.png)
Faculty & Staff
Click here to learn more about our grade school teaching staff.
​
Click here to learn more about our preschool teaching staff.
​
Click here to learn more about our specials teachers.
Administration
Meredith Moseley
Head of School
Meredith holds a BS in Secondary Social Science Education from the University of Georgia and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. She is a former Social Studies teacher at Tucker High School and Assistant Principal at Meadowcreek and Tucker High Schools. Meredith holds teaching certificates in Social Studies, Educational Leadership, and Gifted Education. She has been involved with SPS since she was 11 where she volunteered during the Summer Fun Camps. She is a former 3 year old class teacher at SPS and has been the Head of School since 2013. She has two daughters Grace (an SPS graduate) and Amelia (an SPS grade school student). She enjoys spending time with her girls and husband Chris, watching UGA football, and reading.
Maggie Casner
Assistant Head of School
Maggie holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining SPS, she was president of a small technology company. Maggie has served on the board and been an involved volunteer at SPS since her daughter joined the toddler's class in 2011. Her daughter, Charlotte, is now enrolled in grade school at SPS. Her favorite things to do are spending time in the mountains with her family, reading, yoga, and cooking.
Lauren Dellinger
Admissions & Operations Coordinator
Lauren (she/her) is an Atlanta native and a GSU graduate with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance. Now residing in Tucker with her husband Grant, she previously worked in customer service management and in-home childcare before joining the Shallowford administration team in 2019. Lauren is also a piano and general music teacher who works with children in one-on-one private lessons as well as an avid baker who loves to share her creations. In her free time, Lauren likes to read, explore the outdoors, play the drums, and snuggle with her cat and dog.
Jennifer Rhodes
School Counselor &
Social-Emotional Learning
Teacher
Jennifer is the new school counselor. She is licensed in the state of Georgia as a LMSW. She previously worked as a foster care social worker for a private non-profit organization in Atlanta. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Georgia and her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Prior to this new role, Jennifer taught in the kindergarten classroom from 2014-2018. She lives in Tucker with her husband, Jeff, and their two daughters, Virginia and Martha. Both of her children are SPS graduates and, during her time as an SPS parent, Jennifer served as an active board member and Joy of Giving committee member. Jennifer loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys hiking, camping, hearing live music, playing tennis and cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs.
K-8 Teachers
Stacey LaMadrid
Kindergarten Lead
Teacher
Stacey is a native of Georgia. She has studied Business Administration at Georgia Perimeter College and Early Childhood Education at Georgia State University. She is a former Pre-K teacher at Embry Hills Kindergarten and Preschool and taught there for 10 years. Stacey and her husband, George, reside in Atlanta with their two children and two dogs. Her children Nicholas and Isabella attend Lakeside High School. When she is not at SPS, you can find her on a soccer field watching both of her children play for Concorde Fire and Lakeside. She enjoys walking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Mariann Pate
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Gorwing up in the area, Mariann attended Oak Grove Elementary and Lakeside High School. She continued her educational journey at the University of Georgia where she earned a BS in Secondary Education Social Science. Mariann began her love for teaching at Tucker High School in the late 70's. She left Tucker High after a few years to stay at home and raise her three children Ashley, Gene and Meredith. During those "stay at home" years , Mariann returned to work off and on in the education field at Shallowford Presbyterian Church, where she worked in the Preschool Department, and at Livsey Elementary School. Her journey with Livsey continued for over 13 years where she served as a paraprofessional and a Special Education teacher. While at Livsey she completed her ESOL (English to Speakers of other Languages) certification. She loves hiking, decorating, TV true crime shows, spending time with her husband Milton and her 6 grandchildren who range from ages 6-16. She is so excited that life has allowed her to circle back to Shallowford and be a part of one of her grandson's 5th grade year!
Kristina Burnett
First Grade Lead Teacher
Kristina has been a lead teacher here at SPS since 2015. Prior to coming to SPS, she worked at Immaculate Heart of Mary School for 8 years as a first grade teaching assistant, library assistant, and garden coordinator. She has also worked as an audiologist at Emory and the Atlanta Speech School. She attended the University of Georgia and earned a B.S. Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a M.Ed. in both Audiology and Education of the Hearing Impaired. She holds a Georgia State License in Audiology and Georgia Teaching Certification for Early Education, Hearing Impaired and areas of Special Education. Kristina particularly enjoys teaching children to read and also watching students develop a love of reading and writing. Kristina has been married for over 25 years and has 2 children, both in college. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys spending time with family, watching UGA football, watching her son’s varsity basketball team, gardening, and scrapbooking.
