Kimberly Karacalidis – School Leader 
Kimberly Karacalidis comes to Atlanta from Belton, SC. Prior to her teaching career, Mrs. Karacalidis received a B.A. in Religious Studies from Agnes Scott College in May 2000. She then went on to join Teach For America in Atlanta, and worked with students from several different grade levels at Oglethorpe Elementary School, where she taught for three years. Prior to starting at KIPP WAYS Academy in 2003, Mrs. Karacalidis completed her last year of graduate work at Georgia State University, where she received a Master's in Early Childhood Education. Aside from her elementary teaching experience, Mrs. Karacalidis has also taught 6th and 7th grades through the Reach For Excellence program, where she designed and implemented several of her own courses. Prior to being appointed Assistant Principal, Ms. Karacalidis taught 5th grade math for three years at KIPP WAYS Academy and was the recipient of the 2004-2005 Excellence in Instruction Award.
Sabrina Player – Director of KIPP 2 College and Founding Staff Member
Sabrina Player is originally from Queens, New York, but she decided to make Atlanta her home after falling in love with the city during a visit. Mrs. Player attended the American University in Atlanta where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Since then, she has had a wide range of experiences including serving as the Assistant Director of MeMe’s Childcare center, the Office Manager for Datek, Inc., and the Director of Spa V/The Visionary Day Spa. Prior to joining the founding staff of KIPP WAYS Academy as the Office Manager, Mrs. Player was a Manager with Sephora in Lenox Mall. In 2004, Mrs. Player was promoted to the Director of Student and Family Services. She served in this capacity for three years, and has now taken on the responsibility of launching the school’s KIPP to College program. As the proud mother of a KIPP WAYS Academy 6th grader, Mrs. Player is passionate about the opportunity to work towards improving the quality of schools for Atlanta students.
Angela Conner – Director of Business Operations
Angela Conner received her Bachelor of Science in Business Operations from DeVry University and comes to KIPP WAYS Academy from the world of retail, where she was most recently the co-manager of Camille La Vie in Norcross. For three years Mrs. Conner served as the Administrative Coordinator for Spa V/ The Visionary Day Spa in Atlanta. She also served as a Department Manager at the Peachtree Athletic Center after working for four years as the Office Manager for the Center for Continuing Education in Atlanta. During the school’s first year, Mrs. Conner taught a Creative Expression class for the KIPP WAYS Academy Saturday School program, and was later recruited as the school’s Office Manager in 2004. Last year, Ms. Conner became the school’s first Director of Business Operations. On June 20, 2007, Ms. Conner welcomed into the world her new pride and joy - Isaiah Conner!
Jackie Goodman-Cook – Director of Student and Family Culture
Jackie Goodman-Cook comes from an accounting background with several major corporations. She joined the KIPP WAYS Academy family in 2005 as an educational assistant, a position she held for 2½ years. She has four children, the youngest of whom graduated last year as part of KIPP WAYS Academy’s first class of scholars. 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. This year, Ms. Goodman-Cook is taking a new role as Director of Student Culture.
Aisha Wright – Director of Student Services
Aisha Wright was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Sarasota Florida at 8 years old. She graduated high school to attend the University of Flordia in Gainesville, FL. She graduated from UF with a B.A. in Elementary Education in 2002 , and later a M.Ed in 2003. Immediately after graduation, Ms. Wright moved to Atlanta to begin teaching sixth grade math and has been doing so for the past 4 years. This will be her first year teaching 6th grade math at KIPP WAYS Academy. In her spare time she loves to read, cook, play with her dog, and watch reality television.
