ADMINISTRATION


 

Debbi Scarborough – Head of School/Founding Director

 

Debbi Scarborough, alongside her husband, Matthew, embarked on a transformative journey when they founded Cumberland Academy of Georgia. Their quest began after a frustrating battle to find the right educational fit for their son, Steven, who has Asperger’s syndrome. In 2007, they founded Cumberland Academy of Georgia which evolved from a humble inception with just one student into a thriving community with over 100 neurodiverse learners.

Seventeen years later, Mrs. Scarborough’s unwavering commitment as Head of School shines through as she continues to oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring that the institution remains dedicated to its mission. The academy’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its full COGNIA and the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) accreditations, while implementing science-based, cutting-edge specialized education models for neurodivergent students with high-functioning Autism, ADD, ADHD, and similar related learning differences.

Before building Cumberland, Mrs. Scarborough established Kreisler & Associates, LLC, a national executive search firm. Her expertise in this domain earned her firm a notable reputation, consistently ranking among the top ten Executive Search firms in Atlanta. In 2009, driven by her passion for Cumberland Academy of Georgia, she made the decision to sell her business and direct all her energies and attention towards its growth.

Beyond their professional endeavors, Debbi and Matthew Scarborough have enjoyed a thriving marriage for over three decades. They are immensely proud parents to two sons, Steven and Sam. Deeply rooted in a sense of civic responsibility, they have dedicated their time and resources to numerous charitable causes across Georgia. Mrs. Scarborough has a rich service history having served on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes for over 15 years and currently has devoted over seven years of her life to the YMCA.

Finally, Mrs. Scarborough has leveraged her expertise to contribute to the field of autism. She has authored articles on the subject and is recognized as a knowledgeable authority on neurodiversity. As a sought-after guest speaker, she has shared her insights, furthering understanding, and awareness of autism and related disorders.

Jennifer St. John – Assistant Head of School


Jennifer St. John is a seasoned education professional with a distinguished career spanning two decades in leadership and instructional excellence. With a strategic mindset, she is devoted to making a positive impact as the Assistant Head of School at Cumberland. Ms. St. John has a proven track record of driving positive change, spearheading school-wide initiatives, fostering innovation, and building exceptional teams dedicated to student well-being and whole-child education. Ms. St. John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Decision Sciences from Georgia State University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. Ms. St. John has further honed her skills with a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from both the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School. Throughout her career, she has been involved in K-12 educational program development and held key roles in leadership, support services and instruction in both Texas and Georgia. Beyond her professional contributions, Ms. St. John has demonstrated a commitment to advocacy, having dedicated over five years as an Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassador actively engaged with U.S. Congress to champion federal autism initiatives. Ms. St. John is a proud mother of one grown son with ASD who graduated from Dalton State College. With her wealth of experience and passion for education, she is excited to collaborate as a driving force in shaping the future of Cumberland.





Doug Long – Principal


Doug Long has been the principal at Cumberland Academy of Georgia since 2017. He was a teacher and administrator for 29 years in school systems in North Georgia. He holds teaching degrees in music from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Va.) and Vander Cook College of Music (Chicago, Ill.). He also holds a Specialist of Education in Administration from Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, La.). Mr. Long is married to Lisa Long and they have two children. He enjoys traveling around the world, scuba diving, and everything Disney. He has been a soccer and football referee since 2008 and is a trustee of the Etowah Valley Soccer Officials Association.





Mihkel Allpere – Dean of Students


Mihkel Allpere joined Cumberland for the 2013/14 academic year.  He was raised in Austria and then spent his adolescence in the Atlanta area. He is a graduate of the Atlanta International School and attended Denison University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Environmental Studies with an interdisciplinary concentration in Education. He then began teaching at outdoor schools in California and the Great Smoky Mountains. In 2005, Mr. Allpere returned to Atlanta to become one of the first members of the Georgia Aquarium’s education team building the curriculum for visiting school students from K-12. While working at the Aquarium, Mr. Allpere developed curriculum for special needs students in the summer camp program and field trips and decided to move back into the classroom to be able to work with students on a longer term basis. More recently, he has served as a Math and Science teacher for students with ADD and on the Autism Spectrum. Since joining Cumberland Academy of Georgia, he spearheaded the Science department and other experiential learning projects like the trout hatchery and learning garden program which was launched through a grant with the Captain Planet Foundation.

