Administration Staff
Meet our faculty and staff. Click on a profile below to learn more.
Susie Davis
Admission Assistant
Admission Assistant
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because as a third-generation graduate of the Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans, I have seen and lived the benefits of a single-sex education. I believe in the mission of this school and want to be part of the next chapter of the school’s history.
Susie Davis joined AGS’s admissions department in 2019 and previously taught French and Spanish at the elementary level. She spent 14 years as a classroom teacher at the Lovett School. After college, Susie lived in France for a year as an au pair! Floral arrangement is her favorite creative outlet.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, French/Political Science, University of the South
Master of Arts, French language, Middlebury College
Sara Fisher joined AGS as our new Registrar on June 1, 2017. She has served the Emory University School of Medicine, the Art Institute of Atlanta, and the University of Kentucky in the roles of Program Director, Associate Registrar and Veteran’s Affairs Certifying Official, and Undergraduate Assistant Registrar respectively over the past fourteen years.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration from Savannah College of Art and Design. In addition to her professional contributions, Sara created the first UK Minority Affairs student organization communication for prospective students and was co-founder of the UK’s minority female mentoring program.
Ayanna Hill-Gill is affectionately known as Yanni. Prior to joining AGS in 2014, Yanni worked at Purnell School, a boarding school for girls in New Jersey, where she was the Head of School since 2007.
Yanni holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Dickinson College and a master’s degree from Columbia University Teacher’s College with an emphasis on Private School Leadership. She has been a yearlong Klingenstein Fellow and an EE Ford Fellow for NAIS’ Aspiring Heads Program. Prior to her tenure at Purnell, Yanni worked at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden building their community outreach program and developing curriculum for children’s educational programs. In 1992, Yanni lived in Costa Rica while studying sustainable development and conducting independent research in water quality. It was these two experiences that led Yanni to teaching, particularly science.
Yanni currently serves on the Board of the Heads’ Network and the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. She serves locally as a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Village Project, an all girls’ school for refugees in Decatur, GA. Yanni is a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2017, and a Trustee on Emory University’s Board of Visitors this fall. As a graduate of an all girls’ school in Philadelphia, Yanni has committed her career to creating opportunities for girls and young women to discover their voices, achieve success and become leaders in the fields of their choice.
Education:
Masters of Education in Organization Leadership, Teachers College, Columbia University
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, Dickinson College
Little Known Fact About Me:
When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a teacher, a photographer, a chef, and a marine biologist. Not bad for 3 out of 4!
Why I Teach:
Nothing is better than to see a student’s eyes light up and say, “Oh, I finally get it.”
Education:
Johnson and Wales University, Miami Florida
Krista Parker
Director of Middle and Upper School, AP Biology teacher
Director of Middle and Upper School, AP Biology teacher
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because of the community and the commitment to a growth mindset in our students and teachers.
Krista has been in education for 25 years teaching in public and private schools in Georgia. Prior to AGS, she served as the Upper School Head of Student Life and Operations and AP Biology teacher at Mount Vernon School.
During her 13 years at Mount Vernon, Krista served as Dean of Students, member of a one-year interim team for Head of Upper School, Head of Grade, Department Chair, and classroom teacher. Prior to Mount Vernon, Krista was a science teacher at Woodward Academy and a science teacher at East Paulding High School. Her experiences and pedagogical knowledge include developing and coaching others in developing Gold Standard PBL units, design thinking, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary education, and current neuroscience-based educational strategies. She once rode a camel across the Saharan desert.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Georgia State University
Master of Education, Secondary Education, University of West Georgia
Monique Rodriguez has dedicated most of her nursing career to pediatrics by having worked for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in their Primary, Urgent Care, and Emergency Room Departments. She is excited to join the AGS team to have an opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, staff, and parents.
Shetal Shah
Director of External Affairs
Little Known Fact About Me:
I have traveled to more than twenty countries and hope to add to that in the coming years. My favorite trips were Bali, Peru, and France.