Martha Caldwell – Network Administrator and Director of Technology
Martha Caldwell is a native Mississippian who moved to Atlanta in 1999. Ms. Caldwell obtained her associates degree in accounting from Northeast Mississippi Junior College, her bachelors in information technology from American Continental University, and is currently working on her masters in information 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 2003, Ms. Caldwell designed and set up the school’s data and voice network, which she maintained on a part-time basis for 3½ years. In the fall of 2006, Ms. Cadwell finally joined the KIPP WAYS Academy Team & Family on a full-time basis. Ms. Caldwell is the proud mother of two young college students – one is an aspiring actor and another is a culinary artist. This past year, she became a grandmother! In her spare time, Ms. Caldwell is a softball umpire and enjoys refurnishing furniture.
Vivian Owens – Educational and Student Support Services
Ms. Owens comes to Atlanta by way of Milwaukee, WI. While earning her B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Concordia Wisconsin, she fell into education as a substitute Educational Assistant for Milwaukee College Preparatory School of Wisconsin, which led to teaching 2nd grade. She truly has an understanding of the discipline of education, empowering her students to be self-propelled, self-motivated and self-generated individuals. Ms. Owens enjoys spending time with her two children, shopping and continuing her education. She looks forward to embarking on a new journey at KIPP WAYS Academy.
Tanaya Smith- Educational and Student Support Assistant
Tanaya Smith- Educational and Student Support Assistant Tanaya Smith was born and raised in the South Bronx of New York City. She became a member of the second graduating class of KIPP Academy (Bronx, NY) in 1996. In May 2008, she received a Bachelors degree in Economics from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and is pursuing a MBA from Georgia State University. She has recommitted to the KIPP mission by serving as a Educational and Student Support Assistant. As a KIPP alum, she has always been an advocate for KIPP and is excited to be taking on this role at KIPP WAYS. Tanaya is also a mother of a 1-year-old daughter and enjoys spending time with her family.
Happi Phillips – Learning Specialist & Director of Special Education
Happi Phillips is a graduate of Alabama A&M University. She earned a B.A. in Learning Disabilities (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 graduating from Alabama A&M University, she began her teaching career in South Fulton County as a self-contained 3rd-5th grade teacher. Realizing that she can make a greater impact in the classroom, Ms. Phillips decided to earn her M. Ed in Collaborative Consultation (Special Education). Ms. Phillips enjoys reading, traveling, exercising, and spending time with family and friends. She is passionate about enhancing the learning of students with special needs and is excited to be returning to the KIPP WAYS Academy team for her third year.
Dwight Ho-Sang – Dean of Instruction
Dwight Ho-Sang is a graduate of Williams College in Williamston, MA where he spent four years studying economics following his graduation from nearby Deefield Academy. After graduating in 2002, Mr. Ho-Sang joined the Teach For America program and began teaching at Dunbar Elementary School with Atlanta Public Schools. Following his two-year commitment to Teach For America, Mr. Ho-Sang continued his teaching career at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School where he taught 3rd grade and served as the Science Fair Committee Chair. Mr. Ho-Sang served as an instructor at the Benjamin Carson Science Academy in 2003 and 2004. During his first year teaching at KIPP WAYS Academy during the 2005-2006 school year, he completed the Georgia State University’s Urban Teacher Leadership Masters program. For the past two years, Mr. Ho-Sang taught Social Studies to fifth and sixth graders as well as a semester of 5th grade Language Arts, which he will be taking on in full-force this year.
Chantel Harris – Dean of Culture
Chantel Harris was born in Bronx, New York but grew up in Yonkers, in Westchester County. She 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. 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. It was such a rewarding experience that she remained with the fifth grade team and became grade level chair. In 2009, Ms. Harris became the Dean of Culture at KIPP: WAYS Academy. Although she will always have a passion for being in the classroom and teaching the scholars, she is excited to have the opportunity to spend time and service all of the scholars and educators in the building.
Monica Blouin – Learning Specialist
Monica Blouin came to KIPP WAYS Academy last year from Shreiner Academy in Marietta, Georgia where she taught 4th through 8th grade math. Mrs. Blouin grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana where she received her B.A. from Southern University. Following her graduation, she taught at St. Mary’s Academy and All Saints Catholic School in New Orleans while serving as majorette moderator and student council leader. After moving to Atlanta in 2000, she fulfilled a life long dream of earning a Master’s Degree from Troy University (Atlanta Campus). Mrs. Blouin has a great passion for teaching and served as the 5th grade math teacher last year. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, working out, and spending time with family.
