ADMINISTRATION
Amy Harris
Principal
Principal
Renee Stubbs
Assistant Principal for Grades 5-8
Assistant Principal for Grades 5-8
Nicole Woodard
Assistant Principal for Grades K-4
Assistant Principal for Grades K-4
COORDINATOR / DIRECTOR
Ajeenah Carroll
MTSS Coordinator
MTSS Coordinator
Cole Chaney
Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator
Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator
Stacy Henderson
ESOL Coordinator
ESOL Coordinator
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Mr. Henderson joins our community with over twelve years of dedicated teaching experience. He has previously taught Special Education in Fulton County and most recently served as an ESOL educator in Cherokee County. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Recently, Mr. Henderson earned his ESOL endorsement, driven by his passion to enhance students’ academic vocabulary and support its application across various classroom subjects. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Henderson enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Connie. He is also proud of his two grown children, Carter (29) and Chloe (23), as well as their spouses, Alexandria and Connor. His hobbies include yard work, graphic design, experimenting with photography, and following college football. Mr. Henderson is excited to bring his experience and enthusiasm to our students at Amana Academy. |
Mona Hussain
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coach
Johnathan Russell
TAG Coordinator
TAG Coordinator
Samra Waheeduddin
Exceptional Education Coordinator
Exceptional Education Coordinator
KINDERGARTEN CREW
Kathryn Brock
Teacher - Kindergarten (Crew Lead)
Teacher - Kindergarten (Crew Lead)
Ashley Lane
Teacher - Kindergarten
Teacher - Kindergarten
Erika Stanley
Teacher - Kindergarten
Teacher - Kindergarten
Madiha Faisal
Teacher - Kindergarten Parapro
Teacher - Kindergarten Parapro
Zeina Makari
Teacher - Kindergarten Parapro
Teacher - Kindergarten Parapro
Amneh Mustafa
Teacher - Kindergarten Parapro
Teacher - Kindergarten Parapro
FIRST GRADE CREW
Madison Buffington
Teacher - 1st Grade
Teacher - 1st Grade
Arica Dowd
Teacher - 1st Grade (Crew Lead)
Teacher - 1st Grade (Crew Lead)
Megan Phillips
Teacher-1st Grade
Teacher-1st Grade
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Megan Phillips is excited to join the Amana Academy crew as a dedicated educator with a passion for inquiry-based, student-centered learning. She brings over a decade of teaching experience in both public and independent schools, including roles as a special education teacher and curriculum leader. Megan earned her Bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education and holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University. She believes in building a supportive and engaging classroom community where all learners feel a strong sense of belonging and confidence in their ability to grow. Outside of school, Megan enjoys working out, disc golfing with her husband Robbie, and spending time with their two dogs, Arlo and Mulligan. |
Amy Synder
Teacher-1st Grade
Teacher-1st Grade
Amy Snyder is a lower elementary teacher at Amana Academy’s North campus. Amy is a career-changer with a background in digital project management and before becoming a teacher, Amy led nonprofit tech teams at animal rights organizations for nearly two decades. She completed her Master of Arts in Teaching at Mercer University. Amy believes in creating a supportive and joyful learning environment for all students, and respecting each student’s unique personality and learning differences. In her free time, Amy likes running, solving puzzles, spending time with her son Dylan, daughter Rose, and husband, Justin, who is also a teacher. They live close to the Amana Academy North campus in Alpharetta.
SECOND GRADE CREW
Warnisha Edmond
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Seira Garza
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Teacher - 2nd Grade
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Before joining Amana, Seira spent over a decade working with children from infancy through the 8th grade. For the past three years, she has had the opportunity to work in school settings, teaching and providing support across both general and special education classrooms within the public school system. She began her career in childcare centers before transitioning into elementary schools, where she has dedicated the last ten years to fostering student growth and success. Seira earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2020. She is passionate about inspiring young minds and is eager to continue contributing her skills, experience, and dedication to the community. Outside of the classroom, Seira enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, biking, and exploring Georgia’s natural beauty. She also loves relaxing by coloring, watching movies, and spending time with her pets. |
Tyeshia Jackson
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Julie Montgomery
Teacher-2nd Grade
Teacher-2nd Grade
Julie Montgomery is a proud first-year teacher at Amana Academy, and she is excited to begin her career in elementary education. She graduated from Berry College with a degree in Elementary Education, where she also completed her student teaching in a first-grade classroom. Before entering the classroom full time, Julia spent four years working as a preschool teacher, building a strong foundation in early childhood development. Julia has always loved learning, and she believes deeply in the power of education to help her students discover who they are, grow in confidence, and pursue their dreams. She strives to be a positive, supporting presence in the lives of all of her students—in school, and beyond. Outside of the classroom, Julia enjoys spending time outside, being with her family, and listening to music.