STAFF


 

Cathi Arora  – Development Advisor


Cathi Arora joined the Cumberland Advancement Team after 11 years as a volunteer. While her son Shale, a 2018 Graduate was a student, she helped with fundraising, teacher appreciation, and strategic planning.

She has over 25 years of experience in communications, public affairs, and fundraising. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Ms. Arora moved to Charleston, S.C., after college where she worked for the Medical University of South Carolina and the Charleston County School District. She has been in the Atlanta area for the past two decades. During that time, she worked for Heery International and IPG. She left the corporate world to spend more time with her family but still remained an active volunteer as PTA president, Huntcliff Swim and Tennis Club President, freelance writer, and potter. Ms. Arora holds a BS in journalism from Ohio University and an MPA from the College of Charleston.

She and her husband Manny live in Sandy Springs with their dogs Bisky and Rafa. Their son Shale attends Beacon College and daughter Avani attends Washington University. They have traveled extensively including England, France, Korea, China, Singapore, India, Vietnam, and Cambodia.



Floyd Bushey – Director of Operations




Floyd Bushey has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and International Relations from Elmira College, as well as a Master’s of Science Degree in Education from Alfred University in Alfred, New York. Mr. Bushey worked for 20 years at Emory University working in both Student Life Development and University Relations. He brings both his business experience and academic acumen to Cumberland. Mr. Bushey started with Cumberland when it began in 2007 and manages all aspects of the day-to-day operations. He will ensure the quality of excellence is maintained at Cumberland, as well as research innovative ways to keep Cumberland on the cutting edge of education and technology.  Mr. Bushey is married and has two children.



Rodney Carlock- Athletics Director



Rodney Carlock came to Cumberland in 2014 from Shreiner Academy in Marietta.   Rodney majored in Audio Production at the Art Institute of Atlanta and uses his skills in many ways at Cumberland. Rodney works in IT support, building maintenance, coaching, and teaching.  Mr. “C”, as the students call him, works with students in Audio & Film Production and is a gifted basketball coach. Rodney also developed Cumberland basketball clinics and a summer camp sports week.  In his spare time, he enjoys competing in independent film festivals and has won multiple awards in film.  Rodney grew up In St. Louis, MO and Hiram, GA.

Sally Jetmundsen – Director of Admissions

Sally Jetmundsen became Director of Admissions in May 2021, but she joined the Cumberland family long before that. She was the parent of a Cumberland student for 8 years and worked in the front office for 5 years. Sally was born in western NY, but moved to the Atlanta area in 1983 and still lives in the community where she grew up. She is married with 2 sons in college. She enjoys reading, baking and walking her dog.

Jessica Jones – Advancement and Communications Manager

Jessica Jones joined the Cumberland Advancement team in 2023. She has over 15 years of experience working with schools to improve parent engagement, fundraising, operations management and marketing at the local, state, and national level. She has also been recognized nationally for her work with diversity, equity, and inclusion in her local school.

Jessica and her husband grew up and have raised their 4 kids in the Marietta area.




Valerie Laura – Chief Financial Officer




Valerie Laura grew up just north of Nashville, Tennessee in the small town of Hendersonville. She attended Western Kentucky University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. After graduating, Mrs. Laura traveled all over Europe with her best friend for just over a year. Upon returning to the States she started her accounting/finance career working for Ingram Entertainment Inc. located just outside of Nashville. Mrs. Laura worked for Ingram for six years as an Accountant, Financial Analyst, and Senior Financial Analyst.

In 2004 Mrs. Laura left Nashville and moved to Atlanta to be closer to her sister and nephews. In Atlanta, she worked as a Financial Analyst in the Planning, Strategy, and Finance Group for the North American headquarters of Randstad. She worked for Randstad North America for two years before joining Debbi’s team at Kreisler & Associates, LLC as the Director of Accounting & Finance.

In 2007, Mrs. Laura assisted Debbi in starting Cumberland Academy of Georgia. She has been with the school since the beginning and has seen it grown by leaps and bounds. As CFO of Cumberland, Mrs. Laura is responsible for all financial and fiscal aspects. She provides leadership and coordination in the administrative, business planning, accounting, and budgeting efforts.




