking or running, trying new restaurants, and completing crossword puzzles. She loves spending time with her family and friends. When not with them, she enjoys watching movies at home with her cat, Wispy.
2nd Grade Teacher
Monica Arrington joined the ANCS faculty in the 2015-2016 school year. Ms. Arrington earned a B.A. in Music from Auburn University, and she completed post-baccalaureate studies in Music at Georgia State University. She has also completed graduate studies in teaching at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ms. Arrington became a certified teacher in 2007, then began teaching in Clayton County Public Schools. She moved on to teach in Dekalb County and City Schools of Decatur. She has several areas of instructional expertise, including technology integration, differentiated instruction, parent-teacher communication, and working with children with special needs.
In her free time, Ms. Arrington enjoys teaching music, playing music, crafting and the performing arts.
Learning Lab Specialist
Rachel Alsher began teaching at ANCS in 2011. Ms. Alsher is impressed by the tight-knit community and unique learning environment at ANCS. She has taught 4th and 5th grade, and is excited to work in the Learning Lab this year.
Ms. Alsher says, “I love working with the children at ANCS and am so glad I chose a career in teaching.” Her area of expertise is building a safe and positive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks but are also held to high expectations. Ms. Alsher graduated from the University of Georgia where she earned an A.B.J. in Journalism and Mass Communication, with a major in Advertising and a minor in Spanish. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Emory University.
Before beginning her career in education, Ms. Alsher worked in commercial and residential real estate as a marketing coordinator. She also worked at an I.T. staffing firm as a sales coordinator before returning to school to pursue her teaching degree.
Outside of school, Ms. Alsher enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, exploring Atlanta’s restaurants and festivals, and supporting UGA football.
Library Media Specialist
Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from LaGrange College and a master’s degree in Media and Instructional Design from the University of West Georgia.
With 16 years of experience in school settings, Katie began her career as a middle school math teacher at a 3rd-8th grade fine arts magnet school in Troup County, Georgia. After two years, she transitioned to the media center at the same school, serving as the library media specialist for four years. Following the closure of that school due to budget cuts, she worked at Gardner Newman Middle School for another four years. Katie then moved to Atlanta, where she taught middle school math at Chattahoochee Hills Charter School for a year, and middle school English Language Arts at Kindezi Charter School for five years. In 2022, she took a break from teaching to recharge, spending the last two years as an office manager for the nonprofit Center for Transportation and the Environment. This will be her first school year at ANCS.
Katie loves to read and discuss books. She also enjoys biking, walking, crocheting, sewing, baking, and spending quality time with her husband and daughter.
Kindergarten Teacher
Caroline Berney received a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from the University of Oregon. She has been teaching for over fourteen years. Previously, Ms. Berney worked as a lead educator for five years at The Nest Nursery School and for three years at The Grant Park Cooperative Preschool – Cabbagetown. In her pre-child life, she was a proofreader at various accounting firms in downtown Atlanta.
After graduating from college in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Berney has called Atlanta home sweet home since 1997. She lives in Grant Park with her awesome partner, Derek, who is a graphic designer. Ms. Berney is a mother to two lovely teenagers, Ava and Lillian, who both love insects and creatures of all kinds, playing video games and watching movies, hanging out with friends, and drawing. They share their space with two cats, Cricket and Beetle, and occasional house spiders.
Things that make Ms. Berney curiouser and curiouser: insects, typography, empowered childbirth (she’s also a doula when she finds the time!), running, reading, flower-tending, new wave 80s, EDM, and goth/industrial music/dancing, and finding the sweet simplicity in life and in the here and now. She looks forward to being inquisitive, imaginative, and insightful with the students at ANCS.
3rd Grade Teacher
Kevin Breakstone is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching and a diverse background. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California Santa Cruz and his teaching credential from Sonoma State University. With over a decade of teaching experience, Mr. Breakstone is now in his 12th year in a school setting. This is his second year at ANCS.
Before joining ANCS, Mr. Breakstone worked as an art instructor at a studio catering to children aged 4 to 14. There, he taught a wide range of artistic disciplines, including ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, sewing, and mosaic. Additionally, he imparted his creative knowledge at a summer camp, focusing on ceramics and sculpture. Prior to his teaching career, Kevin spent some time in the corporate world, working in various office jobs.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Breakstone’s interests are just as diverse as his career. Having recently relocated to Atlanta with his wife and baby in 2022, he enjoys engaging in pottery and sculpture. When not crafting in the studio, Kevin can be found baking delicious pies, indulging in reading and writing, hiking through nature, or cycling along scenic paths. As a testament to his dedication and discipline, he holds a black belt in Kenpo Karate.
With a zest for creativity, a love for teaching, and a well-rounded set of interests, Mr. Kevin Breakstone brings a unique perspective to ANCS and enriches the educational experience for his students.
ESS Department Chair
Natalie graduated in 2000 from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Psychology and Biology, then earned an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State in 2002. She did her student teaching and then started my teaching career at Hamilton Holmes E.S. in East Point, GA.
Natalie is a native of San Antonio, Texas but has lived in Colorado, Arizona, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, and Seattle! She began her teaching career in a Kindergarten classroom in Atlanta, then took a year off after her first daughter was born before relocating to Seattle, WA. There she taught Pre-K for a few years. Her family moved back to Atlanta just after her second daughter was born, and she took another year off. While her girls were little, she taught in a private Pre-K setting, during which time she earned her Special Education certification. She returned to public school teacher life in 2014, this time in upper grades and working in Exceptional Education in Fulton County. She loved it, but not the commute! She found her happy medium working at Sagamore Hills E.S. (Dekalb) from 2015 until 2021, working in every single grade, occasionally 3 at a time! The pandemic and closures made her realize it was time to expand beyond her neighborhood and beyond focusing on standardized testing as a way of teaching. Discovering ANCS was the perfect fit at the right time!
4th & 5th Grade EIP
Noel Christy started at ANCS in 2006. Ms. Christy has always worked in education. She has been involved in museum education, regular classroom teaching, and tutoring and academic assistance.
For Ms. Christy, ANCS is a great place to work because of the amazing community of teachers, students, and families.
In her free time, Ms. Christy enjoys roller skating, reading, and attending concerts.
Ms. Christy received a B.S. in Elementary Education from William Jennings Bryan College in December 1995. She has expertise in reading education.
4th Grade Teacher
Yuqi graduated with the highest honors in elementary education, with ESOL and urban education endorsements from Georgia State University. She also received the “Outstanding Undergraduate in Elementary and Early Childhood Education Award” from Georgia State University.
Her philosophy of education is that all children are capable of learning and deserve a safe space to be treated equally. She wants to make a positive impact on the future of children. She wants students to know that they have people who really believe in them. She hopes to create a supportive learning environment for the children in her classroom, where teamwork and empathy are rewarded just as enthusiastically as a good test score. Through love and understanding, she strives to help students achieve their highest potential.
Yuqi joined the ANCS family in 2022. Before teaching at ANCS, Yuqi worked as a senior supplemental instructor at Georgia State University to support college students to develop effective study strategies and stay motivated to complete math courses such as College Algebra. She also worked as a research assistant for IDEAL to support college students with disabilities to understand and complete college-level courses. She is also a CREATE resident alumnus, which has allowed her to advance skills related to self-reflection, communication, collaboration, adaptability, empathy, and patience.
Yuqi loves volunteering. She believes that the more she contributes, the more insights she attains. Seeing how children were impacted by COVID-19, she worked with a non-profit organization and founded a free one-on-one online tutoring program to support elementary students in Georgia. She is now continually volunteering as the tutoring program coordinator to recruit and train volunteers from Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her volunteer efforts include a wide range of areas, such as COVID-19 medical supplies distribution, Asian Art demonstrations, disaster relief, environmental protection, fundraising, international cultural festivals, homeless projects, and senior center outreach. She also loves traveling, painting, calligraphy, gardening, baking, and cooking.
5th Grade Teacher
Elise Clifton received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education. This is her third year teaching and first at ANCS. Prior to joining ANCS, Elise spent two years at another Atlanta charter school as a 5th grade special education teacher in an inclusive classroom, where she taught math and science and assisted with other subjects. She cherishes the relationships she built there and values the experiences that shaped her into the teacher she is today.
Outside of work, Elise is known for her goofy, caring, and adventurous nature. She enjoys reading, roller skating, and hiking. A film enthusiast, she delights in everything from sappy rom-coms to psychological thrillers.
4th Grade Teacher
Emily Conners (formally Ms. Egan) joined the ANCS staff for the 2019-2020 school year. She has been teaching for ten years. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Literacy Education from Georgia State University.
Prior to arriving at ANCS, Ms. Conners was a lead pre-K teacher for four years in Jackson, Wyoming. Next, she served as a reading teacher for pre-K and kindergarten students at a private school in Atlanta.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, John, her son, Jack, and her dog, June. She also loves hiking, traveling, and trying new restaurants around Atlanta.
1st Grade Teacher
Kristen (German) Datus joined the ANCS faculty in the 2015-2016 school year after a year of working at ANCS through the New Teacher Residency Project (now known as CREATE). During that time she student taught in 4th grade and Kindergarten. She then taught Kindergarten for 3 years, taught as a Learning lab Specialist for 1 year, and two years 3rd grade.
Kristen has a degree in Early Childhood Education with a certification in Special Education K-12 from Georgia State University. Along with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement in Mathematics.
Kristen previously worked as a Girl Scout Counselor for Camp Timber Ridge, an Upward Bound Tutor Counselor, and as a Resident Assistant for Georgia State University Housing.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys hiking, reading, running, Lyra, traveling, and spending with family.