Education:
Master of Arts in Social Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University
Cat Stansbury
Athletic Director
Athletic Director
Cat Stansbury, “Coach Cat,” has been a teacher, coach, and athletic director at AGS for 16 years, having coached volleyball, basketball, soccer, and swimming. In her 30 years as a swimming coach, her teams have earned regional and state titles, and she has been honored with numerous coaching awards. She is a huge soccer fan and has attended the last three women’s World Cups in Germany, Canada, and France.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, Georgia State University
Chanda R. Swinney
Executive Administrator
Executive Administrator
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because I am grateful for any role I can play to help young ladies become equipped to meet the challenges, demands, and opportunities of the future, for I know their possibilities are endless.
Chanda is a native Atlantan who graduated from Mays High School. She began her post-secondary education at Albany State College (in Georgia), and later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University. Her background is in administration and advancement/fundraising. She is also a self-proclaimed chocoholic!
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Georgia State University
Amoy Walker was drawn to AGS because of our mission to partner with girls on their journey to being well-rounded, lifelong learners and effective problem solvers. Amoy derives great joy in creating a learning environment that encourages students to not only think independently, deeply, and critically but also to express themselves thoughtfully, fluently, and with detail.
Amoy received a B.A. from Stony Brook University and went on to earn her M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University. Before joining AGS, Amoy taught seventh-grade humanities and served in several leadership roles at the Girls’ Middle School (GMS) in Palo Alto, California for eleven years. Prior to her work with GMS, she taught for t
Faculty
Suzy joined the math and science departments at AGS in 2016. Her teaching experience began as an Assistant Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she taught chemistry for 11 years. Suzy’s two daughters, Lucy and Molli, and her stepdaughter Audrey all currently attend AGS.
Little Known Fact About Me:
I have snorkeled on The Great Barrier Reef.
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, Stanford University
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Davidson College
Aury Bravaldo
Spanish teacher and World Languages department head
Spanish teacher and World Languages department head
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because I attended a girls’ school myself, and the connection that we build at AGS with the students is beyond rewarding.
Education:
Bachelor of Education in History and Geography, Catholic University (Caracas, Venezuela)
Roz Byrne
Academic Dean, Director of Leadership Labs, and World Studies teacher
Academic Dean, Director of Leadership Labs, and World Studies teacher
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because I knew it was where I needed to be as soon as I spent a day here for my interview.
As the product of two all-female academic institutions, Roz Byrne knows firsthand the value of a girls’ school education. Roz has made educating girls and fostering their leadership potential her life’s work. Her World Studies curriculum emphasizes process, passion, purpose, and student choice. In addition to her work with students, Roz enjoys collaborating with other educators and cultivating future teacher leaders. Roz performed at Carnegie Hall in college!
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in History, Saint Mary’s College
Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership, Mount Holyoke College
James Campbell joined AGS as the new STEAM Interdisciplinary Specialist in summer 2017. He has been teaching World Studies since 2003 and has served as a design thinking consultant and coach for over four years. He was most recently with Mount Vernon Presbyterian School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the College of Charleston and a Master of Arts in teaching from Morgan State University. In addition to teaching and coaching faculty, James has served as a JV and Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach and has also coached football, cross country, and baseball.
James has been a part of The Teachers Guild and has worked closely with IDEO team members designing and facilitating design thinking, brainstorming, and prototyping workshops. As part of this work, he has coached teams of teachers to develop high quality, scalable, and innovative solutions for classrooms and schools. James completed the Design Thinking K-12 Education Workshop at the Stanford University d.School and also served as Keynote Speaker for the first annual Make Monterey Conference.
Jennifer Cockrill
English teacher, advisor, and coach
English teacher, advisor, and coach
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because it is an honor to collaborate, grow, and learn with such creative, thoughtful, and curious students and educators.
Jenny Cockrill has taught English at Atlanta Girls’ School for 18 years. She values the importance of inclusive collaboration among her learners and enjoys the lively discussions in her classroom daily. After her classes, Jenny is happily coaching or supporting students in their sporting events. The first record she ever bought was Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.”
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, English, Randolph-Macon Women’s College
Master of Education in Language Arts, University of Georgia
Little Known Fact About Me:
I was in Sports Illustrated for setting 4 NCAA Division I softball records.
