• Steve O’Brien – Lead Teacher

    Steve earned his Master of Arts in Education from Phoenix University and his Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from Samford University. Steve earned his Teaching Certification, Paraprofessional Certification, and Educator License. Steve has served in the Navy, worked as a special education teacher with elementary and middle school students, owned his own company, worked in administration, and worked in customer service. Steve joined Porter Academy in 2024

  • Bethany Dodson – Lead Teacher

    Bethany earned her Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies – Family and Child Development, Psychology, and Sports Outreach. She has experience working with children with learning and developmental differences and has worked with children of all ages, preschool through high school. Bethany joined Porter Academy in 2025.

  • Henrietta Harvey – Lead Teacher

    Henrietta earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and is currently working towards her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. She has seven years of experience including serving as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom and as an ABA therapist within home, clinical, and school settings. Henrietta joined Porter Academy Spring 2025.

  • Ivy Keats – Assistant Teacher

    Ivy earned her Master of Art Degree in Education from Fairfield University and her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She has over twenty years experience working as a special education teacher, preschool teacher, and working with adults with intellectual disabilities. Ivy joined Porter Academy in 2024.

  • Divina Harjani – Assistant Teacher

    Divina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Special Education at Georgia State University. She is currently working towards her Masters degree in Special Education. She started volunteering at Porter Academy in Summer 2022 and joined our staff Fall 2022.

  • Jordyn Freeman – Assistant Teacher

    Jordyn has seven years of experience working with students. She has been a pre-Kindergarten teacher, worked as a paraprofessional for Fulton County Schools, and worked in the school café. She has a passion for working with children of all ages. Jordyn joined Porter Academy in 2025.

  • Valencia Thomas, M.Ed

    Valencia earned her Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. She also holds a
    Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Delta State University. Valencia is trained in therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. She has over three years of experience working with children who face a variety of mental health challenges and is dedicated to providing supportive, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Valencia joined Porter Academy in November 2025.

  • Chelsea Kinsler – Music Therapist

    Chelsea earned her B.A. in Music Therapy from University of Georgia and is Licensed and Board Certified as a music therapist. She has experience planning and leading sessions for Fulton County Schools, serving as music therapist and clinical director at Therabeat, Inc, and as the children’s musical director and staff singer at a church. Chelsea joined Porter Academy Spring 2025.

  • Tyree Etienne – Physical Education Teacher

    Tyree has been working with children at The Boys and Girls Club of America, recreational sports programs, and training centers. He has experience providing instruction in soccer, basketball, flag football, speed, agility, and strengthening. Tyree joined Porter Academy in 2023.

  • Sarah Kachur – Art Teacher

    Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University and studied Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, including drawing, painting, printmaking, puppet making and B/W photography. She has worked with various populations of students age range from 4 to 15 years old since attending FSU. She uses proponents of DBT especially mindfulness in her teachings. Sarah has been making and selling art since 2001. She joined Porter Academy in 2022.