Physical Education Teacher
Kristen Daniel joined the ANCS faculty for the 2011-2012 school year. She spent her first 8 years at ANCS teaching third and fourth grades and made the switch to PE for the 2019/2020 school year. Prior to teaching at ANCS, Ms. Daniel traveled the globe for 5 years working at a summer camp for seriously ill children, as a ski resort lifty, and as a teacher at an educational farm in Boston.
Ms. Daniel says that the best part of working at ANCS is the open and supportive environment. “I can honestly say that I have a personal relationship with the majority of our administration, fellow teachers, parents, and students. It’s amazing to be a part of such a wonderful school family.”
In her free time, Ms. Daniel enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Jess, and their two mutts, Annabelle and Walter. She also can be found running, swimming, reading, traveling, cooking, gardening, and singing with her band, False Hearted Lovers.
Ms. Daniel has a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education with a minor in Reading from North Georgia College and State University where she also received her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Reading endorsement. She is certified to teach Health and PE in grades P-12, and has recently obtained an endorsement to teach ESOL.
1st Grade Teacher
Ralyn Delemar attended Georgia State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education and is also a certified Special Education Teacher. With a total of five years of teaching experience—one year in third grade and four years in fourth grade—Ralyn is excited to start her sixth year of teaching in the 2024-2025 school year.
Before joining ANCS, Ralyn gained valuable experience in various educational settings. She worked as an assistant in the superintendent’s office for the Coweta County School District, served as a teacher aide in a third-grade classroom, and contributed to Jumpstart, preparing pre-kindergarten students for kindergarten.
Outside of the classroom, Ralyn enjoys spending time with family, friends, and pets, engaging in crafty projects, cooking, and watching movies and TV shows.
Student Information Specialist, Elementary Campus
Kelly Dennis has worked at the ANCS elementary campus since it’s opening in 2002. She has a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Buying from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Before coming to work at ANCS, Ms. Dennis was a personal shopper in NYC as well as a manager in several retail establishments. This is where she learned the fine art of listening to people!
According to Ms. Dennis, the best part of working at ANCS is “all those smiling faces and the hugs that I get from our students.” She also enjoys working where she lives and being a real part of our community.
Ms. Dennis is a native New Yorker who moved to Atlanta in 1995. She has lived in Grant Park since 1996 with her husband and son, now a college student, who attended K-8 at ANCS.
1st Grade Teacher
Stephen Dennis joined the ANCS faculty in 2025 as an Associate Teacher. He holds a degree in Advertising & Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Mr. Dennis brings a unique perspective to the classroom after a 30-year career as a graphic designer, where he specialized in creating annual reports for Fortune 500 companies. Inspired to pursue a new path, he transitioned into education and is excited to support students in their academic and personal growth.
At ANCS, Mr. Dennis brings creativity, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to his work with students and colleagues.
He moved to Atlanta in 1995 and has lived in Grant Park since 1996 with his wife, Kelly. Their son, Liam, attended ANCS K–8, graduated from Maynard Jackson High School, and went on to study at the University of Georgia. A passionate fan of the Yankees, Giants, and Knicks, Mr. Dennis also enjoys traveling and spending time working in the family’s backyard pond.
2nd Grade Teacher
Evie joined the ANCS community during the 2020–2021 school year, stepping into a vital support role during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally serving as an adjunct faculty member with the first grade team, she quickly became known for her warmth, adaptability, and strong connections with students. She is now proud to serve as a teacher in second grade, where her passion for fostering curiosity and confidence in young learners continues to flourish.
Before transitioning into education, Evie built a decade-long career in the hospitality industry, excelling in fast-paced environments as a server, bartender, and manager across metro Atlanta. Her experience working with diverse communities helped shape her calm leadership style and people-first mindset—both of which enrich her classroom approach. She also trained as a salon assistant and apprentice, which speaks to her love of creativity and hands-on learning.
Outside of school, you’ll find Evie reading, visiting the beach, spending time with her beloved cat, Juice, or catching up with friends over a great cup of coffee. She is committed to lifelong learning and is excited to continue growing alongside her students and colleagues.
Farm Associate Teacher
Maya Ferguson is a lifelong resident of Atlanta. She attended ANCS as a student from K-8. She returned to ANCS in 2021 and worked as an aftercare teacher, then as an adjunct on the farm, and she is excited to now be working in the classroom. She has a strong connection to the school and loves continuing to be a part of the ANCS community as an educator.
Maya has a B.S. in Ecology with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Georgia. Prior to working at ANCS, Maya participated in a variety of projects in the fields of farming, food, conservation and education. She loves getting to combine so many of her interests in her work with the students. Outside of ANCS, Maya loves cooking, farming, foraging and spending time outdoors with her community.
1st Grade Teacher
JoyNaya Foster joined ANCS as a First Grade Associate Teacher in 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education at Augusta University.
Ms. Foster brings five years of experience in education. She previously worked at Resurgence Hall Charter School, where she served as both a kindergarten and first grade associate teacher, and later as a kindergarten lead teacher. Most recently, she taught at Ethos Classical Charter School, spending one year as a kindergarten associate teacher and another as a lead teacher.
She has taught all core subjects but is especially passionate about phonics instruction. Ms. Foster believes that literacy is the foundation of success and opens the door to a life full of opportunity.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys dancing, practicing yoga, and reading.
1st Grade Teacher
Shamier has a Bachelors in Educational Studies from Clark Atlanta University and Masters in Curriculum & Instruction from Capella University. She has been working in a preschool setting for six years.
Prior to coming to ANCS, she worked at Sheltering Arms Educare. In 2016, she served as an Assistant teacher for Preschool. In 2018, she became Lead in Pre-K and later transitioned to the STEAM coordinator for both Preschool and Pre-K classes.
Shamier grew up in Baltimore. She is the first of her immediate family to obtain a Masters degree. She has a motherlike caring personality.
Third Grade Teacher
Danielle Glover joined the ANCS faculty as a Third Grade Teacher in 2025. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a triple major from the University of Georgia.
Ms. Glover brings seven years of experience working in schools, along with a diverse professional background that includes art and dance instruction, ESOL, foreign language, animation, and early childhood education.
In her classroom, Ms. Glover brings bright, gregarious energy and a deep compassion for her students. She values creativity, curiosity, and building strong connections with each child.
Outside of school, she enjoys crocheting, painting, writing, dancing, and exploring new creative outlets. A true Georgia Peach, she loves sharing her joy and creativity with others.
Kindergarten Teacher
Before joining ANCS as a Kindergarten Associate Teacher, Garrett worked as a preschool teacher for 14 years. He’s served at various neighborhood preschools, including Grant Park Cooperative Preschool, Urban Explorers, and The Nest Nursery School. Additionally, Garrett has worked in ANCS’s AfterCare Program.
Outside of the classroom, Garrett is a drummer in a local band that has released several albums and toured all over the country. Aside from drums, he plays the piano, ukulele, guitar and banjo. He is a big fan of all Atlanta based sports teams…regardless of how often they break his heart.
K-2nd Grade Instructional Coach
Veleta Greer began working at ANCS in 2005. Before she came to work at the school, Ms. Greer worked for the DeKalb County School System at Marbut Theme School. While at Marbut, she taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and was an Early Intervention Reading teacher.
For Ms. Greer, the best part of working at ANCS is the strength of the community. “Whether it’s a staff member, student, or parent, I trust that we are all committed to helping our school and community continue to grow and provide the best education and support we can.”
Ms. Greer is originally from a suburb of Atlanta. She and her husband, Matt moved to Ormewood Park in 2001. They have one son, Dylan, who is an alumnus of ANCS. They enjoy being out and about in the neighborhood.
In 1999, Ms. Greer graduated from Brenau University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. She received an M.Ed. with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University in 2003. According to Ms. Greer, “Earning a Master’s Degree with a Specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy provided me with a more in depth study of best practices when teaching literacy.”
Art Teacher
Julie Griffith joined the ANCS faculty as the Elementary Art Teacher in 2023. She holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Ms. Griffith brings six years of experience working in schools, including time as an elementary librarian at Trinity School. Before transitioning to education, she worked as a graphic designer at both a screen print shop and a marketing agency.
In her art classroom, Ms. Griffith values imagination, originality, and self-expression. She cherishes the opportunity to encourage children’s creative ideas and artistic exploration.
Outside of school, she enjoys riding bikes, playing music, and reading.
4th Grade Teacher
Allyson Hage earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and also a Master of Education in Foreign Language Education from The Ohio State University. She holds additional certifications in Elementary Education and Gifted Education.
Allyson’s teaching career began in 1999 at Sarah Smith Elementary School in the Atlanta Public Schools district where she served as a K-5 French teacher for sixteen years and three years as a 3rd-5th Gifted Resource Teacher. Allyson joined the ANCS family in 2018 as a 4th grade teacher.
Interests outside of the classroom include yoga, knitting, hiking, nature photography, cooking, and travel.
School Nurse
Leigh Hicks holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University and an Associate of Science degree from North Georgia University (in Dahlonega). Her areas of expertise are Pediatric Nursing and Critical Care Nursing. She has been teaching for 14 years.
Prior to joining the ANCS family, she worked as a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
An Atlanta native, Ms. Hicks lives in Grant Park with husband Dave and daughter Amelia, along with one goofy dog and one crazy kitten.
