KIPP WAYS Academy Staff

Luqman Abdur-Rahman, 7th Grade Math Teacher
Luqman is the 7th Grade Math Teacher.  He began his teaching career as a Teach for America corps member at South Atlanta High School where he taught math courses as well as physics.  He also coached the varsity soccer team.  He has dual BS degrees in Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering from Morehouse and Georgia Tech respectively.  Luqman also hold a dual master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business from Georgia Tech.

Marcia Adkison, Special Education Teacher
Marcia is a Special Education Teacher.  She began her teaching career as a paraprofessional for moderately intellectually disabled students which sparked her interest in special education.  She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design.  She has a M.S. in Education Media Design and Technology from Full Sail University. 

Nicole Brown, Learning Specialist
Nicole is the 7th and 8th Grade Learning Specialist. Following a successful career in Corporate America as a Contract Manager, Ms. Brown began her career in education for Dekalb and Cobb County Schools where she served as a long-term substitute teacher and paraprofessional for students with disability. Nicole is a graduate of Mercer University. She earned a B.A.S. in Organizational Leadership and Project Management Certificate from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Lauren Brug, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Lauren serves as the 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher. She began her career as a Teach for American corps member in Baltimore, Maryland at New Era Academy High School. While at New Era Academy, Ms. Brug served as the debate coach and helped start her school’s first student government. Lauren attended Connecticut College and received a degree in History and American Studies. She earned a Master’s degree in secondary social studies education from Johns Hopkins University.

Martha Caldwell, Director of Technology
Martha is the Network Administrator and Director of Technology. She has served as the Student Technology Manager for Morris Brown College, and a technology instructor for the City of Atlanta as well as the Fulton County Jail. She is the proud owner of Aabacus Consulting, a technology consulting firm. In the fall of 2006, Ms. Cadwell joined the KIPP WAYS Academy Team & Family on a full-time basis. Ms. Caldwell obtained her associates degree in accounting from Northeast Mississippi Junior College, her B.A. in information technology from American Continental University, and is currently working on her masters in information technology.

Chantel Chambers, 6th Grade Math Teacher
Chantel is the 6th Grade Math Teacher. Ms. Harris began her teaching career with third and fourth graders in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1995 to 1999. She relocated to Baltimore, Maryland and taught second, fourth and fifth graders in Baltimore County from 1999 to 2007. Ms. Harris joined the KIPP: WAYS Academy team in 2007 as a fifth grade math teacher. In 2009, Ms. Harris became the Dean of Culture at KIPP: WAYS Academy.  Chantel holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Columbia College and a Master's Degree in Leadership in Teaching and Administration and Supervision from The College of Notre Dame.

Michael Champion, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Michael is the 7th Grade Social Studies teacher and Grade Level Chair. Michael began his teaching career in the Chicago Public School District as a Teach For America Corp member. It was there that he instructed self-contained fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes, coached sixth and eighth grade basketball and softball teams, and also served as assistant chess coach of Jensen Scholastic Academy. He graduated from Morehouse College where he majored in sociology.

Judy Cook, Media Specialist
Judy is the Media Specialist. Judy began her career in education at Walter White Elementary School where she served as an assistant teacher for children with behavior disorders and worked with the Kindergarten program. She also worked at Ralph Bunch Middle School where she won the "Paraprofessional of the Year Award" for her outstanding service as the media center secretary/media specialist assistant. She earned her diploma in Dental Laboratory Technology with Honors for Academic Excellence

Erinn Cottman, 5th Grade Reading Teacher
Erinn is the 5th Grade Reading Teacher  and Grade Level Chair. Erinn is a 2010 Teach for America corps member. Before pursuing a career in education, she previously worked in journalism as a writer at Black Enterprise magazine in New York, and continues to occasionally contribute articles to this leading business publication. She is an honors graduate of Hampton University where she received a B.A. in Print Journalism. Mrs. Cottman is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Middle Grades Language Arts and Social Studies at Georgia State University.

Thaddeus Dawsey, 8th Grade English Teacher
Thaddeus is the 8th Grade English Teacher. Thaddeus began teaching with the Huntsville City School system in Huntsville, AL. His first job was with Butler High School where he taught history and volunteered as a reading specialist and was an assistant football coach for the football team. After a year at Butler, he transferred to Lee High School and started out as a ninth grade English teacher. He also taught eleventh grade AP English, and twelfth grade English during his six years at Lee. Thaddeus prospered while at Lee High School to eventually become assistant department chair. Thaddeus R. Dawsey is a graduate of Alabama A&M University where he received his B.A. in English and history and a Master’s Degree.

Happi Dawsey, Dean of Culture
Happy is the Dean of Culture.  Prior to this role she served as a Learning Specialist and Director of Special Education. During her studies at Alabama A&M University, she served as an Administrative Specialist for the United States Army Reserve for eight years. Upon graduation, she began her teaching career in South Fulton County as a self-contained 3rd-5th grade teacher. Happi earned a B.A. in Special Education and an M. Ed in Collaborative Consultation (Special Education) from Alabama A&M University.

