TEACHER
Parent Testimonials
A private school for pre-k through 8th grade | Decatur, GA
Faculty
Teachers are the most impactful force in the classroom. Meet our talented, dedicated, and innovative educators.
Elise Albrecht
Educator and Assistant Principal
"I had a lot of influential teachers, but two of my high school English teachers stand out: Mr. Miller and Mr. Mischler. They were teachers whose classes were always rigorous, yet full of joy and laughter. They were teachers who diverged from the public-school norm of punitive discipline and managed their classroom on the basis of the relationship between teacher and student. Their example stuck with me! On top of all that, they performed in a band of teachers called the “Lords of Literature.”
Elise earned her B.A. in English and Education from Denison University in 2006. After graduation, she worked for an early childhood education non-profit for seven years, where she trained college student volunteers to deliver language, literacy, and social-emotional programming to preschool children in low-income neighborhoods: first in Boston and later in Atlanta. At Jumpstart, Elise spent a lot of time traveling throughout Atlanta's neighborhoods and building relationships between local universities and students and families in preschools. In 2013, desiring a closer connection with individual students, Elise returned to the classroom and earned her M.Ed. in Literacy from Lesley University. Elise taught at The Cloverleaf School and The Howard School, where she discovered her enthusiasm for teaching students with learning differences. Elise believes in creating a school environment where everybody feels a strong sense of belonging, thinks that their collective efforts produce work of high personal and social value, and trusts that education is a lifelong process. Outside of school, Elise loves hiking, biking, reading, writing, watching movies, and relaxing on the porch with her dog. She was drawn to Hess because of its emphasis on the outdoors, tight-knit community, and dedication to student-centered learning.
Naomi Browning
Early Childhood Educator
“My most influential teacher: Mrs. Frazier in 2nd grade. Mrs. Frazier physically engaged with her teaching by demonstrating concepts to us. She laughed a lot and taught us that learning didn’t have to be such serious business!”
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Naomi joins Hess Academy with a genuine love of teaching and learning. Her many years teaching have been spent working with children from two to five years of age. She earned her Child Development Associate certification in 1996 and continues to enjoy studying teaching theories and working on curriculum development. Along with her husband and two children, she loves hiking and camping. Naomi’s love of the outdoors inspires her to bring natural elements into the classroom learning environment as well as strongly support the importance of outdoor education for all children. Using a constructivist approach to teaching, she engages each child and encourages further learning based on what they know. She understands and acts on the fact that children need to feel emotionally safe for new learning to take place. She enjoys learning from and teaching young children.
Susan Camp
Middle School Educator
"Two of the most influential teachers I had were my Biology professor, Dr. Mathis, and my English professor Dr. Stackhouse. Dr. Mathis’ enthusiasm for Biology made even the most difficult concepts engaging and fun. Dr. Stackhouse designed her lessons to be like a book club. What I remember most about these educators was how they made time to make meaningful connections with their students, and I found that incredibly motivating to give them my best effort."
Susan received her B.A. in English from the University of West Georgia. She began her career in corporate communications for the Home Depot and later moving into a marketing and communication role with Ameris Bank (formerly Fidelity Bank). Her foray into science began with her most recent position in the Biomedical Engineering Department at Georgia Tech. Susan left Georgia Tech to care for her new family. During the pandemic, She launched STEAM Wednesdays where she organized STEAM lessons and activities for all of the elementary students in the neighborhood. Susan joined Hess Academy in February of 2022 as a substitute teacher and now teachers science to the K-5 students.
Mary Crowe
Middle School Educator
“The most influential teacher for me was Mr. Egan, who taught me AP History. He was the first teacher in our school that I know of who offered international travel with student groups. He took a group of us to the Soviet Union my tenth-grade year. The trip focused on fun as much as it did culture, history, and people. Back at school, he was also a teacher who used his humor to engage and relate to students.”
Mary earned her BA in Elementary Education from Wittenberg University in 1994. Since then she has taught grades Pre-K-8 in Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona. She loves to include food, in any way, into the classroom. From hosting Flapjack Fridays and holiday celebrations in her home for students, to encouraging kids to demonstrate their knowledge with creative food-based projects, it’s always a part of her class. Outside of school, Mary enjoys traveling with her husband and teenaged daughter to see friends and discover new places.
