STAFF MEMBERS
FOR
SOUTHERN RAISED LEARNING
Meredith Rosenberg
Founder & CEO of Southern Raised Learning
Primary Classroom Teacher
As a special educator for over 40 years, Meredith holds a Masters Degree in Special education and has a valid teaching certificate from the state of Georgia. She has taught preschool through high school and has even worked with adults in both the public and private educational setting. Meredith believes that each child has their own set of strengths, as well as, weaknesses. “Our job as educators is to use those strengths to build student weaknesses. Every child has their own unique skill set and we can use those skills that a student does well to encourage them to do the difficult things they think they cannot do.” Everyday at Southern Raised Learning, you can witness teachers and staff who are actively engaged with students and watch them experiencing the true joy that comes when students feel good about themselves and their learning.
I believe that every child is unique—each one has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. My goal is to find those strengths and build upon them.That’s why I individualize each and every student’s educational plan by discovering a child’s present level, strengthening that level and then planting new seeds.
Parents can see what their child is working on in their “Skills Notebook” which travels between home and school. Tasks are broken down into bite size pieces, using hands-on manipulatives and direct instruction in a one-on-one and small group settings. I employ an abundance of positive reinforcement, giving small rewards for desired outcomes.
The same is true when I want to diminish unwanted behaviors. Tiny rewards are given when desired behavior is demonstrated.
If you walk into my classroom at any given time, you will witness a relaxed atmosphere where children are engaged, happy and having fun while learning. You will also witness teachers who are engaged in activities with students and experiencing the true joy that comes when students feel good about themselves and their learning.
Lisa Christopher
Assistant School Principal
High School Vocational Program Director
Lisa brings many years of teaching experience with children, teens, and adults of typical abilities and with differently abled learners, both academically, socially, and emotionally. Additionally, Lisa’s expertise and experience include strong administration skills and in the development of specialized programming.
Lisa studied Christian Education at Huntington College, holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Valdosta State University, and a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. She is trained and experienced in a plethora of behavioral and educational programs.
Lisa embraces her love for people and her belief that all people are created uniquely and purposed to thrive. These are key in serving the staff, students, and in development of the high school/vocation program. It is her joy to serve as the Assistant Principal, in the development and implementation of the High School and Vocational Program at Southern Raised Learning with her longtime colleague and friend, Meredith Rosenberg.
Lisa has been married to her college sweet heart, Neal, for 47 years and they cherish time with their family which includes three adult children, two daughters-in-love, six grandchildren, and many fur grands. Lisa also enjoys biblical studies, quilting, traveling, reunions with her large extended family and friends, yearly Nana & Poppy Camps, and walks on the beach in any season. Lisa is an avid fan of the Auburn Tigers and cherishes her hometown, Auburn, Alabama.
Lisa’s community involvement includes being an active member in her church, active member of an educational sorority, a member of a community women’s bible study, and as a volunteer with Midwest Food Bank.
Jaqueline Jennings
Administrative Manager
Jaqueline brings a wealth of experience to Southern Raised Learning. With a strong background as a paralegal, she has also worked for a German company in New York City and in the international tax department of one of the world's leading audit companies. Jaqueline's passion for children has been evident through her 15 years of volunteer work in church-based children's ministries. Her role at Southern Raised Learning allows her to merge her professional expertise with her love for nurturing young minds. Outside of work, Jaqueline enjoys quality time with her husband and two children.
Robyn Allen
Primary Classroom Paraprofessional
Robyn has worked with children for over 25 years in daycare, school and church settings. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology. Robyn moved to Georgia in 2017 after traveling the world with her husband over his 21 year Air Force career. They have four children and currently reside in Fayetteville. Robyn loves to read and travel with her family.
Toni Blankenship (Mrs. B)
Behavior Intervention Professional
Toni is a highly skilled Behavior Intervention Professional with over 30 years of broad and diverse experience. She has impacted students from elementary through adulthood in various learning environments. Toni has advanced training and experience enabling her to meet the needs of Southern Raised Learning. Toni’s capabilities include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through Autism Partnership; a leading organization in autism treatment and education. She brings a strong track record of supporting k-12 students with students who have academic, social and emotional challenges. Toni has served for over a decade in the Fayette County School System where she was known for her exceptional organizational skills, strong team spirit, as well as her ability to uplift and encourage both students and staff alike. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing and loving educational environment is evident in her approach to behavior management and intervention. When Toni is not in the school setting, she enjoys traveling, boating and spending time at the lake and beach with her family and friends. She is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have two children and three grandchildren.
Tammy Callaway
Classroom Paraprofessional
Tammy is a native of Fayette County and has been married to her husband David for over 28 years. She has 4 grown children and 7 grandchildren. She comes to Southern Raised Learning with over 20 years of experience in Special Education. She considers it a joy and blessing to be working with the children.