THIRD GRADE CREW
Davita Key
Teacher-3rd Grade
Teacher-3rd Grade
Davita Key is a third grade teacher at Amana Academy’s North campus in Alpharetta, GA. She has worked in education for 8 years in the capacity as a paraprofessional (K-4th grade), a third grade teacher and for the past two years as a first grade teacher, where she served as the first grade team lead. Davita received her Bachelor degree from Auburn University Montgomery and her Master degree in social sciences from Troy University. She is currently working on a second masters in Elementary Education. Davita considers herself a lifelong learner and is passionate about sharing her love of learning with students. She believes that everyone has the ability to learn and she loves finding new and creative ways to get her students excited about education. A favorite quote of Davita’s is “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” (Nelson Mandela) When she is not fostering a love for learning at school, Davita enjoys spending time with family, husband Quartez and their three sons, traveling and watching movies.
Kari Masters
Teacher - 3rd Grade
Teacher - 3rd Grade
Emerald Torres
Teacher - 3rd Grade
Teacher - 3rd Grade
Emerald Torres is a dedicated educator returning to 3rd grade this year, bringing a rich background in both general and special education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Valdosta State University. Emerald began her teaching career in general education, where she spent two years fostering strong foundational skills in reading and math with 3rd-grade students. For the past two years, she has specialized in special education, creating individualized learning plans, collaborating with families and colleagues, and empowering students to overcome challenges and build confidence.
Passionate about making learning engaging, meaningful, and accessible, Emerald believes that strong relationships are key to student success. She is committed to partnering with families to support every child’s growth and achievement throughout the school year.
FOURTH GRADE CREW
Patrice Combs
Teacher - 4th Grade (ELA & SS, Crew Lead)
Teacher - 4th Grade (ELA & SS, Crew Lead)
Kristie Durand
Teacher - 4th Grade (ELA & SS)
Teacher - 4th Grade (ELA & SS)
George Harrison
Teacher-4th Grade (Ma/Sci)
Teacher-4th Grade (Ma/Sci)
George Harrison III, Ed.D. (c) is an educator, scholar, and leadership-driven professional with a unique blend of business, analytics, and instructional expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Science in Crime Analysis from Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation at Purdue Global University. He earned his full teaching certification from Moreland University in 2025.
With a professional background spanning corporate finance, data consulting, and elementary education, George is passionate about student development, culturally responsive teaching, and data-informed instruction. He believes education is a transformative force—one that can ignite purpose, expand opportunity, and shape future leaders.
George is a proud member of the Lambda Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, where he has served in leadership roles centered on organizational growth, fundraising, and mentorship. His long-term goal is to become a dean of a college, where he can influence academic policy, foster inclusive excellence, and guide future educators and change-makers.
Outside of his professional career, George is deeply rooted in the world of gospel music. He considers writing, arranging, and singing gospel music to be one of his most meaningful works. This creative expression not only reflects his faith but also serves as a powerful avenue for community connection and cultural storytelling. He also enjoys bowling, traveling, playing Spades, and engaging with Black literature and film. His philosophy of education is grounded in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Alexandra Viera
Teacher - 4th Grade (Ma/Sci)
Teacher - 4th Grade (Ma/Sci)
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Alexandra Viera is a passionate educator dedicated to creating joyful, rigorous, and inclusive classrooms where every child feels seen and valued. She began her career teaching third-grade math and science in Orlando, FL, working for Charter Schools USA. Alexandra is now excited to bring her experience and energy to fourth grade. She has worked closely with both students and instructional teams to support data-driven learning, strong classroom culture, and meaningful academic growth. Alexandra holds a deep belief in the power of education to shape the future and is committed to fostering curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in all learners. She earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies with a focus on elementary education while on a soccer scholarship an experience that shaped her drive, discipline, and belief in the power of mentorship. Outside of the classroom, Alexandra enjoys playing soccer, traveling, hiking, and spending quality time with her family. |
FIFTH GRADE CREW
Tracy Joachin
Teacher- 5th Grade (SS)
Teacher- 5th Grade (SS)
With over sixteen years of experience, I have been blessed enough to teach on the Southside of Chicago, New England, and New York. I have mastered grades 1-9, in most subjects. But my passion is reading. I love everything literacy! Book clubs, grammar- you name it!