3rd Grade Teacher
Zoe Iatridis joined ANCS in July of 2023 as a long-term substitute before transitioning into a permanent role in the 3rd grade. With a passion for both education and the arts, she brings a unique perspective to the classroom. Zoe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Studio Art (painting) from Oberlin College, where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the creative process.
Zoe previously taught in the Half Day program at The Paideia School, fostering an environment of curiosity and exploration. Additionally, she worked as a Curatorial Assistant in Education at the Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin, Ohio.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Zoe enjoys indulging in various personal interests. An avid reader and art enthusiast, she finds solace in the pages of a good book and the strokes of a paintbrush. In her free time, you can often find her immersed in her creative endeavors, be it painting or drawing. She also cherishes the time spent outdoors, taking long walks with her dog.
Administrative Assistant
Wakita Jacobs has been working in school settings for 12 years, having started her career in 2012 with Atlanta Public Schools in the administrative department. Before joining ANCS, Wakita worked as an Administrator in Facilities Management at Emory Hospital and served as a Site Coordinator for Georgia State University’s Afterschool All-Stars program. She has also been an active community leader, including serving as PTA President for three years.
Wakita enjoys going to church, has a passion for helping people, and loves exploring thrift stores. Her favorite pastime is spending quality time with her family, especially on vacations. Wakita is also proud to serve as the ANCS PTCA Co-President for this school year.
2nd Grade Teacher
Camron Johnson is in his fourth year of teaching, with experience in both kindergarten and third grade. He holds a Master’s degree in Creative and Innovative Education with a curriculum focus and is currently pursuing his Tier 1 Educational Leadership certification.
Camron earned his BSEd in Elementary Education and Special Education with a minor in Psychology from Georgia State University, where he was honored as Mr. Georgia State University 2021–2022 and named Undergraduate of the Year. He is also a proud CREATE alumnus, a Georgia State–based teacher residency program focused on equity and innovation in education.
Before joining ANCS, Camron worked as a tutor at Bespoke Tutoring and Buford Elementary, supporting students across elementary and secondary levels in reading, writing, and math.
Deeply committed to mentoring and community outreach, Camron focuses on supporting the academic and personal growth of at-risk youth in the metro Atlanta area. Outside the classroom, he is an advanced baker who enjoys exploring different cultures through desserts and has a collection of nearly 200 model cars.
Learning Lab Specialist
Lola Johnson holds an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Georgia State University and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Georgia Gwinnett College. She has been working in school settings since 2019 and has experience as a Camp Counselor at both Horizon Kids and International Montessori School.
In her free time, Lola enjoys taking pictures, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.
Assistant Principal, Elementary Campus
Nicole King re-joined the ANCS faculty in 2017 as a 1st Grade Teacher and began serving as our Elementary Campus Assistant Principal in 2018. Ms. King received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Agnes Scott College (2005) Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (2012), Tier I Educational Leadership Certification from the University of West Georgia, and is currently pursuing her Education Specialist Degree in Tier II Educational Leadership Certification at Kennesaw State University (expected graduation date – 2026).
Ms. King began her teaching career in 2005 at ANCS and was a classroom teacher for 12 years before becoming the Assistant Principal. In addition to our charter school, Ms. King has had experience in an Independent School and Title I school. She is very passionate about curriculum development and implementation (specifically in reading and writing), and classroom management.
Ms. King enjoys spending time with her family, taking little getaways (especially to the beach), and decorating and planning family events and celebrations. Christmas and birthdays are her favorite things to celebrate! …And she LOVES her Trinidadian and Guyanese culture. Lastly, she enjoys and cannot live without…the art of dance.
1st Grade Teacher
Heidi Lance is an experienced educator, with over 20 years of experience at ANCS in kindergarten and first grade classrooms. In 2013, she led her students to win Outstanding merits from the Georgia Student Media Festival, and then received Top Honors in the International Student Media Association (ISMA) for the project “Number Hunt in Our World 0-20”. In her current role, Ms. Lance is recognized as a leader in constructivist teaching practices at ANCS. She strives to ensure that the material she teaches her students adheres to rigorous academic standards, while also engaging students on their level, through their specific interests. She prides herself on cultivating an inclusive and creative environment for her students, and the school at large. In addition to her classroom duties, Mrs. Lance works tirelessly on the ANCS Leadership Team, and has been instrumental in ensuring that literacy instruction at the school exceeds state requirements.
Ms. Lance was a part of the original group of educators at ANCS who worked together to create a school environment designed for each child to thrive. From the start, she helped to create curriculum, mentored new teachers, and led professional development sessions in literacy and math. She has continued working with her peers on a variety of committees to continually update the school’s curriculum as best practices have emerged and evolved in the field of education.
Ms. Lance graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Health and Human Services. After graduating, she worked as a cognitive retraining specialist in a clinical setting. This experience led her to a life-long interest in brain function and learning, prompting her to gain her Master’s of Education with a specialization in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. She has lived in the Grant Park area for over 20 years. She loves teaching, but finds rejuvenation doing yoga. Ms. Lance considers it a great honor to be a part of all that ANCS has achieved through the years.
Occupational Therapist
Coming Soon
4th Grade Teacher
In 2017, Dakota Lobban started her journey at ANCS as a substitute teacher. Her passion for teaching quickly blossomed, leading her to transition into a full-time teaching role in 2018. Dakota’s educational background includes studies at Georgia State University. Before joining ANCS, she spent four years as a veterinarian tech assistant.
Beyond her dedication to teaching, Dakota nurtures a profound love for plants. She firmly believes that, like plants thrive under care and attention, young minds flourish when nurtured with knowledge and encouragement. Apart from her professional life, Dakota cherishes moments with her wife and dog, often enjoying leisurely walks in the park or playful activities in her backyard.
2nd-3rd EIP
Shari Lobban received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Leadership through Grand Canyon University.
Shari’s thirteen years of teaching included working as an EIP teacher for ESL students in grades 2, 3, and 5. She was also an Associate teacher at ANCS from 2012-2017 in grades 3 and 4. She has worked as a full-time homeschool teacher for one family with students aged 5,8, and 12. Previously, she worked as a Site Coordinator with high school students for a nonprofit organization, The Great Promise Partnership. She has managed a group of high school students, helping them to prepare resumes, apply for college, and gain life skills to be successful in the working world. She currently has a small business offering vegan and gluten free baked goods for a small cafe in Atlanta.
Shari loves living and working near ANCS as it makes her feel more connected to the community. Her daughter is a former ANCS student from kindergarten through 8th grade, and has made lifelong friendships. She loves to read, as well as cook. Some of her other hobbies include photography and book making. She hopes to incorporate some of her hobbies into her teaching.
5th Grade Teacher
Nicole Love has been teaching for 13 years, and she has taught five years at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School. Prior to ANCS she taught 7th grade in Savannah, Ga for three years, and she taught 4-5th grade at Kindezi for 5 years. She was a CREATE mentor teacher from 2019-2020 and was honored to be a member of the 2020-2021 Create Equity Facilitation Fellowship. As an educator, she is passionate about helping all students feel welcomed enough to thrive both academically and within their classroom community.
Ms. Love has earned an Associate degree in Pre-Science from Mount Aloysius College, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Jacksonville University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Armstrong Atlantic State University, a reading endorsement from the University of North Georgia, and learned a lot about customer service from her 9 proud years as a Starbucks barista.
In her free time, Ms. Love enjoys time with her partner and her family, trips to the beach, playing guitar, listening to mysteries and thrillers on Audible, playing basketball, looking at shoes online, binge watching good shows, playing chess, writing song parodies for her cat Ferris, and gushing about her amazing students to anyone who will listen.
Adjunct Faculty Member
Molly Maland rejoined the ANCS faculty in the 2016-2017 school year after previously teaching at the school beginning in 2004. She has taught for 20 years. This is her 18th year at ANCS and she has loved teaching in kindergarten and first grade! Ms. Maland received her B.A. in Human Studies (The Individual and Society) from Warren Wilson College.
Ms. Maland is a creative, artistic, and adventurous person. She has loved various forms of art since she was a child. She especially enjoys projects that incorporate art and artistic expression in the classroom. Ms. Maland is patient, flexible, and positive in her teaching practice. Prior to ANCS, she taught at The Friends School of Atlanta in the 4/5 year old class. She has also worked as an Associate teacher in the K-5 Special Education program at an elementary school outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Her first experience teaching was through an AmeriCorps program at a drop-out prevention high school in Massachusetts. Aside from teaching, Ms. Maland ran the community volunteer program with students, was a student advisor, and organized a community mural project. She has also worked in various mental health group homes, an Artists Craft Guild in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Admissions Office, while a student attending Warren Wilson College.
A nature and music lover, Ms. Maland enjoys cooking, swimming, family reunions, and quality time with family and friends. She and her husband have two wonderful daughters and a dog. They spice up her life every day with their playfulness, humor, inquisitive minds, and daily singing and dancing!
K-1st EIP
Brooke McGhee began her career as an educator at ANCS in 2004. Before working here, she was a Head Start social worker where she helped families get connected with systems that would help them in meeting their basic needs. She was also an alcoholism counselor.
For Ms. McGhee, ANCS is a great place to teach because it is a community filled with dedicated, fun-loving, and interesting parents, teachers, and students. She says, “It is a wonderful group of people to spend my days with.”
Ms. McGhee received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 1983, her teaching certificate in Elementary Education in 1996, and her M.Ed. in Elementary Education in 2006. She also has Reading Recovery training.
