SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Jena has a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in political science. She worked as a pre-K teacher at the Glenn School for three years while attending graduate school. Jena graduated from Grand Canyon University with a master’s degree in Elementary Education in 2020, then taught 5th grade in DeKalb county. Jena joined Cliff Valley in 2021.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Kristie has 13 years of experience in preschool education. She most recently taught at The Glenn School for Young Children for eight years. Kristie is a member of the Georgia Preschool Association. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys trivia, hiking, and rock climbing. She joined Cliff Valley in 2022.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Kathy has a bachelor of science degree in biology from Chaminade University and a master of science degree in nutrition from Texas Women’s University. She taught pre-K at the Glenn School for four years prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2006.

2ND GRADE TEACHER

Lori received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and psychology from King University and a Master of Education in early childhood education from Mercer University. She joined Cliff Valley in 2001 and has taught first, second and third grades. In addition to her classroom teaching, Lori coaches and works with after school sports and clubs.

DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Thom has over 20 years of service as a technology director in private schools. He has a BS in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi and an MS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Emory University. He keeps CV tech running and teaches 3-8 grade computer science. As an avid maker, and with four 3D printers always running, he is constantly encouraging the kids to design, build, and re-design. Thom came to Cliff Valley as a parent of two before joining the team.

PRE-K TEACHER

Brayton received her BA from Valdosta State University and her Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law. Brayton is a member of the Georgia State Bar Association and has been part of the Cliff Valley community since 2013. Before joining the Pre-K team in 2021, Brayton worked as a substitute teacher and teaching assistant.

5TH GRADE TEACHER

Whitney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida State University. She is an associate member of and classroom certified through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practioners and Educators. Whitney taught for nine years in the public school system as a classroom and special education teacher. She joined Cliff Valley in 2014.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM TEACHER, SCIENCE COORDINATOR

Nicole has a B.S. in Biology and a M.A.T. in Science Education from Georgia State University. She most recently taught 7th and 8th grade science at Cliff Valley. At the Atlanta International School, she taught multiple science subjects in grades 6-12 and was a grade-level coordinator. While at The Coca-Cola Company, she worked as an auditor in the Global Quality, Safety and Environment group. As Education Programs Manager at SciTrek Museum, she developed, taught, and managed science programs for a variety of audiences, and did grant work training rural teachers in water quality education. Nicole joined Cliff Valley in 2015.

PRE-K TEACHER

Valerie received a BA in Sociology from Spelman College, and holds a M.S.Ed in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Georgia. When her family moved to Buffalo, she homeschooled her children and created a co-op before returning to the classroom at a North Carolina independent school. Valerie joined Cliff Valley in 2021.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Loretta has significant experience in financial reporting, cash management, budgeting, and internal controls. Prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2010, Loretta’s career included being an auditor, a controller, and an independent contractor of accounting services for private companies. Loretta holds a CPA license in Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida Southern College.

4TH GRADE TEACHER

Amanda graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Spanish. She spent five years working in a public school in Athens, GA, where she also earned her gifted endorsement. Most recently, Amanda taught at an independent school for gifted learners in California. She joined Cliff Valley in 2019.

6TH GRADE TEACHER

Sue received her bachelor’s degree in Child Family Development from the University of Georgia and her MAT in Early Childhood Education at Piedmont College. Sue joined Cliff Valley in 2015 after substitute teaching for a variety of grades during the 2014-2015 school year.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Megan started subbing at Cliff Valley in 2019 and became a permanent substitute teacher in 2021. In her free time, she loves to explore the trails of Georgia, visit her family in Florida, and write to her pen pals.

3RD GRADE TEACHER

Bonnie graduated from Auburn University with a BS in Early Childhood Education and Mercer University with an MEd as a reading specialist. For seven years, Bonnie taught grades 2 and 4 in both the private and public school sectors in Atlanta. She joined Cliff Valley in 2022.