Jacey Smith – Project Manager




Jacey Smith came to Cumberland after her own son graduated from Cumberland and went on to college. As both a former parent and current staff member, she is still incredibly enamored with the staff and faculty of the school. She loves to dedicate her efforts to the school’s fundraising events, corporate participation, public outreach, parent association and assists the admissions director. Ms. Smith is also the owner/operator of J.C. Smith Events, a boutique conference and events consulting firm. She provides conference sales and planning consulting services for corporate and non-profit live events. For 12 years she has built and supervised entire national conferences and sponsorship sales departments for growing organizations and expanded and fine-tuned experiences in all areas of event planning.

Ms. Smith has a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor’s degree in English and Photography (BS). In addition, she has acquired a Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) at the graduate-level meeting strategy coursework such as negotiation strategies, process improvement, change management, operational and financial performance analysis, flexible budgeting, and profit forecasting. She has two children, Alec and Keirstan, who continuously amaze her with their individuality, brilliance, and passion for life.



Janet Tucker – Administrative Assistant






Janet Tucker joined Cumberland Academy of Georgia in September 2020 as an Administrative Assistant in the front office. Janet has lived in Atlanta all of her life. She graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS with a degree in Secretarial Science. After college, she helped start KEH Camera Brokers here in Atlanta. As her family grew, she left the corporate world and began working at Buford HS as a Fine Arts Parapro, Front Office Assistant, Registrar, and Principal’s Administrative Assistant where she stayed for 18 years. Janet has been married for 42 years, has 4 children, and 12 grandchildren. She loves the beach, reading, and traveling.






Jeff Twomley – Director of Finance




Jeff grew up in southwestern Michigan and attended Indiana Academy, a boarding high school, where he met his future wife, Kim.  He earned a Finance degree from Michigan State University and soon moved to Atlanta, working as the controller for a die manufacturer.  After 17 years, he accepted the Treasurer position at Bass Memorial Academy in Mississippi, working there for 7 years while earning an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi.  He then moved to Virginia and worked as VP of Finance at Shenandoah Valley Academy for 5-1/2 years. Needing to be closer to family (3 children and 6 grandchildren), Jeff & Kim relocated back to Atlanta in 2015.

 

An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Twomley enjoys golfing and playing softball. Music plays a major role in his life. Beginning in high school, he has sung both individually and in various groups and choirs, and currently plays trombone in Zephyr Instrumental…a 21st century orchestra.

Shari Wright – Director of Student Advancement

Shari Wright graduated from Furman University and began her career in sales and marketing with Turner Broadcasting. She spent several years with CNN, Headline News, TNT and the Cartoon Network. From Turner, she spent several years working for various broadcasting entities. Ms. Wright also volunteered in various parts of the education community. Using her French background, she began working in a public school French immersion program and also worked with AmeriCorps in a reading retention program. Ms. Wright transitioned to Cumberland and has worked in various roles since 2012.

PIONEERS


 



Paige Chiarito – Pioneer Lead Teacher/Coordinator



 



Paige Chiarito grew up in Atlanta. This is Ms. C’s 8th year teaching and her 3rd year teaching at Cumberland Academy.. She previously taught middle grades Inclusion Math for five years in the Long County School District. Ms. C earned her bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education, Math and Science from the College of Coastal Georgia, her Master’s degree in Middle Grades Math and Science from The University of North Georgia, and her Ed Specialist degree from Kennesaw State University. She is certified in Special Education and all middle grades content. Teaching has been a lifelong dream finally fulfilled. Ms. C believes that teaching is a way to help her students learn to be successful in the classroom and to take that feeling of success with them.






Bergina Cruise – Teacher



 



Bergina Cruise received a Bachelor of Science degree from Clark Atlanta University. She participated in numerous internships and dental programs to work in the Dental Heath field. More importantly, her position as a substitute teacher changed the trajectory of her career. She discovered her passion to educate children. She has served as a passionate educator for more than twenty years. She has committed her time and effort to enrich the lives of students by guiding them to exceed their academic challenges. Mrs. Cruise is a loving wife to her husband of twenty-one years. She is a devoted mother of one teenaged son who recently graduated from high school. Mrs. Cruise spends her leisure time reading, kickboxing, bike riding, supporting her son’s extracurricular activities. She also loves spending time with family as well.



