Porter Academy
Administration
CLAUDIA PORTER ~ Founder - Language/Reading Specialist, Speech/Language Pathologist (e-mail)
M.A. in Speech/Language Pathology; Certified Speech/Language Therapist since 1971, GA license in Speech-Language Pathology; CA Life Teaching Certificate; developed L.D. program at High Meadows School; Program Director of Child Development Center in Roswell; speech/language therapist & teacher/coordinator for the Georgia Challenge Grant Program; Founded the Porter School with Muriel Lange in 2000
BARBARA RAMER - Principal (e-mail)
M.S. in Education; 54 years experience in the field of education to include teaching (K-7), counseling (K-12), supervision, and administration; Member of National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC); Licensed Professional Counselor in GA and VA (LPC); designed community-wide promotions for guidance services in local VA schools; Director of Special Education School; served as Advisory Committee Chairman for the school superintendent to coordinate curriculum for the Virginia school system; 6th year at Porter Academy
STACY KELLY - Operations Manager (e-mail)
Seven year’s experience working with young children and their families. Managed several after school care programs. Understands the integral needs of student issues; such as balancing everyday life, studies, homework, and the unique needs that each learner requires to succeed. Proficient in Swahili and the multi-faceted languages of computer systems. Holds a B. A. degree from Northern Illinois University and has a Minor in Women’s Studies.
Supervising Lead Teachers
BARBARA RICHARD (e-mail)
B.A. in Elementary Education; currently working on M.S.; 16 years experience teaching grades 1-4; 2 years as Vice Principal; Georgia certification in level 4; FL and MA teaching certification; Orton-Gillingham training; 5th year at Porter Academy
JACKIE SHALLCROSS (e-mail)
B.A. in Education; 20 years experience teaching children with special needs and behavioral disorders in CT and GA; taught at Mill Springs Academy; drama at The Howard School; 7th year at Porter Academy
Teachers
LAURA CORN (e-mail)
M.A. in Special Education, Georgia certification in level 4; 5 years experience with special needs children; specializing in Autism; sign language skills; 3rd year at Porter Academy
SHANNON JACOBS (e-mail)
B.S. in Physical Education and Health; worked in Atlanta Public School system since 2001; Teacher of the Year 2006-2007 at B.E. Usher Elementary and semi-finalist in Atlanta Public Schools; Director of Services at Woodlands Foundations, Inc.; Director of Development at Spina Bifida Association of Western PA 1994-1998 and received Distinguished Service Award in 1998; 2nd year at Porter Academy
MAUREEN KENNEDY (e-mail)
M.S. in Education, Counseling Major; B.S. in Elementary Education; 19 years experience with special needs children; 21 years counseling children and their families; 7 years as rehabilitation coordinator at Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Ohio; 3rd year at Porter Academy
MARCIE SCHULTZ (e-mail)
B.S. in Computer Technology; Certified Wilson Reading System Tutor; 6 years experience tutoring dyslexic children in reading and spelling; 5th year at Porter Academy
BARBARA SELKIRK (e-mail)
M.Ed. in Reading; B.S. in Psychology; 2 years experience teaching elementary grades; 3 years experience teaching Budding Authors at Mercer University College for Kids; Orton-Gillingham training; year-long study of Art History; Board Member for Mercer University Reading Center; Received the Georgia State University Mortar Board Honor Society Outstanding Student Award; 3rd year at Porter Academy
Specialists
JENNIFER TOWNSEND - Art Teacher (e-mail)
Master of Fine Arts - Georgia State, B.F.A. Washington U in Art - 21 years experience teaching art in private schools and community centers. Oversees the curriculum for Porter Academy art program and develops projects appropriate to targeted age groups Teaches a variety of art and media and collaborates with classroom teachers to integrate art curriculum with classroom topics.
JOANNE GOLDSTEIN – Drama Teacher (email)
B.F.A in Theatre; minor in Elementary Education; T-4 (PK–12th) certification in Drama; 26+ years drama teaching experience; owner & creator of the Drametiquette program which incorporates drama with teaching social skills; 3rd year at Porter Academy
JODY KERSHNER - Music Therapist (e-mail)
B.A. in Music Therapy; 25 years of music therapy experience in education and mental health settings; member of American Association for Music Therapy; trained with Dr. Gary Mesibov and Dr. Stanley Greenspan; ORFF music education; 6th year at Porter Academy
NANCY KNIGHT - Occupational Therapist (e-mail)
B.S. in Occupational Therapy; 30+ years experience as OT/PT; certified and licensed occupational therapist; worked in Fulton County School systems from 1987-2002; 2nd year at Porter Academy
BRIAN MALONEY - Physical Education Specialist (e-mail)
B.A. in Business; currently working on M.S. in elementary and special education; 8 years experience as Camp Director at YMCA in SC and GA; continuing education at Piedmont College for elementary education; 2nd year at Porter Academy
LYNN SCHOENECK - Occupational Therapist (e-mail)
M.S. in Occupational Therapy; B.A. in Psychology with honors; certified and licensed occupational therapist; instructor at the Autism Society of NC; 4 years camp counselor at High Meadows School; drum, guitar and piano skills; 5th year at Porter Academy
Assistant Teachers
TERESA BOWEN (e-mail)
A.S. in Early Childhood Education; Skilled in Intermediate American Sign Language; 5th year at Porter Academy
HANNAH CHA (e-mail)
Finalizing her degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University; teaches violin to children; 5th year at Porter Academy
Cynthia Ciccone (e-mail)
AA degree in Education and CDA as Child Development Associate. Trained in Lindamood /Bell (Visualizing and Verbalizing), 2nd year at Porter Academy.
LINDA-MAE MERAB (e-mail)
A.S. in Teacher Education; finalizing degree in Early Childhood Education; 2nd year at Porter Academy. Member of Georgia Association of Educators
VIcki Miller (e-mail)
Vicki is certified as a special education para professional. This will be her 2nd year at Porter. Previous positions include: Special education assistant - Brunswick Ohio. Special education assistant & Personal Care Assistant - Erie, Pennsylvania.