3RD GRADE TEACHER

Jennifer attended Samford University on a Track and Field Scholarship where she received her BS in Education. Jennifer has an endorsement in Gifted Education and was instrumental in training teachers in Gwinnett county in this field. She came to Cliff Valley in 2011 and has over 26 years of experience teaching in 1st and 5th grades.

7TH & 8TH GRADE MATH TEACHER

Dan comes to Cliff Valley from Parkview High School where he had eight years of experience teaching grades 9-12 and coaching basketball. He was able to serve as Math Team adviser and led the Algebra and Precalculus instructional teams. Dan earned his BS in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Science with an emphasis in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. He joined Cliff Valley in 2016.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Michael has experience teaching at all levels pre-kindergarten through college, and he has taught in independent schools overseas and in the U.S. The experiences he collected teaching such a wide range of students provide him with a global perspective on the process of education and a strong understanding of how students learn and develop over time.

Michael provides professional development for teachers and administrators, parent education, and he has significant experience with accreditation. He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. He also holds a BA and MA in Germanic Studies, a BS in Education, a MAE in Educational Administration, and a MS in Curriculum and Instruction. Michael joined Cliff Valley in 2004.

7TH & 8TH GRADE MATH TEACHER
ALUMNI RELATIONS & TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

Dave earned a BS in Business Management from Georgia Tech and a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics from Clayton State University. He taught 5th grade at Cliff Valley before moving to 7th and 8th grade. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dave coordinates alumni relations for Cliff Valley, as well as its participation in the Georgia Private School Tax Credit program. He joined Cliff Valley in 2012.

7TH & 8TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

Susie earned a BA in Psychology from Emory University and went on to work as a research assistant for the Emory Women’s Mental Health Program. She continued her studies at Emory, earning her MAT in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Social Studies and Language Arts. Additionally, she has an endorsement in gifted education and has served as grade level leader. Susie came to Cliff Valley from Gwinnett County public schools where she taught 4th grade for five years. Susie joined Cliff Valley in 2015.

TEACHER, 3-YEAR OLDS

Leanne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Butler University. She worked for two years as a teaching assistant in the Junior Kindergarten program at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis. After moving to Georgia, she was a teaching assistant in the Head Start Program in Athens for two years before moving to Atlanta. Leanne joined Cliff Valley in 2014.

4TH GRADE TEACHER

Tara joined Cliff Valley in 2017. She holds a BS from Springfield College, a Montessori Elementary teaching certificate, and is trained in both Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood-Bell reading programs. She has been an educator for over 25 years, teaching at the elementary, middle and high school levels in both public and private schools. Tara is an avid marathon runner, certified McMillan running coach and cross country coach at Cliff Valley.

MUSIC TEACHER

Avery received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia College and State University in 2014 with a major in English literature and a minor in Spanish. She worked as a teaching assistant at Cliff Valley for three years, and her enthusiasm for working with students was sparked by teaching music to young, aspiring musicians. She is involved with after school music programs, regularly works with various artists around Atlanta, and teaches private bass lessons. email

7TH/8TH LANGUAGE ARTS

Brandi Jo earned a BSED in English Education in 2021, as well as an MEd in English Education in 2022 from the University of Georgia. She furthered her education at the University of Georgia in 2023 where she obtained a Specialist degree in English Education. Prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2024, Brandi Jo taught 9th and 10th grade English for three years at Eastside High School in Newton County.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Carrie graduated from Loyola University of Maryland with a BA in History and a minor in Secondary Education. She taught English in Bangkok, Thailand for a year before moving to Atlanta to teach Social Studies at the International Community School. Carrie joined Cliff Valley in 2012 as a 6th grade teacher, and she later transitioned to teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts. She also coaches boys' and girls' volleyball, and she is a Google Certified Innovator. Carrie became the Director of Communications in 2024.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Lindsey came to Cliff Valley in 2019 with nine years of teaching experience in Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade. She graduated with a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University and holds an MAT degree from Georgia State University. She brings her passions for traveling and cooking into the classroom.

DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL-GRADE 4

Lori has worked throughout the southeast as a teacher, reading specialist, college instructor, and student teacher supervisor. Lori helps teachers identify student learning styles and find ways to differentiate instruction. She works with teachers on curriculum and incorporating social and emotional learning and executive function skills in the classroom. Lori coordinates the Bright From the Start program at Cliff Valley. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University and a master’s in education as a reading specialist from Mercer University. She has completed additional graduate work for certification in educational leadership and is ABD towards a doctorate in educational psychology at Georgia State University. She joined Cliff Valley in 2008.

PE

Taylor earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Arts in Teaching Health and Physical Education from Georgia State University. Over the past six years, she has taught in international schools following the American curriculum in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Thailand. In addition to teaching, Taylor has served as an athletic director, PE director, and coached soccer, futsal, volleyball, and badminton. Taylor joined Cliff Valley in 2024.

COUNSELOR

Emily Hilimire is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She has a BA in Psychology from Davidson College, and an MS in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. She has worked with children, youth, and families in residential treatment and private practice. Emily is also a Cliff Valley alumni parent and she joined the staff in 2024.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Aleisha earned a BS in Psychology from Georgia State University in 2020 and is currently working to complete a MAT at Georgia State University, where she will receive endorsements in preschool and reading. Aleisha worked as a primary teaching assistant at Arbor Montessori School prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2022.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Erin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia College & State University. During her undergraduate studies, she gained a passion for understanding human behavior, which led to her desire to work with kids. In Erin’s free time, she enjoys going on walks with her dog, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She joined Cliff Valley in 2024.

5TH GRADE TEACHER

Roshni was born in Durban, South Africa and has lived and taught at public and independent schools in Chapel Hill (North Carolina), Atlanta, Muscat (Oman) and Shanghai (China). With an undergraduate degree in Languages, History and Economics, and a post-graduate degree in Curriculum and Assessment, Roshni has taught students in grades 3-12, coached various sports, and sponsored Model UN and Scrabble clubs. Roshni came to CV in 2021 from High Meadows School, where she taught grades 4 and 5.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING SUPPORT

Kat holds a BFA in Drawing, Painting, & Printmaking, Summa Cum Laude from Georgia State University. She has a diverse background in arts administration, art education, and art therapy. Kat joined Cliff Valley in 2018 as a substitute teacher and aftercare director, and she worked as an assistant in the 3s program as well. In her spare time, Kat partners with local nonprofit organizations to bring art to those in need.

6TH GRADE TEACHER

Greg earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Birmingham - Southern College in Birmingham, AL and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Athens State University in Athens, AL. Greg comes to Cliff Valley with 17 years experience teaching 2nd through 6th grades at The Friends School of Atlanta. Prior to that, Greg taught 8th grade Social Studies in Cobb County. Greg brings experience assisting various clubs and organizations at school. He joined Cliff Valley in 2024.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Tina attended Grambling State University to study social work, and her love for children led her to the education field where she has worked with students in grades pre-K through 5. Tina has extensive experience as a paraprofessional in the DeKalb County school district, and she also was a pre-K lead teacher at The Goddard School.  Tina joined Cliff Valley in 2023.

7TH & 8TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

Olivia earned a BA in English and BSEd in English Education in 2021, as well as an MEd in English Education in 2022 from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2021, Olivia taught 9th grade at Collins Hill High School in Gwinnett County and worked as a science instructor at Athens Academy’s summer camp. Olivia also runs Cliff Valley's Literary Magazine for 6th-8th grade and enjoys showcasing student art and writing to the community.

BUSINESS MANAGER
AUCTION COORDINATOR

With a range of experience in information technology and accounting, Jackie came to Cliff Valley in 2012 to assist in business office operations. Jackie manages accounts receivable and accounts payable and sporadically draws on her previous experience working as a preschool teacher for ten years.