Education:
Master of Arts in Education Administration, Chapman University
Bachelors of Physical Education, Manhattan College
Joy joined the AGS family in February 2018. She began her independent school career teaching Upper School French and has also enjoyed an extensive career in college admissions and college counseling. She served as Upper School dean of eleventh grade and director of college counseling at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. Prior to beginning her tenure at AGS, she was the dean of college advising at The Weber School, where she advised and managed the application process for 70 students. Joy is not new to single-gender education; she is the former senior assistant director of admission at Agnes Scott College. Joy is thrilled to be in a girls’ school environment and is deeply committed to serving her students.
Joy obtained a BA in French from Davidson College and an MA in French from Middlebury College.
Little Known Fact About Me:
I’m an open book.
Why I Teach:
After years of working as a designer, teaching has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for the visual arts with another generation. I love watching my students discover their individual voices and artistic potential.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts Illustration, Philadelphia College Art
Little Known Fact About Me:
I love to hike and camp in North Georgia.
Why I Teach:
I teach because it brings me hope for the future of our world!
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in French and English, Indiana University
Melissa Hankinson
Science teacher
Science teacher
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because our community is like no other in Atlanta.
Melissa has spent the last decade at AGS teaching science and helping students connect both intellectually and emotionally with the natural world. An ecologist by training, her teaching is anchored in the life and environmental sciences. Like many teachers at AGS, she brings a diverse set of skills and interests to her work that range from coding and psychology to dance and gardening.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Ecology, University of Georgia
Master of Arts in Teaching, Science, Georgia State University
Mayre Kile received her bachelor’s degree in learning disabilities from Universitario Monseñor de Talavera in Caracas, Venezuela, and her master’s degree from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello.
Mayre has experience in developing Spanish curricula for non-native speakers and is the owner of a Spanish tutoring company that has worked with many students in the metro Atlanta area. She has a passion for teaching languages and was drawn to AGS because of our mission to support girls in their journey.
Rebecca Layson
Visual arts teacher
Visual arts teacher
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because I believe in the mission, values, and work that AGS does. I wish I could go back in time and attend AGS!
Rebecca Layson is a ceramic artist living and working in Atlanta. She has worked at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in the Ceramics Department as a Resident Artist since July of 2017. Rebecca has shown work throughout the state of Georgia as well as across the nation. She loves hot and spicy food and says: “I’m not happy with the level of spice until I’m crying.”
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts, studio art, Georgia State University
Becki Leeds has been teaching math for about nine years and will be teaching Pre-Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and leading a 9th-grade advisory. Before teaching, Becki worked in the engineering field for about ten years. She has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering mathematics and computer science. Becki had a busy summer as she was recently married. Besides spending time with her new husband and his three daughters, she loves to do puzzles, bake, and travel. In addition to Becki, her service dog, Bear, will be joining us as well. Bear will have his own restricted space in the classroom, and an air purifier will be in the room to reduce any pet dander.
Education:
Master of Public Health, University of Alabama
Gaela Peters
School Counselor
School Counselor
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because we have the opportunity to empower dynamic and brilliant students.
Gaela Peters has spent her 20+ year career in multiple facets of education and youth development and considers working with young people to be the most sacred privilege and responsibility. Formerly a high school social studies teacher and instructional coach in Georgia and California, she recognized the deep value of her role as advocate and mentor and returned to school in 2013 to earn a credential in counselor education.
As AGS’s school counselor, Gaela builds and maintains relationships with students (and families) in support of their continued social-emotional development and awareness. Having worked in co-educational environments before joining AGS, she is awestruck by the power and magic of the single-sex classroom and is inspired by the unapologetic curiosity and engagement of AGS students and staff!
Gaela is also an avid LEGO enthusiast.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Social Science Education, University of Georgia
Master of Education, University of Virginia
Counselor Education Graduate, San Jose State University
Amber Brock Player
Humanities Curriculum Coordinator; English, humanities, and creative writing teacher
Humanities Curriculum Coordinator; English, humanities, and creative writing teacher
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because the students and my co-workers make this place teacher heaven.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Amber is also a published author of historical fiction (writing as Amber Brock). Her novels are A Fine Imitation (Crown, 2016) and Lady Be Good (Crown, 2018). She is a passionate student of history, an avid traveler, and “mom” to rescue dogs. She lives with her husband, a fellow English teacher, in Smyrna. She is also training for a marathon!