Amanda McNair – Teacher



 



Amanda McNair joined Cumberland Academy Pioneer staff after working two years as an aide to Navigators. She has a Bachelor of Science Psychology degree from Georgia State University and is Orton-Gillingham trained. She assists in coaching the cross country and track and field teams. In her free time she enjoys trail running, camping, and kayaking.

NAVIGATORS


 



Laurie Mensing – Navigator Lead Teacher/Coordinator



 

Autism Spectrum Disorders became Mrs. Mensing’s passion after spending a summer as a camp counselor at a special needs camp. That fall, she returned to the University of Georgia and changed her major to Special Education. Since then Mrs. Mensing has earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education from UGA and her Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College. Mrs. Mensing has completed TEACCH, ABA, and Orton-Gillingham workshops and training. For the last 12 years, she has accepted the challenge of teaching middle school mathematics while reducing math anxiety and increasing independence. As Mrs. Mensing starts her 25th year of teaching and 16th year at Cumberland, she remains excited by the challenges each individual must overcome to reach their true potential. She strives to teach her students academic and social skills that will allow them to experience success in future endeavors.

Mary Bishop – Teacher


Mary Bishop has thirteen years of teaching experience, all at Cumberland.  Mrs. Bishop graduated with an art history degree from Berry College, where she met her husband of eight years.  Mrs. Bishop completed her master’s degree in special education from Valdosta State University in May of 2014.  A voracious reader, Mrs. Bishop enjoys sharing her passion for young adult literature with her students.  In her free time, Mrs. Bishop enjoys hiking trips, cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, reading young adult fiction, walking her cat, Atticus, and spending time with her kids, Augustus and Josephine.


Greg Bodeep – Teacher



 



Gregory Bodeep will be joining the Cumberland team this year as a Social Studies teacher and Coach. He is thrilled to share his passion and wisdom for history and sports with the students. Mr. Bodeep holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Bodeep has 15 years of teaching, coaching, Social Studies Department Head, and transportation coordinator experience.  He works with students to help them understand their full potential in education as well as in sports.  Mr. Bodeep believes everyone has the ability to learn and enjoy the opportunities of education. If someone has the heart, the child has the path to education. The other belief that he has is studying Smarter Not Harder, understanding the way the student learns is the key. Mr. Bodeep has assisted several students transitioning from High School to College and look forward to assisting more students reach their full potential.

Mr.  Bodeep was born in New Jersey and moved to Georgia in 1995 and has been in Georgia for nearly 25 years. Where he lives now in the Canton area with his wife Amy, teenage son Bryson, and pug Moose. When not in the classroom or out on the field he is very involved in the Knights of Columbus organization doing multiple types of community service projects, hiking, camping, fishing.



Amanda Newman – Teacher



 



Ms. Amanda Newman was born and raised in Georgia. She graduated with her B.A. in special education from Georgia Gwinnett College and has furthered her learning with several endorsements. She has a passion for autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. She loves teaching and loves to learn to keep evolving with her students. She previously worked in public school and is joining the Cumberland team starting in the 2023-2024 school year. She will be teaching English Language Arts with our middle schoolers.

At home, Ms. Newman has an incredible child with special needs that brightens her day everyday. She lives and breaths special education. Along with her son, she has a dog named Luna, and a few cats. She enjoys painting and being creative, and she is always looking for ways to make her classes engaging and fun.

Dr. Judi Shakula - Teacher

Dr. Judi Shakula has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Dr. W.M Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.  Judi practiced Podiatry for many years until she decided to take a break and take care of her daughter and husband.  During that time away from practicing, Judi was a substitute teacher at her daughter's school.  She also previously taught at Life University.  Another opportunity to teach at the high school level arose and Judi stepped in to teach students with special needs and learning differences.  She has enjoyed working with these students and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the students at Cumberland Academy of Georgia.  When she is not teaching, Judi enjoys cooking, gardening and exercising with her husband, and spending time with her daughter.