This year, Ms. McGhee will mentor one of the new teachers at ANCS. This means she will provide support in areas where the new teacher would like help. Ms. McGhee feels that new teachers are often not given the support they need and she is excited to be involved and a part of addressing this issue.
3rd-5th Grade Instructional Coach
Lesley Michaels attended Cortland College where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She also has a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Ms. Michaels is the 3rd-5th Grade Instructional Coach at ANCS. Previously she taught 4th and 5th grades at ANCS, and 4th and 5th grades in the DeKalb County School System.
Ms. Michaels’ has spent much of her life working with children. From her babysitting days, to her time as a camp counselor, to work as a substitute teacher and classroom teacher, Ms. Michaels has enjoyed all of her time instructing and having an impact on kids’ lives.
Ms. Michaels grew up in Syracuse, New York. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cheering on the Syracuse University basketball team, riding her bike, practicing yoga and attempting to surf.
Kindergarten Teacher
Antonia is a current student at Lynn University majoring in Elementary Education and has three years of experience. Before becoming a Teacher at ANCS, she was a Baker and Cake Decorator for seven years. She realized she wanted to make a bigger impact in the community by guiding our future leaders. She loves to collaborate and share with her students, coworkers, and peers. Ms. Morales is looking forward to giving an inclusive, creative, and safe space for her students to explore.
In her spare time Ms. Morales likes to read graphic novels/comics, spend time with her two children, and plan new adventures for her family. Ms. Morales is looking forward to an exciting and creative year of teaching and can not wait to meet her students.
2nd Grade Teacher
Kim Moran earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and English Literature from Rowan University. Additionally, she received a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Kennesaw State University.
Kim’s teaching career began in 1999 in New Jersey where she served as a kindergarten teacher for three years. When she moved to Atlanta, Kim began teaching in Cobb County where she taught 1st grade for four years. After staying home with her two boys, Kim returned to teaching in 2013 joining our ANCS family. In her 9+ years at ANCS, Kim has served as Kindergarten teacher, 1st grade teacher, 2nd grade teacher, 3rd grade teacher, and academic assistance teacher. She even worked as the front desk receptionist for a while!
Kim lives in the neighborhood with her husband (Mike), kids (Mychal- a freshman at Clemson & Quinn- a sophomore at MJHS), and two crazy dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, traveling to new places, and attending live performances (plays, music, etc.)
Kindergarten Teacher
Tawanda joined ANCS in the 2014-2015 school year as a Kindergarten Associate Teacher. She holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice Administration from Clark Atlanta University as well as a Master’s of Divinity from Emory University. She has several years of teaching experience and especially enjoys teaching writing.
Prior to joining the ANCS faculty, Ms. Morgan was an administrator of a non-profit for over three years. Before then, she worked for MARTA in both the Safety and Community/ Government Relations department.
Ms. Morgan describes herself as an active and consistent learner who is not afraid to work hard and be creative in teaching. She loves children and sees them as essential contributors to their personal learning as well her own learning. Ms. Morgan is originally from Washington, DC but settled in Atlanta twelve years ago. In her free time, she loves to travel, dance, and read.
2nd Grade Teacher
Casey Morris received her BS from the University of Florida. She enjoys helping students fall in love with reading and loves working with students as they learn how to decode words and use phonics to become stronger readers. Ms. Morris has been teaching for 11 years.
Right after college, Ms. Morris worked in Philadelphia as a program coordinator for HOPE worldwide. She helped to coordinate service projects for students in the US and internationally. She also worked for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a researcher. Her team worked to find better ways to help young children (birth to five) be assessed for developmental delays and connect with Early Intervention services.
Prior to coming to ANCS, Ms. Morris taught English to first through fourth grade students in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She was able to support the creative process in starting a phonics program at the school.
Although Ms. Morris was born and raised in Florida, she really enjoys the mountains of North Georgia. She has a large family and loves being an aunt to five adventurous boys and one strong girl. Ms. Morris has traveled to many different countries and loves being able to immerse herself in different cultures. She finds herself being more comfortable outdoors than indoors- swimming, hiking, camping, picnicking, and swinging in a hammock.
3rd Grade Teacher
Shania Moss began working at ANCS during the 2024–2025 school year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an ESOL endorsement and a master’s degree in Creative and Innovative Education, both from Georgia State University.
Prior to joining the ANCS community, Ms. Moss taught 1st and 2nd grade in the Atlanta Public School system. In addition to her classroom experience, she has collaborated with several local nonprofit organizations to support youth development and enrichment programming.
In her free time, Ms. Moss enjoys hiking, exploring new trails, and spending time in nature. She also loves binge-watching the Harry Potter series.
Learning Lab Specialist
Kara Myers majored in English Literature and Psychology at The University of Memphis, where she also worked for Peer Power, a non-profit that placed college tutors in underserved classrooms in Memphis. After graduating, Kara joined Teach for America and moved to Indianapolis, where she began teaching Special Education in a middle school setting while earning her Master’s Degree in Special Education.
With eight years of experience in education, Kara has taught Middle School Special Education, High School Writing and Composition, and has also worked in School Operations before transitioning to ANCS.
Outside of work, Kara is a certified yoga instructor, an avid traveler with a goal to visit all U.S. National Parks, and a concert enthusiast.
2nd Grade Teacher
Nancy Newton joined the ANCS faculty in 2017 and has taught both third and second grades. She earned an A.B.J. in Journalism from University of Georgia, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mercer University.
Ms. Newton has experience teaching literacy skills such as phonemic and phonological awareness as well as comprehension strategies. She enjoys helping children learn to read and to find and appreciate the magic of a good story. Additionally, she loves to guide children to accomplish goals they think they cannot reach and celebrate their successes!
Ms. Newton previously taught pre-school, first grade, and Pre-K at Cliff Valley School. Prior to teaching, she worked in marketing for various high-tech companies. She loves spending time with her family, going to the beach, being a member of a book group, and taking long walks. She also enjoys playing with her dog, Roo.
5th Grade Teacher
Holly Oldham is embarking on her inaugural year at ANCS during the 2023-24 school year. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as well as a Master’s of teaching in middle grades math and literacy from Brenau University. This marks her 18th year in the field of education.
Before joining ANCS, Holly dedicated eight years to teaching 4th grade and serving as the Gifted Coordinator at Kindezi. Additionally, she taught 8th grade English/Language Arts in Gwinnett County for nine years. During the summer months, she works part-time at MAD-learn, an educational technology company.
Originally from the outskirts of Cincinnati, OH, (go Bengals!), Holly’s interests include indulging in reading, running, Crossfit, solving puzzles, savoring iced oat milk lattes (always iced), and enjoying baking shows on TV. She resides with her wife, Katherine, and their beloved cat, Tatum, on the beltline in Capitol View.
K-5th Grade Related Arts Associate Teacher
Maria Paez began her career with ANCS in 2006. Previously she worked as a Director of Public Services and was an office manager.
For Ms. Paez, the sense of community makes ANCS a special place to work. According to Ms. Paez, “Parents and teachers work together with one simple goal: a better education for our children.”
In her free time, Ms. Paez enjoys being with her family, including her four dogs. She is the mother of 2 college students and she likes cooking, going to movies, and watching soccer (especially if Mexico is playing!).
Ms. Paez has a degree in Chemical Pharmaceuticals from Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
4th Grade Teacher
Christine Price is a graduate of Georgia State University, earning a dual certification in general and special education in 2021. Her journey at ANCS began as a student teacher, and in 2022, she officially joined as a teacher.
Beyond her dedication to education, Christine is a passionate feline lover who has made a difference in the lives of numerous Atlanta kitties through rescue and rehoming efforts. In her free time, Christine finds solace in her love for plants, gardening, and immersing herself in nature. Her deep appreciation for movies, particularly in the sci-fi and adventure genres, makes her a true movie nerd. Her laughter is contagious, and she cherishes moments filled with joy and humor. She eagerly looks forward to sharing laughter and creating meaningful connections with those around her.
Security Resource Officer
Coming soon
Kindergarten Teacher
Jaquoia Rockmore joined the ANCS faculty in 2017. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management.
Ms. Rockmore brings a deep commitment to equitable education and student-centered learning. She is passionate about fostering strong relationships with her students and helping each child feel seen, supported, and empowered.
In the classroom, Ms. Rockmore creates a warm and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
An Atlanta native, she enjoys spending quality time with her son, working out, watching documentaries and TV shows, and exploring new restaurants. She has a deep love for learning and is dedicated to continuous personal and professional growth.
K- 5th Grade Instructional Technology Specialist
Makisha Rogers joined the ANCS faculty in 2017 as an Instructional Technology Specialist. She has been teaching for 8 years and earned her B.A. degree in Advertising/Public Relations from the University of Georgia. She also earned her Masters of Education in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Georgia.
Ms. Rogers loves learning about different digital tools and ways to incorporate digital learning into the curriculum, developing the whole child. Her teaching background is in Language Arts and Reading, so she is particularly interested in how digital tools can support literacy instruction. She also thinks coding, tinkering, and making is going to play a critical role in developing future ready students, so she is very excited about this movement and the new possibilities it brings to education.
Prior to starting at ANCS, Ms. Rogers taught ELA/Reading at Price Middle School for 3 years. She served as Technology Integration Specialist at Atlanta Speech School for 4 where she supported both students and teachers in learning digital tools and integrating them into the curriculum.
Makisha Rogers loves being swept away by a good book. She is a huge Young Adult/Fantasy Fiction fan, Harry Potter Forever! Also, she sometimes likes to turn her music up really loud and have dance parties for one!
