Jennifer Askew
Middle School English
Education:
Bachelors in English, Concentration in Writing and Publication, North Georgia College and State University
Experience:
While at North Georgia, I decided to pursue the study of English, given my passion for language. I believe that every child possesses the ideas and motivation to succeed. Students only need to be provided with the tools and support to develop their gifts. I have tutored children of all ages and subjects varying from SAT prep classes to Creative Writing. I am currently working on an inspirational novel for young women that I hope to have published within the next two years. It is my belief that by making class a creative environment with different types of hands on learning, children will be far more engaged and feel more compelled to contribute. I strive to make everyday in the classroom an experience that students will enjoy and remember.
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Caleb Boone
Algebra I
Chemistry
7th Grade Science
Education:
BSES – Environmental Chemistry & Chemistry - University of Georgia – 2010
Experience:
While at the University of Georgia, I accepted a Teaching Assistants position in the Chemistry
Department and Research Laboratory position in the Soils Department during my freshman
year. While working toward my bachelors in Chemistry, I became extremely interested in
applying chemistry to real world environmental systems. I look forward to bringing these
real world systems to the students to supplement theory. I have had the pleasure of teaching
science and math in grades 6-12 at local private schools and look forward to my experience at
Rivers Academy.
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 Anne Rowan Conners
5th Grade Math & Language Arts
Education:
BA Political Science – Pre-foreign Service.
Certification: Elementary Education Certification University of Virginia
Experience:
I have 30+ years of teaching including: Elementary grades 1-5, Corporate Training, and Tutoring. I strongly believe that the strength of the building blocks from grades 3 – 5 will set the foundation for success in future education. Rivers Academy has given me the opportunity to teach a full curriculum in a happy environment with great kids, a fun staff, and unlimited activities.
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 Frances Cooper
Spanish III and Enrichment Spanish (Middle School)
Education:
Undergraduate: University of Kentucky
Bachelor's Degree: Bowling Green State University, Ohio
Graduate Study in Spain: Bowling Green State University
Master's Degree in Spanish: Bowling Green State University, Ohio
Certification:
State of Ohio Renewal Provisional Standard High School 7-12 Spanish and French
Commonwealth of Kentucky Provisional High School Certificate Grades 7-12 Spanish and French
Georgia Educator Certificate – Clear Renewable – T Spanish P-12
Experience:
After studying high school Spanish with a dynamic teacher, I knew that I wanted to teach Spanish.
Over the years, I have taught elementary, middle school and high school Spanish, levels 1-AP. I started
teaching in Ohio from 1965 to 1971. My family and I moved to Western Kentucky where I taught until I
retired from Kentucky public schools in 2002. I totally missed the classroom and resumed teaching at a
Catholic high school in 2003. I retired a second time in 2008.
At this time, my husband and I moved from Paducah, KY to Atlanta to be close to our children and
grandchildren. Once again, I yearned for the classroom. I taught one year at John's Creek High School.
Then, last year, I discovered the unique atmosphere at Rivers Academy. Fortunately, I found a great
place to pursue my life's passion of teaching Spanish.
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 Linda Coyle
Middle School Language Arts
Education:
B.S. in Secondary Education/Comprehensive Language Arts.
Experience:
I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1994 with a B.S. degree in Secondary Education. For the next five years, I taught seventh, eighth and ninth grade language arts, social studies and a 9th-12th grade drama class. In 2000 I took time to stay home and raise my own children. I am the proud mother of 10-year old boy and girl twins an 8 year old daughter.
I am so excited to be back in the educational field and looking forward to being a part of Rivers Academy.
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Vincent Houben
Advance Algebra/Trigonometry
Geometry
Pre-Algebra
Education:
B.A. Business Georgia State 1994
Mathematics Perimeter College 2007
Experience:
Vincent Houben was born in Liege, Belgium. At the age of nineteen, in 1988, he spent a year
in Atlanta, GA as an exchange student with the goals of improving his English and seeking
direction for his life. In 1990, he moved to the US to study Computer Information Systems,
benefiting from a soccer scholarship. He graduated in the summer of 1994 with a business
degree from Georgia State University and married his best friend, Erin.
In the summer of 2003, they decided to move back to Atlanta. Vincent started working part-
time teaching and tutoring mostly homeschool students. He taught French classes and then
started to tutor and teach mathematics as well, an old passion. Sensing God's leading into
teaching, he obtained his math degree from Perimeter College in 2007. Vincent has taught math
at Veritas Classical School in Roswell and at Bristol Oaks in Alpharetta. In the summer of 2010,
Vincent started a tutoring business, Go Figure, to help students who struggle in math.
Through his diverse experience teaching young people, Vincent has learned the value of
connecting with his students. He believes firmly that teachers teach students first and foremost,
not just subjects.