EXPLORERS


 



Stuart Downs - Explorer Lead Teacher/Coordinator




Mr. Downs is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a BA in Mathematics and has been teaching math in the Atlanta area for over 17 years. When not in the classroom, Mr. Downs works with students in a private tutor setting to assist them in preparing for the SAT, ACT and various track classes. Although Math is his first passion, he enjoys playing piano and guitar and has also coached ultimate frisbee extensively, having led the UGA Bulldogs to the 2006 National semifinals! Stuart is also an active volunteer with Ultimate Peace, an organization promoting equity, inclusion and conflict resolution through ultimate frisbee play.

Nicholas Barker - Teacher


Nicholas Barker has a B.A. in History with a Minor in Political Science from the University of West Georgia. He has been teaching special education for 7 years, but this is his first year at Cumberland Academy of Georgia. During his time teaching, he has acted as the lead data specialist for behavior intervention programs. Nicholas was a collegiate athlete and started college on a wrestling scholarship where he was a two time national tournament contender.  Over the years, he has coached a number of sports that include: football, basketball, wrestling, cross country, baseball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. 

He has a wife named Celeste and two dogs named Archer and Odin. When he is not in the classroom he likes to organize a variety of clubs and activities for the school.



Steve Campbell - Teacher



 



Mr. Campbell (BFA from University of South Carolina) enjoys exploring all aspects of our living world: physics, chemistry, biology, geology and environmental studies, but also human endeavor from art, theatre, music, film and literature to history, culture and travel. He values all the different ways we try to understand the universe and our place in it. As a teacher, Mr. Campbell aims to guide students in their own search for meaning within the framework of the hierarchy of learning: we must learn algebra before we can learn trigonometry, for example, or learn sentence structure before we can express our thoughts so others can understand them.

In over thirty years as a teacher in different settings (including teacher, coach and administrator in Georgia independent schools, and as an ESL and public speaking teacher in Korea), Mr. Campbell has tried to implement and improve his pedagogy to guide students in achieving the goals of the curriculum as well as fulfilling their own potential.




Ethan Hill- Teacher

Mr. Ethan Hill has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi, with a focus on Psychology and English. For the past seven years, Ethan has taught Language Arts and only recently added science to his teaching bio. Ethan believes that the core of teaching consists of four fundamental values: dignity, truthfulness, fairness, and responsibility & freedom. Mr. Hill applies these principles every day in his classroom.

Mr. Hill has been married to Lindsay Marie Hill for ten years, and together, they share their five-year-old son, Beckett



Chistopher Reeves - Teacher




Christopher Reeves has a B.A. in History with a minor in Geography and a M.A.T in Secondary Education from Georgia College and State University. He graduated in 2013 and worked in South Korea teaching English as a foreign language from 2013-2020. He has been teaching English as a foreign language since 2013. This is his 3rd year at Cumberland Academy of Georgia. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis as well as rooting for the best collegiate football team in the country, the Clemson Tigers.

Michael Smith - Teacher

Michael has taught and coached at the high school and middle school levels in both private and public school settings for over 19 years. For the last seven years, he taught high school Algebra, Geometry and Personal Finance to students with learning challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and spectrum disorders. Over the years, Michael has also taught Earth-Space Science, Biology and Physical Science and been involved in coaching boys’ and girls’ soccer and golf at all levels. Michael’s philosophy for all students regardless of learning ability is based on the core principles of teaching respect, responsibility and organization first.

Michael received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Sports Management and is an avid Gator fan. When not in the classroom, you can find him playing soccer or disc golf with his family.

SPECIALISTS


 



Claire Casteel - Reading Specialist - Career Prep



 

Dr. Claire Casteel grew up in Arlington, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996 with a degree in biology and minors in chemistry and psychology. She also pursued a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology from Southwestern Medical School where she interned at Children’s Medical Hospital in Neuropsychology. She has always had a passion for education and taught special education in Dallas. She went on to earn a M.S. in Special Education and a PhD in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M at Commerce with research emphasis on special education teacher burnout. Claire was most recently employed as the Educational Director at a nonprofit for children with Down syndrome. Her responsibilities included developing and implementing curriculum for children with differing ability levels. Claire is Orton-Gillingham trained and also privately tutors children with various abilities.