Judy Cook – Media Specialist
Judy Cook is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a proud member of Frederick Douglas High School’s first graduating class. Following a successful stint in electronics and manufacturing, Ms. Cook 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. In 1994, she transferred to 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. Ms. Cook has also run her own home daycare, participated in Georgia State University’s Educational Program, and has earned her diploma in Dental Laboratory Technology with Honors for Academic Excellence. As a proud KIPP WAYS parent for the past three years, Ms. Cook became an active volunteer and single-handedly set up the school’s media center. After serving as a 5th grade educational assistant for a brief period in 2007, she is excited about her new opportunity to serve as the school’s first Media Specialist.
Judon Streater – High School Placement Counselor
Judon Streater is no stranger to KIPP WAYS Academy, serving as the school’s volunteer Step Team Coach for three years. Ms. Streater was introduced to KIPP through the Hands On Atlanta program, where she served as a Service Leader/Family Community Coordinator for a year, and was the Human Resources Coordinator for three years. Following her time at Hands On Atlanta, Ms. Streater became the Human Resources Coordinator for Life University, and then later became an Admissions Advisor. She is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology, and she was pleased to finally join the KIPP WAYS full-time team last year as the school’s Office Manager.
Jennifer Trapp - Reading Coach
Jennifer Trapp is a native of East Lyme, Connecticut. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and was the Founding President of Sigma Alpha Lambda, a National Leadership and Honors Organization. Following her studies at UNC-CH in 2004, Jennifer began her teaching career in the Newark Public Schools district in New Jersey through the Teach for America program. Mrs. Trapp taught 4th and 5th grade Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Health at Alexander Street School for two years, where she was also the secretary for the School Leadership Council. For the past two years, Mrs. Trapp taught 5th grade reading and she is excited to be returning for a third year to serve as the school's first Reading Coach.
Jannette Revere – Administrative Assistant
Jannette Revere is a native of Miami, Florida. She relocated to Atlanta, GA where she began volunteering at Huie Elementary in the Clayton County School System. She became an active member of the PTA, serving as president for two years. Within that time frame she became a substitute teacher while completing an Associates Degree from Georgia Perimeter College. When her daughter enrolled at KIPP WAYS Academy in 2006, she became involved in KIPP WAYS Academy by actively volunteering within the school in any capacity that was needed. Mrs. Revere also served as Secretary for a term with the KTA. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Clayton State University.
Clyreon Robertson Harris - Administrative Assistant
Clyreon Robertson Harris is a native of Atlanta, just recently returned after 10 years in California. She attended Cal State University Dominguez Hills where she worked on earning her teacher certification and teached for five years. She also attended and earned her Bachelors degree in Business Management from Grambling State University, where she was a member of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band. She is the mother of two, Shyreon a senior at Georgia State University and Jazmine(Kipp graduate of 2008) now attending Carver School of the Arts for dance. She is also the proud grandmother of 1 yr old Ayreon. She has now joined the Kipp family as an Administrative Assistant.
Ebonique Chapman – 5th Grade Language Arts Teacher and Grade Level Chair
Ebonique Chapman is a recent transient from California. She comes with a background in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. Her job experience ranges from a Zonie with the Atlanta Hawks to a Team Leader with Hands on Atlanta AmeriCorps to a Lead Teacher with St. Stephen Preschool Academy. Ms. Chapman has worked with children from infants into high school; however her passion is with adolescents. She is excited to join the KIPP WAYS Academy staff this year. In her spare time, Ms. Chapman enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, eating and school. She plans to continue her education at Georgia State University.
