The ClearWater Team

Administration

Heidi Johnson

Director

Heidi Johnson has a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Mathematics from San Jose State University. She has certifications in Early Childhood Education, Middle Grade Education and Gifted In-Field. She has been in education for twenty-eight years. Heidi is a FranklinCovey Certified Facilitator for The Leader in Me and 7 Habits of Effective Families. She is trained in Love & Logic and MindSet Crisis Prevention Strategies. She has presented at numerous conferences on creative and innovative learning approaches utilizing differentiated instruction and multiple intelligence theory. Heidi has teamed up with many community businesses over the years to bring real-life experiences into the classroom. She is a wife and mother of three grown sons, and feels so blessed to be a part of the ClearWater family.

Abbie Huber

Associate Director and Social/Emotional Coordinator
Abbie Huber began her teaching career over 20 years ago in Alabama and has been a part of CWA since the school opened in 2008. She has taught students ages 4 to 14. Before becoming Associate Director, she served in roles as a Lead Teacher, an Education Specialist, and Social/Emotional Coordinator. As Associate Director, she coordinates Teacher Development and Mentoring, and Social/Emotional Development. She received her teaching degree from Auburn University at Montgomery. Abbie completed the year-long Floortime Atlanta Intensive DIR®/ Floortime™ Educational Program for Professionals course plus an additional year of small group follow up training. In addition, she has taken courses taught by Dr. Stanley Greenspan including; Meltdowns- Helping Infants, Children and Adolescents Overcome Behavior Problems, Aggression, and Tantrums, as well as Regulatory Sensory Processing Disorders. She also mastered the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students. She is also trained in RAVE-O and Orton-Gillingham reading programs. Abbie feels very blessed to be a part of ClearWater Academy. She says, “It is a true blessing to work with children who make a difference in your life everyday.”

Christine Harper

Administrative Coordinator
Christine came to ClearWater Academy with ten years experience in the Fayette County School System. The first seven years she spent as a Front Office/Clinic paraprofessional. The last three years she was a paraprofessional in a Kindergarten classroom. She was involved with the PTO and the Fayette County High School Band Boosters while her three wonderful children attended school. She received an Associate Degree in Marketing and Management from Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minnesota. Along with volunteering for the Special Olympics and Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Christine enjoys bowling and watching comedy. Christine loves the rewarding experience of being a part of helping students at ClearWater Academy develop their strengths.

Lower School Personnel

Meredith Rosenberg

Lead Teacher, Primary
Meredith Rosenberg came to ClearWater Academy with 31 years of teaching experience in Special Education. She has taught all grade levels in both the public and private school settings. She received her B.A. from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, and her M.A. from Georgia State University. Meredith knew that she wanted to teach students with learning differences while volunteering at a summer camp for children with special needs when she was just thirteen years old. Meredith lives in Fayetteville with her husband, Dean, their two sons and three Jack Russell Terriers.

Haley Kemp

Part-Time Teaching Assistant, Primary
Haley Kemp has a Bachelors of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies with a minor in Psychology from Auburn University. She is currently working on her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis at Northeastern University. She hopes to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst after completing her Masters Degree. Haley has experience working with children ages 2 to 13 in both a classroom setting and in a clinical therapy setting. Haley is excited to be apart of the ClearWater Academy team and hopes to make a positive impact on the students she serves.

Lisa Wootten

Lead Teacher, Transition Class
Lisa completed her undergraduate degree at Mercer University earning a B.S. Education (Human Services). She also completed the course track for her Special Education certification at the University of Georgia. She will soon complete her Reading Endorsement and is also starting on her Education Specialist degree in special education. Lisa has taught grades K-5 in both a public and private setting in both general education and special education. She has also conducted art therapy courses for Fayette County through the REACH Program, Mainstay Campus, and Hands for Hire. Lisa lives in Fayette County with her husband and four children. She enjoys painting, reading, and spending time outdoors with her family. Lisa is thrilled to be a part of the ClearWater team and feels that her personal/professional educational philosophy mirrors the core beliefs and mission set by ClearWater Academy.

Ginger Sack

Teaching Assistant, Lower School
Ginger received her undergraduate degree in Business Management and German from Gettysburg College. Soon after having her first child, Ginger realized that she did not want to continue to be in the corporate world. Teaching children was what she enjoyed so she set out to change her career. Ginger worked in the Georgia Public School System for 6 years as a substitute teacher, Collaborative Teaching Assistant, and a Teaching Assistant in the Exceptional Children’s Program. She has been a Teaching Assistant at ClearWater Academy since 2012. She lives in Fayette County with her husband and three children. Traveling with her family, outdoor activities, and reading are some of Ginger’s favorite hobbies. ClearWater Academy gives each student a unique personal approach to learning, and Ginger is excited to be a part of a school that has such a wonderful philosophy.

