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Amana Academy's Faculty
Consistent with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) regulations as they
apply to charter schools, Amana Academy has actively sought the most
highly qualified staff possible. All Amana faculty and staff have been
rigorously screened on the basis of their academic credentials,
relevant experience, validated evidence of student achievement and
recommendations from previous employers, parents and the community.
As even the youngest of children can aspire and exemplify Amana
principles, so too will they react to examples that are inconsistent
with these values. Amana Academy educates by example. As such, Amana
Academy staff must exemplify the qualities we strive to guide our
students towards. In the words of our partner ELOB, we are not
passengers but a "crew". Therefore, ideas and actions of all staff
affect the course to which we steer ourselves. As we truly are
"charting new waters" with our unique emphasis on high academic
achievement, communication excellence, Arabic, ethical character and
stewardship, we strive to attract and retain individuals who show
enthusiasm for and commitment to these areas.
Amana Academy Administrators
Ehab Jaleel
Executive Director
ejaleel@amanaacademy.org
A resident of Roswell, Ehab is married with three daughters who attend Amana. He received degrees in Applied Psychology and Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech; and prior to coming to Amana he was a Senior Marketing Manager at the Coca-Cola Company. He has 17 years of professional experience in marketing, project & people management while at Coca-Cola and General Electric. Ehab has been active in the community and has served on non-profit boards for over 10 years. He has passion for the charter school paradigm of “autonomy with accountability”, and for innovative hands-on educational approaches that extend beyond the four walls of a classroom. Along with his wife Lara Alexander, he facilitated the evolution of Amana Academy from concept through implementation; and he served as Amana’s Founding Board Chairman (2003-2006), and served on numerous school crews. Along the way, Ehab has cherished Amana's motto of "We are Crew, not Passengers".
Jelena Naim
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
email: jnaim@amanaacademy.org
Since 1983 Jelena has held various positions of increasing
responsibility devoted to teaching English and English as a Second
Language. She has taught at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, at the American Cultural Center in Alexandria Egypt,
at the Oxford County Language Office in Oxford England, and most
recently as a Lecturer in the Department of Applied Linguistics &
ESL at Georgia State University.
In addition to her classroom teaching experience at Lilburn
Middle School in Lilburn, Georgia, Jelena has conducted teacher
training programs for international middle and high school teachers and
developed curricular materials at Georgia State University. At GSU, she
also coordinated learning labs and student activities for the
Department of Applied Linguistics, where she served as chairs of the
Lecturer Search Committee and Student Evaluation.
Jelena has a Bachelor's Degree in French with a minor in
History from the University of Illinois at Chicago; she completed here
Master's Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has studied abroad in
France and Spain, and she is certified in Middle School teaching from
Mercer University Graduate School of Education.
Jelena was one of a dozen core team
volunteers who developed the Amana Academy concept and saw it through
to State approval. She served on the Education and Human Resources
committees and as Secretary on Amana's Founding Board. Her
contributions have been significant, and combined with her educational
experience she is especially qualified to be Amana's Instructional
Guide.
Jelena joined Amana Academy in 2005.
Kevin Durkin
Director of Student Services
email: kdurkin@amanaacademy.org
After earning his Bachelors degree in both Social Science and Secondary education at Western Connecticut State University Kevin began his career in education teaching in Stamford, CT. While in Connecticut he held various roles for the Stamford Public School System; middle school teacher, high school teacher, new teachers mentor, and athletic coach.
While serving as a teacher in Stamford, Kevin was the recipient of the several district wide awards. Throughout Kevin's career he has collaborated on curriculum development, school improvement, school safety and school reform.
Following the completion of his Master of Arts in Learning from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut Kevin and his wife moved to Atlanta. He is currently certified in both Connecticut and Georgia as a teacher and in Georgia as an Administrator. Kevin most recently worked for the DeKalb County School System.
Kevin has a passion for teaching and learning and recently studied at the Colegio Internacional de Alicante in Alicante, Spain. In addition, he will soon complete an EdS. Degree in Educational Leadership and Instruction.
Kevin Durkin joined Amana in 2009.