Tara Stifler - 5th Grade Reading Teacher
Tara Stifler grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She graduated, with honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Romance Languages, concentrating in Spanish. During her time at UNC, Ms. Stifler studied abroad in Sydney, Australia and Barcelona, Spain. Following graduation in 2007, Ms. Stifler relocated to Atlanta to begin her teaching career with the Teach for America program. She taught both kindergarten and first grade for two years at Parklane Elementary in Fulton County. Ms. Stifler was very active while at Parklane, organizing a holiday gift-giving drive, serving on many committees, and helping to coach the co-ed basketball team. During her free time, Ms. Stifler enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Ms. Stifler is very excited to join the KIPP WAYS family as the 5th grade reading teacher.
Lance Templeton - 5th Grade Math
Lance Templeton is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Morehouse College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 2002. While at Morehouse, in addition to spending time on the Maroon Tigers football team, he worked for the Atlanta Public Schools System as an elementary school reading facilitator. After graduating Mr. Templeton obtained employment with Macy’s Inc, managing the sale of such labels as Polo Ralph Lauren. Mr. Templeton also facilitated the coordination of national conferences for professional and trade associations including the Urban League and National Association of Black Accountants for PlanNet LLC. In 2008, Mr. Templeton started tutoring math to middle and high school students in the Atlanta Metro area and decided to pursue a career in education, he is excited about joining the KIPP family and is looking forward for the chance to contribute to the academic progression of the West Atlanta Young Scholars.
David Howland – 6th Grade Reading Teacher & Grade Level Chair
David Howland wandered down to Atlanta from Westboro, MA. Before teaching, Mr. Howland received a B.A. in English with a minor in Theater Studies from the University of Rochester in May of 2002. After moving from Rochester with his wife Emily, an Atlanta native, Mr. Howland spent a year working with Kaplan test prep as a private tutor for the SAT, PSAT, SSAT, and ACT before joining Teach For America's Atlanta corps in 2004. From 2004-2006, Mr. Howland has had the pleasure of teaching 9th, 10th and 11th graders at Booker T. Washington High School. Aside from teaching at Washington, Mr. Howland led the school's Language Arts Vertical Team, which strove to develop a strong working relationship between High School and Middle School teachers to improve curriculum and create a smoother transition for incoming 8th grade students. Mr. Howland joined the KIPP WAYS Academy team as the 7th Grade English Teacher.
Kandis Wood - 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Kandis Wood graduated from Duke University in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She also double-minored in Political Science and African and African-American Studies at Duke. Ms. Wood has focused many of her academic and professional experiences on issues of social justice such as the genocide in Darfur, national economic disparities, and educational inequities. She is excited about working at KIPP WAYS and looks forward to enthusiastically ensuring that each of her students receives a quality education.
Recardo Levy - 6th Grade Math
Recardo Levy graduated from Morehouse College with a BS in Psychology. Upon graduating from Morehouse, Mr. Levy joined the Teach for America Program (Atlanta). Mr. Levy spent his first three years educating 5th grade students in the Atlanta Public Schools System. During this time, he was able to attain his Certification and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. For the past five years, Mr. Levy has taught 8th grade mathematics in APS. Mr. Levy is looking forward to inspiring the young minds of the students that enter the doors of KIPP WAYS Academy.
Jabari Peddie – 6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Growing up in a diverse community in the city of New York, Jabari Peddie was exposed to an assortment of cultures that spoke a variety of languages. Witnessing the many obstacles presented by language barriers, Jabari became extremely interested in increasing awareness and knowledge of the study and mastery of the English language in urban communities. Realizing that this movement would become more impactful with a college education, Jabari enrolled in Morehouse College. Graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, he chose to further his pursuit by joining 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. During this time, he partnered with recent graduates of Morehouse College to initiate a tutoring and mentoring program geared towards the enrichment of adolescent males. Jabari Peddie is honored to join the KIPP Ways family, and intends on demonstrating his commitment by ushering all of his students to leadership and excellence.