In my spare time, I like to relax with my two young children and husband. I also enjoy self-care rituals and nature. My favorite channels are National Geographic, Discovery and anything educational-yes, that includes “Shark Week.” I’m excited for this year and cannot wait to learn with you all.
Daniel Hope
Teacher-5th Grade (Sci)
Teacher-5th Grade (Sci)
Daniel Hope isa member of the Elementary School team at Amana Academy’s North campus in Atlanta, GA. Most recently, he taught 7th grade math at Lincoln Middle School in Portland, ME. Daniel started his career working with youth working in experiential education at the Leadership School in Damariscotta, ME, working on social emotional learning and problem solving with school groups before returning to Atlanta to get his Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Mercer University. Since then, Daniel has worked with a wide range of grades and is excited to be starting his first year at Amana Academy! When not at school, Daniel loves listening to music and comedy, hiking, and taking naps in the sun.
Mario Luque
Teacher - 5th Grade (Ma)
Teacher - 5th Grade (Ma)
Kathryn Schepis
Teacher - Grade 5 (Sci)
Teacher - Grade 5 (Sci)
Christay Suen
Teacher - 5th Grade (ELA, Crew Lead)
Teacher - 5th Grade (ELA, Crew Lead)
SIXTH GRADE CREW
Janée Brown
Teacher - 6th Grade (Sci)
Teacher - 6th Grade (Sci)
Janée Brown is excited to join the 6th grade science team at Amana Academy’s North campus in Alpharetta, GA. With over ten years in education and more than five years of classroom teaching experience, she brings a strong background in math and science. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from South Carolina State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Level Math and Science from Georgia State University. Janée is passionate about making STEAM learning engaging, hands-on, and accessible for all students. After a two-year break from the classroom, she is re-energized and ready to inspire young scientists through inquiry and exploration. In her free time, Janée enjoys running, hiking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Michele Carson
Teacher - 6th Grade (ELA, Crew Lead)
Teacher - 6th Grade (ELA, Crew Lead)
Tammie Erlenbusch
Teacher - 6th Grade (SS)
Teacher - 6th Grade (SS)
Sophia Lord
Teacher - Grade 6 (Ma)
Teacher - Grade 6 (Ma)
SEVENTH GRADE CREW
Raheem Davis
Teacher - 7th Grade (Ma)
Teacher - 7th Grade (Ma)
Britney Jones
Teacher - 7th Grade (ELA)
Teacher - 7th Grade (ELA)
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Britney Jones is excited to join the team as a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at Amana Academy. She brings a passion for culturally responsive teaching, strong classroom management, and a love for helping students grow as readers and writers. Britney was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and moved to North Carolina in 8th grade, where her journey in education and leadership began. Prior to joining Amana, she taught middle school ELA in North Carolina, where she also served as 7th grade chair and contributed to her school’s improvement team. She is currently earning her Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Grades ELA, while raising her two amazing boys. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, swimming, and spending quiet time at home with her family. |
Roodelyn Moliere
Teacher - 7th Grade (Sci)
Teacher - 7th Grade (Sci)
James Murray
Teacher - 7th Grade (SS)
Teacher - 7th Grade (SS)
EIGHTH GRADE CREW
Reshelle Abdul-Malik
Teacher - 8th Grade (ELA)
Teacher - 8th Grade (ELA)
Hiba Fatima
Teacher - 8th Grade (Sci)
Teacher - 8th Grade (Sci)
Dommartini Salien
Teacher - 8th Grade (SS)
Teacher - 8th Grade (SS)
Sadaf Tatari
Teacher-8th Grade (Ma)
Teacher-8th Grade (Ma)
Sadaf Tatari is the 8th grade Math and Algebra teacher at Amana Academy’s North Campus in Alpharetta, GA. With over eighteen years of experience in education, she has served in diverse roles—as a classroom teacher, private tutor, and educational community leader. Most of her teaching career has been at Amana, where she has taught across elementary and middle school in various roles. She has also taught in high school, as well as at the college level.
