Our SuperCrew
At CORE, our teachers are mentors first, with their primary job being to connect with our students. We are proud of the talented, diverse, creative, dedicated group of people who spend their days with our CORE students. They are very appropriately called the SUPERCREW!
At CORE, our teachers are mentors first, with their primary job being to connect with our students. We are proud of the talented, diverse, creative, dedicated group of people who spend their days with our CORE students. They are very appropriately called the SUPERCREW!
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Ms. Joy
Middle & High School Math Joy has been teaching for over 25 years and taught in New Jersey for 19 years before moving to Georgia. She graduated form Fairleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey and is certified in Special Education. For the past 10 years, she has been teaching at private schools in Georgia, specifically working with neurodiverse learners of all ages. She has taught all grades and subjects, from early intervention through 12th grade. Joy enjoys supporting her daughters in Ninja Warrior competitions, swimming, going to the dog park, reading and hiking. She believes that every student has the right to feel valued as an individual, and every student can be a successful lifelong learner. [email protected] |
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Ms. Kennede Lead EnCORE Tutor & Math/Science Assistant Teacher Kennede graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Public Policy. Kennede is a life-long learner who enjoys stimulating the passion to learn in others. She has been actively involved in tutoring and mentoring since middle school. Kennede has a strong dedication to helping student maximize their potential, believing that with the right guidance, every student can master even the most challenging subjects. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, traveling, community service, and exploring new technologies. [email protected] |
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Mr. Andrew
Physical Education & Therapeutic Mentoring Specialist Andrew has been teaching and mentoring CORE students since year one! In addition to his experience as a professional musician, Andrew has experience as a music therapist with people of all ages. Andrew is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer with a specialty in working with children. He can usually be found riding something with wheels and he loves sharing his passion for music, cooking, mountain biking and sustainability with the CORE community. Andrew is also the owner of Wazi, one of CORE’s therapy dogs. [email protected] |
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Ms. Lisa
Instructional Technology Coach, Reading Specialist Lisa graduated from Brenau University and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University. She worked at the Howard School for 10 years where she also became certified in Orton-Gillingham instruction. She believes that education should be creative, promote self-awareness, build self-esteem and most of all — be FUN! Having a learning difference herself, she understands the importance of differentiating her teaching so that all learners can experience success. In her free time, Lisa enjoys movies, reading, hiking and being with family. [email protected] |
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Mr. Gabe
Director of Arts, Theater, Philosophy, Assistant High School Coordinator Gabe attended the Savannah College of Art & Design for 2 years and then finished his education at Georgia State University, where he graduated with distinction with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a Minor in Music. His hobbies include writing music, playing video games, creating culinary masterpieces and traveling. Gabe believes that students respond best to teachers that show they care and have fun. Fun Fact: Ms. Annie taught Gabe when he was in 5th grade! It fills Gabe with honor and pride to call himself part of the CORE community. [email protected] |
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Ms. Katie
High School Literature, Student Support Specialist Katie graduated from Kennesaw State with a degree in Psychology and from Arizona State University with a Master's degree in Special Education (concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis). Katie enjoys using her humor to connect with kids and believes that all students can be successful despite their previous negative experiences. When she is not teaching, Katie enjoys spending time with her dog, friends and family. She loves discovering new ways to apply her creativity — whether it’s face painting, cooking or adding new décor to her classroom! Katie enjoys working at CORE because she says it is truly a family that supports each other to be better all the time. [email protected] |
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Mr. Virgo
High School Coordinator, High School Social Studies Virgo has Master’s degrees in History from Virginia State University and Emory University. He believes in tailoring lessons to students' individual needs, creating dynamic discussions, and incorporating multimedia resources to enhance their understanding of historical events. He enjoys reading, gardening, writing, and doing crosswords in his spare time. Virgo believes that social studies can teach students to be active and compassionate citizens. [email protected] |
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Ms. Natalia
Lead Spanish Teacher/Mentor Natalia is a certified Montessori teacher and has taught children of all ages to love the Spanish language. She enjoys creating direct connections with children to learn their unique characteristics and qualities in order to create a personalized teaching approach for each child. Natalia loves applying her creativity and innovation to the curriculum she creates. Natalia is originally from Colombia and now enjoys life in Georgia with her husband and four-year-old daughter. [email protected] |
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Ms. Holly
Yoga, Mindfulness & Leadership Teacher Holly believes that planting seeds of positive human development, compassion, empathy, loving kindness, self-awareness, and wellness is more important than ever. Holly is certified through The Yoga Alliance, RYT200, YogaEd Teen Yoga in Education, Mindful Schools, JMT Life Coaching & Leadership Development, and has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Union University. She is honored to share these gifts at CORE Community School and with as many children and teens as she can, to make a positive impact and to cause a profound ripple effect, making the world a better place, one young soul at a time. [email protected] |
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Ms. Brandi