Justin Bearden
First Grade Assistant Teacher
Justin is an Atlanta native and University of Georgia graduate who lives in Decatur with his family. He has worked as a Kindergarten and Pre-K Assistant Teacher at SPS, as well as a 3s and Pre-K Assistant at a small school in Decatur. Justin believes that learning should be fun and engaging and loves seeing students grow and develop throughout the school year. In his free time, Justin enjoys fishing, working in his yard, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Georgia Brock
First Grade Assistant Teacher
Georgia loves animals, crafts, cooking , themed costumes and all things colorful. She has been caring for children for four years and has wanted to teach since she graduated high school and is very excited to be here at SPS as the 1st grade assistant teacher! She enjoys nature, laughing, and close friends. She grew up in Decatur and continues to live there with her cat Tate and family.
Laura Smith
Second Grade Lead Teacher
Laura holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University, a MS in Teaching Reading K-5 from Walden University, and is Orton-Gillingham trained. Prior to joining SPS, Laura taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, Summer School, and After School in Gwinnett County Public Schools for 16 years. She has also taught Pre-K. Laura's favorite things are swimming and spending time with her immediate and extended family.
Holly Kline
Second Grade Assistant Teacher
Holly’s first official position at SPS began last year as an assistant teacher in the kindergarten class, after working as a substitute teacher in various classrooms. Prior to working at SPS, Holly was a legal assistant at a major law firm here in Atlanta for twenty-six years. She has two grandchildren who started SPS as toddlers and are now in the K-8 school. Holly enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Lindsay Mayer
Third Grade Lead Teacher
Lindsay is a native of Atlanta and has an Elementary Education degree with an ESOL endorsement from Kennesaw State University, from which she graduated in 2023. This is her first year teaching and she's so excited to be spending it at SPS! When not teaching Lindsay loves to go hiking, hanging out with family and coaching sports.
Amelia Wheelus
Third Grade Assistant Teacher
Amelia holds a Bachelors of Speech Communication with a focus in Public and Political Rhetoric from Georgia State University. She was also lucky to study at Oxford University in Oxford, England where she focused on Communication, Shakespeare, and Chaucer. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. Before SPS she was a Reference and Instructional Librarian, and a reading and writing tutor. Amelia is married with two daughters both of whom have attended SPS. She loves libraries, reading, writing, and swimming!
Stacia Kratzer
Fourth Grade Lead Teacher
Stacia is a native of Atlanta. She studied Early Childhood Education at Georgia State University, and she also has a Gifted Endorsement and Math Endorsement. Stacia taught third and fourth grades for eight years in Gwinnett County Schools. She also develops curriculum and teacher resources for K-6 learners. She has loved being a substitute teacher at Shallowford Presbyterian School, and she is excited to join the Shallowford family. Stacia enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and dog.
Lauren LaCroix
Fourth Grade Assistant Teacher
Lauren has been with SPS as a teacher since 2014 and is the Aftercare and Summer Fun Camp Director. She has been married for 22 years and has 3 boys (Alex, Marc, and Matthew) that are no strangers to SPS. They have worked summer camp and have volunteered throughout the years. Her husband, Dave, works for Dekalb County. Lauren enjoys watching UGA football, going to the beach and mountains, and spending time with family and friends.
Kevin Smith
Fifth Grade Lead Teacher
Kevin is a distinguished elementary educator, with years of experience in Clarke County School District, City Schools of Decatur, and DeKalb County School District. His degrees include Education Specialist, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Bachelor of Science in Education. He holds Level 6 Georgia Educator Certificates in both Curriculum & Instruction and Early Childhood Education (P-5). Kevin joined the SPS staff in 2022, where his own two children have attended preschool and are now a part of the K-8 school. He enjoys reading, music, and landscaping.
Sharon Kimble
Fifth Grade Assistant Teacher
Sharon studied education at the University of New Orleans. She has a B.A. in English Education with a concentration in Reading and the Language Arts. She has worked in schools in Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas. Sharon taught 3's, Pre-K, and Kindergarten at SPS in the 1990's and returned to Shallowford in 2019 to be the Assistant Teacher in the 1st Grade. She is now the Assistant Teacher in the 5th Grade. Sharon and her husband, Joe, have three daughters and 5 grandchildren. Granddaughters Grace and Amelia are former SPS students and grandsons George and Henry attend preschool at Shallowford. Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and decorating.
Josh Dubin
6th-8th Science & Social Studies
Josh has been teaching with a nonprofit organization in Atlanta since 2016 and is excited to be joining the SPS community. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2011 with a degree in history and American studies, and has always had a passion for teaching and education. Having grown up in the mountains of Asheville, NC, he enjoys hiking, camping, and cross country running.