Upper School Personnel

Erika Carder

Technology Teacher- Upper School Transition Support Teacher- Social Media Specialist

Erika James-Carder is a graduate of The University of Georgia where she received her BS in Special Education. Originally from Augusta, Georgia, she relocated to the south Atlanta area when she met her husband, Dylan. Erika has worked with students ages K-12 in multiple teaching settings. She completed all of her student teaching through UGA in Fayette County schools and went on to teach one year of middle school and one year of high school at The Campus. Outside of school, you can catch Erika at Chick-fil-A taking pictures of events and team members for social media accounts. Erika loves students and looks forward to working with all the students and staff at ClearWater Academy!

Tommy Collins

Upper School Teacher

Tommy Collins joins ClearWater Academy with a total of 13 years teaching experience in special education. Having spent 10 years in Fayette County schools, he was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016 by his colleagues at Whitewater High School. Tommy earned a B.S. Ed in Mental Retardation from the University of West Georgia, an M.Ed in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, and an Ed.S in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. He is certified in Special Education, both Adaptive and General Curriculum (K-12), and Health and Physical Education. Tommy, his wife Ashley, and their two children love to spend time ministering to people with special needs and their families through YoungLife’s Capernaum, Club 2.0, and a respite ministry at their church called Stay N’ Play. Tommy’s passion is teaching people with special needs, and he is excited to continue doing this with the ClearWater Academy family.

Amy Hubbard

Lead Teacher, Upper School
Amy Hubbard has a BS in Family and Consumer Science from the University of Georgia and received her teaching certification from Kennesaw State University. She has taught Math and Reading and Family and Consumer Science to students in grades 7 through 10. She also completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students. Amy is excited to have the opportunity to work with the students and teachers at ClearWater Academy to help create a wonderful learning environment and help her students realize their potential.

Becky Lee

Lead Teacher, English, Upper School
Becky Lee is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a BS degree in Elementary and Special Education. She has seventeen years of teaching experience. During her tenure, she has taught kindergarten, middle and high school English, high school speech, and middle and high school supplemental support. Becky is an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators, Beta Nu Chapter. She has completed the Strategic Learning Coaching Course (Level 1), which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students. Becky is thrilled to be a part of the CWA family, and she looks forward to helping her students grow in many areas.

Angie Readd-McSpadden

Lead Teacher, Creative Arts, Upper/Lower School
Angie Readd-McSpadden earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Augusta State University, Augusta, GA and post Baccalaureate certification in Art (K-12) from the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA. She is an accomplished photographer and artist, and is also a certified personal trainer and has attended training in Yoga instruction and practical Pilates. Her most recent endeavors include the study of dance and movement as well as the dramatic art of improvisation. Angie believes art has the ability to open doors of thought, make interdisciplinary connections, and provide a forum to practice personal experience and expression. She believes art has the power to educate, unify, build tolerance, communicate, entertain, inspire, and innovate. Angie’s love of art is inspired by a passion for nature, travel, and music that she shares with her husband, son and daughter. Angie has completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level I on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students.

Erin Thomas

Upper School Transition Teacher
Erin Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Georgia College and State University. She has hopes of furthering her education by obtaining both a Masters and a Specialist degrees. Erin has experience working with children ages 5 to 17 in and out of a classroom setting. She has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity she has had to work with and teach a diverse group of learners in the classroom, including children with autism, speech impairments, ADHD, noncompliant behavior, and specific learning disabilities. Her experience in the classroom has helped to shape her into a well-rounded and compassionate educator who takes each student’s individual needs, goals, and interests into account when creating and differentiating lesson plans and learning activities. She believes that every student has the ability to learn and that it is her job to encourage them to do so. Erin is dedicated to changing the lives of her student’s and nurturing them to grasp their full potential. Erin has a heart for children with exceptionalities and is excited to be a part of the ClearWater Academy team.

Gail Sims

Teaching Assistant, Upper/Lower School
Gail received a Bachelor of Science in Art at Harding University in Arkansas. She worked as a teller at the Federal Credit Union before becoming the secretary at her home church congregation. Gail home-schooled both of her children until their graduation from high school. She taught high school math in a home-school coop for three years. As a volunteer at two different therapeutic riding centers, Gail gained a love and appreciation for children with learning differences. She is excited to be a part of the CWA family.

Chris Taylor

Lead Teacher, Upper School Transition
Chris Taylor joins ClearWater Academy as the science and social studies teacher for Upper and Lower Schools. Mrs. Taylor earned a B.S. in Psychology from Faulkner University and M.Ed in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. She has 14 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools. She enjoys watching the Braves, Falcons, and Georgia Bulldogs with her family. She is thrilled to be teaching at Clearwater Academy and looks forward to a successful new school year!

Virginia Warrick

Part-Time Teaching Assistant, Upper School
Virginia Warrick comes to ClearWater Academy from Florida where she was an Exceptional Student Educator for eleven years before relocating with her family to Fayette County. With a background in Transition Services and Life Skills Coaching for high school age students, Virginia enjoys helping her students attain their full potential by becoming an active part of their community. She has trained and helped implement transition services within several high schools during her time teaching in Florida. After graduating with honors from Florida Atlantic University with a BA in Elementary Education, Virginia decided that working with children with different learning styles and abilities was what she wanted to do. Virginia expressed, “ClearWater Academy supports and fulfills a philosophy that I believe in. I knew the moment that I walked into the school that I wanted to be part of the team of wonderful educators and loving children.”

