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 classrooms 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.
Daniel Bass
Elementary Educator
"My most influential teacher was my 10th grade biology teacher, Dr. Annette Parrott. She made learning both whimsical and exploratory, bringing humor and joy to the work of examining the living world with students. She also treated me as a whole person - she saw my passion for singing and invited me to join a student performance at her church. I felt free to bring my whole self to the classroom, and her sparkling intellect and warm wit taught me the breadth of what a teacher could accomplish in a student's life."
Daniel earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish with a concentration in Literature from Georgia State University before pursuing a master's degree in religious studies at Richmont Graduate University. He began his teaching career at St. Nicholas Orthodox Academy before joining Hess Academy's faculty in 2016. During his five years at Hess, he taught in both the 4/5 and middle school classrooms, leading students in core academic subjects as well as Spanish, chorus, and American Sign Language. After several years in the private sector, Daniel is delighted to return to the classroom, where he feels most alive and at home. He is passionate about giving students the developmentally appropriate tools to explore their worlds - inner, outer, and interpersonal. Hess' emphases on play and exploration, acknowledging and respecting learners' differences, and student-led learning all align perfectly with Daniel's philosophy as an educator. He looks forward to leading students further into a lifelong love of 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 30 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.
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 in Gwinnett County before coming to Hess, and I've enjoyed teaching 8th grade reading and social studies for the last few years at Hess. 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
"The most influential educator in my life was Dr. Dennis Felder. His ability to see the potential in every student and his willingness to help anyone whether they were in his class or not left a lasting impression on me. He taught me the importance of professionalism, perseverance, and believing that every child can succeed."
Josh Hunter is a dedicated elementary educator with a passion for creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences. Since joining Hess Academy, he has had the privilege of teaching and mentoring students while fostering a classroom environment built on curiosity, respect, and confidence. Josh earned his BS in Sports Management from Winston-Salem University and recently completed his MS in Sports Administration. His background in education, coaching, and youth development has shaped his belief that every child learns differently and deserves an approach that meets their unique strengths and needs. Whether teaching mathematics, social studies, or life skills, Josh strives to inspire students to think critically, work hard, and develop strong character. His mission is to help every student discover their potential. Outside the classroom, Josh enjoys staying active, attending sporting events, trying new recipes, spending time with his children, and continuing being a lifelong learner.
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. His influence went far beyond just teaching facts. He helped shape my understanding of genuine character and the importance of being true to oneself."
Kirsten brings energy and enthusiasm to the classroom through hands-on, project-based learning experiences that encourage students to explore, question, and discover. At Hess Academy, she has taught science, math, and social studies and coaches elementary and middle school Science Olympiad teams. She enjoys helping students solve problems, make connections, and see the relevance of what they are learning. Kirsten earned her bachelor’s degree with High Honors in Psychology from Wesleyan University, where she conducted research in cognitive science, academic assessment, and statistical analysis. Before entering the classroom, she worked as an economic consultant and researcher, which influences the ways she approaches teaching, as she encourages students to ask deep questions, investigate ideas, and think critically. Kirsten is passionate about integrating STEAM experiences into the classroom and designing projects that allow students to apply their learning in meaningful ways. She strives to foster a classroom environment where students are excited to learn, confident in taking on challenges, and engaged as thoughtful problem-solvers. Outside of the classroom, Kirsten enjoys running, cooking foods from around the world, playing educational board games, and spending time with her husband and their four children.
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!
Misty Teglo
Middle School Educator
"My favorite teachers were two of my high school English teachers, Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Lenhart. These teachers pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the most supportive ways; they encouraged me to study and respect multiple perspectives, and to always find deeper meaning than what we see on the surface of a topic, or even with a person. They helped me discover a lifelong love of writing and the open-mindedness to embrace the editing process."
Misty received her B.A. in English from Penn State University and then worked in Penn State's Alumni Career Services office, helping graduates prepare for interviews, job search, explore career interests, and revise their resumes. Working in career services sparked a passion for the counseling field, and when her first child was born, Misty returned to school and received her M.Ed in School Counseling. She joined Hess Academy first as a parent, and then as a faculty member. She values the individualized attention and support that each child receives, and believes that connection is the foundation to academic success. When she's not at school, Misty enjoys playing volleyball with her husband and two sons, backpacking, reading, and cheering on her beloved Nittany Lions.
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.
Katharine Werner
Elementary Educator
“My most influential teacher was my elementary mathematics education professor in college, Dr. Hillen. She was not only an amazing educator, but also cared deeply for each and every single one of her students. If I ever needed help, I could always go to her office because her door was always open. Even when classes were online, she made sure that all of her students had access to her materials and spent extra time outside of class offering additional help to anyone who needed it. I always try to show others the same kindness Dr. Hillen showed me. She and I are still close to this day.”
Katharine earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University in 2023. Since graduating, she has worked in several schools around the Atlanta area to gain experience and is so excited to have found a new home at Hess. Her love of teaching is rooted in her love of working with children, which extends beyond the classroom through her experiences as a nanny and volleyball coach. As an educator, Katharine believes that students should always know they have a voice and that the classroom should be a safe place for them to explore, learn, and grow. Outside the classroom, Katharine enjoys acting in musicals, cooking, playing sports, and spending time with her pet chinchilla, Clyde.
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 over 50 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.