We are thrilled to welcome these fantastic new faculty members to the Brookstone Family this year! As you can see from their bios below, this is an amazing group of people with an incredible range and depth of talent!

It is our pleasure to welcome them to Brookstone! We know our students love them already! Go Cougars!

Preschool

Lower School

Shelley Borders – LS Teaching Assistant

Shelley Borders comes to Brookstone with her most recent professional experience as a preschool teacher at Butler United Methodist Church. Prior to that, she served in various capacities at St. Anne Pacelli including serving as the Director of Extended Day and as a teacher assistant in kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grades. We have already seen Shelley’s commitment to Brookstone, as she has always been a willing parent volunteer. After a brief hiatus, Shelley is excited to be back in the classroom again. Shelley and her husband, Matt, have two children attending Brookstone: Emily (10th grade) and Sam (1st grade).

Amanda Cunningham – Lower School Teaching Assistant

Join us in welcoming Amanda Cunningham to the Brookstone Lower School. Amanda has recently completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education at Columbus State University. Her glowing commendations from both her lead clinical teacher and clinical advisor for her kindergarten clinicals sets the stage for an incredible kindergarten experience as she assists Dana Holland this school year. Amanda is also a great example of a servant leader. She is involved as a volunteer at Paws Humane Society, the Arthritis Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, as well as St. Anne Outreach and Feeding the Valley. Amanda is so excited to be part of the Brookstone family and is counting down the days to the first day of school.

Melanie Davis – Lower School Teaching Assistant

We formally welcomed Melanie Davis to the Brookstone community as the third grade teacher assistant. Melanie Davis is already a familiar face to many around campus, as she has built quite the reputation as a knowledgeable, consistent, and reliable sub. With a degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Melanie has given her support to our P.E. program as a sub, yet can also be seen supporting our Upper School athletes from the sidelines. Melanie has experience in the corporate world, formerly working as a director at TSYS. As a special education paraprofessional at Smith Station Junior High School, Melanie worked closely with the lead teacher to accommodate and guide students with learning differences. Melanie’s passion for students and teaching is evident in all that she does, and we are excited to have her as a part of the Brookstone family.

Brooke Fonder – LS Administrative Assistant

Brooke Fonder comes to us with glowing recommendations and great spirit! She will be joining the Brookstone family as the new Lower School Administrative Assistant. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Brooke has experience in both teaching and administrative roles. A former instructional assistant for Baker Middle School, Brooke not only taught students with learning differences, but maintained records and established strong lines of communications with parents and other stakeholders. She has always been involved with students, working as a Camp Counselor and volunteering with community outreach groups. She will add immensely to our community and we are grateful to have her.

Dorsey Hannahan – LS Teaching Assistant

Dorsey Hannahan, who is an alumnae and once served as a Pre-First teaching assistant at Brookstone, will be returning to campus to serve as a teaching assistant in first grade. With experience as a lead teacher in kindergarten and a Master of Science in Elementary, Dorsey will be able to support our first grade students across all areas of the curriculum. Once she leaves her first grade classroom each day, Dorsey will also assist Erin Trotter in the Lower School library and support first and second grade teachers each afternoon. As a proud mom to Ellie Hannahan, who is a rising seventh grader in our Middle School, Dorsey is looking forward to spending each day on the Brookstone campus this upcoming school year, and our Lower School faculty is so excited to welcome her back.

Dana Holland –  Kindergarten Lead Teacher

With 30 years of experience in Kindergarten, Dana Holland is a wonderful addition to an already impressive kindergarten team. She comes to us with a degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbus State University. Dana’s experience with reading and writing workshop combined with her leadership skills from numerous school improvement initiatives will only make our Lower School stronger. When Dana isn’t with her kindergarteners, she is volunteering in her church in numerous ways. Dana is beyond thrilled to be joining the Brookstone Lower School, and we can’t wait for our rising kindergarten students to get to know her. Dana and her husband, Bobby, have two children, Hannah and Michael.

Caroline Patton Kennon – Second Grade Lead Teacher

As an alumnae of Brookstone, Caroline Kennon is returning to Brookstone as a second grade lead teacher. Caroline received her undergraduate degree from Auburn University, and she recently completed her Master of Arts in Teaching in the area of Early Childhood Education. Caroline is no stranger to us, as she has worked in our Extended Day program and served as a substitute teacher in the Lower School. We are excited to welcome Caroline back to campus. Her love for children along with her enthusiastic attitude will make for an engaging second grade experience.