Moses Delaney, Business Operations Manager
Moses is the Business Operations Manager.  He began his career in the United States Air Force. During his four-year service, he was the Executive Assistant at the Air War College on Maxwell Air Force Base located in Montgomery, AL. While serving on active duty, Moses earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Troy University. Immediately following, he started his career leading colleges. Moses has served as Campus President of Centura College in both Alexandria and Richmond VA, Fortis College in Montgomery AL, and Medtech Institute in Atlanta, GA. In addition to his B.S degree in Business, Moses holds a Masters degree in Education and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration.

Cherése Godwin, Front Office Manager
Cherése serves as the Front Office Manager for KIPP WAYS Academy. She previously served as a Professor at Middlesex Community College in New Jersey teaching Sociology and Race and Ethnic Relations. Cherése earned a Bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta University, a Masters' degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently working on her doctoral degree in Social Policy, Administation, and Planning at Clark Atlanta University, where she is also a Professor of Social Work.

Jackie Goodman-Cook, Director Student Culture and Chorus Teacher
Jackie is the Director of Student Culture. She joined the KIPP WAYS Academy family in 2005 as an educational assistant, a position she held for 2½ years.  After her son became a part of the KIPP WAYS team and family, Ms. Goodman-Cook became active with the KIPP Team Alliance (KTA). She was secretary during the initial year and served two years as president.

C.R. Harris, Administrative Assistant
Clyreon is the Administrative Assistant. She attended Cal State University Dominguez Hills where she worked on earning her teacher certification and taught for five years. Clyreon earned her Bachelors degree in Business Management from Grambling State University.

Anniecia Ho-Sang, Dance Teacher
Anniecia is the Dance Teacher.  She has been pursuing her love of dance for numerous years.  She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree at American Intercontinenal University in Fashion Design and Marketing. 

Dwight Ho-Sang, Principal
Dwight serves as the Principal.  He began his teaching career as a Teach For America corps member at Dunbar Elementary School in Atlanta Public Schools. He began his work with KIPP as a social studies and language arts teacher at KIPP WAYS Academy. During his tenure with KIPP, Dwight completed the Teacher Leader and Leadership Team training programs and served as both the Lower School Dean and the Dean of Instruction at KIPP WAYS Academy.  Before serving as Principal of KIPP WAYS Academy, Dwight served as School Leader of KIPP DIAMOND Academy in Memphis, TN. Dwight is a graduate of Williams College in Williamstown, MA.

Monica Jaiteh, 8th Grade Math Teacher
Monica is the 8th Grade Math Teacher.  She has taught middle school math for the past eight years.  She has BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Conservation Biology.  She holds a MA is Middle School Education and Professional Development from Alverno College. 

Stephanie Lerner, 6th Grade Reading Teacher
Stephanie is the 6th Grade Reading Teacher.  She spent time as a high school student volunteering at KIPP Ujima Village in Baltimore, KIPP Academy in New York, and KIPP West Philadelphia in Philadelphia.  She holds a BA degree in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Robin Little, Director of Counseling and Social Work
Robin is the Director of Counseling and School of Social Work Services. She has served in the social services arena for the past 14 years working in various capacities which include but are not limited to guidance, counseling, advocacy and support to children, families, educational settings and private practitioners. Robin earned her B.A. in Psychology from DePauw University, located in Greencastle, IN and later went on to further her education at Atlanta's historical Clark Atlanta University, where she received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology.

Kimberlie Milton, 7th Grade Science Teacher
Kim is the 7th Grade Science Teacher. Ms. Milton joined the Teach for America program and began teaching at L.J. Price Middle School. For the past five years, Ms. Milton has taught science and social studies with KIPP in Atlanta, Memphis and Washington D.C.. Kimberlie Milton is a graduate of Jackson State University in Jackson, MS where she received her bachelor's degree in chemistry. Kim completed the Mercer's University's Tift College of Education Master's program with a degree in Middle School Studies.

Sparkle Mitchell, Theater Teacher
Sparkle is the Theater Teacher.  Prior to joining KIPP WAYS Academy, she belonged to the production team with the Essential Theater located at Florida A&M University.  She worked on set for “Dream Girls”, “Crowns”, and the FAMU Connection.  She was cast with a lead role in “A Christmas Story”, “Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope”, “Caroline or Change”, and “Tallahassee Nights Live” which she co-produced.  Sparkle attended Howard University where she majored in Music Education and Voice. 

Vivian Owens, Director of Student and Family Services/SST Chairperson
Vivian is the Director of Student and Family Services.  She began working in education as a substitute Educational Assistant at Milwaukee College Preparatory School of Wisconsin and later began teaching 2nd grade. Vivian earned her B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Concordia Wisconsin.

