Our Teachers & Staff

Mr. Terry Harness - Principal

Mr. Terry Harness joined Atlanta Public Schools as the principal of Springdale Park Elementary in 2016.  Originally from South Carolina, Mr. Harness attended the University of South Carolina & the College of Charleston. Mr. Harness began his career as a teacher in Florence, South Carolina in 2000, moving on to become an assistant principal at the high school level and then a world language curriculum coordinator for Fulton County Schools in Atlanta. Mr. Harness has served as an elementary and middle school assistant principal in the Sandy Springs community, and he has been a member of the Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Council and the Georgia Department of Education Fine Arts Advisory Council. Mr. Harness is currently serving on the Midtown Cluster Advisory Team, School Leaders of Color Collective and SSF Budget Advisory Taskforce for the district. In 2022, Mr. Harness was recognized as a Cahn Fellows Distinguished Principal. 

Under the leadership of Mr. Harness, Springdale Park Elementary has been recognized with the Gold Award from the state of Georgia for Highest Performance on the Georgia Milestones Assessment. Springdale Park is a No Place for Hate School as well as a Green Ribbon school and was recently awarded STEM Certification. 

Mr. Harness is excited about being the inaugural principal of Virginia-Highland Elementary School! Mr. Harness resides in the Midtown community and looks forward to seeing students and families in and out of school.

Mrs. Laura Dostie - Assistant Principal

Laura Dostie joined Atlanta Public Schools in 2013 at Warren T. Jackson Elementary School. A native of metro Atlanta, she grew up in Peachtree Corners, GA. Laura received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Furman University. Mrs. Dostie began her teaching career in Spartanburg, SC, in 2009. Upon returning to Atlanta in 2013, she taught fourth grade and gifted education before transitioning to lead Jackson’s STEAM signature program. Under Laura’s leadership, Jackson Elementary became the second school in the nation to be certified as both Cognia STEM and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Laura has a passion for STEAM education and strives to prepare students with the skills and knowledge to be successful innovators ready to change the world! Laura participated in the APS Aspiring Assistant Principal’s Program and was named Warren T. Jackson Teacher of the Year in 2023. 

Laura lives in Chastain Park with her husband, Michael; children, Walker, Christian, and Evie; and their dog, Derby. They enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new food spots around Atlanta! 

Laura is to welcome you to the Virginia-Highland family. She looks forward to working alongside faculty, students, and families to prepare students to make a positive impact on the future

Mrs. Mesha Bolton - School Counselor

Welcome to all things VHE Counseling for the 26-27 SY! I am Mrs. Bolton, the School Counselor, and I am excited to work with your child!

I attended Florida State University for my undergraduate degree and earned my specialist degree from the University of Georgia. Before I became a School Counselor, I worked as a Special Education Teacher and Student Support Coordinator. This is my 12th year as a Professional School Counselor, and it is truly my passion. Outside of school, I am a mom of three boys and love trying foods from all around the world!

VHE's counseling program goals are to focus on advocating for inclusion, respect, and equity; modeling empathy and compassion; teaching life skills that prepare students for the world; and finding joy in all the small moments.

Please note that this year at VHE, I will also be serving as the 504 Coordinator.

Website: https://sites.google.com/apsk12.org/vhe-counseling/home

Mrs. Corrie Madlem - Humanities Instructional Coach

Corrie Madlem is excited to join the Virginia Highland Elementary community as the Humanities Instructional Coach. Corrie is a native Atlantan with over 20 years of educational experience in both the private and public sector. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. In addition, she also holds certifications in Reading, ESOL, and Leadership, and Orton Gillingham.

During her ten years at Springdale Park Elementary School she taught 1st, 2nd,3rd,and 4th grade. There she led a mentorship program, served on the GO Team, and received the Teaching in Excellence Award. The past two years of her career have been spent as the Student Support Specialist at Sarah Smith Elementary School where she built a robust intervention program that specialized in building capacity in teachers as they supported students with academic and behavioral concerns.

She is passionate about creating lifelong readers and writers who view the world through an empathetic and compassionate lens. She believes all students can learn and grow when given a safe, nurturing environment that challenges the whole child. It is her mission to build a strong, rigorous, balanced literacy program where students engage in daily reading and writing through whole and small group instruction, guided reading, independent learning, and conferencing.

She is eager to join the Virginia-Highland community as the mother of four daughters who matriculated through the Midtown cluster, including one daughter who currently attends Midtown High School. When not at work, Corrie enjoys spending time with her large family, exercising, reading, and exploring the Atlanta restaurant scene. She and her husband of 25 years reside in West Midtown with their youngest child.

Mrs. Jessica Marrero - STEAM Instructional Coach

Mrs. Jessica Marrero is an experienced educator and instructional leader with Atlanta Public Schools. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education (2014) and M.S. in Early Childhood Education (2018) from the University of West Georgia.

She began her career as a 2nd-grade teacher and later served as a 3rd-grade STEM teacher before joining Atlanta Public Schools in 2018. Throughout her career, Mrs. Marrero has held leadership roles including Instructional Team Lead, Vanguard Technology Integration Coach, and APS Math Ambassador. She also holds a Leadership Endorsement through Metro RESA.

In 2023, Mrs. Marrero joined the administrative team at Virginia-Highland Elementary during the school’s inaugural year as the STEAM Instructional Coach. Since opening, she has partnered closely with teachers to lead the implementation of high-quality, interdisciplinary STEAM instruction across all grade levels through coaching, collaborative planning, and instructional design.

Mrs. Marrero is passionate about building strong instructional systems that support teacher growth and ensure all students engage in rigorous, meaningful learning experiences.

Mrs. Young Rhee - STEAM Program Specialist

Mrs. Rhee has been in education for over 25 years. She spent 15 years teaching science at Crews Middle School in Gwinnett County before transitioning to the elementary level, where she taught fifth-grade math and science at Springdale Park Elementary for six years. She now serves as the STEAM Program Specialist at Virginia-Highland Elementary.

Mrs. Rhee immigrated to Georgia with her family at the age of four and attended both DeKalb and Gwinnett County schools. After graduating from high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in math and science from the University of Georgia. She later obtained a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College. Mrs. Rhee is also gifted certified.

Mrs. Rhee lives in the Virginia-Highland community with her husband, Trevor, and their two children. Her daughter, Anya, is a rising senior, and her son, Trent, is a rising sophomore. Both attend Midtown High School.

Dr. Selina Nease - Exceptional Education Lead Teacher

Dr. Selina Nease has been teaching for 18 years. She earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University, a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University, and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College. In 2014, Dr. Nease earned a Doctorate in Teaching and Learning from Piedmont College. Dr. Nease is also certified to teach special education, has a gifted endorsement, and has completed 70 hours of Orton-Gillingham training.

Dr. Nease has taught in a variety of settings across multiple grade levels. She has been a classroom teacher in kindergarten, first, third, fourth, and fifth grades. Additionally, she has been a special education teacher in grades K-5.  Dr. Nease most recently served as the Special Education Lead Teacher/MTSS Coordinator for SPARK.

Family is very important to Dr. Nease. She is the mom to two boys. Jackson (20) is a junior at Auburn University. Jonathan (18) graduated this past school year and is taking a gap year to travel and work. As a family, they are all involved in Camp Kudzu-a summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes. They also enjoy traveling whenever possible.

Dr. Nease is excited to join the Virginia-Highland Elementary family as the SELT/MTSS Coordinator!  It is her personal belief that students, families, administration, and teachers must communicate and collaborate to be successful!

