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.
Administration |
Heidi JohnsonDirector |
Tommy CollinsAssociate Director & Upper School CIA Lead Teacher |
Amy BeauchamStudent Engagement Coordinator Mrs.Beaucham brings with her 34 years of varied and valuable experience in the field of educational service in Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southern University in Speech and Drama, and a Masters Degree in Special Education from West Georgia with certification in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders, Interrelated Special Education and Gifted Education (K-12). Prior to her public school teaching, Mrs. Beaucham was a counselor and teacher at a private treatment center where she co-existed with students in a therapeutic campsite setting, and she has six years of therapeutic intervention with children from her role as teacher and social worker for the Psychoeducational System of Georgia. Mrs.Beaucham is married to Ron Beaucham, and they have two children and one grandchild. Meeting the needs of children has always been Mrs. Beaucham’s passion and her original, self-started drama program called Dramatic Fanatics has been another means of fulfilling this passion. Mrs. Beaucham firmly believes in the empowerment of the performing arts, and she has enjoyed sharing the joy of drama with students through this program for the past 15 years. Additionally, Mrs. Beaucham is a storyteller during the summer months performing as “Amelia Bedelia” at libraries throughout Georgia. She loves portraying this fun and lovable character with full engagement of her audience within each performance. You can also see Mrs. Beaucham on stage with the Newnan Community Theatre Improv troupe N.I.T.W.I.T.S! We welcome the versatile and experienced Amy Beaucham and look forward to all that she will contribute towards the success of each student at ClearWater Academy. |
Christine HarperAdministrative Coordinator |
Lower School Personnel |
Meredith RosenbergLead Teacher, Primary
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Magen WebbLead Teacher, Lower School Ms. Webb holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from West Georgia and a Masters in Special Education from Albany State. Additionally, she has a Reading Endorsement and specializes in the Orton-Gillingham reading approach. She taught three years in Carroll County as an elementary Special Education Resource Teacher in all subject areas. Ms. Webb has also participated and coached gymnastics for many years, and she was recently engaged! Ms. Webb loves her dogs, is active in the outdoors, and brings with her a passion and love for students with learning differences. We are so excited to welcome Magen Webb to our CWA family! |
Caroline BreslinTeaching Assistant, Lower School |
Ginger SackTeaching Assistant, Lower School |
Upper School Personnel |
Becky LeeLead Teacher, English, Upper School |
Angie Readd-McSpaddenLead Teacher, Creative Arts, Upper/Lower School |
Erin ThomasUpper School Transition Teacher |
Gail SimsTeaching Assistant, Upper/Lower School |
Virginia WarrickLead Teacher, Upper School Transition |
Therapists |
Gretchen AhrensEquestrian Director, Therapeutic Riding |
Jamie GlazeOccupational Therapist |
Sheila KewleySpeech Therapist |
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.
Tommy Collins begins his second year at ClearWater Academy with a total of 14 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Virginia Warrick came 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. Ms Warrick is also ESOL certified and is beginning a Masters program in the fall. Virginia is excited to begin her third year with CWA and 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.
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.