Kindergarten Teacher
Brittnay Sattler has been part of the ANCS community since 2011, starting as an intern and now marking her 14th year at a place she calls her second home. She specializes in Conscious Discipline, global citizenship, and relationship building. Of all her roles, she’s most proud to be the mother of a UGA sophomore, Hannah.
Before ANCS, Ms. Sattler taught in preschools including Discovery Montessori Academy and The Children’s Garden. She was part of the first New Teacher Residency Project cohort, which became the CREATE Program at Georgia State, where she later served as a mentor.
She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education with an ESOL endorsement and an M.A. in Creative and Innovative Education from Georgia State. Ms. Sattler loves the strong sense of family at ANCS and brings a passion for constructivist teaching and nature-based learning. A lifelong adventurer and traveler, she’s visited over 50 countries and grew up in Saudi Arabia.
MTSS/504 Coordinator
Lindy Settevendemie re-joined the ANCS faculty in 2021 and is now the elementary campus 504 Coordinator and the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Coordinator, which allows her to assist with early, targeted interventions that support whole child development. She also develops social and emotional learning (SEL) materials in alignment with ANCS’s guiding principles for teachers’ use in K-5 classrooms. “Ms. Sette” has been an educator for almost 2 decades; she taught at ANCS’s Middle Campus from 2011-2016 and high school in Pittsboro, North Carolina from 2006-2010. Before returning to ANCS, Ms. Settevendemie was the Project Coordinator for Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning at Emory University’s Compassion Center. She holds a BA in English from the University of Georgia, MAT in English Education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Teacher Support Specialist certificate from Georgia State University.
In her free time, Ms. Settevendemie enjoys consulting about social-emotional learning and development, volunteering, traveling, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family, including her husband Randy, dog Pickle and cat Olive. She is thrilled to be part of the ANCS community because it is vibrant, dedicated, reflective, and loving.
5th Grade Teacher
Grace Simonsen is currently in her final year at Georgia State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. This is Grace’s first full year as a student teacher, having gained valuable experience through placements in various schools last year. Throughout her college years, she has worked extensively in child care, including nannying and babysitting for multiple families and spending her summers as a camp counselor.
When she’s not in class or student teaching, Grace enjoys reading, watching TV with friends and family, and making the most of her senior year of college.
3rd Grade Teacher
Toni Sulmers has an undergraduate degree from Smith College and Masters in Education from Piedmont College. She has been teaching for 15 years.
Toni loves to travel and has been to six continents. She has an identical twin. She loves to scuba dive and hopes to get her master diver certification one day.
Learning Lab Specialist
Born in Dallas, Texas, Susan Taylor also spent parts of her childhood in London, England and on an Arabian Horse Farm in Oklahoma.
Ms. Taylor received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of South Carolina. During college, Ms. Taylor traveled, studied, and lived in Mexico and Europe. In 1997 she completed a Masters in Public Health with an emphasis in Maternal and Child Health. After having her own children, Ms. Taylor studied midwifery, holistic prenatal care and childbirth, and served as the President of South Carolinians for Midwifery for several years. In addition, she home-schooled her own children until moving to Toronto, Ontario, where they attended a small neighborhood school.
Ms. Taylor began teaching at the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School in 2004. For her, the best part of working at ANCS is the small, family-like community. Committed to intown living and neighborhood schools, Ms. Taylor and her family live in Ormewood Park.
Kindergarten Teacher
Heather Tomlinson has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame, an M.A. in Cultural Perspectives of Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia. This is Ms. Tomlinson’s fourth year at ANCS.
Ms. Tomlinson was a medical editor for Medscape Education for 11 years before going back to school for a Master of Arts in Teaching. She is originally from San Diego, CA, but has lived in Atlanta for about 20 years. She loves spending time with children, and is a mom of two girls in elementary school. She enjoys playing roller derby, hiking, camping, and getting lost in a good book.
School Counselor & Test Coordinator (K-5)
Leslie Jo Tottenham has worked at ANCS since 2007. Prior to coming to ANCS, she was a school social worker in DeKalb County Schools for nine years.
For Ms. Tottenham, the intelligent and dedicated professionals at ANCS make it a great place to work. “The teachers at ANCS have a true passion for education and care for their students.”
Ms. Tottenham is originally from Texas. She and her husband enjoy trying to keep up with their twin boys! She also loves travel, yoga, reading, and watching college football.
Ms. Tottenham has a B.A. in philosophy and political science from Vanderbilt University. She also has an M.S.W. from the University of Georgia. She is a licensed clinical social worker. As a school guidance counselor, Ms. Tottenham has experience with individual and group counseling as well as classroom guidance. She serves at the ANCS School Test Coordinator.
5th Grade Teacher
Kristin Traina rejoined the ANCS faculty in 2025 as a 5th Grade Associate Teacher. She holds a dual undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and K–12 Special Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Mathematics Education, all from Georgia State University.
Ms. Traina brings 11 years of experience working in educational settings. Prior to returning to ANCS, she served as the Youth Programs Coordinator at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, worked as a professional organizer, and ran a small business creating custom decorated sugar cookies.
In the classroom, Ms. Traina is passionate about supporting students’ academic growth while also nurturing their confidence and creativity.
She lives in Grant Park with her husband and their lovable dog, Bean.
4th Grade Teacher
Christian Wade attended Piedmont College to play college tennis before transferring to Georgia State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education. She is also a certified Special Education Teacher.
Ms. Wade has been teaching for two years. For six years, she has been coaching tennis to a range of ages from tots to adults at the Sweetwater Tennis Center.
When not in the classroom, she loves to cook, go on walks with her family, try new restaurants, and play tennis with her ALTA team.
K-5 Music Teacher
Annette Wawerna began her career as an educator at ANCS in 2010; however, she has been involved with the school as a parent and community member since before the school opened. Ms. Wawerna has been teaching in one form or another since 1989. Prior to working at ANCS, Ms. Wawerna was a music teacher with The Music Class, an early learning music program for children and their parents/caregivers. She was a 2nd grade teacher at Knollwood Elementary School in DeKalb County. She began her career in education as the Outreach Coordinator in the Education Department at the Center for Puppetry Arts. In this position, Ms. Wawerna traveled around the country doing puppetry workshops or longer “Artist in Residency” programs creating puppet productions with students.
According to Ms. Wawerna, “ANCS is filled with the most talented, professional, dedicated teachers I have ever had the privileged to work with. The wonderful families of this community are deeply committed to being involved in daily, demanding operations of the school. Everyone who comes into our school feels what a special place this is. But of course the very best part of ANCS is the children, the children, the children!” Because she has worked with ANCS since its beginnings, Ms. Wawerna has a unique perspective on this history of the school. She says, “After watching the school rise-up after the fire, I became convinced that the story of our school needed to be preserved and shared. I spent several years making the documentary, From Acorn, to Oak, The Story of the Neighborhood Charter School that premiered at the school in February of 2010.”
Ms. Wawerna lives in Grant Park with husband Michael, son Asher, daughter Dorothy Ava, and their dog George Bailey. She is passionate about music and likes to incorporate music whenever possible into the classroom. She is thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten with Kole Camp and is looking forward to a year filled with exploration, discovery, and collaborative learning with our school family.
Ms. Wawerna received a B.A. with a Theater major and Music minor from the University of the South at Sewanee. In 1996, she completed her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at Georgia State University where she was the recipient of the Robert I. Blainey and Joe C. White Scholarship Award which is presented to a student in Early Childhood Education who exhibits the highest potential for excellence in teaching and who pursues knowledge beyond required coursework.
Kindergarten Teacher
Mahogany Williams holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Texas Woman’s University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University. With a decade of teaching experience, she has previously taught Pre-K at Haygood WCM and 2nd Grade at Academy of Scholars.
Mahogany’s passion for education ignited during her junior year of college while she was on a Pre-Med track to become a pediatrician. Working as an after-school teacher brought her immense joy as she witnessed children learn and thrive despite their diverse learning styles and backgrounds. It was then that she realized teaching was her true calling.
In her spare time, Mahogany enjoys dancing, reading Christian fiction, and cheering on her children at their various sporting events. A die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, she can often be found on the soccer field, riding bikes with her family, or tackling DIY projects around their home on the weekends.
Learning Lab Specialist
Lesley Wood has been a Special Education teacher for 11 years and is beginning her 8th year at ANCS. She’s looking forward to being a specialist in the learning lab this year, after having previously been a 5th grade teacher for 3 years and teacher at the middle campus for 4 years.
Lesley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Georgia and is a certified Special Education Teacher. Prior to becoming an education professional, Lesley was a medical editor for over 15 years with Emory University and the American Cancer Society.
Lesley is the proud mom of two sons — a sophomore in college and a senior in high school. Her older son is on the autism spectrum and it’s through her journey with him and his experience that she became interested in special education and working with these amazing kids. She feels rewarded every day by connecting with and supporting the individual needs of every student. In her spare time, Lesley enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, live music, and attempting to solve true crime mysteries.
Principal, Elementary Campus
Lara Zelski has been at ANCS since 2007. Previously, she worked at the Howard School and taught art, Spanish, reading and math. She taught 6th, 4th, and 2nd in DeKalb County. She taught 4th and 5th grade in Decatur and then moved to Title One reading and math instruction for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. She taught 5th grade at the ANCS elementary campus for two years. She then became the school’s Curriculum and Assessment Specialist and served in that role for two years before being named principal of the elementary campus in 2011.