Jean-Jacques Credi
Grade Level Administrator
email: jcredi@amanaacademy.org
Jean-Jacques Credi joined Amana in 2006. He graduated from the University of Rochester and earned his teaching license and Master's Degree at Indiana University. He has taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades and worked in a multi-age settings with 3-6 graders. Mr. Credi also serves as a Facilitator with the National School Reform Faculty, an organization devoted to promoting high academic achievement and equitable student outcomes through collaboration and professional inquiry.
Mary LoCurto
Grade Level Administrator
email: mlocurto@amanaacademy.org
Mary LoCurto joined Amana in 2006 as a middle school math teacher. Mrs. LoCurto earned her Master's in Education at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and her Bachelors in Marketing at the University of Bridgeport. This is Mrs. LoCurto's 14th year in education. She began her career in Waterbury, Connecticut where she taught 6, 7, 8 math and science. She taught grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Gates Mills, Ohio, for nine years. Mrs. LoCurto was born in Boston, Massachusetts and currently lives in Cumming, Georgia. She and husband Len have 2 daughters attending college here in Georgia.
Leslie Morrison
Grade Level Administrator
email: lmorrison@amanaacademy.org
Leslie joined Amana Academy in 2007 with 13 years of teaching experience in the primary grades. Leslie earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. During the following 3 years, she taught kindergarten in rural and urban schools in Maryland. Leslie continued her career in Oakland, California where she continued teaching at the primary level and honing her professional skills especially as they relate to culture and its relationship to language and literacy. While in Oakland, Leslie served in many leadership positions; grade level chair, new teacher and student teacher mentor, site representative to the faculty's union, and member of site leadership committee. Prior to coming to Amana, Leslie taught kindergarten for three years at Mimosa Elementary School in Fulton County. During her first year of teaching at Amana, Leslie earned her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. She also served honorably in the United States Army and is certified to teach in both California and Georgia. Leslie currently resides in Atlanta and has a daughter who is a first-year law student.
Sumayya Allen
Business Manager
email: sallen@amanaacademy.org
Sumayya Allen has been working at Amana since 2005. She is passionate specifically about Amana's Environmental and Civic Stewardship principle. Sumayya has worked at further developing this principle by working with students in the Gardening Club in 2005, O Ambassadors Club in 2007, and with staff on the ECrew. Sumayya has made it a priority to implement environmentally-friendly practices such as Integrated Pest Management, Green-Certified cleaning products, and Green Purchasing Guidelines as part of Amana's day-to-day business operations. She currently holds an Associates of Science in Agriculture and a Certified Bookkeeper designation.
Sherryl Hale
Data Specialist
email: shale@amanaacademy.org
Sherryl has worked in a similar school data specialist position in Cobb County, and brings an enthusiasm for organization and order that is hard to resist! Sherry joined Amana Academy in 2009.
Paul Holbrook
IT Administrator
email: pholbrook@amanaacademy.org
Paul is responsible for technology planning, implementation, and maintenance at Amana Academy. Prior to joining Amana in 2008, Paul has worked at EarthLink, CNN, and Georgia Tech. Paul has a BS in Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine.
Ruksana Shibly
Clinic Nurse and Front Desk Assistant
email: rshibly@amanaacademy.org
Ruksana Shibly joined Amana in 2009. Prior to working at Amana, she worked at Edward Hospital, Naperville, IL as a Clinical Assistant in the Radiology Department.
Amana Academy Teachers and Support Staff
Engy Abdalla
3rd grade Paraprofessional
email: eabdalla@amanaacademy.org
Engy Abdalla joined Amana in 2008.
Samia Ahmed
1st Grade Teacher
email: sahmed@amanaacademy.org
Samia Ahmed joined Amana in 2009.
Sadaf Ansari
REP Paraprofessional
email: sansari@amanaacademy.org
Sadaf Ansari holds a BA from Boston University in biochemistry/ molecular biology. While at BU, she taught science laboratory techniques to undergraduate students. Sadaf joined Amana in 2008 as a substitute teacher and had has taught grades K-7. She has a second and fifth grader at the school and loves to volunteer at Amana and in the community in her spare time.