Claudine Varela - 6th Grade Earth Science Teacher
Claudine Varela was born in Providence, Rhode Island and resided in the state until college. In the fall of 2004 she began her undergraduate work at Hampton University in Hampton Virginia. Inspired by the devastating effects of the achievement gap, Ms. Varela began substitute teaching in the community of Hampton. In 2008 Ms. Varela graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Accepted into the Teach For America Program, she planned her move to the Atlanta area. Upon arrival, Ms. Varela began immediately teaching a rigorous CRCT preparatory class at Harper Archer Middle School. Eager to embark on her first year at KIPP WAYS Academy, she proudly joins the staff as the 6th grade Earth Science teacher.
Joseph Edelin – 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher & 7th Grade Level Chair
Joseph Edelin graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magma cum laude with a BA in History from Morehouse College in 2002. He then moved to Houston, TX to teach Social Studies at “Stonewall” Jackson Middle School through the Teach For America program. While at Jackson Middle School, Mr. Edelin created and advised a volunteer after-school program as well as a student-run school newspaper. For two years in a row, Mr. Edelin was named Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators Outstanding Teacher of the Year for his school. In 2005, Mr. Edelin moved back to Atlanta where his college career began in order to join the KIPP WAYS Academy staff. He is going into this third year as the school’s 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher.
Betty Conover – 7th Grade Math Teacher & Math Department Chair
Betty Conover is presently attending Lesley University in Cambridge MA (Lilburn, Georgia site) completing her Educational Specialist degree in Integrating the Arts in Curriculum. She holds both a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree in Middle Grade Education, with a concentration in Math and Social Studies from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA. Ms. Shirley comes to KIPP WAYS Academy from Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, Georgia where she instructed English. Ms. Shirley has taught Middle Grades Algebra, Pre-Algebra, Science and Language in Gwinnett County Public Schools. She also taught Honors Algebra and Algebra in Rockdale County Public Schools. Ms. Shirley is looking forward to joining the KIPP WAYS Academy family as the 7th Grade Math Teacher.
Ronald Miller - 7th Grade Science Teacher
Mr. Miller was born and raised in New York City and made his way south to pursue his undergraduate studies. He attended the historic Tuskegee University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in biology. Mr. Miller made his way to Atlanta after becoming a Teach for America Corp member. He went on to earn his Masters degree in middle grades education from Mercer University, concentrating in mathematics and science. He joined the KIPP WAYS staff in 2008 with the hope of being an influential part of the village that will cultivate scholars that demonstrate scholarship, integrity and other the ways to attaining success.
Michael Champion - 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher / Social Studies Department Chair
Michael Champion is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Morehouse College where he majored in sociology, serving as Vice President of the Morehouse Sociological Association. After working two years as a labor organizer with the Service Employees International Union, Mr. Champion 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. In his spare time Mr. Champion enjoys family, mentoring children, thinking, writing, reading, music reproduction, and fortifying new pedagogy. Mr. Champion is continuing this year as the eighth grade social studies teacher, as well as chair of the department.
Aimee Pierre – 8th Grade Algebra Teacher & 8th Grade Level Chair
Aimee Pierre is a native of the beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad. At the age of seventeen she migrated to South Florida where she attended Broward Community College. While at Broward, Ms. Pierre was recognized as an All-Florida Academic Team Scholar. This noteworthy accomplishment earned Aimee a full-tuition scholarship to Florida International University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education. For four years, Ms. Pierre taught an array of Mathematics courses at Miramar High school in Miramar, FL. However, her most reputable work while at Miramar involves her penchant for intercultural understanding and respect as a Mathematics Studies teacher within the International Baccalaureate program.