5TH GRADE TEACHER

Daniel received a BA in East Asian Languages from the University of Florida and an MS in International Business from Arizona State University. He discovered his passion for teaching – and a new career path – while volunteering in ESL classrooms. For three years, he taught in Japan with the JET Programme. After returning to the US, he earned a MAT from Johns Hopkins University while student teaching in Baltimore. He then taught at The Lovett School for three years before joining Cliff Valley in 2020.

FRONT DESK, SUMMER PROGRAMS, ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Anne-Marie practiced law with Atlanta Legal Aid Society for several years before becoming a full time parent. All three of her children attended Cliff Valley between 1999 and 2010. A long-time volunteer and substitute in our classrooms and the office, Anne-Marie joined the team in an official capacity in 2013. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors and volunteering with Lifeline Animal Project.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Amy earned her BA in Economics at DePauw University and her Juris Doctorate at Vanderbilt University, practicing law in Chicago and Atlanta before switching gears to teaching. Amy taught 2-year olds through pre-kindergarten at Shallowford Presbyterian School prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2021.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Courtney has always had a passion for teaching and working with children of all ages. She earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and has 10 years of experience teaching grades 3-5 at Wilson Creek Elementary in North Fulton County. Prior to joining Cliff Valley she taught Pre-K at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool.

LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST

Brittany earned her BS in Elementary Education from Baylor University, her MS in Urban Policy Studies from Georgia State and her MS in Instructional Technology from Georgia Southern. Prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2017 Brittany taught at Charles R. Drew Charter School, Wesley International Academy, and directed the Andrew P. Stewart Center.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Jack earned a BS in biology from Georgia Tech, and after graduating he spent two years as a middle school science teacher in Atlanta Public Schools. He is a soccer coach for Rush Union and is working on his MBA. Jack joined CV in 2023.

DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING
HR MANAGER

Janna graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English and spent much of her career working as a consultant specializing in organizational development and talent management. Both of her children attended Cliff Valley from preschool through 8th grade, and she served as Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2014-2018. Janna joined Cliff Valley in 2019.

7TH & 8TH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER

Richard graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Entomology. He worked for 15 years as a Field Supervisor for the Georgia Department of Agriculture in the Plant Protection and Structural Pest Control divisions. During his stint as a stay-at-home dad for his two children, he switched careers and became a Certified Personal Trainer with certifications from ACE, ACSM and TRX. His primary area of focus was working with post-operative and elderly clients. He worked as a trainer for 18 years before joining Cliff Valley in 2021.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Megan earned her BA in Sociology from Villanova University and her MA in Education in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education. Megan taught 2nd grade in Memphis, Tennessee and was a TA in 1st grade at Trinity School in New York City before moving overseas. For five years Megan taught pre-kindergarten in international independent schools in Europe and Asia. Megan joined Cliff Valley in 2014.

TEACHER, 3-YEAR OLDS

Becky has over 20 years of experience in preschool education. She studied Early Childhood Education at Georgia Southern University. She is Orton Gillingham certified and a member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and GAEYC (Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children). She is passionate about creating a solid foundation for future education.She joined Cliff Valley in 2006.

DIRECTOR OF GRADES 5-8
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Garn graduated from The College of Wooster with a degree in Sociology and received his master’s degree in Teaching from Mercer University. Garn coached varsity and junior varsity football at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and has taught kindergarten, 5th, and 6th grades since joining Cliff Valley in 2006.

2ND GRADE TEACHER

Katelyn graduated from the University of Georgia in 2007 with a degree in Child and Family Development. Katelyn earned her Master’s in the Art of Teaching degree from Mercer University. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham reading program, she began working at Cliff Valley school in 2008 and has experience working with preschool through third grade.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

David graduated from The College of New Jersey Teachers College with a double major in Elementary Education and English, and he has studied readers/writers workshop at Teachers College, Columbia University. David taught 3rd and 4th grade for 10 years in New Jersey and then relocated to Atlanta and taught 4th grade at The Lovett School for three years before joining Cliff Valley in 2023. When he is not sharing his passion for teaching and learning, David loves to travel to any beach and/or ski mountain with his family.