Counselor Brandi graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology before obtaining her Master’s degree at Argosy University in Community Counseling. She believes that positive relationships are the key to great learning experiences and adventures. Before CORE, Brandi spent 10 years as a counselor in a private school dedicated to neurodiverse learners. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor that works in private practice, providing individual therapy services to children, teens, and adults. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors in nature, reading, spending time with her dogs and husband, going to concerts, and being creative. [email protected] |
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Ms. Abby
Elementary, Middle School Science Abby has a degree in Education from Kennesaw State University and is certified in Special Education. She has a passion for helping neurodiverse students and believes all students have the ability to learn and grow. She has taught Elementary and Middle School at private schools for over 10 years, and is passionate about making genuine connections with students. When she is not teaching, Abby enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, her two kids, her bearded dragon, and her lovely labrador retriever. [email protected] |
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Ms. Katelyn
Counselor Katelyn is a Certified School Social Worker with more than 10 years of experience working with children ages 5-18 in the community, public school, and non-profit setting. She received both her Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work from Florida State University. In her free time, she loves sitting outside reading a good book and drinking local coffee. Her favorite part about CORE is the emphasis on social-emotional wellbeing, and she enjoys collaborating with adults who share similar ideals and practices. [email protected] |
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Ms. Zaria
Middle & High School Social Studies Zaria graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor's degree in History and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Social Studies Education. She previously taught at the Howard School, where she worked with neurodiverse learners. She has a passion for sharing knowledge about history and helping students to shape their own perspectives. She enjoys spending free time trying new restaurants, hanging with loved ones, and attending concerts. She loves that CORE celebrates every student and empowers them to create their own future. [email protected] |
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Ms. Betsy
Art Betsy is a professional artist and educator who is passionate about inspiring people to tap into their "inner artist." She has a Bachelor's degree from University of Florida and a MBA from the University of Houston. Her personal art work pays tribute to the curiosity and beauty that nature brings, while also providing a platform to explore the subconscious mind (www.betsyohart.com). Betsy believes in the healing power of self expression and is dedicated to teaching art in an open, fun and inspiring way. Her open-ended, process-driven projects allow students to develop their ideas and personal communication skills, as well as develop a strong appreciation for art. She believes that ART = LOVE! [email protected] |
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Dr. Aaron
High School Math & Science Aaron earned a Bachelor's degree in Math and Physics from Berry College and a PhD in Physics from the University of Maryland, where he researched quantum computing. Since 2009, he has held various positions teaching math, physics, and writing for high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Aaron is committed to student-centered, inquiry-based education, and believes it is the most effective way to cultivate intellectual independence and understanding. Outside of the classroom, Aaron enjoys rock climbing and backpacking, and is hiking the Appalachian Trail this summer/fall! [email protected] |
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Mr. MG
Middle & High School Literature, Director of Outdoor Education MG earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Masters of Arts in Teaching (grades 6-12), both from Georgia State University. For over 10 years, he has taught Language Arts, Marine Biology, and Creative Writing for neurodiverse students in the independent school realm. He has also coached rock climbing, cross country, and swimming. When MG is not working, he can usually be found either climbing, running, hiking, cooking, or doing just about anything that involves being outside. He enjoys the fact that he has the freedom here at CORE to differentiate instruction to maximize each student's learning potential. [email protected] |
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Mr. Jacob
Assistant Teacher/Mentor, Film Teacher Jacob graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Entertainment and Media. Before joining the CORE Community, he worked as a Live Sports operator for Bally Sports and was an assistant to a director on a feature film. Jacob loves film and television, acting, video editing, and music. When he's not at work, he enjoys writing, taking a leisurely stroll, shooting a project, or playing pool. Jacob enjoys working at CORE because of the comradery found in the community and the connections he’s made with the students. Jacob enjoys using humor to connect with students and believes that all students deserve to be reminded how truly special they are by the adults around them. [email protected] |
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Mr. Kris
Counselor, Vocational Coach Kris, a New York native, graduated from Dowling College with a degree in Psychology and from Long Island University with a Master’s degree in School Counseling. Before joining the CORE Community, Kris ran a post-secondary program focused on increasing independence and vocational and social/emotional skills. He is excited to bring this extensive experience to the EnCORE Program and assist CORE high school students with employment opportunities in the community. In his free time, Kris enjoys coaching lacrosse and spending time with his 13-year-old son, Sean. Kris loves working at CORE because of its emphasis on social-emotional growth, meeting students where they are, and the connections students have built with the faculty. Kris loves working with students and watching them gain confidence in their abilities, overcome challenges, and free themselves from anxiety. [email protected] |
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Mr. Pablo
Athletic Director, Spanish Teacher, EnCORE Tutor Pablo is originally from the south of Spain. He graduated from Reinhardt University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, where he also was a star on their soccer team. Before joining the CORE Community, he worked with children as a mentor at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. Pablo has played soccer at the professional level and still enjoys competing today. He believes in the powerful combination of athletics and academics, and enjoys incorporating these two to help students grow. When he is not at CORE, he is playing soccer, fishing, on a trip with Mr. Todd or watching sports. [email protected] |