Ana Dean
Life Skills Classroom Paraprofessional
Ana comes to Southern Raised Learning with many years of experience working with children. She began her career in a Montessori setting. Her passion for working with children has grown through the years and it has now brought her to Southern Raised Learning. Ana lives in Fayetteville with her two cats. She has two amazing adult children and two wonderful grandchildren. She loves nature, the beach and traveling to visit her grandchildren.
Beth Dickens
Transition Classroom Paraprofessional
Beth grew up in a small town in Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide) in 1984 with a degree in Special Education, she moved to Columbus, Georgia to teach Orthopedically Handicapped and Health Impaired students.
After meeting and marrying her husband, Jim, they moved numerous times. This allowed Beth to teach in five different states and expand her knowledge and experience. She has 30 years in elementary education. Her goal is to help children feel loved and nurtured in the school setting. She strives to meet every scholar at their present level and help them to obtain knowledge and skills towards a fulfilled life.
Beth enjoys spending free time with her three grandchildren, reading, and visiting the beach. She can be found Saturday afternoons watching Alabama football and yelling at the TV.
Abigail Doolittle
Upper Elementary Classroom Teacher
Abigail is a Fayette County native, born and raised in Fayetteville. She recently graduated from Western Governors University with my Bachelor’s in Educational Studies- Elementary Education. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Exceptional Student Education at the University of West Florida concentrating in Applied Behavior Analysis. Abigal has spent the last 6 years working with children, where she spent 4 years as a nanny, and the last 2 in the classroom. During her undergraduate program, she explored many new opportunities that helped her to get where she is today. Abigail studied abroad for 6 weeks in Japan, where she further developed her skills and knowledge interacting with others from various cultures. Following that, she did a semester long internship at Walt Disney World. During these 6 months, she worked as an attractions cast member. Here she operated the ride Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway! This experience played a key part in fostering her communication skills, and ability to work on a team. In the future, Abigail plans to continue furthering her education as an educator and taking advantage of any opportunities that will allow her to grow. She will also be getting married, buying a house, getting a Master’s degree, and many other big life changes over the next few years. Abigail is so excited to see what the future holds for herself, and Southern Raised Learning!
Michael Dwyer
Music Teacher
Michael, BA, MT-BC, (Music Therapist Board Certified), was born and raised in the NYC area. He began studying drum kit at age 6, and piano at age 12. Michael began performing in local pop music groups at age 12 and began teaching at age 18. He moved to Southern California in 1980 and earned a degree in World Arts & Cultures, (the study of world culture through the arts, including music, dance and theater), from the University of California Los Angeles, while continuing to perform and teach. He later earned a degree in Music Therapy from California State University Northridge, while studying guitar. He performed in ensembles playing music from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and India, as well as playing and recording pop music. As a music therapist Michael worked at numerous clinical facilities specializing in Hospice Care, Memory Care, (Alzheimer’s), Autism, TBI, (Traumatic Brain Injury), and with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. As a result of the Covid pandemic, Michael relocated to Georgia where he continues to teach, do music therapy and perform.
Sharon Gheen
Classroom Paraprofessional
Sharon has many years of experience working with elementary students with special learning styles and needs. She is licensed in Elementary K-6 education, with certifications in K-12 Special Education from UNC Charlotte, retiring in 2020. After relocating to Senoia from NC in April 2024, Sharon was looking for an opportunity to return to the classroom and once again work with children when she discovered Southern Raised Learning!
When she’s not in the classroom, Sharon and her husband Kevin love traveling to visit their 4 adult children and grandson, trying out new recipes, or meeting new friends in their new hometown community of Senoia/Peachtree City.
Lynn Harrison
Classroom Paraprofessional/Art Teacher
Lynn is an artist/teacher who believes that creative expression is essential to education, child development, and overall human wellness at any age. She believes in focusing on the process of art making, not just the outcome, with her students both young and old. Her desire is to create an art environment where everyone feels creative, capable, and comfortable.
Lynn graduated from LaGrange College with a bachelor’s degree in Human Growth and Development and a minor in both Psychology and Sociology. Although she completed her early childhood education certification, she has chosen to bring her passion for art into the classroom for all ages. She has experience teaching homeschool art classes, afterschool art programs, and teaching adults during weekly paint nights and fundraisers.
When not in the classroom or at the easel creating her own art, you can find Lynn, along with her husband, cheering on their 3 children during volleyball games, band concerts, dance recitals, and much more.
Kim Heist
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Kim has over 12 years of experience in education. She graduated from Radford University with a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems. After marrying her husband, Filip, and having her 3 children, Kim decided to go back to school. Through a Master’s and Certification Program at Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi, Kim received her teaching certification and a master’s degree in Elementary Education.