ART TEACHER

Jon-Erik earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing from Georgia Southern University and his master’s in art education from Georgia State University. Jon-Erik joined Cliff Valley in 2012.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Communications from Queens University of Charlotte, where she played four years of collegiate soccer. She was elected captain and recognized as an Academic All-Conference athlete. Michelle earned her MAT in Early Childhood Education at Mercer University. She joined Cliff Valley in 2013.

PRE-K TEACHER

Lauren earned her BS in Early Childhood Education from Emmanuel College and has her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and a reading endorsement from Mercer University. Lauren played four years of collegiate soccer, earning a MVP award. In addition, she is a nationally licensed soccer coach with extensive coaching experience. Lauren joined the faculty in 2011 and has experience working with students from preschool through third grade.

7TH & 8TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

Jordan graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Early Childhood Education and MEd in Educational Psychology with a focus in Gifted and Creative Education. She then received her Specialist in Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia. Jordan taught for six years in Gwinnett County Public Schools in grades 2-5 prior to joining CV in 2020.

2ND GRADE TEACHER

Margaret received her bachelor’s degree in History and in Political Science from Emory University and has a Masters of Art in Teaching from Mercer University. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham reading program. Margaret has experience teaching preschool-8th grade. She joined Cliff Valley in 2003.

MUSIC TEACHER

Samuel is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer/songwriter, and producer with experience playing in and directing bands throughout the Southeast. His combined love for Music Theory and Music Technology inspired him to learn as much as he could about the recording and production process to help him best capture his (and others’) compositions. He believes teaching these skills to aspiring musicians is the best way to prepare them to be successful in the modern musical landscape. Samuel is studying Score Composition at Berklee College of Music.

4TH GRADE TEACHER

Oanh earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and endorsement in teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages from Georgia State University. She has also completed Executive Function certification training through the Cliff Valley Institute. Oanh has 10 years of experience teaching in kindergarten and first grade. She joined Cliff Valley in 2016.

7TH & 8TH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER

Anna earned a bachelor’s degree in ecology in 2017 and a master’s degree in environmental education in 2022, both from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2022 she worked in environmental education at Bear Hollow Zoo, Rock Eagle 4-H Center, and the Madison-Morgan Conservancy since 2016.

WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHER

Claudia grew up in South Florida in a household where Spanish was the primary language. She earned her BA in Elementary Education and a Master of Education from the University of Florida. She began teaching 6th grade science in Miami-Dade County, then moved to Georgia and taught 7th grade science in Gwinnett County while also acting as a Spanish interpreter. After having children, Claudia taught Spanish to preschoolers and kindergarteners at several local preschools and in homeschool groups. Claudia joined Cliff Valley in 2021.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Maggie earned her BS in Biology from Georgia College and State University. She is working toward her teacher certification and looks forward to a lifelong career in teaching. Maggie joined Cliff Valley in 2021.

WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHER

Paulina has experience teaching all grades and levels of Spanish, from pre-K introductory Spanish to high school Spanish for Native Speakers. She was born and raised in Santiago, Chile and has lived in Houston, where she earned a Master of Education, and Massachusetts, where she taught Spanish for six years prior to joining Cliff Valley. Paulina has traveled extensively and enjoys interacting with new people and experiencing new cultures. She joined Cliff Valley in 2022.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Sam graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology at The University of Oregon and a Masters of Divinity at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA. Sam has extensive experience as a church youth director/pastor, where he has worked with students of all ages.  Sam joined Cliff Valley in 2023.