Therapists

Gretchen Ahrens

Equestrian Director, Therapeutic Riding
Gretchen Ahrens is the Equestrian Director at the Calvin Center in Hampton, GA. She is a PATH International Registered Instructor and Instructor Mentor and is working on her Advanced Instructor Certification. She is also certified as a Basic Instructor through the American Association of Horsemanship Safety and is a graduate of Master Equine Manager Programs with both Iowa State University and University of Georgia Extension services. She serves as vice chair for PATH International Georgia and is active on the regional level with conference and event planning. Prior to coming to Georgia, Gretchen served as the Special Needs Program Director for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and developed program for the the Jay Novicki camping program, which provided day and overnight outdoor and camping experiences for youth and adults with special needs. In her free time, Gretchen enjoys riding her own two horses, Rainbow and Tootsie, reading and cooking.

Jamie Glaze

Occupational Therapist
Jamie Glaze obtained a Masters of Health Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Georgia Health Sciences University in 2011. She currently works for a private pediatric practice, Hands On Healing, located in Fayetteville, Georgia. Jamie is certified in Therapeutic Listening and Interactive Metronome for pediatrics and has additional training in sensory integration and the utilization of the Alert Program in the classroom. Jamie is currently pursuing certification in the area of hippotherapy to integrate her love of horses into her career. Jamie currently leads the aquatic therapy program at ClearWater Academy and helps students live life to the fullest through successful completion of their activities of daily living through occupational therapy services. Jamie has a passion for mission work and has been on one therapeutic mission trip to a third world country.

Sheila Kewley

Speech Therapist
Sheila Kewley graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Master of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders. She has been a board certified Speech-Language Pathologist for over 20 years. She has practiced in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care, rehabilitation centers, private schools, private practice, home health, and public schools. She moved to Fayetteville, Georgia from Florida in 2016 with her husband of 22 years and her two teen-age daughters. Sheila is excited to be a part of the CWA team and is looking forward to impacting the lives of your children.

Elise Powell

Music Therapist

Elise Powell, LPMT, MT-BC is a licensed, board-certified music therapist. Elise graduated from Georgia College & State University, and has worked for The Life Enrichment Center of Milledgeville, GA and The Joseph Sams School of Fayetteville, GA. She currently runs her own private practice and sees our lower and upper school students once a week at Clearwater Academy. Our Music Therapy Program at ClearWater Academy provides an outlet for expression, creativity, and learning in an encouraging and non-threatening (fun!) environment. Students participate in activities like singing, instrument play, movement, song writing, and more, all relating to their goals in communication, academics, fine and gross motor skills, emotional expression, and social skills. This program supports the students as they continue to learn and grow, and gives the opportunity for generalization from the classroom to their lives at home and in our community. See this blog post about what Ms. Powell has been doing at ClearWater Academy.

Chris Zelski

Recreational Therapist
Chris Zelski has been involved in early intervention programs for children with various cognitive learning challenges since 1992. Before co-founding Learning on the Log in 2001, he served as the classroom coordinator and lead teacher at the Walden Early Childhood Programs at Emory University’s Autism Resource Center (1992-1997). He also served and as resource case manager and research assistant. His roles involved developing and supervising classroom curriculum, evaluating academic and social development of children with autism, develop language and social skills in an integrated classroom setting, one to one instruction and supervising of parents within their home environment and classroom teachers within the school setting. Chris was published and presented his work on two research projects at the national convention of the Association For Behavioral Analysis in San Francisco in 1996.

Chris held the position of Program Coordinator and Summer Camp Supervisor at Speech Pathology Services (1997-2000). His role was to develop and lead group environments that promoted increased communication and interaction with peers and adults by utilizing Sensory Integration and Speech based approaches. Continued communication, training of staff and developing individual goals for the children enrolled in the program remained a major component of the position.

Other position’s Chris has held includes teaching at the Lionheart School in Alpharetta, Home School Instructor, Floortime player in small group and individual instruction environments and Aquatics Instructor for children with various learning challenges.

With the idea of continuing to promote productive, community based, supportive and fun programs for children and their families, Chris founded Outdoor Rec. Adventures, Inc in July of 2010. The mission of ORA is to provide exciting and challenging learning opportunities for children with various developmental constrictions such as ADD, ADHD, Sensory Integration Delay, Autism, PDD, PDD/NOS and Asperger’s Syndrome. By utilizing Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s DIR (Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based) framework, recognizing the child’s individual sensory profile, various natural settings, community resources and family participation, the program strives to strengthen each child’s relationship with the world around them as well as their physical, social and emotional development and health.

Chris is excited to work with ClearWater Academy for the eighth year. He shares the belief that each child‘s individual learning style and sensory diet must be respected and honored. He is thrilled to be affiliated with an organization that supports and encourages his passion for helping children develop social and emotional skills through sensory-based recreational activities.