Sarah Armbruster
4th Grade Teacher
email: sarmbruster@amanaacademy.org
Sarah Armbruster joined Amana in 2009. She received her BA in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University and has recently completed her MA in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading and Mathematics. She has taught for eight years, in Cherokee County, GA and Draper, Utah. For the past two years, Sarah has taught in the Early Intervention Program with students in 2nd-4th grades. Prior to that, she worked with extending gifted students in the regular classroom through project-based learning. Sarah has also worked on school-wide assessment teams, using data to plan for appropriate instruction for students. She is excited to celebrate her eighth wedding anniversary this August. She enjoys spending time with her family and is excited to be on board at Amana!
Hana Arslan
Arabic Teacher
email: harslan@amanaacademy.org
Mrs. Hana Arslan has been with Amana since its opening in 2005. She helped develop the Arabic curriculum, created Arabic materials, and interactive, hands-on activities that target the diversity of students' needs and levels at Amana. Mrs. Hana has a BA in Early Childhood Education and a certification in Elementary Education from the American University of Beirut. She has 6 years of teaching French. Her BA and teaching certification were recognized by the Professional Standards Commission in GA after courses in Education at Perimeter College. She has a Montessori certification in primary level from the International Montessori society in Maryland. She successfully completed the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Writing and Speaking Proficiency Tests in Arabic. She participated and presented "Arabic at Amana" in National conferences and workshops.
Theresa Ardolino
Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
email: tardolino@amanaacademy.org
Theresa Ardolino joined Amana in 2006.
Angelique Barnett
Kindergarten Teacher
email: abarnett@amanaacademy.org
Angelique Barnett has been at Amana Academy since 2007. Prior to working at Amana she worked as an assistant Montessori teacher at Crabapple Montessori School. Ms. Barnett has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and worked as a logistician and industrial engineer for several years before beginning her teaching career.
Hiba Bawji
7/8th Grade Math Teacher
email: hbawji@amanaacademy.org
Hiba Bawji joined Amana in 2009. She has a Bachelors Degree in Analytical Chemistry. She worked as a private tutor for four years helping students in math, physics, chemistry and biology. She has also worked as a volunteer in teaching Arabic as a Second language. Mrs. Hiba Bawji is a Middle School Certified Math and Science Teacher in the State of Georgia. She has completed a program for Teachers' Preparation and Certification at Georgia State University. She completed her Practicum and Student Teaching at Sandy Spring's Middle School in 2008-2009 where she had a rich in-class everyday experience in the 7th and 8th grade classes. Mrs. Bawji will earn her Master Degree in Arts of Education - Middle School Math and Science in July 2009 from Georgia State University.
Djaouida Bensaadoun
Arabic Teacher
email: dbensaadoun@amanaacademy.org
Ms. Bensaadoun joined Amana in 2007 and was previously a kindergarten teacher's
assistant. She has a degree in dentistry from Algeria and is finishing
her teaching certification through Perimeter College. She currently
certified in Georgia as a French teacher.
Jennifer Bui
School Social Worker
email: jbui@amanaacademy.org
Mrs. Bui brings to Amana many years of experience as a school social worker. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida and her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. She has worked as a school social worker in multiple elementary and middle school facilities with Fulton County Schools since 2001. Mrs. Bui previously worked as a child advocate with abused and neglected children, a counselor with troubled children and was a program coordinator for an international adoption program for AIDS orphans from South Africa. Mrs. Bui looks forward to working with Amana's diverse and innovative community. Jennifer Bui joined Amana Academy in 2009.
Azusa Callaway
Kindergarten Teacher
email: acallaway@amanaacademy.org
Azusa Callaway joined Amana in 2008. She taught K-5 Japanese for 14 years at Mimosa Elementary School in Fulton County. She has a BA in English Literature, an English as a Foreign Language certificate from Doshisha Women's College, Kyoto, Japan, an MEd in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Berry College, an Educational Specialist degree in ECE from Mercer University, and is completing her Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Education at Georgia State University. She is certified in Georgia in ECE, English Speakers of Other Languages, Japanese, and as a Teacher Support Specialist. She has served numerous times as a curriculum writer and a conference/workshop presenter at the local, state, and national levels in the field of world languages. She is also a published author.
