Faculty

2000 Holcomb Woods Parkway Roswell, GA 30076

678.461.6102 bus 678.461.6105 fax

Mrs. Angela Naples, Head of School
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Mrs. Naples has 29 years experience in education, 16 of which were in the classroom as an elementary teacher. She
earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of Southern Mississippi and later earned a Master’s Degree
at Mississippi College in Clinton Mississippi. Mrs. Naples has attended the Teachers’ College Summer Institute at
Columbia University in New York City for both Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop. She has also co-authored a teacher
textbook on Math instruction for Macmillan Publishers and belongs to several professional organizations such as the
National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Independent Schools, Georgia
Association of Elementary School Principals, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Mrs. Naples
earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University.
Mrs. Diane Stinger, Assistant Principal/Counselor
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Mrs Diane.Stinger was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a product of the Catholic school system there. She is married with five children and five grandchildren. Mrs. Stinger is a certified teacher, counselor and administrator. Her twenty years of educational experience followed a Bachelor of Science degree from Gwynedd-Mercy College in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, a Master’s degree in school counseling from Georgia State University, an add-on Master’s in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. Mrs. Stinger is also a certified teacher’s coach for Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop after three consecutive years of Coaching Institute and Summer Institute training at Teacher’s College at Columbia University in New York City. She currently serves as Assistant Principal and Counselor at The Atlanta Academy.
Ms. Kathy Serrano, Business Manager
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Mrs. Gopi Shammas, Admissions and Development
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Mrs. Paige Moody, Writing and Curriculum Specialist
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Mrs. Patty Hook, Administrative Assistant
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Mr. James Marcellana , Technology Specialist
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James Marcellana is a graduate of Kennesaw State University. In 1999, he acquired his Bachelor of Science degree
in Information Systems. James comes to the Academy with over 15 years of experience in technology consulting and
8 years as a technology specialist in education.

Mrs. Judy Kleinhans, Teacher Assistant
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Ms. Lindsey Monette, PK4 Teacher
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Lindsay Monette has an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been a preschool teacher for 8 years; 5 of which were at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, and 3 at The Atlanta Academy. Lindsay has a passion for what she does and she enjoys teaching children and watching them grow socially and academically.

Mrs. Susan Ward, PK4 Teacher
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Susan Ward has an Associates of Arts Degree. She has been a preschool teacher for 3 years; 1 year at Christ The King in Florida and 2 years at The Atlanta Academy. Susan will be starting her 4th year at The Atlanta Academy this fall. She has a passion for teaching children and enjoys watching them learn and grow.

Ms. Niki Moenter, Young 5’s Teacher
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Originally from Ohio, Ms. Moenter is a graduate of Virginia Tech. She has lived in the Atlanta area for the past 11
years. This will be Ms. Moenter’s third year teaching Young Fives at the Atlanta Academy. Prior to that, she taught
Older Fours at Dunwoody Prep and also subbed at the Atlanta Academy. Her favorite age group to work with is four
and five year olds as they are so eager to learn and full of excitement to be in school.

Mrs. Nancy Moenter, Young 5’s Assistant
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Mrs. M (Ms. Moenter’s mother ) is pleased to be back in the classroom as her daughter’s assistant in the Young
Fives program. She graduated from Our Lady of Cincinnati College and taught high school science and preschool in
Ohio for several years before moving to Atlanta.

Mrs. Ashley Stinger, Kindergarten Teacher
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Mrs. Ashley Stinger earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from The College of Saint Rose and
Master's Degree in Reading from The University at Albany in New York. She recently completed her Educational
Specialist Degree in Elementary Education from Georgia State University. Mrs. Stinger is trained in Orton Gillingham
and also has attended workshops through The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University.
She has previously taught kindergarten in Cobb County and has been teaching at The Atlanta Academy for seven
years.

Ms. Dana Deubel, Kindergarten Teacher
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Mrs. Deubel has over 9 years classroom teaching experience. Mrs. Deubel is a graduate of Georgia State
University with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education. She has taught preschool for Dunwoody
Baptist Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. She has also taught kindergarten, and second grade
for Gwinnett County Public Schools. Mrs. Deubel has attended the reading workshops through The Teachers
College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University. This is Mrs. Deubel's third year with the Atlanta
Academy.

Mrs. Rhonda Nachamkin, First Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Nachamkin has 39 years experience in education, 32 years in Fulton County. She earned a Bachelor’s of
Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia as well as a Master’s Degree in
Educational Guidance and Counseling . She received her ESOL Endorsement and Elementary In-Tech Training from
Kennesaw State University. In addition, Mrs. N has attended both Reading and Writing Project Summer Seminars at
the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York.

