Lynn Schoeneck – Head of School; Occupational Therapist

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Lynn earned a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Psychology (graduated with honors) from Wake Forest University. She is certified and licensed to practice occupational therapy. She has attended continuing education courses in the areas of handwriting (Handwriting Without Tears and Solving the Handwriting Puzzle), executive function, auditory training (Integrated Listening Systems, Therapeutic Listening), auditory processing, visual processing, sensory processing, information regarding specific learning differences, and course relating to administration. She has given presentations to parents, staff, and at the annual GISA conference. Lynn joined Porter Academy in 2004.

Tracye Purchase – Assistant Principal

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Tracye earned her Doctorate (EdD) in Special Education from Northcentral University, her Masters of Science in Special Education from Long Island University, and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lincoln University. Before joining Porter Academy, she had 11 years experience as a resource teacher , 5 years experience as a preschool owner, and 12 years experience as a general education teacher. She had worked with children preschool through fourth grade. Tracye joined Porter Academy in 2016.

Barbara Richard – Director of Student Services

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Barbara earned a M.A. in Educational Administration and a B.A. in Elementary Education. She has 20 years experience teaching Kindergarten-grade 4. She was a Vice Principal for two years in Florida. Barbara has teaching certification in FL and MA. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Sensory Integration Disorders, Math Their Way, and Differentiated Instruction. Barbara joined Porter Academy in 2003.

Hannah Cha – Administrative Assistant

Hannah took courses at Kennesaw State University, has worked both in the classroom and as an administrative assistant, and teaches violin. Hannah joined Porter Academy in 2003.

Marcie Schultz – Lead Teacher

Marcie earned a B.S. in Computer Technology and an A.A.S in Computer Programming. She is certified as a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Marcie has experience tutoring children with dyslexia in reading and spelling and worked at Pathways Academy. Marcie joined Porter Academy in 2004.

Stacey Edwards – Lead Teacher

Stacey earned her Masters of Science from Cappella University and her Bachelor of Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. Stacey is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and holds licenses in Art Education and through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horseman (PATH Intl). Stacey has over thirty years of experience teaching grades K-12, most recently teaching a 4th/5th grade special education class at The Cottage School. She is also a lead instructor at Special Equestrians of Georgia. Stacey joined Porter Academy in 2021.

Cathy Wiggins – Lead Teacher

Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. She comes to us with 21 years of experience teaching elementary students. She has been awarded Teacher of the Year, is gifted endorsed, and maintains her T-4 Georgia Teaching Certification. Cathy joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Eve Davidson- Lead Teacher

Eve earned her Masters of Education in Special Education from Cheyney University and her Bachelors of Science in Sociology from West Chester University. Prior to joining Porter Academy, Eve had 30 years of teaching experience in grades K-8. Eve joined Porter Academy Spring 2024.

Cassidy Ratliff – Lead Teacher

Cassidy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. She earned her certification in Early Childhood Education. She has 9 years of experience with children of all ages. Cassidy joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Mahjabeen Aamer – Lead Teacher

Mahja earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Karachi and has worked as a substitute teacher, special education paraeducator, and ESOL instructor. Mahja joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Anna Gage – Lead Teacher

Anna earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Walden University. She has worked as a special education teacher in public school for two years. Anna joined Porter Academy in 2024.

Steve O’Brien – Assistant Teacher

Steve earned his Master of Arts in Education from Phoenix University and his Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from Samford University. Steve earned his Teaching Certification, Paraprofessional Certification, and Educator License. Steve has served in the Navy, worked as a special education teacher with elementary and middle school students, owned his own company, worked in administration, and worked in customer service. Steve joined Porter Academy in 2024

Markeah Green – Assistant Teacher

Markeah earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University. She comes to us with eight years of experience working with children as a camp counselor, youth athletics coach, and childcare provider. Markeah joined Porter Academy in 2024.

Divina Harjani – Assistant Teacher

Divina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Special Education at Georgia State University. She started volunteering at Porter Academy in Summer 2022 and joined our staff Fall 2022.

Ivy Keats – Assistant Teacher

Ivy earned her Master of Art Degree in Education from Fairfield University and her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She has over twenty years experience working as a special education teacher, preschool teacher, and working with adults with intellectual disabilities. Ivy joined Porter Academy in 2024.

Marissa Diana – Assistant Teacher

Marissa has ten years of experience working with children, including in daycares, as a nanny, and as a dance instructor. Marissa joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Kristen Lockard, MS, CCC-SLP – Speech Language Pathologist

Kristen received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University and her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Kentucky University. She has earned her Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Language Pathology. She has also received her DIRFloortime Certificate of Proficiency and is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Kristen has experience at Pikeville Medical Center, Peachtree Elementary School, Mind and Motion Developmental Center, and Hopebridge Autism Centers. Kristen joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Cecilia Price – Music Therapist

Cecilia earned her Music Therapy MT-BC from the University of Georgia, her NICU Music Therapy Training from Florida State University, Her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Alabama, her Bachelor of Arts from Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina, and her Music Education for Elementary Level in Argentina. She has teaching for 28 years and providing music therapy since 2021. Cecilia joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Tyree Etienne – Physical Education Teacher

Tyree has been working with children at The Boys and Girls Club of America, recreational sports programs, and training centers. He has experience providing instruction in soccer, basketball, flag football, speed, agility, and strengthening. Tyree joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Sarah Kachur – Art Teacher

Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University and studied Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, including drawing, painting, printmaking, puppet making and B/W photography. She has worked with various populations of students age range from 4 to 15 years old since attending FSU. She uses proponents of DBT especially mindfulness in her teachings. Sarah has been making and selling art since 2001. She joined Porter Academy in 2022.

Liana Valentin-Scott – Sign Language

Liana earned an A.S. in Early Childhood Education. She is certified as a M.I.L.E. math instructor, skilled in Advanced American Sign Language, and has experience as a classroom Teacher and Assistant Teacher. Liana has over 20 years experience in Office Administration. She joined Porter Academy in 2004.

Claudia Porter – Founder, Retired

Education/Licensure: M.A. in Speech/Language Pathology; Certified Speech/Language Therapist since 1971, GA license in Speech-Language Pathology; CA Life Teaching Certificate

Experience: Developed L.D. program at High Meadows School; Program Director of North Fulton Child Development Center in Roswell; Speech Language Therapist & teacher/coordinator for the Georgia Challenge Grant Program; Kindergarten teacher in L.A. public schools. Founded The Porter School with Muriel Lange in 2000.

Associations: Member of ASHA, GSHA, PEO, International Dyslexia Association (IDA)

Awards: Presenter at the Annual GISA Conference, 2007-2011; Hand-in-Hand Award 2008 presented by The Leita Lift Foundation; Who’s Who in the South and Southwest; ACE award presented by ASHA for outstanding accomplishments in Continuing Education; Fellowship for Master’s degree at Occidental College; Certificate of Excellence by Occidental College Speech and Reading Clinics