Lori Casal
1st Grade Teacher
email: lcasal@amanaacademy.org
Born and raised in New York, Ms. Casal worked as a floral designer for 13 years. At the age of 26, she went to school to become a teacher. Graduating in December 2000 from SUNY Old Westbury College with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, her first teaching job was in September 2001. During her 5 years at PS 62 in the South Bronx, she taught fourth grade for one year and first grade for four years. Her first grade classes participated in a cross age peer tutoring program with Gomper's HS students for 3 years. As part of the Literacy Team at PS 62, she worked closely with other staff and administration to develop an extensive book/resource room and assist other teachers with the process of guided reading and balanced literacy. Mrs. Casal graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a Master's Degree in Literacy in May 2004. In July of 2006, she and her husband relocated to Georgia with their children. She joined the Amana Community in 2008, was part of the High Academic Achievement Crew and taught Kindergarten. Mrs. Lori Casal will loop up with her class to first grade for 2009-2010.
Vicky Castro
5th/6th Grade Math Teacher
email: vcastro@amanaacademy.org
Vicky Castro has been with Amana since 2006. She holds a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Mary's University, San Antonio, TX. She has an MS in Molecular Biology with a concentration in genetics. She is currently pursuing an EDD in educational leadership and curriculum design. While at Amana Ms. Vicky has earned several honors as the E-Crew co-chair. She helped Amana earn 3 outdoor classroom grants; Lowes, Interface and Captain Planet. She also received the Captain Planet Super Hero for Earth - Teacher of the Year award and the Environmental Educator Alliance Outdoor Classroom Service Award.
Sami Credi
EIP Teacher
email: scredi@amanaacademy.org
Mrs. Sami Credi has worked at Amana since its inception in 2005. A native of Georgia, a graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Environmental Science, she earned her Master's in teaching from Mercer University in 2007. Mrs. Credi actively supports and promotes Amana's Environmental Stewardship programs and has been named City of Roswell Environmental Educator of the Year.
Natasha Condoll
3rd Grade Teacher
email: ncondoll@amanaacademy.org
Natasha Condoll joined Amana in 2007. Mrs. Condoll previously taught 2nd grade at Woodland Elementary Charter School in Fulton County. She has been a teacher for 14 years. She is certified in the states of Georgia and Louisiana for K-5th grades and ESOL. Throughout her career she has served as coordinator and chairperson for various committees and teams. She has a BA in Education and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Condoll is looking forward to another great year at Amana.
Jenny DiMeo
3rd Grade Teacher
email: jdimeo@amanaacademy.org
Jenny comes to Amana after very recently moving from Wisconsin. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and is certified in GA, IL, and WI. She has several years of teaching experience at the 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade levels. Jenny joined Amana Academy in 2009.
Basma Elashker
Arabic Teacher
email: belashker@amanaacademy.org
Basma Elashker teaches Arabic in her third year at Amana Academy. This is her fifth year teaching Arabic. A graduate from Brenau University with a Bachelor's of science degree in Psychology, Ms. Basma best enjoys watching her students learn and grow.
Peter Epstein
6th Grade Humanities Teacher
email: pepstein@amanaacademy.org
Peter Epstein has a BA in Russian Studies and an MAT degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Peter has taught in a variety of different settings in the US and abroad. He is certified in the State of Georgia for middle grades Social Studies, Language Arts, and ESOL (P-12). He has been to many different countries and has a great interest in traveling and exploring the world. Some of his hobbies include swimming, hiking, backpacking, and theatre.
Hounada Fakhoury
Paraprofessional
email: hfakhoury@amanaacademy.org
Hounada Fakhoury holds a Masters degree in Architecture from the American University of Beirut. She joined Amana in 2007 as a paraprofessional. She brings with her five years of experience in substitute teaching and working with young children at a Montessori school.