Mrs. Hannah Yarber - MTTS Coordinator

Go Dawgs! I am a tried and true Georgia Bulldogs fan. I grew up about 20 minutes from UGA in Watkinsville and then I attended UGA for my three degrees. My Bachelor's and Master's degrees are in Early Childhood Education and my Specialist's degree is in Language and Literacy Education. I learned so much through each degree, but I loved earning my Specialist's degree because I believe that language and literacy are so important in ALL areas of a child's life. I am entering into my tenth year of teaching and I think if virtual teaching didn't drive me away, I am here to stay. I have always wanted to be a teacher. I had the opportunity in high school to take a class where I worked in a first grade class all year long. I loved it and that year solidified that I would go to college to be a teacher. I love the creativity that can come through for both the teacher and students in the classroom.

When not at work, I love spending time with my family. My husband and I welcomed our first son in November 2020. He was certainly a bright light in a challenging year. I also love to work out and spend time outside. We go to a lot of Georgia football games, so I'll spend a lot of Saturdays in Athens in the fall.

I am so excited about joining the Virginia-Highland Elementary School family. I have taught at STEAM schools before and know how valuable those skills are for students to develop. I am looking forward to collaborating with different teachers in different grade levels and can't wait to bring that spark to the kids in their learning.

Mrs. Saadia Thomas - Social Worker

Meet Saadia Thomas, a school social worker who is deeply committed and passionate about supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Saadia is a native of Atlanta, GA, and an alumnus of Georgia State University, where she received her BA degree in Social Work and her MSW from Walden University. As a school social worker, she prides herself on fostering a safe and inclusive school community where every student can thrive, as well as feel seen, secure, and heard, while bridging the gap between school, families, and the community. While serving as a school social worker, her many skills and experience include providing resources to families, crisis intervention, and collaborating closely with educators and families to ensure a supportive environment for all students. She strives to continue her education and learning so that she may further develop and enhance her professional expertise and serve as a support system to both students and their families. Outside of her phenomenal work and role as a school social worker, Saadia enjoys being a wife and mother, learning new things, traveling, and creating memories with her family and friends that will last a lifetime. One of Saadia’s favorite quotes is by “Marian Wright Edelman and Wayne Muller”.

“Service is what life is all about. As we serve others, we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts as well”.

Mrs. Marcella Baker - School Psychologist 

Marcella Baker is a proud native of Detroit, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Madonna University before completing her Specialist degree in School Psychology at the University of Detroit Mercy. Most recently, she completed the Tier 1 Leadership Certification through the University of West Georgia and earned a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) endorsement through Northwest Georgia RESA.

Marcella has proudly served as a school psychologist for 17 years, dedicating her career to supporting the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success of students. Throughout her career, she has embraced numerous leadership and service roles beyond her primary responsibilities, including serving as a Spelling Bee moderator, Multicultural Club advisor, and Sources of Strength (SOS) sponsor. Within the Psychological Services Department, she also served on the Leadership Committee, supervised practicum students and interns, chaired the Equitable Practices Committee, and supported her team in earning the Excellence in School Psychological Services (ESPS) Award from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)—a distinction currently held by only 48 school districts across the United States.

She is passionate about building authentic relationships, creating equitable learning environments, empowering students to reach their full potential, and supporting school communities through collaboration. Marcella is excited to join the VHE school community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Outside of work, Marcella enjoys spending time with her husband, Marshall, and their four daughters—MiKayla, Maya, Maliyah, and McKinley. As a family, they love exploring new places throughout the South, trying local restaurants as self-proclaimed foodies, and cruising to new destinations whenever they have the opportunity. They also love spending weekends cheering on their daughters at cheer competitions, football and basketball games, and on the softball field.

Ms. Grace Fox - Pre-Kindergarten Exceptional Education Teacher

My name is Grace Fox, and I am excited to join the VHE team! I am originally from Seattle, Washington, but Atlanta has been my home since 2006. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Spelman College and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Seattle University. I am certified in both Elementary and Special Education, and for the last twelve years, have taught Pre-Kindergarten through third grade in Georgia.

Outside of the classroom, you can find me walking on the Beltline or playing trivia.

I hope to add to the wonderful community of learners at VHE and aid each child in his or her development in the first grade. I look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education.

Ms. Michelle Lopes - Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Michelle Lopes. I am elated to join the VHE family! I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. I also have a Master's degree in Elementary Education. I am currently working towards my Education Specialist (ED.S) degree along with my reading endorsement. I am a proud alumna of Spelman College and Mercer University.

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy reading children's literature, attending Braves games, and spending time with family and friends. I am honored to be part of your child's educational journey and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth.

Ms. Kiyanna Turner - Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Mrs. Kiyanna Turner, and I am thrilled to be your child's Pre-K teacher this school year. I look forward to partnering with you to create a year filled with learning, laughter, discovery, and growth.

I bring over 14 years of experience teaching students from Pre-K through 5th grade. I am from Montgomery, AL, where I received my BS in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University. I recently earned my Master of Education in Elementary Education with a concentration in Literacy Education from Georgia State University.

A little about me: I am a proud mom of four amazing children who inspire me every day. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, arts and crafts, doing puzzles, singing and dancing.

My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels loved, respected, and excited to come to school. I believe that strong communication between home and school is one of the greatest keys to student success, and I look forward to working together throughout the year.

Mrs. Sarah Bryant

Mrs. Sarah Bryant is looking forward to joining the Virginia-Highland Elementary family and teaching Kindergarten.  She is originally from Greenville, SC, but Atlanta has been her home since graduating from college. She graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She received her master’s and education specialist degrees from Georgia State University. Mrs. Bryant has taught kindergarten for 14 years and prior to joining VHE she taught 2nd grade at SPARK. Mrs. Bryant believes Kindergarten is such a special time in a child’s life and says it’s a privilege to be a part of that! In her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking, gardening and, of course, Clemson football!

Mrs. Laura Joella

Ms. Laura Joella is excited to continue teaching Kindergarten at Virginia-Highland Elementary. She is passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Her teaching is grounded in the Science of Reading and hands-on, engaging learning experiences that build strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity, confidence, and kindness.

As both a teacher and a mother of three, Ms. Joella understands the importance of strong partnerships between home and school. She believes every child can thrive when families and educators work together to support each student's unique strengths and needs.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Joella enjoys spending time with her family, reading, exploring Atlanta, and finding creative ways to make learning meaningful and joyful. She looks forward to another wonderful year of growing, learning, and celebrating each child's success.

Mr. Brian Matthews

I am so grateful and excited to be starting my fourth year of teaching at VHE on it's four year anniversary. I am a proud alumni of UGA and Mercer. Me and my husband, Luke Shouse, enjoy spending time with our families and friends, traveling the world, and spending time in our yard/garden. I am a big advocate of getting outside and enjoying the beautiful natural world. 

Mrs. Michelle McDaniel

Michelle McDaniel entered the education profession in 1998 at Shaw Heights Elementary school located on Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter South Carolina. Ms. McDaniel served as a second grade teacher there for two years before accepting an opportunity to departmentalize at a neighboring school, High Hills Elementary, wherein she served as a Fourth Grade Mathematics and Science teacher. Ms. McDaniel remained at High Hills Elementary for five years before becoming a state funded Mathematics, Science Instructional Coach within Sumter School District Two. She served as a K-5 Instructional Coach for four years at R.E. Davis Elementary School before moving to Georgia in July 2009. Ms. McDaniel joined Atlanta Public Schools that fall and was assigned to Continental Colony Elementary where she taught Fourth Grade Mathematics. In the fall of 2010, Ms. McDaniel was reassigned to Hope- Hill Elementary school where she taught four years of fourth grade which resulted in the largest Mathematics instructional gains for Atlanta Public Schools’ 2013-14 school year. The last year of Ms. McDaniel’s tenure at Hope Hill was spent teaching First Grade.