ART TEACHER

Kristi earned an MFA in dance performance and choreography from Arizona State University, and a BS in dance education and biology from Brigham Young University. She has a diverse background in performance, choreography, and university teaching (Emory, Georgia State, Brenau, Agnes Scott, Arizona State, University of Montana), as well as arts and nonprofit administration. Along the way Kristi developed many artistic pursuits including painting, costume design and construction, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry and metalsmithing. Since joining Cliff Valley in 2019, she has enjoyed sharing her love of art and the creative process with students during art class, and in after school art clubs and drama.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Kelsey has a BS degree in History, Sociology and Technology from Georgia Tech. She also holds an MS in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Texas. She has eight years of experience teaching 1st and 2nd grades and was a lead Pre-K teacher at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Preschool for 2 years. Kelsey is Gifted Endorsed and certified in Orton Gillingham teaching strategies. In her spare time, Kelsey loves traveling with her family, coaching softball and exploring new places. Kelsey joined Cliff Valley in 2023.

1ST GRADE TEACHER

Rachel earned a BS in Elementary Education and Child Development with a minor in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. Prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2021, she completed certification to teach emerging bilinguals while working with English Language Learners in Thailand. She is also an Orton-Gillingham trained classroom educator. Rachel has a diverse background in musical theatre, vocal and piano performance, and dance and enjoys directing the Cliff Valley drama club and spring musical.

PRE-K TEACHER

Leah holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Georgia, an Early Childhood Teaching Credential from the Dominican University of California, and she is trained in the Orton-Gillingham reading program. She has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool through elementary grades in public and private schools in Atlanta and California. Leah joined Cliff Valley in 2001 and has worked with students in preschool through Kindergarten.

3RD GRADE TEACHER

Alisha earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Vermont and a Master of Arts in teaching from Oglethorpe University. She came to Cliff Valley from The Children’s School where she taught for 13 years in pre-K and third, fifth, and sixth grades. Alisha also has experience teaching ballet to elementary school students. She joined Cliff Valley in 2016.

MUSIC TEACHER

Stephen earned a BS in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston, with a minor in Applied Jazz Drums. He taught 3rd grade at The Children’s School for two years and taught in Austin Public Schools before coming to Cliff Valley. At CV Stephen began in pre-K, was a kindergarten teacher for five years, and is now a music teacher. Stephen is also a private drum teacher and musician, playing with various bands and teaching many of Cliff Valley’s up-and-coming musicians in after school clubs.

3RD GRADE TEACHER

Hannah earned a BA in Spanish with a minor in Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a MA in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University. She joined the Cliff Valley faculty in 2009 and has taught kindergarten, 1st grade, and 3rd grade. During the 2011-2012 school year Hannah worked as a teacher in Thailand, teaching English to adults and students in K through 5th grade.

2ND GRADE TEACHER

Angela earned her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from The University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Teaching Early Childhood Education from Mercer University. She has fifteen years of experience in early childhood education and has taught a variety of grade levels from preschool through 5th. Her previous experiences include work in admissions and human resources and serving as project manager for school and corporate accreditation projects. Angela joined Cliff Valley in 2016.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Aimee graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Early Childhood Education. She has over 20 years of teaching experience has taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and preschool in both public school and private school settings in the Atlanta area. Aimee joined Cliff Valley in 2023.

1ST GRADE TEACHER

Maya earned a BA in Anthropology from Emory University and a MAT in Elementary Education from Mercer University. Maya has experience working with two-year-olds at The Clifton School, in Pre-K at Laurel Ridge Elementary, in Kindergarten at KIPP Nashville College Prep Elementary, and in second grade at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School. Maya is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading, and she joined Cliff Valley in 2022 as a teaching assistant in second grade before moving to first grade in 2024.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Leora graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Gwinnett Technical College in Photography in 2016, and a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Grand Canyon University in 2023. She worked as a babysitter and nanny for many years, and upon her graduation in 2023, taught 5th grade in Gwinnett County. Leora joined Cliff Valley in 2024.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Isabelle earned her Associates of Arts degree from the University of North Georgia. She has experience working with students at Oak Grove Young Children’s School and in Cliff Valley's aftercare program.  Isabelle is a Cliff Valley alumna and joined the staff in 2021.

