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, I have a master’s degree in special education and am a certified special education teacher in the state of Georgia. I have taught preschool through high school and have worked with special needs adults. I’ve held teaching positions in Dekalb, Clayton, and Fayette counties, as well as, having taught in private school.
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 Director
High School Vocational Program
Lisa brings many years of teaching experience along with the joy and love of all people. She studied Christian Education at Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Valdosta State University and completed a Master Of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. Lisa has taught in both Georgia and Texas for over forty years. She has also had experience training and placing young adult with disabilities in jobs that match their skills and abilities.
Lisa and Neal have been married for 44 years and they have been Fayette County residents for the past 22 years. Lisa cherishes the time she spends with her three wonderful children and their families. She especially looks forward to time spent with her six grandchildren!
Teaching at Southern Raised Learning with longtime colleague and friend Meredith, is a dream come true for Lisa. Lisa and founder, Meredith Rosenberg, have always shared their “like mindedness” when it comes to teaching children with special needs. The birth of Southern Raised Learning is built upon our passion for teaching and desire for all of our students to succeed and grow in academics and in life.
Jaqueline Jennings
Administrative Assistant/
Classroom Paraprofessional
Jaqueline is a native of Germany and joined Southern Raised Learning during the 2022/2023 school year. She has been working with children for over 15 years as a volunteer in different church based children’s ministries. Her desire to work with children in a school setting developed during the pandemic when she assisted her own children in their virtual kindergarten classroom. Jaqueline finds great fulfillment in her work and enjoys seeing her students develop new skills and better habits. When not at work, Jaqueline enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
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.
Shannon DeMonti
Upper Elementary Classroom Teacher
Shannon has a M. Ed in Special Education. She has been in education for over 10 years and has been a teacher for over 7 years. Shannon is married and has two kids, Tomlin and Savannah. She is a huge Auburn fan and used to be a competitive equestrian in 3 day eventing. She also loves sushi, watching movies and is a big fan of YA literature. She is looking forward to a fantastic school year!
Brandy Chambers
Music Teacher
Brandy graduated with high honors from Newnan High School in 2016. She was active in the drama club, choirs as a Chorus officer, poetry club, history club, and the National Honor Society. Brandy studied music education with a minor in music at Brenau University. Music and arts are her main passion, but she also enjoys spending time with her family, her boyfriend, playing piano, raising chickens, and playing with her two puppies. Brandy is very excited to be teaching music at SRL this year!
Gail Sims
Classroom Paraprofessional
Gail comes to Southern Raised Learning with many years of working with children. She began her love of teaching at her church and through the volunteer work she did at a therapeutic horse riding center. Gail homeschooled both of her children and taught at a homeschool co-op. She has been with Southern Raised Learning since its inception in 2019. She says that working with children of special needs is truly a joy and highlight of her day.
Gail lives in Sharpsburg with her husband David, their two beloved German shepherds and two cats. She is an avid Alabama fan, loves the outdoors, especially hiking, and all things crafty!
Toni Blankenship
Behavior Intervention Paraprofessional
Toni has over 25 years of experience working with students across a broad range of exceptional learning abilities in a variety of learning environments. This lengthy experience includes working in some of the most restrictive environments in the public school’s system. Toni has experience working with students across the spectrum from elementary to young adults. Toni has over a decade of experience locally in the Fayette County school system working with special needs students including facilitating support K-12 grade in a self-contained and collaborative environment. Toni has assisted students who meet education criteria for autism spectrum disorder, speech language impairment, mild, severe, and profound intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Toni is highly qualified and experienced with students exhibiting ADD/ADHA, emotional behavior disorder, physical challenges, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Toni has been married for 37 years and has two children, and a grandson. Toni enjoys travel, spending time at the beach, and enjoying time with her family and friends. Toni has lived and worked in a variety of locations including areas such as Florida, Washington, DC, and currently, here in Georgia.
Toni has been trained, qualified, and certified in Advance Behavior Management (ABA), Conflict Resolution, and Mindset Training.
Toni brings a wealth of skills to the classroom: organization, team spirt, and the ability to uplift and encourage others are a few of her strengths.
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.
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.
Carolina Ramírez Fernández
Classroom Paraprofessional
Carolina was born in Puerto Rico and later moved to Georgia as a child. She studied psychology at University of West Georgia and graduated Summa Cum Laude in Summer 2022. Along with helping teach children, Carolina likes to read, draw, and spend time with her family. Some of her personal accomplishments include performing in two ballet recitals, meeting her favorite comic book artists at a convention, and participating in the Disney Dreamers Academy, where high-school students’ workshop in building their unique skills and talents. Originally Carolina planned on becoming a cartoonist, but later realized that she has a gift in understanding and encouraging children to reach their potential. She hopes to bring her cheery and optimistic nature to Southern Raised Learning and make an impact in the students’ lives!
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!
Coach Calvin
Calvin is part of the franchise, Playball. His position at Playball enables him to tap into his background as a tri-sport athlete while fulfilling his love of personal training. As a father, the young mind fascinates him. Imparting essential sports fundamentals to children has provided a surplus of fulfillment as well as entertainment to his life. Calvin’s interactions with his classes at Southern Raised Learning have granted him a beautifully unique perspective on life that he wouldn’t have gained anywhere else, nor will he ever lose sight of wherever he goes.