Ms. McDaniel is a dual certified educator of 21 years. She holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Morris College and a Masters in Elementary Education from Cambridge College. Ms. McDaniel holds Highly Qualified Certifications in the state of South Carolina and Georgia. Believing that learning is a life skill to be nurtured daily, Ms. McDaniel is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree through Capella University.

Michelle McDaniel is a native of South Carolina. Her passion for fishing, crabbing and beach life are reflective of life in the low country. She enjoys volunteering, community outreach and traveling.  She is excited to be joining the Virginia-Highland family where she will teacher EIP. 

Ms. Kenyata Moon

Mrs. Gale Weber

Gale Weber has been a Virgina-Highland resident for 22 years, and teaching kindergarten at our namesake school is an absolute dream come true!  

Mrs. Weber holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Southern University at New Orleans. Initially aspiring to provide support services to students, her career path took a different direction post-graduation. Now celebrating 19 years of teaching (and counting), she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Georgia State University. Mrs. Weber is passionate about her work in kindergarten, a place she describes as the foundation of academic, social, and emotional growth. Guided by her motto, “If no one tells them they can’t, they have every reason to believe they can,” she strives to create a joyful, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where children can thrive.

She enjoys family time at home with her husband, two children, and three fur babies. She loves the buzz of the Beltline, traveling to hiking destinations, gardening, and cooking. She is also a self-proclaimed football fanatic!  

Mrs. Melanie Allen

Mrs. Allen joined APS in the winter of 2025.  She grew up in Southwest Ohio and earned her B.S in Early Elementary Education from Miami University. She has spent 6 years working as a Georgia Preschool Teacher, being recognized as one of Georgia’s Exemplary PreK teachers at the end of 2010.  She was fortunate to work in half day preschools while her son was in attendance.  She believes that working with young children is a privilege and the ultimate give back to her community.  Mrs. Allen is ready to bring 13 years teaching experience and her enthusiasm for working with young children to VHE! In her free time, Mrs. Allen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading, and running into VHE families while walking her dog, Lola, in the neighborhood. 

Mrs. Jamie Bookspun

Jamie Bookspun is thrilled to be joining the VHE 1st grade team!  Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, she went to the University of Georgia where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2005. In 2011, she earned a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College.

This is Jamie’s 15th year of teaching and 13th with Atlanta Public Schools, where she worked at Springdale Park.  Jamie had an opportunity to move to New York City for 4 years, which had always been one of her dreams, but she decided Atlanta was where her heart was, so she came back to APS and Springdale Park and now Virginia-Highland Elementary.

When not at school, Jamie can be found spending time with her dog Shelby and family, reading, baking, and doing crossword puzzles. She also loves to work out and ride her bike on the BeltLine.

Ms. Olivia Provost

Hi! I'm Olivia Provost, and I’m so excited to be teaching first grade at VHE! This will be my 7th year teaching and my second year in first grade. I've also taught second, fourth, and fifth grades. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Early Childhood Education (Go Dawgs!) and earned my master's in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State University. 

One of my favorite parts of teaching is getting to know each of my students. Getting to know their personalities and seeing how much they grow throughout the year makes every day special. I love building relationships with my students and creating a positive classroom community where everyone feels welcome and excited to learn.

When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my family and friends, especially at the beach. I also enjoy reading, gardening, watching reality TV, and playing with my puppy, Lucy.

I’m looking forward to a fun year full of learning and growing together!

Mrs. Davonni Pugh

Hello! My name is Mrs. Pugh, and I am thrilled to be joining the Virginia Highland Elementary family!

I was born and raised in the Bay Area of California and now live in metro Atlanta with my family. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my two daughters, ages 17 and 8. Our weekends are often filled with cheer competitions and soccer games.

This is my 12th year in education. I have taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, all previously within Fayette County Schools. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University, and both my Master’s and Specialist degrees in Education from the University of West Georgia. I also hold an ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement.

I am passionate about creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. I strive to make learning engaging, meaningful, and fun for all students while fostering a positive, inclusive classroom community.

I am excited to begin this new chapter at Virginia-Highland Elementary and look forward to partnering with families for a wonderful year of learning and growth!

Mrs. Sarah Sandeford

Sarah Sandeford is so excited to teach first grade at Virginia-Highland Elementary! 

Sarah grew up in Pennsylvania as the youngest of three children. She moved to Athens, Georgia to attend the University of Georgia where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in French studies. After graduating, Sarah moved to Atlanta and taught at Creek View Elementary in Fulton County for five years. At Creek View, she taught first grade for three years before switching roles to become an ESOL teacher. She is currently receiving her master’s degree in reading education at UGA (Go Dawgs!).  

Sarah loves creating a welcoming classroom environment where students are excited to learn and work together. She values building strong relationships with all students and celebrating student growth. In her free time, Sarah loves to read, practice/teach yoga, and visit local coffee shops! 

Mrs. Diana Zarzour

Diana Zarzour is very excited to be at Virginia-Highlands for her 14th year in education. While born in Canada, she moved to Johns Creek, GA in the 3rd grade. She attended The University of Alabama to earn her Bachelor's in Elementary and Special Education and then The University of Alabama-Huntsville for her Master's in Differentiated Instruction. 

She taught Kindergarten and Second Grade in Huntsville, AL before moving to Atlanta in 2016. She spent 9 years at New Prospect Elementary School in Alpharetta, GA where she taught 4th grade and served as a Curriculum Support Teacher for 7 years. As the CST, she had the privilege of supporting every student, teacher, and family Pre-K-5 in all subject areas. With her family living in North Decatur, she decided to work closer to home and return to the classroom. 

Mrs. Zarzour loves the VHE community and is so excited for another year with our First Grade Owls!

When she is not teaching, she is spending time with her almost 3-year-old son, husband, and their Wheaten Terrier cooking or exploring new playgrounds and restaurants.

Mrs. Joy Depenbrok - STEAM Teacher

My name is Joy Depenbrok and I have been an elementary school teacher for 22 years. I have taught many grade levels, including 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, as well as served as an EIP teacher for a couple of years. I have been a teacher in APS for 10 years, and I am excited to be a part of the Virginia-Highlands Elementary family. 

I grew up in Northeast Ohio. I graduated from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, with a BA in Elementary Education. I then acquired a Master's Degree from Ashland University, in Ashland, Ohio. Having lived in Ohio all of my life, my husband and I decided we needed more life experiences, so we moved to Atlanta in 2006. We love the warmer weather and the beautiful "city in the forest".

Currently, I live with my husband and 2 children in Midtown, very close to the gorgeous Piedmont Park. I enjoy walking around the city with my family and 2 dogs, Remus and Rosie. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, watching NBA basketball (go Cavs!), and playing/coaching Ultimate (frisbee). I also enjoy riding my bike around the city... you may catch a glimpse of me riding my purple bike to school! 

Mrs. Candice Ellison - STEAM Teacher

Candice Ellison is an accomplished educator with over a decade of experience in the field of education. Originally from Powder Springs, Georgia, she pursued her passion for teaching by earning a Bachelor of Science in K-8 Education from the University of Arizona in 2013. Since then, she has worked in a variety of schools from Title 1 to Blue Ribbon, German Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate and STEAM. Gifted certified, Ms. Ellison comes from Jackson Elementary, where she served as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator. Ms. Ellison is committed to making learning engaging, relevant, and fun for all students! 