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Katy Hamm
Elementary Educator
"My two most influential teachers inform my two areas of concentration in teaching. Kristan Jacobs, my seventh grade language arts teacher and professional mentor, encouraged my passion for reading and writing and inspired me to help others access the power of language. I was even fortunate enough to experience her love of education all over again as her co-teacher at Beacon Hill Middle School. My other most influential teacher is my mom. Witnessing her 30-plus years of work helped instill in me an appreciation for the diverse abilities and perspectives we all bring to the table. She inspires me to amplify the voices of my students and move through compassion each day."
Katy’s passion for teaching is guided by two core beliefs: 1. Be equitable, and 2. Knowledge is power (shout out School House Rock!). As a child, Katy always loved the creative elements of reading and writing, whether that meant being transported to a magical new place or creating a world of her own. As a teenager, she began to appreciate the emotional validation of seeing herself represented in books and learning about experiences that differed from her own. Writing became an outlet for her budding interest in social justice and equity movements. Throughout high school and college, Katy would return to the art of language as a means of accessing and making sense of the world around her. This love of language ultimately led her to pursue a career in education, graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Secondary Language Arts Education. Over the last six years working in middle and high school inclusion settings, she has striven to help students discover their own voice and to provide them with a means of sharing that voice, that story, with the world. She believes now more than ever, in our fast-paced and ever-changing lives, literacy is the key to connecting with others and affecting positive change. Hess Academy’s flexible and individualized learning environment aligns closely with her personal philosophy that each student needs and deserves to learn in the way that works best for them. Outside of the classroom, Katy enjoys playing various instruments (although she has not touched the clarinet since college marching band!), knitting and crocheting, being a plant and cat mom, and checking out local eateries with her husband.
Jared Hayes
Middle School Educator
"I was lucky enough to have had many proud, inspirational, and motivating teachers throughout my formative years who ultimately inspired me to choose teaching as my own profession. If I had to pick, some of my favorite teachers would have to be my 6th grade science teacher Mr. Reiniche and my 7th grade social studies teacher Ms. Brown. Mr Reiniche was by far the most engaging teacher I probably ever had. He was weird and wacky in the best of ways and put on a show every day. It was impossible not to hang on every word he said. Ms. Brown gave me a passion for history and had a unique ability to teach you more about yourself while simultaneously delving into other cultures from all over the globe."
I have a Bachelor's of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and enjoyed being a student ambassador for the UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education. I have taught both 6th and 7th grade social studies classes for the past 3 years in Gwinnett County. I recently completed my gifted endorsement. I was most drawn to Hess because of their hands-on approach and focus on project style learning for students. In my free time I enjoy hiking, playing board games with friends, video games, and playing with my long haired miniature dachshund Ollie!
Josh Hunter
Elementary Educator
“My most inspirational teacher was Dr. Dennis Felder. I admired the way he was able to help each student be the best that they could be. He was always willing to stop and help students, no matter if they had his classes or not. He taught me how to be professional and how to excel no matter the odds.”
Josh brings to Hess Academy over 5 years of experience working with youth in recreational and sports settings and in the classroom. Josh earned his BS in Sports Management from Winston-Salem University and recently completed his MS in Sports Administration. Josh’s combined experience in teaching, coaching, and mentoring has given him the opportunity to understand that each and every student learns differently. Josh’s goal is to reach every student he meets, inspire them to do their best, and encourage them to be great human beings.
When Josh is not in the classroom, you will likely find him playing with his dog Kobe, attending sporting events, cooking, and spending time with his wife.
Nicole Monteleone
Elementary Educator
"My most influential teacher was my high school English teacher, Ms. Ballard. She always expected the highest effort and never hesitated teaching a challenging subject. She did this all while making each student feel truly seen. Her example encourages me to do the same in my own classroom setting."
Nicole made a career switch to early childhood education after becoming a mother of two amazing children. She was astounded by the impact early childhood experiences had on an individual and wanted to be a positive force for change in that sphere. She has now been an early childhood educator for nine years, constantly finding ways to give children a loving and solid foundation for the rest of their educational experience. Nicole incorporates children's innate sense of wonder about the natural world and creative self-expression into project-based learning projects. She is most passionate about social-emotional learning being a consistent part of the early childhood experience and believes a classroom should be a place where all feelings and ideas are acknowledged and accepted.