Len Kilgore – LS Teaching AssistantLen Kilgore will be joining the second grade team as a teaching assistant with Emily Allardice. Len is a familiar face to the Lower School having served as a substitute teacher. She has a degree in Media Studies from Florida State University and is currently teaching music at St. Thomas Day School. You may have seen Len on stage at the Springer Opera House. She has been in some incredible productions such as Mamma Mia, Grease, Sister Act, The Producers, Les Miserables, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Len has a creative side that will allow for the second grade students in Ms. Allardice’s class to have fun and thrive; what a great team the two of them will make. Len is married to Eric, and they have two children attending Brookstone, James (7th grade) and Emmie (6th grade).

Intermediate School

Kym Ellison- A woman of many hats, Kym Ellison comes to us via Georgia Tech first, graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and a Masters in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. A regional standout athlete, Kym wears the honors of being an All-State and All-Region high school basketball player which culminated in receiving a full scholarship to Georgia Tech and then to San Diego State University. Upon graduation, Kym coached in various capacities including being Assistant Girls Basketball Coach and Head Coach for Girls JV Volleyball. This year, Kym officially joins the Intermediate School as Student Activities Coordinator and Technology Teacher.

Alex Henderson- IS Administrative Assistant

Many of you know Alex Henderson as Brookstone’s nurse technician. This year, she is joining the Intermediate School as the new administrative assistant. Prior to taking on the role of nurse technician, Alex worked directly with patients at St. Francis Hospital. She also has experience working as an instructor at My Gym Children’s Fitness Center in Auburn. Alex is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education focusing specifically on Exercise Science. Alex brings her familiarity with our parents and students as well as her impeccable organizational skills to the Intermediate School family.

Callie Sumpter – IS Writing Teacher

Callie Sumpter is joining us from Houston, Texas, where she taught fourth grade English/language arts and social studies at Orange Grove Elementary School. Prior to that, she taught grammar and writing as well as Latin at Providence Christian School in Dothan, Alabama. A graduate of Samford University with a Bachelor’s in International Relations, Callie set off on a path of international travel, yet she could not shake the teacher in her. We are excited that Callie will be sharing her love of languages, history, and travel with the Intermediate School community.

Middle School

Adam Anthony – MS Spanish

Adam comes to us from Jacksonville, FL. He has taught Spanish for the past six years at private schools in Virginia and Florida. Adam earned his Bachelor of Science from Bluefield College and immediately began teaching Spanish at the age of 21. Adam recently married his wife, Laura. We welcome the Anthony family to Brookstone.

Maggie Shehane- MS/US French

Maggie, a native of Savannah, Georgia, graduated from Davidson College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and French & Francophone Studies. Her passion for languages started as a child when she lived in Switzerland and continued as her family moved to Belgium and she spent a semester in France. She enjoys tennis and traveling and is very excited to be a part of the Brookstone community.

Andrew Stubbs–MS/US Music

Mr. Andrew Stubbs comes to Brookstone after 10 years with the Muscogee County School District. His most recent duties consisted of teaching Guitar, Band, & Orchestra. Mr. Stubbs is a graduate from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. When not teaching or performing live music, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife, Whitney, and daughter, Madison.

Melanny Alpizar– US Spanish

A native of Costa Rica, Melanny has been in the education field for nearly ten years. In addition to teaching, she has worked developing Spanish language instruction curriculum for the U.S. military as well as being a translator. Melanny holds a Bachelor’s Degree in French from the University of Oklahoma and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Second Language Instruction from Troy University. She also holds a TESOL certification. She speaks 5 languages including basic Costa Rican sign language.

Tessa Calhoun– US English

Tessa began at Brookstone as a long-term substitute in 2021 before joining the faculty as a ninth grade English teacher and assistant softball coach. She earned her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Major in English Teaching and a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Florida State University. Tessa and her husband, Cason, grew up in Dacula, Georgia. They are now stationed at Ft. Benning and are members of CrossPointe Church.

Eric Castaneda- US Spanish/French

Éric joined Brookstone as a long-term sub last year and comes to us from Dallas, TX. He has a Master of Arts in French language and literature and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education for World Language Teaching, both from Kansas State University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in French from Goucher College. In addition, he has the DELF B2 (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and DALF C2 (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) international diplomas from the French ministry of education. When not teaching, Eric is either riding his bicycle or helping his aunt to take care of his mother.

Cathy is joining us from Northside High School where she taught AP Chemistry and other science classes for 5 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Berry College and a M.A.T. in Secondary Education-Chemistry from Columbus State University.  She is married to Ron DiQuattro and has three daughters, Jessica, Sarah, and Olivia

Patrick Griffin– US Social Studies

Patrick comes to us from Gulliver Preparatory School in FL, and is joining the Social Studies department. He holds a degree in history from New College of Florida and has been teaching social studies for nearly twenty years. Patrick reports that he is exceedingly proud of his niece, his nephew, and his beautiful retriever/labrador pup.