Ms. Ellison lives in Pine Lake with her partner, Bobby, and their daughter, Frances. She enjoys exploring local thrift stores for unique finds and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Mrs. Karina Land - STEAM Teacher 

Mrs. Karina Land is excited to be teaching second grade STEAM at Virginia-Highland Elementary! Formerly known as Ms. Canup, she is happily married and stepping into this school year as Mrs. Land. She brings several years of experience in education and a passion for creating hands-on, engaging learning experiences where students get to explore, build, question, and discover.

Mrs. Land earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University, along with her reading endorsement. She is currently pursuing her gifted endorsement and loves continuing to grow as an educator alongside her students.

When she’s not in the classroom, you can find Mrs. Land reading a good book, hiking to waterfalls, or exploring local restaurants and farmers markets. She’s a loyal fan of Atlanta United FC and the Buffalo Bills, and she believes every day is better with a little Disney music mixed in.

Mrs. Alexcia Moore - STEAM Teacher

Hi! My name is Alexcia Moore and I love working with the Virginia-Highland Elementary School community. With 16 years of experience as an educator and leader, I am deeply passionate about supporting student growth and helping every child reach their fullest potential. I believe in creating collaborative, engaging learning environments, and using innovative instructional strategies to help students excel—especially in Math and Science! My goal is to inspire curiosity, strengthen critical thinking skills, and foster a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.

I hold two degrees from Georgia State University—a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Public Relations and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education—as well as a Specialist’s degree in Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy volunteering, spending quality time with my family and friends, and (of course!) a little shopping. I am truly looking forward to meeting each of you and partnering together for a successful school year at Virginia-Highland Elementary!

Mr. Andricque Norwood - Humanities Teacher

Teacher of the Year - 2024 - 2025

Mr. Norwood is a native of Newton County and currently resides in the metro Atlanta area. He graduated from The University of West Georgia, earning his Bachelor's in Elementary Education. GO WOLVES!! Mr. Norwood has spent his entire teaching career in kindergarten and wouldn't have it any other way. Mr. Norwood enjoys watching his students create lifelong memories, all while falling in love with learning.

In his free time, he enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with his friends and family. Mr. Norwood is extremely excited to join the Virginia-Highland Elementary School community and looks forward to meeting each of you!

Mrs. Emily Treibel - Humanities Teacher

I am excited to join the Virginia-Highland Elementary team. I am from Greenville, South Carolina. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Clemson University. (Go Tigers!) I moved to Atlanta after college and began teaching in 2004. While teaching, I received my Master's degree from Piedmont College and my specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University. I have taught second, third, fourth, and fifth grades. Additionally, I was a literacy instructional coach for three years at Jackson Elementary. 

As a teacher, I value positive relationships with students and families in order to create a supportive learning environment. I enjoy nurturing students' curiosity about learning new information and watching their academic and personal growth. 

I live in Decatur with my husband, Adam, and our son and daughter. I enjoy reading books, exercising, and trying new restaurants in Atlanta. I currently spend a lot of my weekends at the ballfields cheering on my children. 

Mrs. Deivory Armstead - Humanities Teacher

I am thrilled to join Virginia Highlands Elementary! I began my professional teaching career in 2009 and  received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of West Georgia. Over the course of my career, I have taught second, third, and fourth grade.

I value building positive relationships with students and families. I am passionate about fostering students' curiosity for learning new things and establishing a classroom community that supports the whole child. 

In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, as well as explore new places and the hidden gems of Atlanta. I enjoy traveling, exercising, decorating, and attending sporting events around the city. I am looking forward to this school year!

Mrs. Alex Bosfield - STEAM Teacher

Hello good people 👋🏼🦉 I'm excited to share a bit about myself and my journey in education that has led me here, to Virginia-Highland ES! I'm currently entering my 23rd year of education, and it's been an incredible adventure so far. I've had the pleasure of teaching K-8 in Georgia and Minnesota. In APS, I’ve taught at Inman MS, SPARK, and Parkside ES. I've also served as an Instructional Technology Coach for Kennesaw State University. Before deciding to return to the classroom last year, I worked as a Coordinator of Innovation and Redesign for the district.

 I grew up in a small town in Vermont with my parents and two older sisters. It was there that my passion for teaching was ignited by my older sister, who has been a dedicated teacher for 35 years. When she was a student teacher in the 4th-grade classroom next to my 3rd-grade classroom, I was inspired by her love and passion for teaching. I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a major concentration in anthropology from the University of Vermont. I then went on to get my master's in technology in education from Lesley University. Additionally, I have endorsements in reading, ESOL, and teacher leadership.

In my free time, I love to travel with my husband, who is a flight attendant. I also enjoy nerding out with non-fiction books, watching mysteries, attempting successful gardening, and exploring new restaurants around the city. I’m also slightly obsessed with sloths 🦥

 As a teacher, I believe that communication is key! Building strong relationships with my students, colleagues, and parents is crucial to ensuring a successful year. I hold my students to high academic standards, but my ultimate goal is for each of them to leave my classroom as more empathetic and happier little humans.

Mrs. Amanda Edens - STEAM Teacher

Amanda Edens was born and raised in Atlanta where she attended Atlanta Public Schools, including Inman. She is thrilled to be teaching in the building where she went to middle school.  Amanda ventured to Worcester, Massachusetts for college, earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Clark University. After four brutally cold winters, Amanda decided to come back to sunny Atlanta where she attended Georgia State University and earned a Masters in Education.

This is Amanda’s fifteenth year teaching. She began her career in APS teaching at Toomer Elementary and then moved to Dekalb County where she taught at Bouie Elementary. She is so excited to be back at VHE for a third year. She has taught 2nd and 5th grade but has spent the majority of her years teaching 3rd grade.

Amanda lives in Kirkwood with her husband Chris, their two sons, Ben (5) and Ollie (2), and their dog Lulu. Amanda loves to run and enjoys trying new restaurants. She currently spends lots of time at the park searching for bugs and sticks with her kids. She is looking forward to a great year!

Mr. Charlie Held - STEAM Teacher

My name is Charlie Held.  Prior to working in Virginia-Highland Elementary, I was a teacher in Fulton County Public Schools for five years. I completed my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at the University of Michigan in 2018 and recently graduated with a Master's degree in Mathematics Education (PreK-8) at the University of Georgia.

In the classroom, I strive to create an environment that supports every student's growth and success. I understand that each child learns differently, and I'm committed to finding the best approach for each individual. Outside of the classroom, I love cycling through Atlanta and backpacking in the mountains.

I'm excited to be part of your child's educational journey and am confident that, together, we can help them achieve their full potential. Thank you for entrusting me with this important responsibility!

Mrs. Aiyanna Matthews - Humanities Teacher

I was born in Detroit, MI but I was raised in the City of Atlanta. I am a proud product of Atlanta Public Schools, having graduated from North Atlanta High School. In 2004, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University.

I began my career as a teacher in Fulton County Schools, where I taught GA Pre-K. While teaching, I pursued my Master's degree in School Counseling and graduated from the University of West Alabama in 2008.

After teaching in the US, I moved abroad to Abu Dhabi, UAE, where I taught English and Math for three years. Upon my return to the States, I returned to teaching in Fulton County Schools, and I continued my education and earned my Specialist degree in School Counseling also from The University of West Alabama.  With more than ten years of experience, I have also taught 1^st and 2^nd grades.