For Ms. Zelski, the best part of working at ANCS is the community. “Everyone here is invested in doing what is best for our students and the school. Working with the outstanding teachers and staff brings me tremendous joy as well.”
When she is not at school, Ms. Zelski loves camping and hiking, and being outdoors. She also enjoys running, baking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Ms. Zelski has a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Agnes Scott College where she also received her Elementary Education certification. She has her Master’s in Reading and Literacy from Walden University, her Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Ms. Zelski’s area of expertise is leading teachers in understanding and developing age-appropriate curriculum in their classrooms.
Middle Campus Faculty & Staff
6th/7th Grade Mathematics ESS Teacher
Originally from the great city of Chicago, Desireé Bennett completed her undergraduate studies at Clark Atlanta University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She received her teacher certification through University of Georgia, and obtained an ESOL endorsement and two Master’s degrees from Georgia State University in Urban Teacher Leadership and in Reading, Language and Literacy. She says, “Working with middle schoolers has been an incredible journey. This developmental period is such a special time, because our young scholars are just beginning to make sense of the world in their own way, and being part of that process has been really rewarding. Whether it’s in Math or Language and Literature, it’s amazing to see a student build the confidence to meet challenges in ways they never thought they could.”
Before coming to ANCS, Desireé taught at the elementary level for eight years. Prior to that, she taught preschool for three years, and taught her two daughters at home for as long as she can remember. She worked as a manager for a local day spa before her first daughter was born, teaching clients about the benefits of holistic healthcare. She also worked at Emory’s School of Public Health, teaching a wellness curriculum in a community outreach program called Go Girls!
Desireé loves to learn about other cultures, and now that her two daughters are off to college, she’s looking forward to traveling to these far off places. She loves the water, is a dance enthusiast and has an appreciation for many different genres of music (although Soul House, Afrobeat and Reggae are some of her favorite styles). Desireé is also a proud cat mom!
7th/8th Grade Visual Arts Teacher
Nathan Bubes has been an educator at ANCS since 2009. Previously he has been an Art Instructor for various summer camps in Atlanta and a Production Manager for two mural and faux finishing companies. He also taught graphic design at the South West Fulton Arts Council and was a graphic designer/print specialist for BlackSheep Printing.
Mr. Bubes describes the best part of working at ANCS as being the staff, the principal, and “the trust and respect between the two!”
Mr. Bubes is from Washington, D.C. He is married and is the father of two sons and one daughter. He loves skateboarding. A favorite quote of Mr. Bubes is “Chance favors the prepared mind.”
Mr. Bubes has a degree in Studio Art with a focus on Africana Studies and Philosophy from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also graduated from the Suitland Center for the Arts and was the recipient of the Maryland Distinguished Scholar in Art Award in 1994.
6th/7th Individual & Societies
Rick Caldwell holds a degree in History and Secondary Education from Columbus State University. With five years of teaching experience, Rick has previously taught Government at Westlake High School before joining Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School as an Adjunct Teacher.
Outside of the classroom, Rick enjoys playing and watching sports, with a particular passion for soccer. He also spends his free time reading and listening to science fiction.
6th/7th Grade Individuals & Societies Teacher; MC AfterCare Director
Santina Cambor graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. Before joining Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School in 2010, she spent 14 years as an Administrative Clerk for the Supreme Court of Georgia. Known affectionately as “Ms. Santina” within the ANCS community, she values the supportive staff, dedicated parents, and exceptional students that make the school special.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Santina enjoys summer learning activities, cheering on the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia State Panthers, experimenting with new recipes, spending time with family, and watching criminal investigation shows. She also serves as a school-based mentor teacher for GSU teacher residents in the CREATE program and co-advisor of the Model UN program.
7th/8th Grade Design Teacher
Coming Soon
6th/7th Individual & Societies
Manuel holds a B.A. in Cognitive Neuroscience & Evolutionary Psychology from Harvard University. He has been teaching and working in school settings for two years and is now entering his third year. Prior to joining ANCS, Manuel was a Senior Counselor at the Phillips Brooks House Association’s Roxbury Youth Initiative, where he provided academic instruction and summer recreation for low-income families, primarily from public housing developments in Roxbury, MA. He also has experience as a visual artist, specializing in videos and portrait photography.
Manuel enjoys music, art, working out, traveling, and spending time with his partner, family, friends, and his dog, Frooty.
7th/8th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Aleah Clemmons joined the ANCS faculty in the 2016-2017 school year. Ms. Clemmons holds a B.S.E. in Middle Level Education and a M.Ed in Mathematics Education from Georgia State University.
Ms. Clemmons’ areas of expertise are in mathematics and language arts. She has worked in the ANCS after school program, as a humanities and math teacher in ANCS’s Saturday school, and the CREATE teacher residency program. She fell in love with ANCS’ close-knit, family-oriented space. She loves all things MATH!
In her spare time, Ms. Clemmons loves to stay active by being a cheer coach and playing kickball. She is exploring new ways to step out of her comfort zone and find new hobbies.
6th/8th Performing Arts Teacher
Jacob joined the ANCS faculty as the performing arts teacher in the Fall of 2021. Mr. Dewey has a degree in Chemistry from The College of New Jersey. Mr. Dewey has been a pianist, piano teacher, opera singer, voice teacher, and accompanist professionally for over 20 years. He coaches and teaches musicians regularly.
Prior to coming to ANCS, he spent many years in retail operations and HR focusing on training and development.
Mr. Dewey has over 20 years working in the performing arts as a pianist, singer, opera singer, and accompanist. He has multiple years experience teaching children’s theater and stage tech. In his spare time, you find see him riding roller coasters at an amusement park somewhere in America or hiking a trail somewhere in Georgia.
6th/7th Language & Literature Teacher
Monday has a Bachelors of Art in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Education from Seattle University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching for Special Education at the University of West Georgia. Monday has been in the classroom setting for three years, one of those being at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School.
Monday’s background with young people started in food justice work, specifically growing and cooking food with 4th-8th grade students in Seattle, WA. Monday has worked at various food education nonprofits in and out of schools. Their passion for accessible education and disability justice led them to the classroom. Before joining Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School in 2022, Monday worked in Clayton County Public Schools as a middle school teacher in Special Education. They enjoy teaching through the intersections of food, art, and storytelling.
As a neurodivergent and disabled person, Monday loves creating accessible learning spaces that are full of love and advocating for the infinite ways of being in this world. Their work in education is also deeply tied to their identity as a queer, trans and nonbinary person. This is the lens that they come into the classroom with and is very meaningful to them. As a white educator, they are committed to anti-racism work in their personal and professional life. Learning is for life.
Monday’s big loves include laughing over shared meals with loved ones, swimming whenever they can, and dancing to house music in the trees. Monday’s closest people would say that their bouncy and welcoming energy brings warmth into the classroom.
7th/8th Grade Language & Literature Teacher
Heidi Goodwin holds a Master’s Degree in English and Critical Theory from the UK and 28 additional graduate hours in Teaching from CUNY. She was originally certified in New York before moving to Atlanta. She completed her Bachelor’s Degrees in both German and English (double major) at the University of Richmond, VA.
With 28 years of teaching experience, Heidi began her career at what was then Grady High School. She spent ten years teaching Freshman Composition, World Literature, American Literature, and Creative Writing at Perimeter College. Since leaving Perimeter, Heidi has been part of the ANCS community and is now entering her 14th year.
Prior to ANCS, Heidi taught in Graz, Austria through Fulbright after completing her undergraduate degree. After leaving a PhD program at Syracuse University, she worked for a women’s baking collective called “On the Rise” in Syracuse and then for Finger Lakes Organics in Ithaca, NY. Thereafter, she returned to graduate work in teaching, during which time she worked in the CUNY Writing Center.
Heidi loves gardening and home-making. She adores her children and is incredibly proud that they are both now in college. As an avid reader and writer, she is deeply involved in the school community, serving as a longstanding member of the Advisory Committee on the middle campus and contributing to the DEI curriculum.
Her passion project is leading opportunities for International Service Learning. She has just returned from a second ANCS service learning trip to Peru, with another group heading to the Dominican Republic over spring break. For more information on these projects, feel free to reach out to her!
Security Resource Officer
Coming soon
ESS Lead Teacher
Leslie has a B.A in History with a Minor in Psychology and an M.A. in History, with a concentration in European History (specializing in Crime and Gender in Early Modern Britain) from Georgia State University. She has worked at ANCS since the 2020/2021 school year.
Prior to coming to ANCS, she was a writing consultant at Georgia State University where she collaborated with professors to provide assistance to students to improve their skills in researching, academic writing, and editing.
Leslie was born and raised in Michigan but has been a resident of Atlanta since 2004. She enjoys watching football, hiking, and home improvement projects.
Instructional Coach
Nickey Hardon joined the ANCS family in 2013. She loves being a part of an open, friendly collaborative community. She received her B.A. in Physics from Emory University and her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia Southern University. Her areas of expertise include science and math instruction, International Baccalaureate Leadership and coaching/mentoring novice educators. Since arriving at ANCS, Nickey has worked extensively with CREATE and Georgia State to support teaching residents from all over APS. Previously, Ms. Hardon was a lead teacher in several independent and public charter schools, as well as an MYP Coordinator.
In her free time, Ms. Hardon is an avid reader. She also enjoys line dancing, musical theater, sci-fi movies, and superheroes. She also loves her dog Covu, and two granddogs, Lollipop and Loki!
6th/7th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Andrew Heacock is a passionate 6th/7th Math Teacher at ANCS. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Mathematics Education from Ashland University and a Masters of Math Education from The University of Northern Iowa. This will be his second year teaching at ANCS.
