ClearWater Academy’s greatest assets are our highly trained teaching staff and licensed therapy professionals. To meet and exceed high standards, ClearWater Academy requires all members of the staff to complete specialized training above and beyond their formal training, and specific to our student population. Such training includes Strategic Learning Coaching, DIR/Floortime, and special reading/decoding methods such as Orton-Gillingham and RAVE-O. Our exclusive social-emotional development training is on-going with a local consulting neuropsychologist. We are pleased to introduce our highly motivated, committed and caring staff and licensed therapy professionals. Click names below to contact staff by email.
Heidi JohnsonDirector |
Abbie HuberAssociate Director and Social/Emotional Coordinator |
Christine HarperAdministrative Coordinator |
Meredith RosenbergLead Teacher, Primary |
Lisa WoottenLead Teacher, Transition Class |
Ginger SackTeaching Assistant, Lower School |
Sally McWilliamsTechnology Coordinator She and her husband, Steve, have three sons, a daughter-in-law, and will soon be grandparents for the first time! She loves being with her family, playing tennis, and is an avid gardener. |
Amy HubbardLead Teacher, Upper School |
Haley KempPart-Time Teaching Assistant, Primary |
Becky LeeLead Teacher English, Upper School |
Angie Readd-McSpaddenLead Teacher, Creative Arts, Upper/Lower School |
Aimee RichardsonPart-Time Teaching Assistant & Career Coach, Upper/Lower School |
Gail SimsTeaching Assistant, Upper/Lower School |
Chris TaylorCareer Development Coordinator and Lead Teacher, Upper School |
Virginia WarrickPart-Time Teaching Assistant, Upper School |
Gretchen AhrensEquestrian Director, Therapeutic Riding |
Jamie GlazeOccupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy |
Sheila KewleySpeech Therapist |
Elise PowellMusic Therapist
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Chris ZelskiRecreational Therapist 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. |
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 began her teaching career over 20 years ago in Alabama and has been a part of CWA for 8 years. 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 comes 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 is looking forward to the rewarding experience of being a part of helping students at ClearWater Academy develop their strengths.
Meredith Rosenberg comes 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.
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 also soon earn a Reading Specialist/Endorsement. 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 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. This will be her fourth year as a Teaching Assistant at ClearWater Academy. 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.
Sally has a BS in Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders and Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s Degree in Interrelated Special Education from Georgia State University. She has 25 years teaching experience in both public and private schools in Special Education, Regular Education, and Gifted Education. She recently served as a Technology Specialist in Fayette County for 12 years. She has taught many summers in Gifted, EIP, and Learning Disabilities Day Camps. She is a trained InTech Specialist and has redelivered the program to teachers as well as lead many other technology related in-services. During after school hours, Sally taught Computer Programming, Basic Excel, Web Design, Graphic Arts, and Clay Animation to both elementary and middle school students. She loves to collaborate with teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum.
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.
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 Clear Water Academy team and hopes to make an impact on the students she will be serving.
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 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.
Aimee Richardson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. With highest honors, she completed an Elementary Education degree while minoring in Biology. Mrs. Richardson has taught in three public school systems in three different states- Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Her longest stint was in Auburn City Schools in Auburn, Alabama, where she received tenure. In recent years, she has used her time and talents making a home with her husband, Dr. Jeff Richardson, and raising two great children. She is thrilled to be a part of what is being accomplished here at CWA!
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 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.”
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 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.
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 
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.