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Tracey Johnson
5th Grade Science
6th Grade Science
8th Grade Environmental Science
Education:
B.A. Psychology and Certified Teacher Agnes Scott College
Experience:
I graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur with a B.A. in Psychology and a teaching
certificate. I have been teaching for almost twenty years in a variety of settings. Teaching
science has always particularly excited me because I love how hands-on and applicable it is to
the real world. My teaching approach has evolved through both my professional and personal
experiences. As a parent of an eight year old and eleven year old, I know how crucial it is for
teachers to keep the lines of communication open and to collaborate actively with students
and parents. As an educator, my background in teaching students of diverse backgrounds and
abilities has helped me refine my ability to customize course material to different learning styles.
Also I have found that in learning science a student develops a systematic learning strategy that
allows him or her to be a great learner and thinker long after they leave my classroom.
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 Clayton Jones
Production Design
Education:
B.A. in Public Administration and minor in Human Development and Family Sciences from Auburn University
Experience:
Clayton graduated from Auburn University in May 2010 with a B.A. in Public Administration. During his last year in school, Clayton worked as an after school instructor at the Auburn Early Education Center. There he taught children valuable computer skills. Clayton has knowledge in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe. He intends on creating a fun environment where kids can learn and use their creativity.
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 Carol Letson
Middle & High School
Biology and Life Science
Education:
BA Zoology, University of Northern Colorado
BA Chemistry, East Stroudsburg University
MS Chemistry, University of South Carolina
PhD Biochemistry, University of South Carolina (Biochemistry emphasis)
Experience:
Part-time instructor of Chemistry: University of South Carolina, Columbia College (Columbia, SC), Chattahoochee Technical College, Georgia Gwinnett College
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Newberry College
I am looking forward to preparing students for their college experience by bringing my knowledge of what college professors expect to the middle and high school classroom. I hope to bring a more hands-on approach to learning science to the students by encouraging interaction through laboratory and demonstration type experiences.
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 Kim Lowenthal
6th grade Math, Geometry, Algebra II
Education:
Bachelor of Science – Educational Curriculum & Instruction – Secondary Mathematics and Chemistry – Texas A&M University – December 1979 (Summa Cum Laude)
Experience:
Private tutoring (2007-present)
Math (6th grade, Pre-Algebra, Geom, Alg II) – Veritas Classical School – Alpharetta, GA (2005-2008)
Math Dept. Chair (6th grade, Alg I, Geom, Honors Geom) – Fellowship Christian School – Roswell, GA (2000-2005)
Private tutoring (1990-1999)
Math (Honors Geom, Informal Geom, Alg I, Alg II) – Klein Oak High School – Spring, TX (1986-1988)
Math Dept. Chair (8th grade, Honors Alg I, Alg II, Pre-Calc, Chemistry) – Tom Bean High School – Tom Bean, TX (1983-1985)
Math (6th, 7th, & 8th grades) – Howe Middle School – Howe, TX (1980-1983)
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 Haley Mencias
Spanish I and II
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Spanish, with a minor in International Affairs at North Georgia College and State University.
Experience:
While attending North Georgia College and State University, I had the chance
to study abroad in Spain, which sparked my passion for the Spanish language and it's
exciting culture. I then received a Special Honors Certificate in Latin American Studies.
I am also a member of the Spanish Honors society. Over the years I have spent time
tutoring privately with students from grades middle school thru college levels. My travels
and experiences while in Spain and Latin America have created such an admiration
and passion for the Latin culture. It's this passion that motivates me to bring the culture
and language alive for my students so that it becomes an enjoyable and memorable
experience learning Spanish.
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 Kateri Mingledorff
Middle Grades – Sixth and Seventh Grade World Geography and Eighth Grade Georgia History
Education:
B.S in Middle Childhood Education – Georgia State University – 2006
B.A in History – Georgia State University – 2006
M. Ed. Educational Leadership - Georgia State University - Current-2012
Teacher Certification and NCSS Membership:
Georgia Certification: Grades 4 – 8 in Language Arts and Social Studies
Member of the National Council of Social Studies – Since 2008
Experience:
I have enjoyed a rewarding beginning to my career as a seventh grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher in Georgia’s public schools. During this time, I have become well versed in the curriculum standards and content for Social Studies at the Middle Childhood level. In my experience I have also gained valuable insight into the unique educational needs of young adolescents. It is my goal in the Social Studies classroom to inspire my students to learn all that they can about themselves, their history, and their culture in order to become effective and informed US citizens. Moreover, I would also wish to instill in my students the desire to know all that they can about the countries and diverse peoples of our world. Students at the Middle grades level also become effective world citizens with the gained knowledge of our worlds’ places and people as well as current world events.
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 Jim Mundy
Chess
Education:
Self-Taught
Certified Grades:
Certified Chess Instructor: United States Chess Federation: All Ages.
Experience:
Titled: Professional Player: USCF Candidate Master (CM)
Nationally Ranked in the top 1% of all chess players in the United States.
Over thirty years of tournament experience.
Over fifteen years of teaching competitive chess and curriculum development.
One of the most decorated coaches in the Southeast;
Twenty State & Five National Titles in both Team and Individual Competition.
Annually teaches at the prestigious Emory University Castle Chess Camp.
2nd VP of the GA Chess Association
Games Editor for the award winning publication, Georgia Chess.