Ms. Pierre earned her Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education at Nova Southeastern University in May 2006. Soon after, she relocated to Atlanta, GA to join the staff at KIPP WAYS Academy. While with KIPP, Ms. Pierre has had the honor of journeying to Ghana, West Africa with the founding 8th grade class, was recognized as the 2007-2008 KIPP WAYS Academy Teacher of the Year, and was one of ten distinguished KIPP Excellence in Teaching awardees in 2008. In her current role as eighth grade Mathematics educator and grade level chair, Ms. Pierre continues to strive towards her purpose of being a Master Teacher and leader within the of discipline of education.
Tawana Sullivan - 8th Grade English
Tawana Sullivan comes to Atlanta from Wilmington, Delaware. She is a graduate of Fisk University (1991), Georgia State University (2003), and Central Michigan University (2009). Tawana began her teaching career in the Fulton County School District where she has provided instruction on both the elementary and middle school levels in various subjects and grade levels. Ms. Sullivan has enhanced her teaching career through her ongoing studies and involvement with organizations outside of the pubic school sector. A few professional accomplishments to name are her travels throughout Ghana for a four week study of the Ghanaian Education System. This experience was granted through a Fulbright Research Abroad Fellowship and the Political Science Department of Clark Atlanta. She completed Action Research with a small group at Spelman College. This research targeted At-Risk African-American children in inner city school settings. In addition, Ms. Sullivan also published short stories and poetry through the Peachtree Writing Project at Georgia State University. Ultimately, Ms. Sullivan’s insatiable desire to learn and dialogue creates for great learning opportunities for her students. She is glad to become a part of the KIPP WAYS Academy family!
Kelvin Smith – 8th Grade Science Teacher / Science Department Chair
Kelvin Smith is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He is from Darlington, SC, but has lived in the Atlanta area since childhood. 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. He has worked in a wide range of corporate capacities including Logistics manager, Manufacturing supervisor, Technical Rules Analyst, and Software consultant. Kelvin is very passionate about children pursuing careers in Math and Science and was honored by Sandia Laboratory’s Hands on Minds on Technology as their volunteer of the year. Kelvin has been tutoring children in Math and Science for 20 years and is very excited about joining the KIPP staff as the 8th Grade Science Teacher.
Dione Morton - Spanish
Dione Morton is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and is a graduate of Georgia State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and met her husband. As an undergraduate, Mrs. Morton studied abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico at the Universidad de Guadalajara while living with a host family, the Esparzas. Mrs. Morton enjoys learning about different cultures and languages and has also studied Brazilian Portuguese and French. She is excited to share her love of the Spanish language and culture. She and her husband Bruce are the parents of two KIPPWAYS scholars and rising freshman to Corcoran School of Art & Design
Armand Player – Athletic Director
Armand was born in Marietta, GA but quickly found himself in the easy-paced town of Cartersville, GA. After he graduated from Cartersville High School he entered The Tuskegee University. While at Tuskegee, he participated in the Marching Crimson Piper Band and obtained a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing. After college, he found joy in teaching back in Cartersville at Cass High School (the arch rival). With no love lost 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, and will be serving as the PE Teacher and Athletic Coordinator this year
Ransford Offei - Theater Arts Teacher
Ransford Offei hails from the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. He is born to Mr. Ransford Offei Sr. and Mrs. Classie Offei. Ransford graduated from Jackson State University where he earned his B.S. in Speech with a concentration in Dramatic Art. Ransford has performed in a series of productions around the City of Atlanta. Such productions are: Memoirs from Mama’s Kitchen, (Whole World Theatre) Leaving Limbo, (Seven Stages Theatre) King of Glory, (Atlanta Civic Center) etc. His television credits include: Studio 60 in the Sunset Strip, Las Vegas, CSI: New York, and CSI: Miami. Ransford believes that the path to your future cannot be bright if you don’t remember the people who gave you light along your journey. Two individuals who he thanks for bright lights are Dr. Mark G. Henderson, his former college professor, and Harry J. Lennix, his former elementary school teacher.