Angela Jones – US Math

Angela is joining the Upper School math department this year with over 30 years of teaching experience at both the high school and college level. She holds a Specialist, Masters, and Bachelors of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education. Angela and her husband, Dwight, have three sons. Addison and Dalton are 21, and Peyton is 18.

Taylor Kinkade – US Technology

Taylor joined the Brookstone family in 2021 after serving as the Video Production teacher at Shaw High School for nine years. Before her teaching career, Taylor was a reporter at WTVM News Leader Nine, where she gained extensive knowledge in videography. She is originally from Franklin, Tennessee. Taylor graduated from Western Kentucky University, and her career change led her to earn her teaching certificate from Georgia State University and her Master’s Degree from Valdosta State University. She is married to Derek Kinkade, and together they have two boys, Jackson (6) and Carter (3), and two dachshunds, Johnny and June.

Leigh Smith– US Science

Leigh is coming from Harris County High School where she taught a variety of science courses ranging from biology to chemistry. She is both AP and gifted certified. Before moving to the Columbus area 15 years ago, she taught in the Savannah area. She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Shorter University and a Masters in Education in Secondary Science from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Her husband, Sheldon, is a pharmacist with CVS in Columbus. She has two daughters, Katie, who is pursuing a PhD in English Literature from Auburn University, and Lauren, a senior at the University of West Georgia.

Dr. Danielle Sutton– US English

Danielle comes to us from Normal, Illinois, where she taught literature and composition at Illinois State University. She holds a PhD in English Studies from Illinois State and an MFA in Creative Writing from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Danielle and her husband, Ben, have a four-year-old son named Rufus.

Karen Waters – US Math

Karen was born and raised in Columbus GA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from UGA and a Master of Education from Georgia State University; both degrees are in math education. She swam competitively for UGA and attended Olympic Trials in ‘84 and ‘88. Karen coached swimming and taught HS Math at Woodward Academy from 1990-1997 and then at Columbus High School from 2010-2021. She also taught at CSU from 2000-2010. She is married to her husband of 28 years, Jamie, and has twin girls, Ashley and Hillary (24), and Morgan (22). Karen loves spending time with family and friends, watching all UGA sports, and enjoying beach time.

Antwon Young – Strength and Conditioning Coordinator and Coaching StaffAntwon joined the Brookstone family last year after working in the Columbus business community for five years. He has trained many of our area’s best athletes. Antwon was a three-sport athlete in high school before signing to play football at Villanova University. While at Villanova, he helped lead the Wildcats to a FCS National Championship in 2009. After graduating from Villanova with an Economics degree, Antwon joined the Richmond Raiders of the Professional Indoor Arena Football League (PIFL). Coach Young brings his knowledge of football, basketball, and track to our athletic program along with his focus on character development.    

Learning Center

Haley Champion- LC Coordinator

We are fortunate to have Haley Champion joining the Learning Center faculty as the Learning Center Coordinator. She comes to us from Savannah Country Day where she was the Lower School Counselor and Social Emotional Learning Teacher. Haley, a graduate of The Lovett School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. In addition to her NBCC, LPC, and NCC counseling certifications, she has an Anxiety Certification through the American School Counselor Association. Haley and her husband, Forrest ‘03, have two children, son Forrest who is 2 and is nicknamed Five and 4 month old daughter Ibby.

Noreen Rodriguez- LC Teacher

Noreen is excited to join the Learning Center and provide support for our Middle and Upper School students. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, she obtained her Master of Education in Secondary Math at Columbus State University. She taught high school math in the classroom for 21 years before rediscovering how much she loved to tutor, and she is committed to helping students find success through integrity and diligence.

Caitlin Freeman- LC Teacher

Caitlin is our most recent addition to the Learning Center, and she will be serving students in the Intermediate School. She comes to us from MCSD by way of St. Anne-Pacelli where she served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and instructional support teacher in grades K-8. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Columbus State University. Caitlin and her husband, Drew, have a two-year-old son named Dawson.

Kirven/Administration

Stephanie Culberson- Kirven Receptionist

Brookstone is pleased to welcome Stephanie Culberson to the position of Kirven Receptionist!  A graduate of Smiths Station High School, Stephanie comes to us from the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office where she worked from 2008-202. Stephanie is married to Corey Culberson and has two children, Brayden (11) and Avery (8). Stephanie is excited to be joining the Brookstone family, build relationships, and as she says, help out “with a little bit of everything!”