Leena Farooqui
2nd Grade Teacher
email: lfarooqui@amanaacademy.org
Leena Farooqui joined Amana in 2009. She began her teaching career in Canada teaching 2nd Grade, and later moved to Atlanta as a Visiting International Faculty member with Gwinnett County Public Schools. After getting married, Mrs. Farooqui moved to New York City, where she worked in the heart of Spanish Harlem teaching Social Studies to students Pre-K through 5th Grade. Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Farooqui has been involved in various fundraising and leadership activities. She led the student campaign for the United Way with her class where her 4th Grade students sold handmade bracelets to raise money for earthquake victims. She also formed a global awareness club for 5th Grade students and initiated and organized various multicultural/anti-racism activities for her school. Mrs. Farooqui completed her BA in Psychology and BEd from York University in Toronto, Ontario and her MEd in Educational Research from the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta.
Meredith Fidlon
Student Support Teacher
email: mfidlon@amanaacademy.org
Meredith is from New York City, and comes to us with a Master's degree in Education, another Master's in Social Work, a BA in Psychology, and several years of experience at many age levels. Meredith joined Amana Academy in 2009.
Laurie Guthrie
Paraprofessional
email: lguthrie@amanaacademy.org
Laurie joined Amana in 2006. She works in the Student Support Department where she supports both teacher and student in Reading and Math. Laurie came to us from North Carolina where she worked as a Remedial Reading Instructor. Throughout her career Laurie has also held long term substitute positions in Music, Special Education, Kindergarten and had been highly involved in a start-up charter school in NC. She has 9 years of classroom experience working in with children in grades K-8.
Brooke Heimerl
7th/8th Grade Science Teacher
email: bheimerl@amanaacademy.org
Brooke Heimerl, known to most as "Miss H," has been with Amana since its inception. Brooke earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She then moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University's Master's TEEMS teaching program specializing in 4th-8th Math and Science.
In the fall of 2005, Brooke started teaching a self-contained 4th grade class at Amana. She will be teaching those same students as 8th graders this year. Talk about looping, Brooke has instructed those same 4th graders advancing to each level of science; 5th, 6th and 7th. For the 2009-2010 school year Brooke will be teaching 7th Life Science and 8th Physical Science.
Every year Brooke brings her energy and passion to Amana, most notably via her enthusiasm and dedication for the Amana Community at our weekly Community Circles. Brooke has been an integral part of much of the positive growth at Amana. She has served as team leader for middle school
for 3 years, as crew leader for community circle for all 4 years, and as one of the student's most dedicated advocates. Brooke believes whole heartedly in the charter and is encouraged that the charter will come to full fruition with the new leadership model.
Any person walking by her always open classroom will see, hear and feel the excitement her students have for learning the ELOB way.
Karen Helz
ESOL Teacher and coordinator
email: khelz@amanaacademy.org
Mrs. Helz earned her MS in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is certified in elementary education and ESOL in Kansas and Georgia. She has worked in English and in Second Language programs in Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, both as a teacher and an administrator. Before joining Amana Academy in 2006, she was the coordinator of the ESL program at Sana'a International School, Sana'a, Yemen.
Merry Herdt
5th Grade Humanities Teacher
email: mherdt@amanaacademy.org
Merry Herdt joined Amana in the inaugural year 2005. She has taught Reading, Language Arts and Social Studies to students ranging from 3rd grade to 12th grade. At Amana, Mrs. Herdt has served as Grade Level Lead Teacher, Intermediate Elementary Team Leader, Ethical Character Co-Chair and most recently, served on the Excellent Communicators Crew, the Leadership Transition Crew and the Talented and Gifted Eligibility Team. She holds a BS in English Education and several Georgia teaching certificates. Since joining Amana, Merry Herdt has written four exciting Expeditions: "Atlanta: Then and Now (2005-2006)," "WWII's Famous Faces (2006-2007)," "Civil War by the Numbers (2007-2008)" and "Liberty City Expedition (2008-2009)." In her spare time, Merry enjoys reading, sewing, watching baseball and traveling the world. Merry lives in Woodstock with her husband of fifteen years and her two boys, Alex and Springer.
