HEAD OF SCHOOL
FOUNDING FACULTY MEMBER

Michele holds a master’s degree in youth development leadership from Clemson University and a bachelor’s in child and family development from the University of Georgia. Michele has taught students at every age from preschool to high school and currently teaches online undergraduate courses in youth development at Clemson. Michele holds a Strategic Inclusive Excellence Certificate from Clemson and is also a certified therapeutic yoga teacher. Michele was instrumental in taking Connections from concept to reality and now leads vision and strategy, awareness and advocacy, human resources, finances, and fundraising.

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

Julia has a master’s degree in social work from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Georgia College. As part of her field education for her master’s program, Julia interned at Connections for the 2018-2019 school year and says it was her dream to return as a faculty member! As Assistant Head of School, Julia works both administratively and directly with students. A dynamic and empathetic leader, her many roles include managing school operations, leading the admissions department, and providing social-emotional support services for students and families. Julia also provides guidance to students and parents as they prepare for their next chapter after Connections.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Callie holds a master’s degree in social work from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s in business administration in music business from Belmont University. Like Julia, Callie started as an intern at Connections, and we are thrilled that she chose to officially join us as a staff member! Callie works with our young adult students supporting them with their onsite jobs and postsecondary skillwork. She coordinates our internship program, connecting students to local business to gain job skills. Creative, adaptable, and a go-getter, Callie also manages our social media, supports fundraising efforts, and helps plan community events, afterschool programs, and advocacy initiatives for the school.

MULTI-CLASSROOM SUPPORT

Barbara came to Connections after five years working for City of Atlanta government. She served as a Constituent Specialist for the Mayor's Office before becoming the Community Affairs Coordinator for ATL311; there, she built and maintained relationships with community members and leadership figures city-wide. Barbara has 20 years of experience as a caregiver, serving children, neurodiverse young people, and older adults, and also has a background in theatre, musical voice, piano, guitar, and ukelele. Bringing this variety of experience to Connections, she currently teaches civic engagement, music, and sports programs.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
FOUNDING FACULTY MEMBER

Carolyn graduated from Roanoke College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in human development and a minor in sociology. Carolyn formerly taught in Montessori and DIR/Floortime schools before joining the inaugural faculty at Connections. She trained in American Sign Language at University of Georgia and also has an extensive musical background in voice and piano. The students say she has a “heart of gold” and a “gentle spirit,” and Carolyn says she is inspired each day by their perseverance and strength.

MULTI-CLASSROOM SUPPORT

Ginny joined the team to support classroom learning and community engagement outings after being a stellar substitute of ours! She majored in theater at the University of Tennessee and formally taught at Coralwood School and The Hirsch Academy. Ginny loves to work in collaborative environments and learn from students who think and see the world differently. She is inspired by their creativity and unique perspectives on life and love. Ginny strives to create strong and lasting relationships with each of our students, and teachers benefit greatly from her kind and calming nature. Ginny currently supports math, science, and government.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Hanley is a lifelong learner who craves new challenges and experiences. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and a certified yoga instructor, Hanley creates opportunities for our students to develop self-awareness and strength. Hanley is trained in American Sign Language, and her additional areas of expertise include reflexology and meditation. Hanley was formerly a personal care assistant for young adults with disabilities such as Aicardi Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, and Cerebral Palsy and has worked with the elderly in assisted living facilities. Hanley lights up and brings positive energy to every room she enters!

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Hannah came to Connections with six years of experience in environmental conservation, art instruction, substitute teaching, and childcare and a motivation to support students in overcoming the barriers of living in a neurotypical world. Hannah’s most recent venture was conducting Gopher Tortoise surveys in south Georgia, and prior to that, her conservation work was in southeast Louisiana where she brought kids into the field to teach habitat restoration projects. An artist herself, Hannah has extensive experience teaching art classes at studios, community gardens, and private parties as well as running an art summer camp.

FINE ARTS
FOUNDING FACULTY MEMBER

Heidi holds a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in life coaching and creative expression from Sophia University. She majored in studio art and psychology at the University of Vermont and has extensive experience in education, art, and yoga. Heidi has been an educator since 1999, beginning as an Americorps member with local literacy programs. She taught for nine years in Atlanta-area DIR schools before helping open Connections. She is also a certified yoga instructor with additional training in special needs and yoga therapy. Heidi is loved for her kind heart and generous spirit!