Sadaf holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Boston University and a Master’s in Teaching from Emory University. She is passionate about empowering students to exceed their own expectations and discover their true potential.
In addition to her professional role, Sadaf is a proud Amana parent, with her youngest child soon entering 6th grade. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her husband and their four children, solving logic puzzles, practicing yoga, and dabbling in art.
ARABIC CREW
Engy Abdalla
Teacher - Arabic
Teacher - Arabic
Nara Abdelkader
Teacher - Arabic
Teacher - Arabic
Nasra Abdelkader is an Arabic Teacher at Amana Academy’s north campus in Alpharetta, GA teaching grades 2nd-5th. Her teaching experience dates back to ‘99. She went to the Faculty of Fine Arts Alexandria University earning herself a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Teaching for a few years in Egypt, Nasra settled in America to continue her teaching career spreading the Arab language even further. Nasra wants to spread the rich culture embedded into the poetic language of Arabic. Besides school, Nasra likes to explore the great outdoors and try/experience new things. She also likes to remind everyone to keep an open mind and to be positive.
Hana Arslan
Teacher - Arabic (Crew Lead)
Teacher - Arabic (Crew Lead)
Djaouida Bensaadoun
Teacher - Arabic
Teacher - Arabic
Rula Edilbi
Teacher - Arabic
Teacher - Arabic
Joumana Haddad
Teacher - Arabic
Teacher - Arabic
SPECIALS
Heba Aly
Teacher- ES Adventure PE
Teacher- ES Adventure PE
Heba Aly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alexandria in Egypt and a Master
of Arts in Teaching from Georgia College. Heba brings over twenty years of experience in
education, including time as a teacher assistant in New York City schools and twelve years of
teaching P.E. and Art at ILM Academy in Georgia. She is passionate about promoting healthy
habits, physical fitness, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Her classes focus
on helping students build confidence, stay active, and enjoy movement through engaging
activities and games. Heba is excited to bring her energy and dedication to our school
community.
Kyle Carter
Teacher - ES Adventure PE
Teacher - ES Adventure PE
Zully Douglass
Teacher - MS Adventure PE
Teacher - MS Adventure PE
Amy Franz
Teacher - Art (Crew Lead)
Teacher - Art (Crew Lead)
Cydney Gardner-Jackson
ES STEM
ES STEM
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Cydney Gardner-Jackson is proud to join Amana Academy as a STEM teacher. Before joining the Amana community, she spent six years teaching across middle and high school, with experience in both public and private school settings. She began her career teaching music and theater and later expanded into Math, Science, and STEM instruction. Cydney holds dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Composition and is passionate about integrating creativity into the classroom. She believes in fostering student curiosity, building meaningful relationships, and helping every learner find their voice. Outside of school, Cydney enjoys painting, singing, writing, and spending time with family and friends. |
Nayef H Haddad
MS STEM
MS STEM
Nayef H. Haddad is a dedicated middle school STEM teacher with a distinguished background in civil engineering, international project development, and large-scale infrastructure leadership. Before transitioning to education, he amassed over two decades of executive experience managing multi million- and billion-dollar projects in the oil, gas, transportation, and commercial real estate sectors across Africa, the United States, and the Middle East. With advanced degrees in civil engineering from Georgia Tech and a track record of high-impact leadership—including roles as Director, Country Manager, and Transportation Director—Mr. Haddad brings a real-world, globally informed perspective to STEM education. His commitment to mentoring youth and fostering future innovators reflects a lifelong dedication to strategic problem-solving and community growth.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Mehnaz Ahmed
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Tehreem Ayesha
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Sheila Boyd
Teacher - Early Intervention (Reading)
Teacher - Early Intervention (Reading)
Bianca Brown McIntyre
K-4 Counselor (Part Time)
K-4 Counselor (Part Time)
Bianca Brown McIntyre is leader in the ed non profit and educational field where she leads national strategy for leadership development and people operations impacting thousands of educators and students each year. She began her journey in education as a teacher and then school counselor and talent coordinator in Dekalb County Schools and is also a former certified counselor and life coach. Bianca earned her Bachelor of Arts from Tennessee State University and her Master of Science from Walden University. She believes deeply in the power of strong leadership, equity-centered systems, and the unique strengths every adult and child brings to the table. Outside of work, Bianca is a proud boy mom of 2, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and an active part of her local faith and service communities. She enjoys anything related to music and creating joyful memories with her family.