I love spending quality time with my 2-year-old son and I enjoy traveling abroad, exploring, and learning about various cultures. I am excited to be part of the VHE family!

Ms. Elizabeth Godwin - Humanities Teacher

I am so excited to join the team at VHE! I graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2018 with a degree in Elementary Education and earned my Master’s degree in Education in 2021 from Piedmont University. Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of teaching elementary students and helping them grow both academically and personally. I believe that strong classroom communities, where students feel supported and encourage one another, are the foundation for authentic learning experiences. Building meaningful relationships with my students is always my top priority because those connections create the trust and confidence needed for rigorous and engaging learning.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, kickboxing, and playing with my pets—Leo, Bee, and Oliver. I am thrilled to be joining the VHE community and look forward to helping further its vision of empowering all students to empathize, problem solve, explore, discover, and innovate. I can't wait to partner with students, families, and colleagues to make this a successful and memorable school year.

Ms. Meredith Beard - STEAM Teacher

Meredith Beard is thrilled to be part of the Virginia-Highland Elementary community!

Although born in Mississippi, Meredith spent much of her childhood living throughout Georgia, including North Georgia and the metro Atlanta area.

Meredith earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University in 2020. She has since completed her Master’s degree in Instructional Technology and is currently pursuing her Specialist degree in Instructional Media & Design.

Meredith began her teaching career in West Point, Mississippi, in 2020 and moved to Atlanta in 2021. She has taught both 2nd grade and 4th grade and is passionate about STEAM education and integrating technology to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. Meredith believes students are lifelong learners who thrive when supported academically, socially, and emotionally. She is dedicated to nurturing the whole child and supporting students as they grow into confident, resilient learners prepared for success in and beyond the classroom.

Outside of school, Meredith enjoys spending time with friends, shopping, watching college sports (Go Dawgs!), and exploring the city.

Mr. Thomas Freeman - Humanities Teacher

Mr. Freeman is ecstatic to be part of the VHE Family! He was born and raised in Moultrie, GA. After attending Columbus State University, he moved to Syracuse, NY where he helped develop arts integrated curriculum for NYDE. Thomas landed in Atlanta working with several independent schools in a variety of teaching capacities. In his free time you might find Thomas at The Good Place Farms living his best farmer life or on a nature walk with his two doggos Oliver Rhett or Emelia Noodles. Mr. Freeman completed his MAT at Georgia State University where he honed his arts integration skills to engage our population here at VHE! Stop by and see what's happening! 

Mr. George Monterola - Science/Social Studies Teacher 

Hello! My name is George Monterola, and I was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and my Master of Education in Elementary Education from Augusta University. Prior to joining VHE, I taught for three years in Gwinnett County, where I developed a passion for creating engaging learning experiences and helping students grow both academically and personally.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling, golfing, and spending time with friends and family. What excites me most about joining VHE is the opportunity to engage students in more active learning experiences and help them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. I am thrilled to become a part of the VHE community and cannot wait to begin this new journey!

Ms. Reena Patel - STEAM Teacher

My name is Reena Patel. I am thrilled to be joining the Virginia Highlands community! I was born and raised in Chicago, and have dedicated over 20 years to teaching in public schools. I have taught kindergarten, first, third, and fourth grade in very diverse communities, with the bulk of my experience being in comprehensive gifted classrooms. I have my masters degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as an endorsement in English as a second Language (ESL). I have invested the last few years piloting and implementing personalized learning strategies to keep up with our growing educational system. 

As a very recent transplant to Atlanta, I am looking forward to spending much more time outdoors! I love spending time with my daughter, gardening, reading, and exploring new places. It has been a pure joy to see some of my primary students grow into confident and amazing young adults, but it’s time for a new adventure!  I look forward  to joining the Virginia Highlands family and to collaborate with the strong and special community that already is. 

Mrs. Hannah Schoemann - Humanities Teacher

Teacher of the Year - 2025 - 2026

Mrs. Schoemann has been teaching for 12 years and absolutely loves that she has landed a spot here at VHE where work feels like home! She has a Master's Degree in Education and holds a true passion for teaching fourth grade Humanities. She lives in Edgewood with her husband, Matt, and two daughters, Stella and Millie. She loves spending the weekends with her family, riding the beltline on their bikes, reading a good book on the couch, and eating at their favorite restaurant, El Tesoro.  ♥️

Ms. Alison Canaras - Humanities Teacher

Hello VHE! I am so excited to be teaching 5th grade! I earned my B.S.Ed, M.Ed, gifted certification, and ESOL endorsements through the University of Georgia (go dawgs)! I LOVE 5th grade and all the excitement that comes with this transitional year! As a teacher, I love to integrate art into my instruction and build a supportive classroom community! I strive to push my students to be their best selves, while building a genuine love and deep appreciation of reading, writing, and history. 

When I'm not teaching, you can find me strolling around Inman Park, reading books, baking, or making pottery! 

Ms. Peyton Healy - STEAM Teacher

My name is Peyton Healy, and I'm so excited to join the Virginia-Highland Elementary family! I graduated from Penn State University, and received my Master's in Elementary Education from Oglethorpe University. I taught in Gwinnett and just finished my 9th year teaching in Fulton County. My favorite subjects are science and math, so I really look forward to focusing in on those on the 5th grade STEAM team!

In the classroom, my goal is to create a community of kind, collaborative, innovative thinkers who support one another in achieving academic and personal success. I hope to provide students with a safe space where they are set to high standards, but genuinely enjoy reaching their goals and coming to school every day. 

Outside of school, you can find me playing Mahjong, pickleball, running in 5ks, reading, and rooting for all my favorite sports teams. I'm originally from New Jersey, so I'm a fan of all New York teams. And, of course, WE ARE! I look forward to meeting everyone and to an amazing year at VHE!

Mrs. Casie Davidson - STEAM Teacher

My name is Casie Davidson (formally Marshall), and I'm thrilled to be teaching 5th grade! I am a Georgia College and State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I am in my 12th year teaching between Fulton County and APS in 1st and 5th grade.

In the classroom, I strive to cultivate a class of lifelong learners who love going to school each day. I hope to instill a growth mindset in my students and have fun while learning. Outside the classroom, you can find me being active with my dog, Perry, or on the pickleball courts. My husband, Zach, and I love to travel as much as we can. In the fall, I dedicate my Saturdays to college football... Go Dawgs!

Ms. Pam Rowe - Humanities Teacher

Pamela Rowe is a twenty-six-year veteran educator with certifications in grades K-12 and experience as a higher education administrator. Pam’s career began as a first-grade teacher in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, where she would hone her craft before taking a brief hiatus to serve as a Student Affairs administrator at Tennessee Tech University.

Eager to get back to her first love, Pam left her home state of Tennessee and joined the Gwinnett County Public Schools System, earning Local School Teacher of the Year honors at the beginning of her second year. From there, she’s held multiple department chair positions at the elementary school level and facilitated professional development as social studies content area team lead for grades 6-8. Pam served on the Gwinnett County Social Studies Leadership Team for three of those years. She has spent the last 5 years teaching 5^th grade Humanities at Springdale Park Elementary School. Pam is a believer in the power of collaborating with other teachers to increase academic achievement and looks forward to providing several collaborative opportunities for our VHE students beginning this August.

Pam, a native of Nashville, TN, received her Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Humanities from Austin Peay State University and her Master of Arts and Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech University.