ENGLISH LITERATURE/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS

Jahada holds a master’s degree in teaching and special education with a reading endorsement from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s in integrative studies with a minor in linguistics from Kennesaw State University. Jahada completed her student teaching internship at Connections before joining the faculty. She holds a Georgia Educator Certificate in special education general curriculum (P-12). In addition to her language and literature classes, Jahada also teaches postsecondary skills and leads students on community outings where they learn to navigate public transportation and dining at restaurants. Students say that Jahada is “a believer in our ability” and “a beautiful spirit.”

MATH/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS

Jen holds a Ph.D. in mathematics education with an emphasis in instructional technology and an M.S. in mathematics. She has more than twenty years of experience teaching mathematics, primarily at the high school level, but also to elementary and middle school students as well as to adults. Becoming a parent to an amazing, autistic child inspired her to expand her work to include both neurotypical and neuroatypical students. She uses a relational approach, aiming first to connect with her students and establish trust. Jen is adaptable in her methods and willing to work with students in whatever way serves them best on that particular day, in that particular moment.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Jess graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Jess has been serving our students and mentoring many of our teachers since before Connections opened. In addition to being the occupational therapist at The Hirsch Academy, she started her own practice, Minds in Motion, in 2015. Jess works closely with her clients to help them gain more strength, coordination, and independence in daily living skills. Jess also specializes in supporting students with developing the purposeful motor skills they need to access alternative modes of communication. One Connections student says, “Jess can take credit for getting me so loved at school.”

SOCIAL COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS

Keri holds a master’s degree in special education with a focus in autism from Florida International University as well as bachelor’s degrees in human development and special education with a minor in sociology from Wheelock College. Keri has over ten years of special education teaching experience in elementary and middle schools. Most recently, Keri has been working as a special education homeschool teacher and designed a customized curriculum for her neurodivergent learners. She also organized and led community outings for her teenage homeschooled students to gain social experiences. Keri has an incredibly warm and kind presence that is felt by both students and staff alike.

MATH

Lauren holds a bachelor of arts in elementary education with a minor in special education from Liberty University. Lauren started her career as a long-term substitute in Clayton County before her role as a caregiver of a neurodivergent community member led her to Connections. Lauren believes in allowing curiosity to foster a positive space for learning and carefully observes her students’ various learning styles to craft her lessons. Lauren’s love of math and college studies in math subjects led her to embrace with enthusiasm the opportunity to teach Algebra courses this school year. The students notice her open mind and positive attitude, and staff appreciate her fresh energy and perspective.

SOCIAL STUDIES/LIFE SKILLS
FOUNDING FACULTY MEMBER

Rebecca graduated from Goucher College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in gender psychology and a minor in women’s studies. Rebecca helped open Connections with more than 15 years of experience in the DIR/Floortime community. As a former college athlete with extensive knowledge of adolescent and young adult development, Rebecca leads sports programs and plays a key role in helping students build confidence, determination, and grit. The students say Rebecca is “carefully in tune with their needs,” and the teachers depend on her grounding presence. She currently teaches life skills, applied math, and government.

SCIENCE/OUTDOOR EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Not all classrooms have four walls! As a former wilderness instructor and supervisor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, Steve challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and take risks. He has a lifetime of teaching experience, including science and math at the high school and middle school level, and he is also trained as a wilderness EMT and First Responder. Steve has a bachelor’s degree in physical science with a minor in environmental studies from the University of California. He received his Master of Education in educational leadership from Montana State University.

EDUCATION CONSULTANT

Susie Lotharius has been teaching in some capacity since 1993 and is a longtime leader and parent in the Atlanta neurodiverse community. Susie holds a Master of Education degree from George Washington University with a certification in K-12 ESOL. Susie provides guidance and support for teachers in adapting curriculum to meet the needs, learning preferences, and communication styles of our diverse students. Susie also shares her experience studying, working with, and advocating for alternative and augmentative communication methods.

PRESIDENT, FINANCE COMMITTEE

Senior Financial Analyst, ICE

TREASURER, FINANCE COMMITTEE

Financial Analyst, FinTech, Project Consulting and Management

EDUCATION & DEIJ COMMITTEE

Director of Service Learning, The Paideia School

EDUCATION & DEIJ COMMITTEE

High School Principal, The Paideia School

Employment Counsel and Litigator, Moser Law Co.

PARENT LIAISON

Executive Director, Engineering, Enteprise Technology & Services, Morgan Stanley