With an impressive 14 years of experience in the education field, Andrew has honed his skills and expertise. Prior to joining ANCS, he served as an 8th-grade math teacher at Pace Academy, where he also took on additional responsibilities such as coaching volleyball, basketball, and track & field. He taught Robotics and Programming, served as the faculty supervisor of the MS newspaper, and held the position of 8th-grade boys dean. Andrew’s dedication to teaching also led him to The Lovett School, where he taught 7th and 8th-grade math.
On a personal note, Andrew resides in Woodland Hills with his amazing wife Molly and two wonderful young children, Dallas and Mara. A year spent in Nairobi, Kenya for his wife’s work left a lasting impact, and the family continues to visit almost every summer. Outside of teaching, Andrew’s interests include traveling, reading, cooking, and savoring delicious meals. He is thrilled to be a part of the ANCS team and looks forward to making a positive impact in the school community.
7th/8th Physical & Health Education Teacher
Alina Hinton, an Atlanta native, is a dedicated member of the ANCS community since 2009. With a passion for teaching health and fitness, she has become a veteran teacher aiming to enrich the lives of her students. Holding a B.S. in Sociology and Psychology from Georgia Southwestern State University and an M.S. in Human Services, Alina is equipped with expertise in conflict resolution, peer education/mediation, and modern/lyrical dance. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom as an active member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., contributing to her community in various impactful ways. A proud mother and grateful wife, Alina finds solace in her family while dedicated to spreading love and kindness beyond her home.
Adjunct Faculty Member
Rodrick Hinton joined the ANCS staff as an Adjunct in 2025. He attended Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy and went on to study at Oakwood University.
Before coming to ANCS, Mr. Hinton gained a wide range of professional experience. He served as a Facility Appearance Supervisor for Prime Flight Aviation Services, worked for six years in the mortgage industry as a loan processor and underwriter, and spent five years in retail as an assistant manager.
Mr. Hinton is passionate about creating supportive and engaging environments for students. Though new to the school setting, he brings strong organizational skills and a positive, team-oriented mindset to his role.
Outside of work, Mr. Hinton enjoys playing basketball, swimming, and serving as an audio technician for live music events. He especially loves mixing different genres and is always eager to explore new creative outlets.
6th/7th Grade Design Teacher
Coming soon
ESS Lead Teacher
Ayana Johnson earned a B.A. in Digital Media & Professional Communication from Texas Tech University. This is her first teaching role, and she is excited to begin her career at the same school that shaped her early education. Ayana is an ANCS alumna, having started in 1st grade in 2003 and graduating from the middle campus in 2011.
Ayana brings a unique perspective as a former student, now dedicated to supporting the next generation of learners at ANCS.
6th/7th Sciences Teacher
Christina Jones has a Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education from Georgia State University. This is her third year of teaching.
Ms. Jones has held a multitude of jobs in her life that have all led her to education. One of her first jobs was with Mitchell’s Place, a summer camp in Birmingham, Alabama specifically designed for students with neurodiversities. She moved to Georgia to gain residency for school and worked on a farm for two years managing the greenhouse and the production of thousands of seedlings. When Ms. Jones moved to Atlanta to begin her time at Georgia State University, she worked for a small company making circus fire props until graduation.
On the weekend, you can usually find Ms. Jones outside – hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping – as often as possible. She also loves crafts of any kind and usually has many projects she is working on concurrently. Her favorite time of year is fall, so you may find her decorating her classroom at least a month early for Halloween!
Office Manager
Coming soon
Middle Campus Counselor & High School Transition Coordinator
Kristin Lee has worked at ANCS since 2007. Previously she worked as a Night Shelter Supervisor at the Hospitality House, a Recreational Therapist at Hillside Hospital, and as a School Social Worker with DeKalb County Schools.
For Ms. Lee, the best part of her experience at ANCS is working with the students and seeing their hard efforts to overcome the various challenges that they face.
Ms. Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has been a school social worker and counselor since 2000. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Berry College and a Masters of Social Work from Georgia State University.
Ms. Lee is a mom of 2 active boys and loves playing tennis in her free time.
Middle Campus Media Center Specialist
Terri Linahan joined ANCS in 2011. Ms. Linahan earned a B.A. in Sociology from Valdosta State University and a Master of Library Media from Georgia State University’s College of Education. Her mission is to keep up with great literature for kids and young adults. As an avid reader, she tries to stay abreast of new releases, while examining classics with a modern critical lens. She loves connecting with our students and finding a book with which they can connect. In addition, Ms. Linahan tries to stay on top of current media, technology and cultural trends to better understand and guide our students.
Ms. Linahan has enjoyed a variety of work experiences including: a university bookstore, an archaeology lab and a number of years in corporate business as a software tester and finance associate. When Ms. Linahan was in graduate school, she became a small business owner, serving neighborhood clients in various domestic services such as pet sitting and child care. This allowed her flexibility to volunteer in local schools – including ANCS.
Ms. Linahan knows she has found her true calling and is passionate about coming to work every day. She says, “I am fortunate to be part of such a close-knit, positive learning community. My co-workers are inspiring, and I learn so much from the middle-grade students. It is such an endearing, transformative age, and I thrive on our conversations.”
She enjoys yoga, cooking, road trips, mysteries and the company of her friends, family and pets.
ESS Associate Teacher
Coming soon
Middle Campus Student Information Specialist / 6th & 7th Grade Trip Coordinator
Maria McFeeley has worked at the ANCS Middle School campus since the doors opened in 2005. Before joining the ANCS staff, Ms. McFeeley worked for the State of Georgia in their Welfare Fraud and Abuse division investigating internal employee misconduct and the fraud and/or abuse of welfare benefits by the client and/or service provider.
For Ms. McFeeley, watching the students grow during their time at ANCS is the best part of working at the school.
Ms. McFeeley is a huge football fan! She says, “I have standing dates every Saturday and Sunday in fall with the Dawgs and Falcons.”
Ms. McFeeley has a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Armstrong Atlantic State University. In her role at ANCS, she has expertise in student registration, student information, and the Food Service program.
7th/8th Sciences Teacher
In the fall of 2021, Toccara Nelson became a valued member of the ANCS faculty. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications from Bennett College and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Middle Grades Education, with a focus on Mathematics and Science, from Georgia State University.
Before joining ANCS, Toccara honed her skills as a Teaching Artist and Operations Manager at Creative Art Works in New York, where she shared her creative talents and nurtured artistic expression among students. Additionally, her passion for education led her to dedicate over a decade to tutoring students in mathematics, making a positive impact on their academic success.
Outside her professional life, Toccara’s creative spirit shines through her love for arts and crafts. She finds joy in various artistic pursuits, from crafting to painting, allowing her creativity to flourish. Moreover, she embraces her musical side and delights in sharing her singing talents with others. When seeking moments of relaxation and inspiration, Toccara enjoys embarking on invigorating road trips, discovering new places and experiences.
6th/7th Grade Spanish Teacher
Dr. Priscilla Noble joined the ANCS faculty in 2023 as a Middle Campus Spanish Teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Concordia University in Montreal and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, where she published her dissertation on teaching English as a Second Language.
Dr. Noble brings over 30 years of experience in education. She has served as an instructor for undergraduate and graduate education students at Georgia State University, a K–12 principal in the Dominican Republic, and a school leader at three Atlanta charter schools. She has also taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and served as Vice President of GATESOL.
In her Spanish classroom, Dr. Noble fosters a love for language and culture while building meaningful connections with her middle school students. She is passionate about helping students grow as global citizens and language learners.
She lives in the neighborhood with her husband of 25 years and loves seeing ANCS students around town. Their son Rey is a freshman at Mercer University studying International Affairs, and their daughter Caitlin is a senior at the University of Georgia studying Environmental Policy and Economics. As a family, they enjoy biking, hiking, camping, and SCUBA diving—most recently hiking and biking 100 km to Machu Picchu.
6th/7th Grade Individuals & Societies ESS Teacher
Dottie Pettes received her Education Specialist General Education Administration from Lincoln Memorial University as well as her Masters in Learning Disabilities from Hunter College and Bachelors in Sociology and Education from Metropolitan State College. She has been teaching for 36 years and specializes in Special Education.
Prior to joining the ANCS family, she served as Counselor for the Higher Education Opportunity Program, Education Coordinator for a private agency, and Special Education Teacher for a junior high school. Additionally, she worked as a Special Education Teacher for DeKalb County and Instructional Support Teacher and Special Education Coordinator for Fulton County.
In her free time, Ms. Pettes enjoys traveling, bike riding, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
6th/7th Physical & Health Education Teacher; Athletics Director
Detric Prather earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness Management with a minor in business from Clayton State University.
This is Mr. Prather’s third year teaching. He was a student assistant at Clayton State University, working at the information desk assisting with answering questions and directing where visitors, students and parents needed to go on campus.
Mr. Prather loves working with kids. He has coached sports, mostly basketball, for about five years. He is very passionate about helping and giving back to others in his community and wants to do all he can to help students be successful in school as well as in life.
Mr. Prather was born and raised in Conyers, Georgia. He enjoys eating, watching movies, and working out.
ESS Associate Teacher
Lea Price graduated from the Savannah College of Art & Design with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Photography and also spent two years studying and playing Division 1 basketball at Florida State University. Lea has been a part of the ANCS family for 12 years as a parent, and this year marks her fourth year working at the school and third year coaching the middle school girls’ basketball team.