Sherry Griffin, Technology Technician

Sherry joins the Brookstone team with 30 + years of servant leadership experience. She has been in church ministry with her husband in Illinois, Atlanta, Indiana, and Columbus in various leadership roles. Currently she is completing a Business Management degree. She invests her time in volunteering in her church, mentoring, and in mission’s projects. She is grateful to be part of the Brookstone community.

Linda Sheffield– Nurse

We are thrilled to announce that Linda Sheffield will be our school nurse. Linda has a BS in Nursing from Columbus State University, and her previous work experience includes the ICU at Piedmont Midtown and the OR at Piedmont Northside. Linda is married to Thurston Sheffield, and they have two boys, Luke (28) and Branche ‘20 (19). She also has a three year old grandson, Noah. A fun fact about Linda is that she is the youngest of 5 girls! Linda is excited to work at Brookstone “to be able to give back to an incredible school that helped pave an amazing path for my son, Branche, while he attended Brookstone.” Our whole campus will be in great hands with Linda!

Kimberly Henderson – Nurse Tech

We are happy to announce that Kimberly Henderson will be joining our Clinic team as our Nurse Tech. Kimberly is a LPN and has most recently worked as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Additionally, Kimberly has extensive experience as a family babysitter and nanny and is a familiar face to many families on campus. Kimberly is excited to join the Brookstone family and brings great expertise and enthusiasm to this role!

Updates

Alissa Jordan – Pre-K Lead Teacher

We are excited to have Alissa on the Preschool team as a Pre-K Lead Teacher.  She joined the Brookstone faculty in 2016 as a kindergarten assistant teacher and moved to 1st Grade as a lead the following year.  Alissa holds a Masters of Education from the University of Mississippi and a Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Georgia, both in Early Childhood Education. She is active in Highland Community Church where she serves as a Sunday School teacher.  Alissa will work with Becky Kinnebrew  and their assistant teachers to form an awesome Pre-K team.

Ginny Upchurch –  First Grade Lead Teacher

Ginny is an alumnae who returned to Brookstone to begin a career in the classroom. Her experience began in first grade as a teaching assistant and then as a kindergarten assistant while, at the same time, furthering her education in graduate school. In the fall of 2020, Ginny graduated from Liberty University with a Master in the Art of Teaching in Elementary Education. As a kindergarten assistant, Ginny quickly found herself as a lead teacher mid year. She made the transition seamless for both the students and the parents, and she is happily moving up to first grade as a lead teacher. Ginny, along with Cynthia Hill and Christian Woolfolk, will work together as a team to create an incredible first grade experience.

April Sullivan – Second Grade Lead Teacher

April Sullivan will be moving from being an assistant teacher in the first grade to lead teacher in the second grade for the 2021-2022 school year. April’s transition from an assistant to a lead will be an easy one, as she worked hand in hand with Christian Woolfolk over the last three years in preparing our first graders for second grade. April completed her undergraduate degree at Kennesaw State University, and prior to Brookstone, she spent six years in various classroom settings as a teaching assistant and substitute teacher in an independent school setting in Florida. April is currently applying for graduate school as she pursues a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education. She will be joining Emily Allardice and Caroline Kennon to round out an impressive second grade team.

Tanisha Colbert– Assistant Director of Enrollment

Tanisha Colbert joins the Admissions Department as Assistant Director of Enrollment after having served at Brookstone in various capacities. In her former role as Lower School teacher assistant and Lower School administrative assistant, Tanisha was not afraid to take on a challenge. Because of this, Brookstone has benefited immensely from both her creative and organizational expertise. Tanisha recently completed and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Troy University and will continue working towards her Master’s degree this upcoming fall. As a native of Columbus and a current Brookstone parent and employee, we look forward to welcoming Tanisha’s perspective and expertise to the Admissions Department.

Leigh Anne Floyd – Servant Leadership

No stranger to Brookstone School, Leigh Anne Floyd will be joining the Servant Leadership Department in a part-time role this year after serving as both the IS and LS Division Head for seven years. We love Leigh Anne and just couldn’t let her leave Brookstone! Her passion for both students and Servant Leadership make her ideal for her role that will focus on Servant Leadership in our PS and LS. Leigh Anne and her husband, John, have lived in Columbus for seven years, and they have two dogs, Murphy and Moose.

Sara Varner- Servant Leadership

After leading a Pre-K classroom during the previous school year, we are thrilled that Sara Varner will be returning to her full-time role in the Servant Leadership Department. Sara and her husband, Rob, have 3 children, SaSa (6), Parker (4), and Frank (2), and Sara’s mom, Frances Berry, serves as the Director of College Counseling in the Upper School. A Brookstone alum and teaching veteran, Sara brings enthusiasm and a genuine love for our community to her role as Assistant Director of Servant Leadership, and we are so excited to have her back!