When she’s not teaching, Pam writes and performs poetry and loves spending time with friends, family, and her beloved, Dakota D. Dog.

Ms. Rowe is excited to join the Virginia-Highland Elementary School family. 

Ms. Shanice Lankford

Mr. Kentrell Russell

Mr. Devon Taylor - Building Site Manager 

Ms. Robbie Teasley

Mrs. Kimberly McWilliams - EIP Teacher

Professional of the Year — 2024 - 2025

I am Kimberly McWilliams, living my best life as a retired educator.  Retirement has afforded me the opportunity to travel more with my family. It has also allowed me to do what I have loved doing for many years, teach….part-time. Returning to the classroom gives me great joy! Teaching is an unconditional gift that keeps on giving.In my spare time, I love reading biographies and watching action-packed movies.

Dr. Whitney Naman -Math EIP Teacher 

Teacher of the Year - 2023 - 2024

Dr. Whitney Naman has taught since 1999 in a variety of locations, including Washington, DC; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Guildford, England. Over the course of her career, she has taught Kindergarten through 6th grade as well as graduate-level courses.

Dr. Naman has lived in Atlanta since 2011. Her twins, Ezra and Zoe (born in 2015), are VHE alumni. Previously she taught Early Intervention (EIP) at East Lake Elementary School in Atlanta Public Schools, as well as 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and EIP at Springdale Park Elementary. She currently teaches upper elementary math and science at VHE.

Dr. Naman holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Virginia, a Master’s degree in Teaching from Queens University of Charlotte, and a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Art from James Madison University. She has been published in international education journals, has presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) - the nation’s largest education conference - and has taught graduate-level courses.

She served as a teacher representative on the Georgia State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council from 2013 to 2018. In addition, Dr. Naman has written math curriculum for both the district and the state of Georgia and participated in revising Georgia’s 4th grade math standards adopted in 2021.

Mrs. Crystal Stroud - 4th and 5th Literacy EIP Teacher

Mrs. Crystal Stroud is excited to begin her 23rd year of teaching in Atlanta Public Schools.  Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of teaching students in kindergarten through fifth grade.  She has a deep appreciation for the unique strengths and needs of students in every grade level.  Originally from New York City,  Mrs. Stroud moved to Atlanta in 2000 to attend Spelman College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.  She later earned a Master of Science in Elementary Reading and Mathematics and is an Orton-Gillingham certified teacher.  As both an educator and a proud VHE parent, she values the importance of strong partnership between home and school.   Mrs. Stroud is passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally while building confidence in every child she meets.  She believes that every child has limitless potential and is committed to creating a space for support that will help students thrive. 

Ms. Valerie English

Valerie English is a caring and dedicated elementary educator who is passionate about helping every child grow and succeed. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University. Ms. English has taught multiple elementary grade levels in both Florida and Georgia and values building strong relationships with students and families. She holds endorsements in ESOL, Science, and Dyslexia, along with middle grades certifications in Language Arts, Math, Reading, and Social Science. As a lifelong learner, she is committed to supporting student achievement and creating a warm, supportive classroom community. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 23 years, their three daughters, traveling, reading, and volunteering. Valerie English was a teacher at SPARK for twelve years and she is excited to be a part of the Virginia-Highland Elementary School family!

Mrs. Rebecca Beeler - IRR Teacher 

Rebecca Beeler is thrilled to be joining the VHE community! She has been teaching students with exceptionalities for eight years and holds a Master’s degree from Georgia State University, where she also completed her undergraduate degree in Literature and Philosophy. Miss Beeler believes in creating an inclusive learning environment and leveraging individual student strengths to promote the social-emotional and academic growth of all students. 

Her son Hank is 8 years old and loves soccer, so on Sundays you can catch Rebecca soaking up the sun on the soccer field as she cheers him on. Her friends and family consider her to be a fantastic cook, and she loves trying new recipes and cooking techniques.  Rebecca enjoys hiking and finding waterfalls in the mountains with her fiancé Sam.  She is very active and loves to work up a sweat in spinning class or Ashtanga yoga.  She can’t wait to meet her new students and their parents this Fall!

Mr. Edward Carr - IRR Teacher

I was born in upstate New York, but my father’s job took us to Alabama and then to Atlanta, where I graduated from high school. I went on to live in Melbourne, Australia for 2 years and Kaohsiung, Taiwan for 20.  I love to travel and have visited some amazing places around the world.  I was even fortunate to study abroad in Senegal and Brazil.

I got my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education at Mercer University. I earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercer and a specialist’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Argosy. I have endorsements in Science, Math, ESOL, and Gifted. I am currently working on a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Valdosta State.

I have been teaching in Georgia public schools for 15 years.  Before that, I was an English as a foreign language teacher in Taiwan. When I came back to the U.S., I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in Lithia Springs, Georgia, where I was lucky enough to have looped with many of my classes.  I then went on to become a 4th grade teacher at W. T. Jackson Elementary, then I transferred to SPARK in 2021.  I’m beyond excited to be joining the Virginia-Highland Elementary School family!

And finally, from my time living and working in Taiwan, I speak, read, and write fluent Mandarin as well as Taiwanese and a little Japanese. I really love language and languages.  I’ve even picked up a little Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian from studies and travels.  真的！

Ms. Kyndal Lawrence - Exceptional Education Teacher

My name is Kyndal Lawrence, and I am a native Atlantan and a proud product of Atlanta Public Schools. I attended Auburn University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and I received my Master’s degree in Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago. I hold endorsements in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Dyslexia, which strengthen my ability to support diverse learners through targeted, evidence-based instruction. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Special Education at Brenau University. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, painting, and creating crafts. I am excited to continue my journey as an educator at Virginia-Highland Elementary.

Mrs. Nadine McKenzie-Shand - IRR Teacher

Mrs. Nadine Mckenzie-Shand hails from the parish of St. Catherine on the beautiful island of Jamaica.  She came to the United States of America in 1990 with her parents and lived in Connecticut and later relocated to Florida.  She wanted more for herself and flew from the nest to Georgia where she settled, got married and had a beautiful daughter.

Her quest for knowledge and self-development continued and led her to pursue further educational qualifications, which resulted in her completing a Master of Science in Public Health from Capella University.

She started working in the Virginia-Highland community at Springdale Park in August 2017 and loves and is committed to her job. She has a great personality and is loved by her students and peers, with whom she has a great relationship.

Her belief is that children should be treated with love and respect and they should be given an opportunity to express themselves. She probably knows the names of all the students at Springdale due to her interactions with them.

She is an excellent cook and she loves to make food for everyone. 

The classroom is the right place for Mrs. Mckenzie-Shand, as she has the dedication, the personality and skills required to nurture young minds in today’s world.

Mrs. Nadine is excited to join the Virginia-Highland Elementary family.

Mrs. Maria Pease - IRR Teacher

Maria Pease is a retired professional with a background in theater, human resources, and education.  Ms. Pease is a long-time resident of the VHE community (her daughter attended Midtown Cluster Schools) and a committed paraprofessional. Ms. Pease holds master’s degrees in American Studies and Sociology and has studied and written about the history and sociology of Afro-German people in Germany.  Originally from Chicago, in 2021, after retiring, Ms. Pease joined Springdale Park Elementary as a paraprofessional and found that helping elementary children to learn and be their best selves was a new calling. She is super-duper excited to be at VHE!

