Lynn Schoeneck – Head of School; Occupational Therapist

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Lynn earned a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Psychology (graduated with honors) from Wake Forest University. She is certified and licensed to practice occupational therapy. She has attended continuing education courses in the areas of handwriting (Handwriting Without Tears and Solving the Handwriting Puzzle), executive function, auditory training (Integrated Listening Systems, Therapeutic Listening), auditory processing, visual processing, sensory processing, information regarding specific learning differences, and course relating to administration. She has given presentations to parents, staff, and at the annual GISA conference. Lynn joined Porter Academy in 2004.

Tracye Purchase – Assistant Principal

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Tracye earned her Doctorate (EdD) in Special Education from Northcentral University, her Masters of Science in Special Education from Long Island University, and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lincoln University. Before joining Porter Academy, she had 11 years experience as a resource teacher , 5 years experience as a preschool owner, and 12 years experience as a general education teacher. She had worked with children preschool through fourth grade. Tracye joined Porter Academy in 2016.

Barbara Richard – Director of Student Services

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Barbara earned a M.A. in Educational Administration and a B.A. in Elementary Education. She has 20 years experience teaching Kindergarten-grade 4. She was a Vice Principal for two years in Florida. Barbara has teaching certification in FL and MA. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Sensory Integration Disorders, Math Their Way, and Differentiated Instruction. Barbara joined Porter Academy in 2003.

Hannah Cha – Administrative Assistant

Hannah took courses at Kennesaw State University, has worked both in the classroom and as an administrative assistant, and teaches violin. Hannah joined Porter Academy in 2003.

Markeah Green – Community Outreach

Markeah earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University. She comes to us with eight years of experience working with children as a camp counselor, youth athletics coach, and childcare provider. Markeah joined Porter Academy in 2024.

Marcie Schultz – Lead Teacher

Marcie earned a B.S. in Computer Technology and an A.A.S in Computer Programming. She is certified as a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Marcie has experience tutoring children with dyslexia in reading and spelling and worked at Pathways Academy. Marcie joined Porter Academy in 2004.

Stacey Edwards – Lead Teacher

Stacey earned her Masters of Science from Cappella University and her Bachelor of Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. Stacey is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and holds licenses in Art Education and through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horseman (PATH Intl). Stacey has over thirty years of experience teaching grades K-12, most recently teaching a 4th/5th grade special education class at The Cottage School. She is also a lead instructor at Special Equestrians of Georgia. Stacey joined Porter Academy in 2021.

Cathy Wiggins – Lead Teacher

Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. She comes to us with 21 years of experience teaching elementary students. She has been awarded Teacher of the Year, is gifted endorsed, and maintains her T-4 Georgia Teaching Certification. Cathy joined Porter Academy in 2023.

Mahjabeen Aamer – Lead Teacher

Mahja earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Karachi and has worked as a substitute teacher, special education paraeducator, and ESOL instructor. Mahja joined Porter Academy in 2023.

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

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.

Stacey Johnson – Assistant Teacher

Stacey Johnson is a Georgia certified elementary educator with teaching experience in K-5 public schools. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (graduated with honors) from Brenau University in Gainesville. Stacey earned a reading endorsement with her teaching certificate and a Georgia Literary Academy certificate (Orton Gillingham courses). A lifelong learner, she followed her passion for elementary education after 28 years in dentistry, having earned Associate degrees in Natural Science and Dental Hygiene. Her prior experience in pediatric patient education as a surgical assistant, registered hygienist, and weekly parent volunteer in her daughter’s elementary school led to her appreciation and desire to continue her own education about all aspects of childhood growth and development. She loves working with children of all ages. She joined Porter Academy in 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.

Kristen Lockard, MS, CCC-SLP – Speech Language Pathologist

Kristen received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University and her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Kentucky University. She has earned her Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Language Pathology. She has also received her DIRFloortime Certificate of Proficiency and is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Kristen has experience at Pikeville Medical Center, Peachtree Elementary School, Mind and Motion Developmental Center, and Hopebridge Autism Centers. Kristen joined Porter Academy in 2023.

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.