Recent Professional Results:
2011 Amateur World Championship Representative for the America's
2011 – Earned 5th Norm for next USCF (national) Title: Candidate Master
2011 American Continental Amateur Championship: Bronze Medalist
2011 – Earned 4th Candidate Master Norm
2011 Emory Grand Prix: Open Section: Champion U2200
2011 – Earned 3rd Candidate Master Norm
2011 GA State Championship: Open Section: Co-Champion U2200
2010 – Earned FIDE (world) representation for USCF (national)
2010 GA State Championship: Open Section: Top 10
2009 – Earned 2nd Candidate Master Norm
2009 GA State Class Championship: Expert Section: Co-Champion
2009 – Earned 1st Candidate Master Norm
2009 GA State Championship: Open Section: Top 10
2008 – Earned next USCF (national) Title: Expert
2008 Emory Grand Prix: Class A Section: Champion
2008 GA State Championship: Class A Section: Champion
2007 World Open: Class A Section: Top 10
2006 GA State Championship: Open Section: Top 10
2005 LPO: Class A Section: Runner-Up
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 Lucy Pastore
7th Grade World Geography
11th Grade World History
Education:
Bachelors in Secondary Education History—Boise State University
Masters in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment—Walden University
Specialist in BrainSMART Teacher Leadership Strategies—Nova Southeastern University
Experience:
I have been teaching social studies for the past 6 ½ years in the public school setting. My experience and education have equipped me with innovative learning and teaching strategies that have been proven to help students improve their cognitive abilities. I am super excited to be a part of the Rivers Academy family.
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 Aimee Rank
Government, U.S. History and World History
Education:
Bachelors degree in History and a Masters in Education, both from Columbia University.
Certified Grades: Georgia Teaching Certificate: Middle Grades and High School History and Social Sciences
Experience:
I began my career in 1994 teaching middle school social studies in New York City. After two years, I relocated to south Georgia where I taught Georgia Studies, French, Art History and Journalism. I moved to Atlanta in 1999 and began teaching at Intown Community School where I taught 5-8th grade Humanities and was first introduced to the writings of Charlotte Mason. I truly believe that children are born naturally curious and much of my task as a teacher is simply not to squelch their inherent interest in learning through rote or meaningless activities. I have also supervised teachers, but since 2006 my primary role has been to stay home with my young children. I am very excited to be a part of the Rivers Academy staff and to be able to journey with students as they pursue their passions. |
 Cindy Rittenhouse
Middle School and High School Literature/Writing,
Education:
B.A. from Michigan State University--Humanities Degree (triple major:English, History, French)
M.A. from Michigan State University--Literature (specialty--Canadian Literature)
Experience:
Substitute teacher K-college--public schools in California
Instructor: writing essay exams
Piano teacher/Chicago Suburban Symphony Orchestra
Literature/Writing Instructor, middle school and high school levels--L.E.O.--Lifelong
Educational Opportunities:
I have my undergraduate degree in Humanities (triple majors in
English, History and French) from Michigan State University. My
Masters Degree in Literature is also from Michigan State and I was
fortunate to have a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and the then
Poet Laureate of Canada on my Masters Committee. While in
school, several of my pieces were published in regional periodicals.
My very first essay in print was about the Fourth of July and
appeared in my town's newspaper when I was 10.
Sponsor Yalsa (Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association) Teen Top Ten Award reading/critiquing/nominating group--one of 14 such book clubs across the country
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 Traci Shuster
High School Ancient & Modern English, 9th & 11th
Writing Extended Day Program
Education:
B.A. in English, University of Maryland
B.S. in Secondary Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Experience:
My teaching career began in Dallas, GA, in 1992, where I taught 9th-12th grade English. During my five-year career at East Paulding High School, I designed the 9th grade Honors English class, created a distance-learning program for college preparatory seniors, and educated the entire faculty on a writing-across-the-curriculum program. In 1997, The Weber School hired me as their inaugural English teacher where I assisted in the establishment of the rules, guidelines and standards for the School. I also had the rare opportunity to help design the English curriculum for grades 9-12, which included college prep, honors and A.P. programs. In January of 2002, I left the classroom to take care of my then 2 ½ -year-old daughter and my twins who were born 3 weeks later. Since my departure from the classroom, I started my own tutoring and consulting business of courses, which include Reading Comprehension, Writing Workshop, Grammar Techniques, Test-taking Skills, Writing the College Application Essay, and SAT Verbal Prep. I also manage a crazy household of six and our 80 lb., black lab, Mojo. Now that my 4 children are of school age, I cannot wait to reenter the classroom and be a part of Rivers Academy.
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 Kim Volla
Art
Education:
BFA University of Tennessee, MBA in Advertising & Marketing
Experience:
I have a passion and lifetime full of fine art drawing and painting. I have taken classes in the subject since the age of 10, graduating from the University of Tennessee (scholarship recipient) with a BFA in Drawing and Painting. Later I earned an MBA while working in Advertising and Marketing for 13 years.
I have taught multi-media painting for 15 years and believe that creativity is a crucial skill for helping our children thrive in today's economic and social environment. It's also fun "edutainment!" |
Melinda Willis