Kim has taught at elementary schools in Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia. She enjoys travelling to new places and experiencing different cultures. In her spare time, Kim loves to read, shop, and sharing her love of reading and learning with her students.
Camille Jammes
Life Skills Classroom Teacher
Camille has over 16 years of experience in Special Education. She is a graduate of Georgia State University and is certified in general education pre-k through 5th grade, special education (collaborative and self-contained) pre-k through 12th grade, as well as highly qualified for all academic areas for 6th - 8th grades. She is passionate about education and dedicated to differentiated instruction for all students.
Her philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that every student, regardless of their abilities or challenges, has the potential to learn and thrive. She is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where each student’s unique needs are recognized and addressed with empathy and respect. Camille is a graduate of Fayette County High School and a life-long resident of Georgia. She has two children and three dogs. She loves camping, hiking, and especially college football …GO DAWGS!
Tina Lake
Lower Elementary Classroom Paraprofessional
Tina earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in human relations with a concentration in counseling from the University of Oklahoma. After many years working in higher education and public relations, she made a career change in 2014 and began working in elementary education. Tina feels she has finally found her passion. She strives to create an encouraging environment that builds students’ confidence and self-esteem and is adaptive to the varied needs of the students and their diverse learning styles.
In her downtime, Tina enjoys traveling with her husband, Michael, to visit their two grown sons or exploring somewhere new. In addition, they are avid campers and love finding a spot somewhere lakeside, so they can spend time kayaking and fishing.
Tina is so grateful for the opportunity to join SRL and teach in an environment committed to supporting the academic and social growth and development of each student.
Kaycee Montgomery
Classroom Paraprofessional
Kaycee has worked with children for many years and considers teaching one of her passions. She has over 15 years of experience in childcare including: nannying, serving in the preschool at church, and 5 years as a certified lead Montessori toddler teacher. She has also been the lead toddler teacher at a church preschool for 3 years and is currently working part-time at the preschool and part-time at SRL. Kaycee has two boys; an 11 year old and a 4 year old. In addition to her two boys, she is also a foster mom and has been fostering for 5 years. She is excited to be a part of the team at SRL!
Emily Parsons
Primary Classroom Teacher
Emily has a passion for helping students with special needs to learn and grow through their unique needs. Visuals are her favorite thing to create to help students communicate. Emily loves the saying, abilities outweigh disabilities. Emily graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2017 with a degree in K-12 Comprehensive Special Education. After moving to GA in 2019 for her husband’s career, she added preschool to her degree. Over her 6 years of experience, she taught a K-5 Adaptive class in TN, Special Education Preschool in Fayette County and first grade in a private school. While teaching in each of these places, she learned and grew beside her students. Her favorite subject to teach is science. Emily loves doing experiments with the students and seeing the joy on their faces when they have those lightbulb moments.
In Emily’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Garrett, have two small children. Emily enjoys photographing her children and nature. She also enjoys crafting and using her creativity when gift-giving is involved. Teaching using themes makes it even more exciting for her to plan and use her creativity in the classroom.
Erin Rice
Transition Classroom Teacher
Erin is a graduate of Georgia College and State University with a BS degree in Special Education. She holds a Georgia Teaching Certificate in K-8 Special Education and is qualified for both Adapted and General curriculum. As an experienced educator, she has taught kindergarten through sixth grade special education in both the private and public school setting. Her most recent experience is in an elementary Autism program class working with children ages 6-10. The majority of her experience has been spent working with students with diagnoses including: ADHD, autism, anxiety, language processing delays, learning concerns, emotional behavior disorder, and intellectual disabilities. Her purpose is to create meaningful, lifelong changes that will improve the daily lives and future of her clients.
Hanna Smith
Upper Elementary Paraprofessional
Hanna brings valuable experience from her two years at a private school and over three years as a pediatric dental assistant, where she worked with both typical children and children with special needs. These roles fueled her passion for education and motivated her to return to the classroom as a paraprofessional. Hanna is a native of Fayette County who now resides with her family on their farm in Coweta County. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend David of 5 1/2 years. Hanna is an animal lover and has numerous rescues. She loves going to farmers markets, the beach, and doing hand embroidery in her free time!
Coach Robbie
Robbie Chambless was born and raised in Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University with a BBA degree. In the mid 1990’s, the opportunity arose for him to manage a franchise called “The Little Gym”, which changed to Gymtastic, Inc. in 2004. Gymtastic runs fitness programs at childcare centers, church preschools, private schools, rec centers, etc. Robbie has been working with children as a physical education instructor for over 27 years. Robbie is a single dad and enjoys playing sports, hiking and trying his hand at pickleball. He also plays weekly cornhole league Peachtree City and loves to travel whenever the opportunity arises. Robbie is looking forward to a fun and successful school year at SRL!