Denise Klein
Kindergarten Teacher
email: dklein@amanaacademy.org
Denise Klein joined Amana in 2007 with 20 years of teaching experience. Denise erned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education fron National College of Education/National Louis University. She first taught a unique, self-contained Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) Kindergarten. Holding endorsements in both special education and bilingual education, she taught all of the non-English speaking students in the school district regardless of their native language. At one point, she serviced children from twenty-three different countries who spoke fifteen different languages. Denise earned several awards and honors due to her involvement in the rewarding and challenging TPI program. A move to Georgia led Mrs. Klein to a teaching position in Roswell where she taught multi-age programs in kindergarten, first and second graders, and kindergarten and first graders, in addition to stand-alone kindergarten. Denise first taught second grade when she joined Amana Academy. She fell in love with Amana, its families and philosophy and is thrilled to be a crew member. Denise lives in Marietta and has six children, four grandchildren and two horses.
Stephanie Kumpf
7th Grade Humanities Teacher
email: skumpf@amanaacademy.org
This is Stephanie Kumpf's second year at Amana. She received her BSED from Kennesaw State. Stephanie has taught in Cobb County, a Montessori school in Marietta, managed a tutoring center for a national company and most recently has owned her own tutoring company that also helped homeschooling families. Stephanie was drawn to Amana because of its community feel and environmental responsibility.
Karen Lowe
Talented and Gifted Consultant
email: klowe@amanaacademy.org
Karen Lowe joins us as a consultant for our TAG program. Her degrees include: AB from Grove City College, Grove City, PA, and MEd from Georgia State University. She also has certification in Gifted Services and Leadership and Instructional Supervision. She has taught Kindergarten through high school and gifted certification classes for teachers, was assistant coordinator of Gifted Services in Fulton County, and is a member, past president and convention presenter of the state and national organizations for Gifted Children. She is very pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with gifted students and teachers in developing the TAG program at Amana.
Eman Maamoun
Arabic Teacher
email: emaamoun@amanaacademy.org
Mrs. Maamoun joined Amana in 2007 and has been a teacher
since 1988 in the United Arab Emirates teaching ESL and serving as a
media specialist. She served as a consultant for Amana while
developing the charter, specifically working with the Arabic
component. Most recently she has been working as a volunteer in
various educational institutions in the area of media. She is
certified in the state of Georgia as a librarian, to teach ESOL, and as
proficient in Arabic. She has a BA in English Literature and an
MA in Information and Library Services.
Mary Jo Malowney
Talented and Gifted Consultant
email: mmalowney@amanaacademy.org
Mary Jo Malowney joined Amana Academy in 2009. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree from the Ohio State University, and Gifted Certification from the University of Georgia. Most recently she taught Talented and Gifted students at Summit Hill Elementary School in Fulton County. She has over 25 years of teaching experience. She has presented at conferences at the state and international levels and was honored in 2008 as the GAGC Gifted Teacher of the Year for the State of Georgia.
Ayesha Mawad
4th Grade Teacher
email: amawad@amanaacademy.org
This will be Ms. Mawad's second year at Amana Academy teaching 4th grade. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Mawad was born in India and completed her undergraduate degree there. She moved to the United States fifteen years ago and currently resides in Alpharetta with her husband and two children. She is looking forward to another successful year at Amana Academy.
Shonda McField
Student Support Teacher
email: smcfield@amanaacademy.org
Ms. McField is originally from New Orleans and came on board at Amana in 2008. She relocated to Georgia in 2001. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Dillard University. She also holds a Master's Degree in Social Work. Ms. McField is currently continuing her education and will be receiving a 2nd Master's Degree in Education. She enjoys writing poetry and reading books.
Kristen McNeil
2nd Grade Teacher
email: kmcneil@amanaacademy.org
Kristen McNeil joined Amana Academy in 2009. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English from Spelman College. Upon graduation from Spelman, she attended Emory University where she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. She is currently certified kindergarten to fifth grade and middle grades Language Arts / Social Science.