Kenyana Gay
6th-8th ELA
Kenyana thrilled to introduce herself to the Shallowford Presbyterian School community. Her journey in education has been a rich tapestry woven with a passion for learning and a commitment to inclusivity. As a New York native, Kenyana embarked on her academic journey at Clark Atlanta University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Science with a minor in Social Work.
Kenyana's pursuit of knowledge led her to Walden University. She holds an Education Specialist Degree and a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, complemented by a minor in Special Education. Additionally, she possesses a Master's degree in Psychology, specializing in Applied Educational Psychology, focusing on learning principles, assessment, and psychoeducational interventions.
Throughout her classroom journey of 19 years, encompassing elementary, middle, and high school levels, Kenyana's philosophy of education has crystalized. She firmly believes that all students are capable of learning, but equitable opportunities are not always accessible, leading her to embrace diverse methodologies and strategies that cater to each student's unique learning and thinking styles.
Kenyana's heart lies in family and community. She is a proud parent of three wonderful children, residing in the Vinings area where her family actively engages with the community, supporting the homeless and women and children's shelters.
Having served 7 years as a youth co-pastor and five years as a Sunday school teacher, Kenyana knows that these experiences have enriched her understanding of the importance of faith, community, and education.
Kyle Kirtley
6th-8th Math
Kyle graduated with a mathematics degree from Bowling Green State University in 2023 and taught mathematics virtually while in college. He grew up near Cleveland, Ohio and has two dogs, a rat terrier and a boxer pitbull mix. Kyle enjoys going to the gym, watching scary movies, and playing video games in his free time.
Joe Kimble
6th-8th Assistant Teacher
Joe, a native of New Orleans, earned his bachelor’s degree from LSU New Orleans. After graduation, he went to work in the Planning & Economics Department of Amoco Production Company. While at Amoco he earned an MBA from the University of New Orleans and later decided on a career in Banking, starting as a Credit Analyst at a local regional bank, where he was later promoted to Banking Officer and eventually Senior Vice President. He decided to take a job as CEO at a “troubled” Community Bank in Georgia. In two years, the company was in the black and was sold at a profit. Joe then spent several years as a Relationship Manager in the Regional Corporate Banking Department for Bank South (later acquired by Nations Bank now Bank of America) in Atlanta. After taking time off from banking to start his own company, he became Chief Credit Officer of a large Community Bank. The last decade of his banking career he worked in Abilene, Texas for BBVA, USA, now part of PNC, where he helped develop a market presence in West Texas before moving back to Atlanta to be close to family. When not working, at the gym, or playing tennis, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, four of whom have been or are currently students at Shallowford.
Preschool Teachers
Meli Cordero
2s Lead Teacher
Meli began teaching preschool in 2020. She joined the Shallowford teaching staff during the 2022-23 school year and is excited to work with the 2s as the lead teacher in the 2023-24 school year. Meli lives in the Leafmore community with her two children, Tula and Vida, and husband. Tula attends Henderson Middle school, and Vida attends Oak Grove Elementary School. Meli loves being able to serve her community as a teacher to build strong foundations of kindness, confidence, and independence. When she is not teaching, Meli enjoys gardening, music, softball, and creating art with her children.
Dee Hudson
2s Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
Lourelle Lawrence
5 Day 3s Lead Teacher
Lourelle began teaching at SPS in 2016. She was previously the lead teacher for one of SPS's Pre-K classes, and has taught at St. Bede's as an assistant and lead teacher in the 2's class. A native South African and Smoke Rise resident, she is married with four children and has a furry friend, Rosie the dog. Going to her children's sports games, gardening, nature walks, and Candy Crush are a few of her favorite things.
Christina Myers
5 Day 3s Assistant Teacher
Christina Myers has been with SPS since 2018. She has been teaching for 14 years now. Prior to coming to SPS she has taught at Embry Hills United Methodist Church and St. Bede’s Episcopal Day School. Christina is married with two children (Calvin Jr. & Paige). Both of her children are active on their schools swim team and volleyball teams. In her spare time Christina volunteers at Tucker First United Methodist working as a Youth Ministry Ambassador. Some of her favorite past times include, tending to her beautiful garden, playing with her pups (Harley and Gandalf), and baking delicious treats for loved ones.
Charlotte West
MWF 3s Lead Teacher
Charlotte is married with three children. She currently serves The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta as a Cadette troop leader and serves on the Parent Council Executive Board for her daughter's school. She has enjoyed being an Elementary Science Olympiad Coach, and Club volunteer for First Lego League, Garden Club, and Chorus. Charlotte attended CIA (Culinary Arts) and served The Vinings Club for 15 years in their culinary and membership departments.