Joan Pringle-Bolling – Theater Arts Teacher
Joan Pringle-Bolling is best known for her role as Sybil Buchanon in “The White Shadow” which earned her an NAACP Image Award as outstanding actress in a TV drama series. She also played Ruth Marshall in the daytime soap opera “Generations” in addition to a variety of other TV and film characters. She began her acting career in her hometown of New York City with the Columbia University Summer Repertory Company’s production of “Going for a Thrombo.” Ms. Pringle-Bolling’s most recent stage credits include the roles of Pat Johnson in “The Story” at Theater in the Square in Marietta, Georgia and Lady Capulet in “Romeo and Juliet” at the Georgia Shakespeare Festival. As a vocalist, she sang with the Rawdon Edwards Jazz Band and taught acting when she and her children lived in Antigua, West Indies for nearly three years. She has a BA in Speech and Drama from the City College of the City of New York. This is Ms. Pringle-Bolling’s second year as the school’s Theater Arts Teacher.
Muhammed Yungai – Visual Arts Teacher
Muhammad Yungai was born in Chicago, Ill. and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Yungai is creative at heart and moved to Atlanta in pursuit of a music career. After choosing raising a family over a music career, he reentered the workforce as a retail manager. Over the next six years he would maximize his management skills with retail giants Blockbuster Video, Sam & Libby, and Baker Shoes. It was during these years that he reconnected with his first creative love, visual art. His ability quickly matched his passion, and in 2002 he left retail for a full time career as an artist. Mr. Yungai has built a name for himself in as one of Atlanta’a best emerging artists, with a focus on portraits and jazz. One of many notable highlights was when he was commissioned to paint a portrait of opera legend, Jessye Norman, as a gift to her to commemorate receiving a lifetime Grammy Award. 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, both of whom are honor roll scholars.
Jill Joplin –Development Director (KIPP Metro-Atlanta Collaborative)
Ms. Joplin serves the Atlanta KIPP schools by raising funds through the KIPP Metro Atlanta Collaborative. Ms. Joplin transitioned to the role of development in 2004 after working for three years with the KIPP Foundation as the Director of Trailblazing. She began her career in education over 15 years ago when she joined Teach For America as a language arts teacher in Houston, Texas. After her two year commitment to TFA, Ms. Joplin joined the United State Peace Corps and taught ESOL to young adults in Sri Lanka. Upon returning to her home in Memphis, Tennessee, Ms. Joplin continued teaching language arts for the Memphis City Schools for two years before entering the Harvard Graduate School of Education. After receiving her EdM in educational policy and planning, Ms. Joplin moved to Georgia to work for the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. While staffing Governor Barnes Education Reform Commission in 1999, she began working again with her TFA peer, Mike Feinberg in his effort to open KIPP schools in Georgia. Ms. Joplin's other full-time job is raising 4 year old twins, Jack and Jane.
Robin Little – Director of Counseling and School Social Work Services
Robin Little is an original Georgia Peach. She earned her B.A. 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. She has served in the area of social service for the past 10 years working in the capacity of a Child and Family Therapist and Advocate in Dekalb and Fulton County. She is a member of the Atlanta Xplosion professional women’s football team. Ms. Little enjoys youth services, sports, and spending time with her family and two dogs. She is family oriented and passionate about enhancing the lives of our deserving children. This is her second year as the KIPP Metro-Atlanta Collaborative Family Advocate
Authur Washington- Band Director (KIPP Metro-Atlanta Collaborative)
Authur Washington, a native of Atlanta, obtained his bachelors from Howard University, majoring in Music Business. 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. Mr. Washington is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc. where he served as president for the Eta Omega Chapter. While still in college Mr. Washington worked for three years with Arista Records in the marketing and music production departments. Arista motivated him to start his own music production company, Mama’s Boy Music, which was dedicated to his late mother. He has produced for some big names such as TLC and Richard Smallwood. Before coming to KIPP to 2005, Mr. Washington was an Assistant Band Director at Banneker High School in College Park, Ga., which is his former high school.