Mrs. Mary Jane Trapani, First Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Trapani was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in
Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Mrs. Trapani has been teaching for 32 years. She taught self-
contained special education classes for 7 years in the Cobb and Dekalb County School Systems. Mrs. Trapani also
taught second grade for 24 years in the Gwinnett County Public School System. She will begin her second year
teaching first grade at Atlanta Academy.

Mrs. Phyllis McKenzie, Teacher Assistant
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Mrs. Phyllis McKenzie is so happy to be returning this year as the First Grade Assistant. A native of Pensacola, Florida, she attended Pensacola Junior College. She is an avid gardener, loves to read, and mom to Mike and J.P., Atlanta Academy alumni. 
Mrs. Carolyn McCord, Second Grade Teacher
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Mrs. McCord recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Literacy Education from Teachers College at Columbia
University in NYC. She received a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. She
has taught third grade in Gwinnett County before taking a year off to focus on her Masters degree. She married her
husband, Harrison, this July. He’s a big UGA fan, but she loves the Yellow Jackets! In her spare time she enjoys
cooking and traveling.

Mrs. Elizabeth Minor, Second Grade Teacher
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Ms. Minor graduated from Georgia State University in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. During her time at GSU, she was a member of the Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society. Elizabeth has had experience in all grades Pre-K through 4th grade, including student teaching in a third grade class at Hawthorne Elementary in Dekalb County. She is looking forward to teaching at The Atlanta Academy. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to do anything creative (painting, drawing, print-making) and go on hikes with her Labrador Retriever, Hank.

Mrs. Cornelia Richmond, Third Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Cornelia Richmond is originally from Cleveland Ohio and has been teaching for 33 years. She graduated from Baldwin – Wallace College in Berea, Ohio with a degree in Early Childhood. She has taught first grade, second grade and currently teaching third grade. Mrs. Richmond has been teaching with the Atlanta Academy since it began. When not teaching you can find Mrs. Richmond traveling with her husband, reading a good book or relaxing on the beach. She looks forward to another great year.

Ms. Elizabeth Monette, Third Grade Teacher
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Ms. Elizabeth Monette was born in Biloxi, Ms, but grew up in Georgia. She attended Reinhardt University where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught for eight years, seven of which were at the Atlanta Academy. She has taught first grade, fourth grade and third. In addition, she has attended the Teachers’ College Summer Institute at Columbia University in New York City. When she isn’t teaching you can find her reading a good book or hanging out with friends and family. She looks forward to another exciting year at the Atlanta Academy.
Mrs. Kara Cheever, Fourth Grade Teacher
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Ms Terri Williams, Fourth Grade Teacher
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Ms. Williams, a native Virginian, is “Mom” to Daniel, 29 and Anna Ruth, 27. She feels very fortunate that both
of them live and work in the Atlanta area! Family time, music, reading, dining out with friends, walking, and
traveling are among Ms. Williams’ favorite things to do.   She has taught for 20 years. Ms. Williams holds a
B.S. from Athen’s State (Alabama) University in Early Childhood Education. She has led teacher training
sessions in Writers'/Readers Workshop and has participated in advanced training in reading, writing, math
and special needs.

Ms. Kerri Stinger, Fifth Grade Teacher
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Ms. KerriStinger graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Middle School Education, and has
attended the Teachers’ College Summer Institute at Columbia University in New York City. This will be her 3rd year
teaching 5th grade.
She has a 9 year old son named Ryan. She enjoys spending time with Ryan as well as running and training for
marathons. She is looking forward to another fabulous year at The Atlanta Academy!

Ms. Rhett Smith, Fifth Grade Teacher
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Rhett Smith will begin her 2nd year at The Atlanta Academy this fall as a 5th grade teacher, but has been teaching
for six years. She graduated from Sewanee with a BA in English Lit with a concentration in education, and shortly
after moved to Atlanta and began her first job teaching pre-K. Since then, she has taught 3rd grade, graduated with
a Masters in elementary education, and is enjoying life at The Atlanta Academy. When not at school, you can
probably find Rhett at a bookstore, a new restaurant, or a country concert!

Mr. Chris Garrett, Middle School Coordinator and Social Studies
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Mr. Garrett earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland; and a Masters Degree in Teaching
from American University; He has been a classroom teacher for 20 years. In addition, he has coached football,
basketball, stock market, and debate clubs.   He enjoy playing tennis, running, flag football, and basketball.

Mrs. Shannon Dishman, Science
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Mrs. Shannon Dishman grew up a farm girl in the South Georgia town of Waycross. After high school, she headed to the University of Georgia in Athens where she graduated with a degree in middle school math and science, and proudly served as Captain of the two-time National Champion UGA Majorettes. Her teaching career began in Tampa, Florida, where she taught gifted math and advanced & on-grade level science. Her husband’s job brought the family to Atlanta in 2002. Her family consists of husband Ken, three daughters Blakely, Bella and Whitney, their infamous pug Cupcake and too many other critters to name. The Dishman family belongs to the Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Mrs. Dishman LOVES college football, and in fact most Saturdays in the fall you can find her in an SEC stadium. She also enjoys traveling, gardening and reading historical fiction. She is very excited to be teaching at Atlanta Academy and is looking forward to a great year!