Ghada Mohamed
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
email: gmohamed@amanaacademy.org
Ghada Mohamed joined Amana in 2008.
Priya Raina
3rd Grade Teacher
email: praina@amanaacademy.org
Priya Raina joined Amana in 2009. She is from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University and a BA in English from Case Western Reserve University. She obtained an ESOL and Reading Endorsement while working in Marietta City Schools. Priya has 5 years professional experience at the elementary level. Priya is interested in Amana because of the unique curriculum it offers the students. Priya and her husband live in Midtown.
Seema Rokarya
Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
email: srokarya@amanaacademy.org
Seema Rokarya joined Amana in 2009.
Sarah Passoff
1st Grade Teacher
email: spassoff@amanaacademy.org
Sarah Passoff joined Amana in 2009 after completing her EECE certification at Kennesaw State University. She has been involved in some facet of education as both a parent and educator for the past 15 years since majoring in Special Education at the University of South Florida. Over the past five years, she has worked part time in 2nd and 3rd grade for Fulton County Schools and at High Meadows IB School where she taught pre-kindergarten. Ms. Passoff has been involved in several projects that encourage young children to be civically and socially proactive.
Svetlana Savova
Kindergarten Teacher
email: ssavova@amanaacademy.org
Svetlana Savova joined Amana in 2009. Prior to Amana, Ms. Savova had 5 years of teaching experience. She has been a pre-kindergarten teacher at Sundance Academy in Alpharetta. She has a BA and a MA in Engineering, Physics, and Teaching from Sofia University. She is certified in the state of Georgia for preK-8th grades.
Melissa Singh
Library Specialist
email: msingh@amanaacademy.org
Melissa Singh joined Amana in 2005. She is a school library
media specialist from Long Island, New York. She holds a Master's
Degree in Library and Information Science from Long Island University
and a BA in Elementary Education/Psychology from Dowling College.
Melissa has 5 years professional experience at the elementary level in
which she had the opportunity to establish and develop a new library
facility. She has also administered an enrichment program, providing
challenging academic activities to those students in need of more
intellectual stimulation. Melissa was attracted to Amana, because of
the opportunity to create a customized library that reflects and
supports students and staff. She is also interested in the philosophy
and learning approaches of a small sized charter school, which is a
refreshing change from New York's public schools. Melissa and her
husband live in Roswell.Ghada Swadek
Student Support Teacher
email: gswadek@amanaacademy.org
Ms. Ghada Swadek received a BA degree in Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in Psychology from the George Washington University. She completed a Master's in Education from Georgia State University. Ms. Swadek started teaching in 2001. Ms. Swadek is interested in education development in third world countries, human rights issues, and sports. Ms. Swadek joined Amana in 2005.
Ivan Tcherepov
Physical Education/Health Teacher
email: itcherepov@amanaacademy.org
Coach Ivan joined Amana Academy back in 2005, when the school was initially established. He is proud to be part of Amana's growth and development through the years. Coach Ivan graduated from National Sports Academy in Bulgaria and has more than 10 years of teaching and coaching experience. He is a current 7 time record holder and a champion swimmer from Bulgaria. He also placed ninth in the World Cup of swimming. He is married with a daughter.
John Temples
5th/6th Grade Science Teacher
email: jtemples@amanaacademy.org
John is in his third year at Amana Academy. The Outward Bound Expeditionary Learning Model along with Amana's diverse and progressive environmentalism program attracted John to the school. John teaches Earth Science and general science to the 5th and 6th grade classes. He has a diverse background in working with youth. He started out instructing month long wilderness courses for teenagers for Adventures Cross Country. He has also instructed for the Boojum Institute for Experiential Education, The Desert Sun Science Center, and worked with adjudicated delinquent youth in the state of Georgia's wilderness therapy program. John received his Master's of Education from Berry College. He lives with his wife Amanda in Roswell, Georgia and enjoys backpacking and traveling in the mountains.