6TH GRADE TEACHER

Katie discovered her love of teaching after graduating from GSU with a degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. She taught abroad in China for a year and then taught in private schools in several grade levels around the Atlanta area before joining Cliff Valley in 2017. She enjoys music, theatre, languages, reading, and writing, and loves to incorporate these passions into her work with students. Katie earned a MAT in Early Childhood Education from GSU in 2015 and her Orton Gillingham classroom teacher certification in 2023.

6TH GRADE TEACHER

Liz earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Early Elementary Education Certificate from Agnes Scott College. She studied in Australia for a year, taking history and education classes. Liz received a Master of Arts in Teaching Early Childhood from Oglethorpe University. She taught fourth grade for nine years at The Galloway School before joining the Cliff Valley community in 2016. Liz coaches volleyball and soccer, is trained in Orton Gillingham, and during the summer, Liz directs and leads camps.

NURSE & TEACHING ASSISTANT

Eileen received her BS in Nursing from Georgia State University and has worked as an RN at Egleston Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric ICU and at a private pediatric practice. She is also a graduate of the School Master Gardener Program and a member of the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia. She is certified in Project Wet, Project Wild, Project Learning Tree, Growing up WILD, and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream. She shares her love of gardening by volunteering as the chairperson of the Smoke Rise Community Garden. Eileen joined Cliff Valley in 2004.

5TH GRADE TEACHER

Jennifer earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education with a Reading Endorsement from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Jennifer started her teaching career in 2003 and taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades before joining Cliff Valley in 2012.

LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST

Jennifer has been practicing law since 1995 and has run her own law firm for over twenty years, specializing in conflict management and dispute resolution for organizations. She holds a B.A. in History from Agnes Scott College (Phi Beta Kappa) and a J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law. She has taught alternative dispute resolution as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University’s School of Law and Georgia State University College of Law and has guest lectured at Agnes Scott and Kennesaw State University. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia. Jennifer was a CV parent from 2006 – 2018, volunteering in the library and in the classroom. Jennifer joined CV in 2022.

REGISTRAR & DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Megan has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. She worked in the marketing communications field in event planning, market research, advertising, and public relations prior to joining the staff at Cliff Valley in 2002.

1ST GRADE TEACHER

Elaine graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana with a degree in Elementary Education and minors in Mild Intervention and Sports Studies. She is also a certified Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator. In 2019, Elaine joined Cliff Valley as a 3-year-old classroom teacher. In 2023, she joined the 1st grade team. Elaine also coaches the Cliff Valley cross country team and running club.

1ST GRADE TEACHER

Kyna has a BS in Criminal Justice and a MAT in Elementary Education with an endorsement in reading from Georgia Southern University. She is also an Orton-Gillingham trained classroom educator. Kyna came to Cliff Valley in 2022 from the Atlanta Speech School where she spent 10 years working with students in preschool through second grade.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Marcus received his bachelor’s degree in art education from Ball State University and his Master of Education degree from Mercer University. Prior to joining the Cliff Valley School faculty in 2010, Marcus collected five years of experience teaching 5th grade science and social studies at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis and all subjects in a 3rd and 4th grade multiage class at Metairie Park Country Day School in New Orleans. In addition to his teaching experience, Marcus has coached volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and wrestling at the middle and high school levels, and he has served as a summer programs administrator at several schools and camps.

4TH GRADE TEACHER

Erin earned her BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design where she majored in Fibers with a concentration in Art History and her Masters in Teaching from Mercer University. She taught Visual Art for two years at Pleasantdale Elementary prior to joining Cliff Valley in 2021.