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Furman University
Master of Arts, University of Georgia
Lisa Rios
Science teacher, robotics coach
Science teacher, robotics coach
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because of the amazing community.
Lisa Rios has a background in forensic anthropology and fell in love with teaching during graduate school. Lisa has experience in visualization and accessibility of abstract concepts with universally designed curriculum, instruction, and team collaboration for STEM-focused coursework. At AGS, Lisa teaches middle school science, high school computer science, and coaches our middle and high school robotics teams. When Lisa is not teaching, they are spending as much time as possible outdoors with their amazing spouse and daughter. Lisa was once in training to be a crime scene investigator in Las Vegas.
Education:
Master of Education in Science Education, University of Massachusetts Boston
Nick Silvestri
Middle School Dean, Choral Director
Middle School Dean, Choral Director
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because there is no better place to be.
Nick Silvestri (he/him/his) is an Atlanta native, loves to travel, and one day hopes to raise an adopted dog. He has taught, performed, and directed music at several schools, venues, and theaters. He is the resident Music Director for Out Front Theatre Company, Atlanta’s only LGBTQIA+ theatre company. He has been honored as a Grammy Award nominee, Suzi Bass Award nominee, and winner of Arts ATL’s Best Music Director.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, University of West Georgia
Kerry L. Smith
World studies teacher
World studies teacher
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because I believe AGS cultivates each student’s capacity for greatness!
A curious and creative learner who leads in innovative course design, Kerry Smith melds her passion for history with progressive pedagogy that allows her to personalize learning for all students. Kerry’s advanced-level Upper School classes challenge students to craft research questions and design projects that authentically reflect their unique skills and stories. Kerry is an avid gardener and DIY enthusiast—you can find her cultivating, creating, recycling, and upcycling every day!
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Women’s History, Oglethorpe University
Master of Arts, Women’s Studies, Ohio State University
PhD candidate, African American History and Women’s History, SUNY Binghamton
Dori Thurman
Dean of Students for Upper School, French teacher
Dean of Students for Upper School, French teacher
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because I believe in cultivating our mission of inspiring our students to live lives of purpose. I am renewed and inspired because of the relationships that are at the center of that work.
After years spent living, studying, and teaching around the country and world, Dori Thurman has made her home in Atlanta. Growing and learning from her students and colleagues keeps her 20 years of experience in education fresh and exciting. AGS has fostered many of her most rewarding professional and personal moments. Teaching in co-ed, public schools for half of her career helped Dori realize her appreciation for the educational experiences found only in a single-sex independent school setting. She loves learning about new cultures, foods, and languages. Netflix and all of its international offerings has certainly fueled that passion!
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, International Studies, Miami University
Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education, Elmhurst College
Barbara Uterhardt
Performing Arts Director
Performing Arts Director
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because we create givers, doers, lovers, and changers.
Barbara Uterhardt, “Mrs. U,” has spent the last decade at AGS teaching performing arts and developing after-school performance opportunities. She has worked on more than 100 productions with Atlanta theaters and is a five-time winner of the Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Award for acting in a play. In her classes, Ms. U loves to watch her students cultivate their performing skills, discover a love for designing, or reveal their talent at building. Barbara also has a passion for animals and worked as a veterinary assistant through high school and college.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Theater Studies, Emory University
Ric White
STEAM Curriculum Coordinator, math teacher, and varsity soccer coach
STEAM Curriculum Coordinator, math teacher, and varsity soccer coach
I choose Atlanta Girls’ School because I love the students and their passion for learning and growing.
Ric White has taught math at every level from sixth to twelfth grade, as well as social studies and writing. Fascinated by ed tech, he has presented at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference several times on how to better utilize technology in the classroom. Ric has also established a strong presence in the field of project-based learning and alternative assessments, and in recognition of his work, he was chosen as an NAIS Teacher of the Future in 2014. He was also chosen as a National Geographic Educator of the Week in August 2015. He also runs a board game blog and podcast!
Education:
Bachelor of Education, Middle Grades Education, University of Georgia
Master of Education, Independent School Leadership, Vanderbilt University