Dinah Thomas
2nd Grade Teacher
email: dthomas@amanaacademy.org
Mrs. Dinah Thomas has worked at Amana since 2008. Mrs. Thomas is an Ohio native and a graduate of the University of Findlay with a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Science. She has taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade in Gwinnett County. Mrs. Thomas is completing the 2nd -3rd grade loop this year, her fifth year of teaching. Dinah lives in Lilburn with her husband of 4½ years.
Roxana Vera
ESOL Teacher
email: rvera@amanaacademy.org
Roxana is from Miami, FL, and has a Master's degree in Education and a BS in Business Management. She has taught several years in a bilingual education format. She is certified in ESOL and Elementary Education, as well as upper grades Business Education. Roxana joined Amana Academy in 2009.
Maria Vaughan
Health/Fitness Teacher
email: mvaughan@amanaacademy.org
Maria has worked at Amana since its inception in 2005. Initially serving in various capacities, such as Community Circle leader, teaching electives, middle school teaching assistant, full time substitute, substitute coordinator and trainer, and on various committees, she began teaching 1st grade in 2006. In 2007, she began teaching Physical Education/Health where she continues to teach while serving in a leadership role serving the special area crew; PE, Health, Arabic, Art, and Media. As Archery Coach she guided Amana to the state tournament in 2009.
Maria was initially attracted to Amana due to her background and experience with Outward Bound/Adventure Curriculum and the opportunity for her children to learn foreign language daily. Maria received her Bachelor's Degree in Health and Recreation after studying at BYU Idaho and University of Utah and is currently certified in both PE/Health and Elementary Education. Later she continued the study of law at Birmingham School of Law. Her background is in adventure curriculum, team building, adaptive recreation/sports and processing skills. She spent a number of years consulting public schools in Utah which to bring attendance, grades and behavior up through teambuilding activities. The State of Utah adopted many of her initiatives. There were only 10 programs in the nation that received a large grant from the federal government in a response to rethink curriculum in America schools. Along with her program, another winner of this grant was the charter of ELOB schools- of which Amana is now a recipient!
After moving to the South, Ms. Vaughan spent several years working in state physical and adult mental hospitals and played a key role in developing the adaptive driving program at Spain Rehabilitation Hospital. Immediately prior to Amana, she spent many years being a full-time mom and currently has two children that attend Amana and a grown married son. She is a native of Arizona (Go Diamond Backs!) and loves all water sports, especially springboard diving.
Michelle Valerius
4th Grade Teacher
email: mvalerius@amanaacademy.org
This will be Mrs. Valerius's second year at Amana Academy. Last year she taught 5th grade and this year she is excited to be teaching 4th grade. This will be her thirteenth year teaching upper elementary after receiving her undergraduate degree in Upstate New York, Mrs. Valerius started her teaching career in California. She graduated from California State University with a Masters in Reading and Language Arts. She then moved overseas to teach in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi for six years. She is looking forward to starting another year at Amana Academy.
Rochelle Wilson
8th Grade Humanities Teacher
email: rwilson@amanaacademy.org
Rochelle Wilson teaches eighth grade Humanities. She earned her MA in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, and her BA in English from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Rochelle began her teaching career in 2003 and has taught the subjects of English, French, and Social Studies to grades 7-12 in both public and private schools. She is Georgia certified in Social Studies and English for grades 6-12.
Lakeem Winborne
Art Teacher
email: lwinborne@amanaacademy.org
Lakeem Winborne joined the Amana Academy Community in January of 2008 as a parent. In February of 2008, he joined the staff as an Intervention Specialist working with small groups of students on building academic skills . In the fall of 2008, Lakeem accepted the position of Art teacher at Amana. In this position he has served as a great complement to our Expeditionary Learning instructional model, bringing his years of experience as an EL Art and classroom teacher. Mr. Winborne earned his Bachelor's of Science degree in Art Education in December 1997 He taught every grade level and just about every subject in his teaching career, although; the bulk of his experience is as an Art Teacher. He has taught in central Florida, the Washington, DC metro area, and previously in the Atlanta, GA metro area. Lakeem has a passion for both education and art. He has participated in several art exhibitions, auctions and conferences throughout his career. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends and activities that promote natural health and a wonderful world.
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