Kirsten Sharpes
Elementary Educator
"My favorite teacher was Mr. Bowen, my 5th grade teacher. He had the ability to be both warm and firm, creating a classroom environment where I felt supported yet challenged. Mr. Bowen recognized my passion for history and nurtured it, especially indulging my obsession with the Oregon Trail. I vividly remember our class project where we formed wagon trains and simulated the journey west. My team's adventure came to a dramatic end when we perished in the mountains. His influence went far beyond just teaching facts. He saw through all my games and helped shape my understanding of genuine character and the importance of being true to oneself."
Kirsten brings a wealth of STEM experience and lots of enthusiasm to her role as an educator. With a BA from Wesleyan University, her background spans many social and natural science fields including neuroscience and psychology research, economic modeling, and statistical analysis. She is passionate about hands-on, cross-curricular, project-based learning rooted in play.
Debbie Taylor
Math Educator
"My most influential teacher: Skip Fennell, mathematics education professor, author, and previous NCTM President. Skip poured a love for mathematics into pre-service teachers. He provided the how to teach math and not just the what to teach. He knew that behind every successful student is a teacher who knows how to connect, assess, and implement lessons effectively."
Debbie is a 30+ year veteran teacher and administrator. She holds a BA degree in Psychology/Elementary Education from Western MD College (now McDaniel College), Masters degree in Middle Grades/Mathematics, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from UGA. Debbie has worked primarily with upper elementary to high school aged students teaching in the classroom, leading grant-funded intervention programs, and tutoring privately. Working with students in small groups has allowed Debbie to better understand the misconceptions present in the foundational years of mathematics. Her goal is to spread a love of mathematics everywhere!
Hannah Wargowsky
Elementary Educator
"My most influential teacher was my sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Garrahan. He fostered creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and real-world problem-solving in his classroom. Mr. Garrahan was truly passionate about teaching, and he made learning come to life. He introduced me to poetry through Beatles lyrics and history through hands-on Civil War reenactment. I will never forget Mr. Garrahan because he showed me that learning and knowledge are powerful. "
Hannah has been teaching K-3 for 7+ years. She received her B.A. from the University of Georgia and M.A. from Loyola Marymount University. Hannah has a gifted certification and recently completed her Orton-GIllingham Associate coursework. She has extensive experience in reading and phonics instruction through her former role as a literacy teacher. She also spearheaded efforts to integrate STEAM into academic content areas. Hannah comes from a family of teachers who taught her the importance of education and giving back. She believes in building strong relationships with her students, families, and community members. Hannah's goal is for all students to find a safe space within her classroom to grow, dream, and create meaningful change. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her amazing family, work in her garden, attend every yard sale in Decatur, and eat yummy food.
Hannah Watkins
Middle School Educator
"When I think of my most influential teacher, I think of Mrs. Freeman in 1st grade and Mrs. Johnson in 4th grade. Mrs. Freeman always had the biggest smile. She made me feel loved and grew my excitement for school. Mrs. Johnson was a kooky teacher who always dressed up to match our content or holidays. She showed me how much joy there is in learning and in life. I am thankful for these teachers for inspiring my own teaching today!"
Hannah is joining Hess Academy with seven years of teaching experience in grades K-3. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University in Ohio and continued her education in Tennessee where she earned a Master of Education. Hannah loves to play soccer, spend time outdoors, and tend to her flock of backyard chickens. She believes that learning is an active and joyful endeavor where students grow in their sense of self and their understanding of the world around them. Building relationships with students and joining them in the fun of learning is the biggest privilege of working in the classroom.
Bobbie Williams
Elementary Educator
“Most influential teacher: Tom Davidson, education professor at West Georgia College, inspired me as a student teacher to believe that I could change the world. He nudged me to discover my love for teaching mathematics to young students and demonstrated how to develop students’ conceptual understanding of numbers by modeling his college classroom like a child-centered classroom full of manipulatives.”
Bobbie Williams has loved teaching and challenging young children to think for the past 38 years. She earned a B. S. in Elementary Education and a Masters in Elementary Education at West Georgia College. She later added a gifted endorsement. In 1992, Bobbie joined the staff at the Center for Innovation in California where she has trained teachers in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Wisconsin to teach Math Their Way to primary students. She has taught K, 1st, K-1 multi-age, Readiness, 2nd, and 6th grades. Bobbie is passionate about teaching writing, math, and gifted education with young children and mentoring classroom teachers in math and writing. Most recently, she has been honing her craft of teaching writing through a workshop approach. Bobbie has dreamed of teaching in a progressive private school and is thrilled to be a part of the Hess learning community where teachers ignite an appetite in children to read, write, think, solve problems, and most of all, love learning.