Mrs. Caroline Chotas - School Nurse

Nurse Chotas grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo with a BS in Agri-Business, with an Accounting concentration.  After many years working in Public Accounting and Software Sales on the West Coast, she moved to Georgia in 2008 to become a nurse.  Fun fact…her first home in Georgia was right here in Virginia Highlands!

After graduating from the nursing program at Georgia Perimeter College in 2011, she has worked as an RN in Critical Care and the Operating Room for the past 14 years.

Mrs. Chotas lives in Decatur with her husband, Chris,  and two dogs, Benny and Joon.  She loves spending time with family and friends, swimming, reading, traveling, walking her dogs, hiking in the North Georgia mountains and exploring the restaurant and music scenes with Chris.  She is excited to get to know you all at VHE!!

Mrs. Maria de la Sota - Bilingual Parent Liaison

Mrs. de la Sota serves as the Bilingual Parent Liaison at Virginia-Highland Elementary. A native Spanish speaker from Argentina, she is dedicated to strengthening partnerships between families and the school community. In her previous work at SPARK, she was instrumental in connecting students and caregivers with academic, attendance, and community resources, helping families feel informed, supported, and engaged. Mrs. de la Sota is passionate about advocacy, communication, and ensuring all families have equitable access to school support. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, cheering for Argentina soccer, and supporting her daughter at fencing competitions.

Mrs. Meghan McCloskey - Front Desk Clerk

Meghan McCloskey previously worked at Springdale Park Elementary in various positions, including Environmental Science teacher. A longtime resident of Virginia-Highland, she can often be found in the local shops and restaurants, or walking the neighborhood with her two crazy rescue dogs.  Her son is a 2024 Midtown HS graduate and her daughter is currently a student there. Ms. McCloskey is excited to be a part of the Virginia-Highland Elementary team!

Mrs. Holice Wolf - School Secretary and Registar

I am a Midtown parent of a Howard Middle School teenager and a future Virginia-Highland ES 5^th grader. I graduated from FIT with a degree in Merchandise Management and Marketing.  After years in the fashion industry, I decided to focus on my family and work in childcare.   With my kids at SPARK, I fell in love with the school and the staff, so I started working as a Paraprofessional at the school.   Within SPARK, I took on different roles and enjoyed it and I am excited to take on a new challenge at Virignia-Highland Elementary!

Ms. Katania Frett 

Katania Frett began her professional teaching career after attending Clark Atlanta University, where she studied early childhood education. She later earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in teaching through the arts from Lesley University, and gained her gifted endorsement. She has filled a variety of roles under her educator hat over the years throughout K-6.

Ms. Frett believes that building positive relationships with her students and their families is the best way for students to maximize their learning. She believes that if the teacher and family work as a team to focus on students’ individual needs then the student will thrive.

When Ms. Frett is not teaching, you can find her shuttling her three children to various activities around the city.  She enjoys walking the beltline, trying a new recipe, and going out to restaurants with friends. 

Mrs. Kaitlyn Newnham

Kaitlyn Bidlack Newnham, the youngest of three children, was raised in East Cobb by her father, a quirky mechanical engineer, and her mother, a devoted, 46-year- old veteran middle school math and science teacher.  Kaitlyn started her career in education as a part-time preschool assistant at age 17 and quickly realized this was her calling.  She worked in classrooms as a substitute, preschool lead, and elementary teacher overseas in Germany, in Title 1, public and private schools and, most recently, Morningside Elementary.  Ms. Newnham earned her B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood education from Kennesaw State University in 2012, a M. Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2015, and an Ed. Specialist degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Georgia in 2019.  She has also earned her endorsements in Reading instruction, Gifted and Talented Education, Special Education and ESOL.  Kaitlyn is also trained in Orton Gillingham, Montessori, and SE-EKS.  She is as passionate about learning as she is about teaching.  

Kaitlyn lives in Home Park with her former elementary school classmate-turned-husband Tarrant Newnham, along with their dog, Rex, and their cat, Leonard.  They are currently ranked as the world's best aunt and uncle, and they throw a mean board game night.  

Some fun facts: Ms. Newnham is a devout animal lover, a movie and television aficionado, and an all-around geek culture enthusiast .  She is dedicated to celebrating every student's uniqueness and to making school a place where every child wants to be.  Ms. Newnham is thrilled to be joining the Virginia-Highland Elementary family as a Gifted & Talented teacher. 

Ms. Carolyn Talbert 

Carolyn is from Warner Robins, GA. Her mother was a teacher for 30 years and her father was Chairman of Houston County's Board of Education. It seems she was destined to be a teacher! 

She has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a M.S. in Literacy and is currently working on her Specialist degree. As a former gifted child herself, teaching GATE has been her dream job since she first began teaching! She spent most of her 20 year career in 4th and 5th grade humanities and is therefore very passionate about reading and history. 

Ms. Talbert lives in Midtown and in her free time she enjoys traveling, reading, and loving her rescue maltese, Harriet. 

Mrs. Mary Thurman

Mary has been a teacher for over 10 years.  Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked in the affordable housing and community development industry working in St. Louis and Tampa.

Mary holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Georgia State University with a focus on middle level reading, language arts, and social studies; endorsements in reading and gifted instruction; a Bachelor of Arts in history and sociology from Indiana University-Bloomington, and a Master in Social Work with an urban revitalization focus from Washington University in St. Louis. She is also a former Americorps*VISTA volunteer.

In her free time Mary loves to root for the Braves and run.  She lives in Morningside with her husband and two boys.

Hootie the Owl

A school mascot provides a common symbol for all students, teachers and community members―it creates a sense of belonging. Our school mascot unites everyone under one name, makes everyone feel included, and connects students to each other and to the school.

In January of 2023, the principal of Virginia-Highland ES, met with students from Morningside and Springdale Park who were rezoned to the new Virginia-Highland Elementary. Surveys were completed and students were able to share what they felt the school colors and mascot should be, as well as the values that they felt a school mascot should embody.

Mrs. LaQuinn Patton - Cafeteria Manager

As the Cafeteria Manager at our school, I am committed to creating a welcoming environment where students can enjoy nutritious, balanced meals that support their learning and well-being. With a strong focus on food quality, safety, and efficiency, I oversee daily kitchen operations, menu planning, and staff coordination to ensure every meal meets high standards.

I take pride in accommodating diverse dietary needs while promoting healthy eating habits among students. Building positive relationships with students, staff, and families is an important part of my role, and I strive to make the cafeteria a friendly and inclusive space for everyone.

My goal is to contribute to our school community by ensuring that every student has access to meals that are both nourishing and enjoyable.

Ms. Artina Andrews - Exceptional Education Paraprofessional 

Ms. Ruby Bonila - Kindergarten Paraprofessional 

Ms. Kassi Greene - Exceptional Education Paraprofessional 

Mr. Jonathan Haas - Pre-School Exceptional Education Paraprofessional 

Ms. Avianne Jones - Exceptional Education Paraprofessional 

Mrs. Sheryl Miller - Kindergarten Paraprofessional

Ms. Elizabeth Owens - Pre-Kindergarten Paraprofessional 

Mrs. Tekemah Russell-Green - Instructional Paraprofessional 

Mrs. Louise Trice - Media Center Paraprofessional

Ms. India Turkell-Levine - Pre-School Exceptional Education Paraprofessional

Coach James Davis - P.E. Teacher

I am James Davis and I am the PROUD Physical Education Teacher at Virginia- Highland Elementary School. I started my journey in education as a substitute teacher. Then, I became an interrelated paraprofessional, while finishing my B.S. Degree in Early Childhood with a minor in Special Education, at Mercer University.  While gaining my Gifted Endorsement and completing my Masters and Specialist Degrees in Early Childhood at Brenau University, I had the pleasure of teaching Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, EIP, and 5th Grades. I have also served in the capacity of Multi-Tiered System of Support Specialist (MTSS), Instructional Coach, PE Ambassador for Atlanta Public Schools, GO TEAM (Chair/Vice Chair), Instructional Leadership Team, Care Team, SEL Team, Tutor-Mate Service Coordinator, Hands on Atlanta Tutor Coordinator, STEM Team, Afterschool All-Stars Tutor/Director, Lego Club Sponsor, and the biggest cheerleader for all scholars and staff. Lastly, I was recognized as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year.