Claire met her husband, Brandon, in college and they have been married for almost 19 years. They are the proud parents of five children (two sons and three daughters), as well as three dogs and three cats. They love traveling together as a family and just spending time together (especially cheering for their Dallas teams!) In her spare time, she loves outdoor activities, crafting, and oil painting.

Orlanda Daniels - Culinary Teacher



Orlanda B. Daniels hails from Norco, Louisiana. While pursuing a basketball scholarship at Delgado Junior College, in New Orleans, LA she received her Barber and Instructor Certification. After being a devoted wife, mother, and stylist of twenty-plus years, she went on to work at her alma mater as a barber instructor. Shortly after, she became a paraprofessional for high school special education for ten years. There, she found her love for working with children with disabilities. After moving from Miami, she decided to continue her education at Belhaven University. There she received her bachelor's degree in Business Management in 2018. During her time in school, she worked as a Nanny caring for a child with Autism, whom she helped introduce to Cumberland Academy in 2017. Ms. Daniels has also worked as a substitute for Bright Future Academy in Atlanta. With cooking being her love language, she was able to pursue her Culinary Certification. Ms. Daniels is a devoted mother of two adult children and a proud grandmother. In her spare time, she enjoys quiet time, playing sports, cooking, and especially spending time with her granddaughter.

Jenni Donaldson - Teacher

Jennie Donaldson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in secondary education from Augusta state university. She has taught students with learning differences for the last 14 years at private independent schools, covering the subjects of General Math, Alg I, Alg II, Geometry, and Computer Science. Jennie has coached Esports and ran gaming clubs at her previous schools. She is excited to be teaching at Cumberland Academy of Georgia and looks forward to getting to know all of the students. During her free time, Jennie enjoys traveling with her family



Gloria Gomez - Spanish Teacher



 

Ms. Gomez has many years as a teaching professional. She earned her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Toledo (specialization in Special Education and Minor in Spanish). In addition to formal training, Ms. Gomez spent over 19 years teaching in the Cobb and DeKalb County school systems. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and has coached competitive gymnastics. At Cumberland, look for her to assist with the volleyball team in addition to teaching in the high school. Ms. Gomez has three children, one son-in-law, and two beautiful grandsons.



Jennifer Liang - Instructional Technology Specialist




Jennifer Liang graduated from Georgia State University in 2005 with her Bachelor’s in Middle Childhood Education and has completed coursework towards a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Jennifer is a BrainPOP Certified Educator, and a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Ambassador. A lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy, Jennifer is the Chair of JordanCon and the current Vice President of the Southern Fandom Confederation, the Southeast’s oldest regional science fiction fan club. Jennifer has been a featured presenter at science fiction conventions around the country and served as a volunteer programming Director at DragonCon for nearly twenty years. Jennifer has also been featured as a presenter for GISA, GAETC, NCTE, and other conferences on Google Apps for Education with students with special needs, Digital Citizenship, and other topics in Instructional Technology. She was BrainPOP’s Educator of the Month for March 2020 and was a finalist for the Inclusive Learning Network's Outstand Educator award in 2017.



D. Sebastian - Music Teacher



 

Sebastian Ottaplackal received a Bachelor's degree from Georgia State University, with additional coursework focused primarily on students with special needs.  Sebastian also received a Master of Education (M.MEd) degree from the University of Georgia.

Sebastian has a real passion for teaching students with special needs and has always wanted to serve students with learning differences in the education system. Most recently he has served two years as a teacher's aid in both MID and ASD classrooms in the public school system. He also tutors private violin students to general and special needs students at the Gwinnett School of Music.

Inspired by one of the most influential pedagogues of the Twentieth Century, Ivan Galamian, Sebastian's goal is to motivate and assist his students in achieving their ambitions in a way that relates to them personally.

COUNSELORS


 


Sylvia L Franklin, LPC, CPCS - Director of Counseling




Sylvia Franklin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Developmental Disabilities Professional who has worked in the counseling and social services field for 20+ years.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spelman College in 1997. She earned the distinction of graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling & Psychological Services from Clark Atlanta University in 2003. While at Clark Atlanta University, she served as President of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society for the counseling department.