Rachel Carcare
Psychologist
Psychologist
Harrison Cockett
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Latanya Farrar
Social Worker & Homeless Liaison
Social Worker & Homeless Liaison
Tess Holt
5-8 Counselor (Part Time)
5-8 Counselor (Part Time)
Paula Jeffers
MS Support Teacher
MS Support Teacher
We are excited to welcome Paula Jeffers back to Amana Academy’s North Campus in Alpharetta, GA!
Paula began her journey in education after earning her bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University, with certifications in English Language Arts, Science, and Special Education. She brings a deep belief that teaching is a privilege and is passionate about helping students grow into more than they ever imagined they could become.
Her experience includes teaching at Teasley Middle School and serving in multiple roles at Amana—first in Special Education, then as a 6th Grade Science teacher. Paula stepped away from the classroom for a few years to care for family, grow the family business, and help run the family’s farm. During that time, she also picked up new hobbies such as podcasting and beekeeping—and courageously overcame breast cancer, making her return to teaching especially meaningful.
Outside the classroom, Paula enjoys hiking, working in her apiary, farming, and training with her German Shepherd mix.
LaChell Mensing
Occupational Therapist (Contracted)
Occupational Therapist (Contracted)
Born in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida, and raised in the lush, green landscapes of Washington State, LaChell Mensing’s journey has been one of passion and purpose. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in 2006, followed by a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from FAMU in 2009. She started her journey in pediatric care with the Babies Can’t Wait program in the Atlanta Metro Area, gaining valuable experience in understanding developmental delays in children from birth to three years old. She later expanded her services to school-aged children, which further deepened her commitment to early identification of neuro-developmental disorders (NDD). Today, she lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and two sons, enjoying time with family, beach outings, and travel.
Sarah Noman
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Melissa Phelps
Teacher - ESOL
Teacher - ESOL
Roxanne Reed
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Atika Shaikh
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Teacher - Exceptional Education
Yasmin Shaikh
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Raja Taleb
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Exceptional Education Paraprofessional
Raja Taleb is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience teaching Pre-K through 8th grade. Prior to joining Amana Academy, she worked at ILM Academy, where she inspired and supported students of diverse backgrounds . Raja received her bachelor degree in Geology and Engineering from Morocco. She is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and believes in nurturing both their academic and personal growth. Raja is also a proud mother of two daughters: Roua, who is pursuing a law degree at Georgia State University, and Wissal, who is studying pre-med at the University of Georgia. Outside of school, Raja enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling around the world, and cooking.
Patrice Williams
Teacher - Early Intervention (Math)
Teacher - Early Intervention (Math)
OFFICE STAFF
Karen Autrey
Data Clerk & Title IX Coordinator
Data Clerk & Title IX Coordinator
Benita Fowler
School Nutrition Specialist & Parent Liaison
School Nutrition Specialist & Parent Liaison
Amana Academy is proud to announce Benita Fowler as our new School Nutrition Specialist and Parent Liaison. Benita brings over 15 years of experience in education, student health services and food service management.
Most recently, Benita served as Amana Academy’s Clinic Assistant, where she supported student wellness through direct health services, emergency care, and coordination of health screenings. In addition, she has extensive classroom and instructional support experience as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. Additionally, she is an entrepreneur, owning a licensed cottage bakery, where she successfully manages operations, compliance and customer service.
In this new role, Benita will oversee nutrition programming, promote healthy eating habits and serve as a bridge between families and the school community. With a strong foundation in student care, program coordination and parent engagement, she is well-prepared to advance Amana Academy’s student success through both wellness and family partnerships.
Please join us in welcoming Benita Fowler in her new role!
Mariana Loredo
Registrar / Parent Liaison
Registrar / Parent Liaison
Jane Loughmiller
Business Office Assistant
Business Office Assistant
Tonia Usher
Front Office Manager
Front Office Manager
Aliya Shamsi
Clinician
Clinician
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Aliya Shamsi is a dedicated educator and leader with over 30 years of experience teaching and supervising across multiple grade levels and international settings. She has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to Head of Department, developing expertise in inclusive programming, small-group instruction, and student empowerment. Aliya is passionate about supporting students and creating safe, engaging environments where all learners can thrive academically and socially. She is excited to continue helping students in a new capacity by empowering their overall well-being and fostering confidence that extends beyond the classroom. |