Jabari Peddie, 6th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Jabari is the 6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher. Jabari joined Teach For America's 2007 Atlanta corps. As a corps member, he worked as a 6th Grade English and Language Arts teacher at Joseph Emerson Brown Middle School. Jabari obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Morehouse College

Armand Player, Physical Education Teacher/Athletic Director
Armand is the Athletic Director. After college, he found joy in teaching in Cartersville at Cass High School. He spent two years there teaching in the special education department and coaching track & field. Afterwards, he moved to Grand Prairie, TX where he continued educating the youth at South Grand Prairie HS working in the Special education department in the Structured Learning Environment. Last year, Mr. Player joined the KIPP WAYS family as an Educational Assistant. Armand earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing from Tuskegee University.

Ramona Russell, 5th Grade Non-Fiction Teacher
Ramona is the 5th Grade Non-Fiction Teacher.  She began her career in the Fulton County School System and has taught for twelve years.  She has advanced degrees from Kennesaw State University, Troy State University, and Lincoln Memorial University. 

Kanisha Sherman Cambridge, Dean of Instruction
Kanisha is the Dean of Instruction.  She began her career in education with Teach For America and taught fifth grade math, science and social studies in Houston, TX. She later relocated to Georgia where she taught seventh grade math at Sandtown Middle School and sixth grade math at Renaissance Middle School. Kanisha is a graduate of Syracuse University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism. She later earned a Master's degree from Walden University in Teacher Leadership.

Khaia Smith, 7th Grade English Teacher
Khaia is the 7th Grade English Teacher.  She previously taught with Atlanta Public Schools and served as Dean of Faculty for Summerbridge Hong Kong.  She attended Clark Atlanta University where she majored in Education. 

Tanaya Smith, 5th Grade Math Support

Kelvin Smith, 8th Grade Science Teacher
Kelvin is the 8th Grade Science Teacher and Grade Level Chair. During his 18 year professional career, Kelvin has worked for several leading industry companies including IBM, Walt Disney World, Intel, AT&T and most recently UPS where he spent 6 years as an Industrial Engineering Supervisor. Kelvin has been tutoring children in Math and Science for 20 years. Kelvin Smith is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering.

Nathaniel Snyder, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Nate is the 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher. He began his teaching career with Teach for America in Philadelphia where he taught middle school social studies at John B. Stetson Middle School. He most previously lived in Charlotte, North Carolina where he spent three years teaching high school law, civics and economics courses. He has a B.A. in communication from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and a M.A. in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Devon Stukes, Reading Coach
Devon is the Reading Coach.  She has twelve years of experience in educator.  Prior to coming to KIPP WAYS Academy, she served as an instructional coach, school-wide writing coordinator, and assistant basketball coach.  She was also a former Teacher of the Year.  She attended Alcorn State University where she majored in English Literature.  She completed a Master's in Instructional Education at Central Michigan University. 

Akilah Taylor, Office Administrator
Akilah serves as the Office Administrator for KIPP WAYS Academy. She previously served as a Marketing Analyst with Macy’s Central for three years and Manager of Budgeting and Planning with another regional retailer in Houston, Texas. Akilah earned a Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College.

Lance Templeton, 5th Grade Math Teacher
Lance is the 5th Grade Math Teacher. Prior to joining KIPP WAYS Academy, Lance worked for the Atlanta Public Schools System as an elementary school reading facilitator. Later he started tutoring math to middle and high school students in the Atlanta Metro area and decided to pursue a career in education. He attended Morehouse College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.

Claudine Varela, 6th Grade Science Teacher
Claudine is the 6th Grade Earth Science Teacher and Grade Level Chair. She began her career in education with Teach For America in Atlanta. Ms. Varela graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hampton University.

Arthur Washington, Band Director
Arthur is the Band Director and Fine Arts Chairperson. Before coming to KIPP, Mr. Washington was an Assistant Band Director at Banneker High School in College Park, Ga., which is his former high school. While at Howard University, Mr. Washington was Student Conductor for two years, Drum Major, and Student Arranger. He was awarded Howard University's Most Outstanding Musician and Bandsman for three years in a row. Authur Washington obtained his bachelors from Howard University, majoring in Music Business.

Jean Wilson-Stayton, 5th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Jean is the 5th Grade Language Arts Teacher. Jean began her career in education with Teach for America as an Atlanta Corps Member. Although she has lived her whole life in the South, Ms. Wilson-Stayton is a newcomer to the Atlanta region. During college, Ms. Wilson-Stayton focused much of her extracurricular energy on teaching English as a Second Language to Davidson community members.  Jean graduated from Davidson College with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Muhammad Yungai, Visual Arts Teacher
Muhammed is the Visual Arts Teacher. Muhammad has built a name for himself in as one of Atlanta's best emerging artists, with a focus on portraits and jazz. Mr. Yungai was most recently commissioned by Northlake Medical Center to conceptualize and paint a wall mural in conjunction with their expansive renovation. Mr. Yungai discovered KIPP WAYS Academy as a parent who sought better education for his two daughters.