Ms. Franklin has extensive experience providing a variety of counseling services such as doing individual and group sessions with families and children, career counseling, High School transitional rehabilitation counseling, and counseling for incarcerated individuals. Additionally, she has provided Clinical Supervision services through the Superior Court programs, Day Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. In 2005, she served as a First Responder, Disaster Mental Health specialist immediately following Hurricane Katrina, where she traveled to Louisiana to provide mental health and guidance for those in need of crisis stabilization.

Prior to the pandemic, she hosted annual employee Lunch and Learn seminars during Mental Health Awareness Month. Topics included: “How to manage stress” and “How to live a balanced life”. She has also been a guest expert speaker on Atlanta Radio station WAEC 860 AM and the Level Up podcast called “Mentally Speaking”. She is also trained in anger management, crisis intervention, dispute resolution, substance abuse, relationships, career guidance, family conflict, and communication. Lastly, she is the mother of a thriving high schooler and when time allows, she practices privately and provides clinical supervision to upcoming counselor associates.


Tracey Hawkins – Counselor & Executive Functioning Coach




Tracey Hawkins graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in Art History and Humanities/Classics and went on to earn a MA in Art History from Emory University. She taught Art History at the university level for nearly two decades before joining Cumberland as a Counselor following extensive training at Argosy University and under the tutelage of Cumberland’s own Val Schwann. Tracey has organized, led, and taught study-abroad programs throughout Europe for Emory U., The Art Institute of Atlanta, and Georgia Tech. She has also served as the Director of several Atlanta-area fine art galleries, provides art consultation and curatorial services to private clients, and serves as an artists’ representative and social media manager. Additionally, Tracey is a contributing writer and editor to The 30A Review and The GA Hollywood Review.

Since joining Cumberland, Tracey has become certified as an Executive Function Skills Coach and completed training to become a Registered Behavior Technician. She now provides guidance counseling and serves as an Academic, Performance, and Executive Function Skills Coach. Tracey also works closely with the Office of Student Advancement to support CAG's Beacon College at Cumberland and the Dual Enrollment Program. Additionally, Tracey is the Faculty Advisor for the Spirit Club and for the after-school Art Club.


Shawnice Parson –  Counselor




Shawnice Parson earned her M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has a B.A. in Psychology from Kentucky State University.

She taught Early Childhood Education for three years before joining Cumberland as a Counselor following internship at TCSPP. Shawnice strives to create a warm and welcoming environment for each student and promotes having a safe place for students to work through difficulties.


Annamarie Giangiacomo – Counselor




Annamarie Giangiacomo attended Life University where she earned a B.S in Psychology. She then went on to earn her M.Ed in Professional Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Annamarie is currently an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her goal is to help promote student growth by utilizing active listening skills, patience, and empathy in the educational environment. Her clinical experience includes working with a diverse client base of individuals and groups centered around emotional regulation and behavior modification.


Kelli Ritter – Counseling Services Advisor




The Founder and President of Effective Parenting, LLC in Atlanta, Dr. Ritter earned her Ph.D. in counseling from Georgia State University where she specialized in child and family counseling.  Dr. Ritter is trained as a play therapist with many years of experience and research in child and family therapy.  She possesses a unique approach to helping families by utilizing concepts and skills from both Play Therapy, Individual Psychology, and Positive Psychology.

Dr. Ritter inspires parents to make the most of play with their children. Through her classes, workshops and products, Dr. Ritter’s FEEL Method helps parents by engendering confidence in, and control over, their own parenting style.  Dr. Ritter’s parenting book & DVD, Come Play with Me!, illustrates her true passion for working with parents, caregivers, and teachers to enhance relationships with children.  Dr. Ritter is also an inspiring public speaker and presenter.



Haley Scarborough – Chief Feel Good Officer (CFGO)




Sweet Haley was the founder for our canine therapy program.  She began working when Cumberland was one student and watched as the school grew to 100 students. Students loved working with Haley and she was tremendously successful in her work with the special needs student population. She will always be remembered and Cumberland students are awaiting her successor in the canine therapy program.

 



Cali Scarborough – Chief Feel Good Officer (CFGO)




Cali is a playful female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who has been with Cumberland since 2021. Cali serves as Cumberland's therapy dog that offers emotional support, affection, comfort and stress relief to our student, teachers and staff.