I am a native of Troy, Alabama and have lived in Metro Atlanta since 2005. During my free time I am either DJing, Line Dancing, or playing with my Cocker Spaniel, Semaj. Also, if I am not booking trips for people, I am traveling myself. I have been to 11 countries, seen 2 of the 7 Wonders of the World, and been to 24 of 50 states.

As a result of these 17 years in the education profession, I have learned three key elements from my scholars that have helped me produce authentic and relevant lessons. These elements include:

● Exposure is the key to opening students’ minds to new things in life

● If I build it, they will come

● When you invest in your own program, lesson, or self - - the world invests in you even more.

My main goal is to make sure that scholars' experiences are memorable and enjoyable each and every day as I continue to LIVE MY DREAM!

Mrs. Maria de la Sota - Spanish Teacher

Mrs. de la Sota is excited to serve as the Spanish teacher at Virginia-Highland Elementary. A native Spanish speaker from Argentina, she is passionate about providing all students with equitable opportunities to succeed in learning a second language. She brings experience as both a Spanish teacher and bilingual community liaison, with a strong focus on building meaningful connections through language and culture. Mrs. de la Sota also enjoys incorporating cultural traditions and celebrations into her teaching to enrich students’ learning experiences. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, cheering on Argentina’s soccer team, and supporting her daughter at fencing competitions.

Mrs. Mona Haygood - STEAM Lab Teacher 

Mona L. Haygood, grew up wanting to be a teacher, went to college to become a teacher, and IS a teacher!  She was even in Future Teachers of America in high school.  Her goal in life is to help anyone she encounters in any way she can. 

Mrs. Haygood grew up in College Park and graduated from Westlake High School in the first graduating class.  It was from Fort Valley State College, she received a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education and played tennis among many other activities.  Her master’s degree was earned from Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC, and ironically, she now lives in Fayetteville, GA with her husband.  She is the proud mom of a daughter who is a recent college graduate and a son who is entering his junior year of college as a division one football player.  In addition to these degrees, she has a degree in leadership and several endorsements and certifications.

Although Mrs. Haygood has spent most of her career in Gifted Education, she is thrilled to make “the LAB” and garden at VHES her classroom.  In “the LAB” at her home, she sews every day and has produced an award-winning quilt. She is a one-time triathlete who enjoys cooking, gardening, and entertaining.

Mrs. Haygood is fun-loving and is eager to serve the students, parents, and staff of the Virginia Highland community and the Midtown cluster.

Gallup Strengths:  Adaptability | Positivity | Ideation | Strategic | Responsibility

Mrs. Taylor Deushane Klinefelter - Librarian

Mrs. Taylor Deushane Klinefelter is excited to be on the VHE team as the school librarian! Mrs. Klinefelter has a BA in Creative Writing from Agnes Scott College, a MAT in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University, and an Instructional Technology and Media Specialist degree from Valdosta. Her education career started with five years in the classroom (Kindergarten and 2^nd grade) before transitioning into her dream job as a librarian--first at SPARK and now at VHE. She also chairs the Georgia Children's Book Award committee for grades 4-8, which selects the books for Reading Bowl. 

Mrs. Klinefelter was thrilled to help develop the VHE library to make it browsable and accessible to all students with high-quality, high-interest, new release books that students love. She firmly believes in letting kids read what they want, that graphic novels are real books, and audiobooks count as reading. She hasn't read all 10,000 books in the VHE library, but she's working on it.

In addition to reading hundreds of children's books a year, Mrs. Klinefelter decided that puzzles were too relaxing and became a nationally ranked speed puzzler (that's a real thing!) When she isn't reading or puzzling (or doing both at the same time), she's probably building LEGO sets, going to NYC to see musicals, or watching Survivor with her husband, Jackson, and her dog, Lemonade. She lives in Gwinnett County, because the commute gives her a chance to listen to more audiobooks. 

Follow her on Instagram: @msdkreadstoomuch

Mrs. Kimberly Muhlheim - Art Teacher 

Kim Muhlheim has been an excited part of Virginia-Highland Elementary School family since Day 1! She was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and received her Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design from North Carolina State University. She is an enthusiastic NC State Wolfpack fan! Ms. Muhlheim moved to Atlanta in 2000 to pursue her graphic design career but felt unfulfilled. She realized her calling was teaching art and attended Georgia State University for her Masters in Art Education. Ms. Muhlheim began teaching in 2008 and has taught in Fulton County and in Greenville County Schools in South Carolina, before joining the APS Midtown Cluster in 2015.

In Ms. Muhlheim’s class students learn by observing, discussing, creating, and making personal choices in their artwork, all while developing critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the art room. Ms. Muhlheim covers a variety of art mediums in class such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, collage, and fiber arts in hopes that every student can find an artform they love. She is excited to expose students to artists and cultures both close to home and around the world!

In her spare time, Ms. Muhlheim personal medium of choice is ceramics and she enjoys making silly and whimsical objects. She also loves to draw and paint, cook, read and probably a dozen other little hobbies on the side. She lives with her husband and her two perfect cats, Luna and Bellatrix.

Ms. Maggie Sherwood - General Music & Chorus Teacher

I was born and raised in Hartford, CT, where I began piano lessons at age 5, and trumpet lessons at age 10. Music spans many generations in my family, and is a passion I hope to ignite in the children of VHE.

I hold a Bachelor's in Music Education from Valdosta State University, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  

I have been a Music educator in Atlanta for 22 years, where I taught K-5 Music in Fulton County Schools for 17 of those years. I've had the tremendous experience of teaching both Middle School Chorus and K-3 Music at The GLOBE Academy over the past 5 years. I also teach after-school private piano lessons for the Atlanta International School.

Between GLOBE and AIS, I have been able to dive into my core belief that music unites us, and allows children to form a deeper connection to, and appreciation for, culture, language, history, art, and the world around them.  I am excited to be a part of the Virginia-Highland Elementary family!

Ms. Sandy Wade - Band & Orchestra Teacher 

Ms. Wade is very excited to be the Band and Orchestra director at Virginia-Highland Elementary!  Ms. Wade grew up in the Atlanta metro area, participating in all sorts of music programs and events before eventually attending the University of Georgia. After graduating from UGA with a bachelor’s degree in music education, she attended Michigan State University and earned a master’s degree in Clarinet Performance. Ms. Wade taught with Fulton County Schools for 12 years before joining Atlanta Public Schools in 2011. She joined the Midtown Cluster in 2015 and over the years has taught at each of the Midtown elementary schools: Hope Hill, Mary Lin, Morningside, SPARK, Virginia-Highland. She is currently split between Mary Lin and Virginia-Highland, teaching both band and orchestra.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Wade holds the 2nd clarinet position in the Columbus (GA) Symphony and is currently in her 34th season with them!  She loves hiking, reading, sewing, and has the most amazing cats: Dexter, Jack, and Callie.