Nicole Thorp
MWF 3s Assistant Teacher
Nicole holds degrees in English Literature (Carleton College) and Art Education (Art Institute of Chicago). She has taught children of all ages in many educational settings, including children’s museums, preschools and elementary schools, and has also worked in the non-profit arts world for Atlanta Ballet. A New Jersey native, Nicole has lived in Atlanta for over 20 years. She enjoys being part of the Flair Forest neighborhood with her husband and 2 children (SPS preschool alumni). She likes anything involving artistic endeavors, good books, good food and travel adventures. Nicole is excited to return to her 8th year of teaching at SPS.
Elena Murphy
Pre-K Lead Teacher
Elena has a BBA from St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana. She has been teaching PreK at SPS since 2012. In addition to teaching PreK, she enjoys teaching STEM concepts to children through Lego model-building classes. Elena is married and has two children and a cat. Both of Elena's children attended SPS. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and backyard birdwatching.
Carla Cooke
Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Carla spent 20 years as a PA in family practice. Having joined SPS as a sub and then transitioning to a Pre-K assistant teacher in the 2022-23 school year, she is excited to continue on in the same role! Carla is married with two children, now 22 and 19, and has 1 dog and 1 cat. She is a member of SPC and loves hiking, reading, baking, and traveling.
Kristen Schafer
Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Kristen has a B.S. in Education from Miami University and a Master of Education from Framingham State College. Since 2014, she has taught 2s, 3s, and pre-k at SPS. Prior to SPS, she taught 12 years at Oak Grove Elementary and 5 years in Costa Rica. Kristen is involved with PTO at her daughters’ school and enjoys serving as a Girl Scout leader. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, tennis, and spending time with her family.
Specials Teachers
Katie Carter
Art
Katie has a BFA in Art Education from the University of Georgia. She has 8 years of teaching experience and previously worked in Cobb and Dekalb County Schools. Katie grew up in Tucker, and still lives in the area with her husband, their baby Ellie, and 2 cats. Katie loves drawing, calligraphy, knitting, and traveling.
"Coach" Kyle Johnson
P.E. Preschool-2nd Grade
Kyle has been a favorite staff member to SPS children since 2008. A graduate of Mercer University, he has lived in the area for over 20 years with his wife, Laura. He has two children that attended SPS from 2002 to 2009. His daughter Claudia is a student at Purdue University, while his son Eric attends Clemson University. He is also an assistant coach for the Lakeside High School Varsity baseball and softball teams. He also loves to travel the world and has visited more than 15 countries with his wife and kids. Kyle has a passion for sports and exercise that he enjoys sharing.
Kristin M. Pugliese
Music
Kristin has been an educator for over 15 years, first in early childhood education and then in the music classroom. She has worked almost exclusively in Title 1 Schools and helped create music standards for Cambridge Public Schools. In 2009, Kristin created Note Knacks Music to provide support for educators via lesson plans, a blog, workshops and as a national clinician.
Molly Woods
Media Specialist; Library & Technology
Molly holds a BA in English from Ithaca College and a Masters degree in School Library Media from Georgia State. She was a children's book editor in New York before moving to Atlanta, where she has worked as both a freelance writer and a certified Dekalb County schools media specialist. She loves anything having to do with books, cooking, exploring Atlanta, and spending time with her husband and two children (both of whom have attended SPS).
Emily Marroquin
Spanish
Emily is from Marietta, GA but grew up in South Carolina. She moved back to Georgia in 2017 to complete her education. She has a BA in Foreign language - Spanish. After college, Emily proceeded with her career in the legal field, translating for attorneys. Her dream was to become a teacher and this is her first year teaching Spanish, for which she's very excited. Emily grew up with family members in the education system in Mexico, and has helped her mother nanny for many years. In her free time, she likes to go on small hikes/walking trails with her dog, Alberto. Emily also enjoys attending Atlanta sporting events and traveling.
Meghan Shinn
Christian Education
Meghan (or as the kids call her "Ms. Meg") has taught at Shallowford since 2022 and is a long-time Shallowford parent. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Mental Health Concentration from Madonna University and is currently back in school working towards a degree in Theology. Meg has two children, Trey and Addie, who are both students here at SPS. After homeschooling Trey for second grade because....pandemic, she found that she loved teaching! When the time came to send the kids back to Shallowford she was excited to come too! Beginning as the 2nd grade assistant teacher, Meg is excited to continue on as SPS's Christian Education teacher. Meg's hobbies include reading, painting, writing and celebrating all the holidays (go BIG or go home!).