Outside of school, Lea has a passion for camping and backpacking. She has already backpacked nearly 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail and aims to eventually complete the entire trail.
Lea, her wife, and their two children, Alice (a Junior at The New School) and Billie (a fourth-grader at ANCS), share their home with a lively assortment of animals, including two dogs, a bearded dragon, a hamster, and a flock of seven ducks.
Coach Lea is eager to lead her students in their middle school journey and also lead the girls’ basketball team to victory, GO WOLVES!
Adjunct Faculty Member
Coming soon
8th Grade Individuals & Societies and Heritage Speakers ESS Teacher
Roberto Rios earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Kennesaw State University.
Mr. Rios joined the ANCS faculty in the 2018-2019 school year. Prior to joining ANCS, he worked at Tapestry Public Charter as a 1:1 paraprofessional supporting students in achieving academic and behavior goals
In his spare time, Mr. Rios, enjoys reading and traveling with his wife and friends.
School Nurse
Leslye holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing at Mercer University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia State University.
Prior to joining the ANCS staff, Leslye worked as a nurse for 10 years at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. As a pediatric oncology nurse, Leslye enjoyed the opportunity to build lasting relationships with her patients and their families. Leslye has had the opportunity to travel to Port au Prince, Haiti several times to provide medical care to both children and adults. It was through this experience that Leslye discovered the importance of, and her love for, community health.
An Atlanta native, Leslye and her husband, Chris, moved to Grant Park in 2012. She has one son, Ezra, and and pup named Zeke. She enjoys practicing yoga, biking around the neighborhood and spending time with her family.
Middle Campus Principal
Mark Sanders has been working at ANCS since 2011. Before moving to Atlanta, Mr. Sanders worked in New York City. He spent three years teaching 7th and 8th grade mathematics at Middle School 50 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and two years at Harlem Village Academies teaching Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. At ANCS Mr. Sanders was a Math, Science, and Technology (M.S.T.) teacher for 5 years prior to serving as Assistant Principal for 4 and a half years. Mr. Sanders became the Principal of the Middle Campus in January of 2022.
Mr. Sanders has a B.A. in Public Policy from Stanford University and an M.S.T. in Secondary Mathematics from Pace University.
Facilities Manager
Ed Santos joined the ANCS staff in 2021 as Facilities Manager. He attended Lamar University and holds a Horticultural Certification from North Metro Tech. He is also a Georgia Green Industry Association Certified Plant Professional.
Mr. Santos brings over a decade of experience working in educational settings, combining his passion for horticulture, sustainability, and community care. Prior to ANCS, he spent 13.5 years in the Horticulture Department at Zoo Atlanta, ultimately leading the team before taking on a similar leadership role at the Houston Zoo. After the birth of his daughter, he and his wife made the decision to return to Atlanta, where he stayed home to care for their two children. He later joined The Ormewood School as a teacher before arriving at ANCS.
Mr. Santos is deeply committed to creating and maintaining school environments that are safe, functional, and inspiring for students and staff alike. He believes in the value of learning through doing and brings that philosophy into his work every day.
Outside of school, Mr. Santos enjoys attending live music events, following sports and politics, cooking, and gardening organically with native and pollinator-friendly plants. A lifelong learner, he is always seeking new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator
Dale Scott has been teaching at ANCS since 2014. Prior to her current role as MYP Coordinator at the Middle Campus, for eight years she taught Math, Science, and Design at ANCS. Ms. Scott is also the 6-8 Cross Country and Track Team Coach, and has enjoyed building the program and developing lifelong runners.
Ms. Scott received her B.A. in Spanish Language from Middlebury College and her M.S. in Middle Grades Education from Hunter College.
Prior to joining the ANCS faculty, Ms. Scott taught as an 8th grade Science teacher at Achievement First Charter School in New York and at KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School.
In her free time, Ms. Scott enjoys running and hiking with her husband and young children. She also likes to cook for family and friends and to travel to new places.
Middle Campus Assistant Principal
Nikia holds a Bachelor of Art in English from Mercer University, a Master of Art in Teaching Secondary Education from Agnes Scott College, and a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University. With 20 years of experience in the education field, Nikia began her career as a middle and high school English teacher in Dekalb and Clayton County, a role she held for 8 years. She then became a Professional Learning Specialist, supporting K-12 Instructional Coaches in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) for 2 years. After this, she served as an IB District Literacy Coach for grades 6-12 in Marietta City Schools for another 2 years before returning to APS as an IB MYP Coordinator for 8 years. This will be Nikia’s first school year at ANCS.
Nikia enjoys running, swimming, and reading a good book on the beach. She cherishes time with her husband, two wonderful children (including a daughter who is an ANCS alumna), and her rescue Chihuahua. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Nikia is proud to be part of the ANCS community.
6th/7th Grade Language & Literature Teacher
Talishia earned her degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida. She has five years of teaching experience in a school setting. Before starting a career in education, she worked for Aetna Insurance as a claim specialist.
Ms. Sims is a proud member of Omicron Psi Omega, INC., a Masculine of Center fraternity she joined during her undergraduate career at FAMU. She is an active member of the Alpha Beta Chapter here in Atlanta, Ga.
Ms. Sims enjoys reading, writing, spa days, weekend ventures throughout the city, and daily workouts in her free time. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, partner, and fur baby. She is passionate about providing an open and comfortable space for her students to relax and enjoy acquiring knowledge from words and expressing themselves with a pen.
MIddle Campus ESS Department Chair
Emily Stapp earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, later earning her Master’s of Science in Teaching from Pace University in New York City. She taught special education K-8 in a variety of settings and schools for 15 years before moving into the role of Exceptional Student Services Coordinator.
Ms. Stapp’s earliest job was working at Easterseals, a nonprofit organization that works to empower individuals with disabilities, as a camp counselor for children. That experience, coupled with the inspiration provided by her parents, both of whom had careers as social workers who served their communities, helped lead her to a career as a special educator.
Before joining the ANCS community as a staff member, Ms. Stapp worked in residential care, providing direct care and educational support to children and youth in Atlanta. While earning her master’s degree, she taught special education in the NYC Public School system for five years and then returned to Atlanta to continue her teaching career.
As a resident of Ormewood Park, Ms. Stapp feels invested in giving back to the community in which she lives through working at ANCS. She is dedicated to ensuring equity and inclusion remain at the forefront when serving students and families receiving special education services.
When not at work, Ms. Stapp can be found spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children who attend ANCS elementary school. Together, they enjoy singing, dancing, and playing daily, walking, scooting, and biking in the neighborhood, traveling to see family, and discovering new places.
MTSS/504 Coordinator
Ms. Sammy is the MTSS/504 Coordinator for our middle campus, and she’s been working in middle-level education for over a decade. This year marks her 13th year in education and her 12th at ANCS — it’s safe to say she’s right where she belongs!
Before taking on her current role, Ms. Sammy wore many hats at ANCS. She’s taught 6th and 7th grade Humanities, Individuals & Societies, and Language & Literature. She even spent a year at our Elementary campus teaching first grade. Outside of ANCS, she helped launch the Kindezi School at Old Fourth Ward, teaching fourth grade and expanding her impact on Atlanta’s students. Most recently, she brought her creativity and film background into the classroom as the 7th/8th grade Design Teacher — blending innovation and learning in ways only she can.
Ms. Sammy holds a B.S.E. in Middle Level Education with concentrations in Social Science and Language Arts from Georgia State University. She’s also been an active part of the Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta, the Metro Atlanta YMCA, and has cheered on young athletes as a volleyball and softball coach.
When she’s not supporting students and teachers, you’ll probably find Ms. Sammy soaking up Atlanta’s vibrant culture. She loves hitting up local festivals and live shows with family and friends, exploring thrift shops for vintage treasures, and getting lost in local art. Her dog Moneypenny is her constant adventure buddy. They love discovering new dog parks (bonus points if there’s a coffee shop attached).
Ms. Sammy’s also a thrill-seeker at heart. She’s conquered the front row of the tallest roller coaster in the U.S. and even jumped off the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas! She’s always up for a challenge, especially when it comes to finding creative ways to help every student thrive, no matter who they are or where they’re starting from.
7th/8th Grade Spanish Teacher
Dyan Taylor joined the ANCS faculty in 2017 as the Middle Campus Spanish Teacher. She has been teaching for more than 20 years, and received a B.A. English from Kennesaw State University.
Teaching foreign language is Ms. Taylor’s expertise, both English and Spanish. As a Venezuelan native, she taught both English and Spanish as a second language, with a stronger demand on English. Once she came to the United States, the opposite happened. Spanish became the foreign language she taught the most.
Ms. Taylor is married and a mother of two and has an eternal love of languages. Her fervent desire is to be multilingual. That same love of languages is paired by her desire to travel.
ESS Associate Teacher
Paris Whitney holds a B.A. in English from the University of Georgia. She has been working in the school setting for two years. Before joining ANCS, Paris served as a writing consultant for both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Georgia and tutored interdisciplinary writing.
ESS Associate Teacher
Emma Zelski earned a BFA from Agnes Scott College with a major in Studio Arts and a specialty in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology. She has been working in the school setting for five years, including roles as an aftercare teacher at ANCS and more recently as a substitute teacher at the elementary campus. During the summer, Emma also works as a camp counselor at a day camp for children on the autism and ADHD spectrum.
A highly creative individual, Emma is often found drawing, painting, or crafting. She loves learning new skills and taking on hands-on projects. Emma is a cat person and shares her home with a black cat named Bootie, who enjoys playing fetch.