Mrs. Helene Freese, Middle School Math
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I am originally from South Africa, but I am very happy to have returned to Atlanta with my family after living in London where I taught Math and Chemistry. This is my fourth year teaching at the Atlanta Academy this time round, though I was the Media Specialist from 2001 to 2004! I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cape Town, a Masters degree in Analytical Chemistry, and an EdS degree in Instructional Technology (School Library Media) from UGA. I look forward to another great year teaching Math to the Middle School students.

Ms. Laura Efford, Middle School Reading Language Arts
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Laura Efford graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in English education. She
spent two years teaching 7th and 8th grade in a Cobb County public school. Laura became AVID certified and after
her first year of teaching, she was promoted to language arts department chair. As a second year teacher, she was
given the Cobb County Great Teachers, Great Kids award for excellence in teaching language arts. She went on to
complete her gifted in field endorsement. Next, Laura moved to The Atlanta Academy where she currently teaches
6th, 7th, and 8th grade reading and language arts. She is currently working on her master’s degree in secondary
English education at Georgia State University.

Mrs. Roula Madani, Middle School Spanish Teacher
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Roula Madani is the Spanish teacher for 5th grade and the middle-school. She is from the beautiful Mediterranean country Lebanon. This is her 10th year at the Atlanta Academy. Mrs. Madani has a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism with a Speech minor from Georgia State University. She also has a dual certification in Spanish and French. She is fluent in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, and loves to travel, discover new cultures, and spend time with her two boys.
Mrs. Susan Holbrook, Elementary Spanish Teacher
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Susan Holbrook has been teaching in Georgia for 13 years. She graduated from North Georgia College in 1996 with
a bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education. This will be her fourth year teaching at The Atlanta Academy, and is so
excited to begin a new school year.
Mr. Chris Libby, Music Teacher
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Chris Libby is now entering his fifth year at The Atlanta Academy. He earned his BS in Music Education from Georgia
State University where he studied trumpet with Kevin Lyons of the Atlanta Symphony. While at Georgia State, Chris
also performed in the Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. He is also a member of the 116th Georgia
Army National Guard performing on both trumpet and electric bass. He also performs with Bobby and the Aristocats,
a party and show band.
Mrs. Judy Stokes, Art Teacher
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Judy is a K-8 certified teacher who enjoys teaching part-time and being a full-time mother. My hobbies
include traveling, reading, watching my kids play soccer and hopefully, learning to play polo. She is married
to George and have two children - Jack,18 and Hannah, 15. She lives with three cats and one wonder dog,
Scout.

Mrs. Kristi McCarthy- Art Teacher
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Kristi McCarthy has a passion for art and loves teaching the students at the Atlanta Academy. Mrs. McCarthy
earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Georgia and has over 10 years experience in
the classroom. She is very excited to bring the amazing projects and ideas she learned while taking
workshops at Savannah College of Art and Design this past summer. Mrs. McCarthy loves making pottery,
running, and spending time with her husband Mason, and their three daughters, Emma, Grace and Annabel.

Mr. Michael Deubel, Athletic Director
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Coach Deubel is originally from Sag Harbor, New York. He is a graduate of Slippery Rock University with a Master's
in Education. He has been the Athletic Director of the Atlanta Academy since the school's opening in 2000. Coach
Deubel has brought the Atlanta Academy three different sports championships in volleyball, basketball, and baseball.
The past two seasons the girl's volleyball team went undefeated! Ms. Melissa Singh, Library Media Specialist
Teacher Website / Email
Melissa Singh joined Atlanta Academy in 2011. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and Psychology from Dowling College, New York and a Master’s of Science in Library and Information Science from Long Island University, New York. As a Certified Media Specialist she has established and developed several school libraries. She has extensive experience in cataloging materials to customize library collections for both staff and students. Ms. Singh has also taught a library curriculum to students in both public and charter schools, she has used Expeditionary Learning methods to engage students in the learning process. Ms. Singh is looking forward a great year at Atlanta Academy.
Mrs. Laura Smith, Speech
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Mrs. Smith has an undergraduate degree and Masters degree in Communication Disorders. She is a certified Speech and Language Pathologist. She has experienced working with a wide variety of populations including apraxia, Asperger’s syndrome, PDD, ADD, and with all age groups. During her career as a speech pathologist she has worked at South Fulton Medical Center with pediatrics as well as adults, Babies Can’t Wait and in the Cobb County school system. She lives in Suwanee with her husband and two children.

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