Undoubtedly, Lionheart’s greatest asset is its staff. The school’s concentration and caliber of teachers and licensed therapy professionals is unmatched by any other Special Education program in the Southeast.
Executive Team
Tamara B. Spafford, M.B.A., serves as the Executive Director for Lionheart. Tamara has a concentration in computer information systems, marketing and small business administration, working in various areas both as an employee, business owner and consultant. For the past twelve years she has attended continuing education seminars in learning disabilities and special education areas. Tamara attends to the managerial aspects of Lionheart, maintaining financial records, hiring professionals, negotiating contracts, overseeing professional development and extending awareness of the Lionheart approach to others in the professional and parent communities. Tamara is one of the founding parents with a child at Lionheart. Tamara is passionate about expanding the reach of Lionheart and providing a place for parents to receive the best possible education and support for their child that deserves a respectful, nurturing and quality education. It is her feeling that all children should have a place like Lionheart where they are loved and supported through their journey in life, and where parents’ hard work and support is carried through in school.
Elizabeth Dulin, M.Ed. is the Director of Education and Admissions at Lionheart. Elizabeth is a Master level teacher, certified to teach pre-K to 12th grade. She received her degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. Elizabeth has worked for over 20 years with children in various settings – including private school, public school, and private practice with families. She has a blend of sound teaching practices and specialized training to work with children. During the past two summers, Elizabeth has attended the DIR Institute in Washington, D.C. and is a certified DIR faculty-in-training specialist. She has a remarkable understanding of children, and uses the relationship-based approach to foster the growth and progress of each child. Elizabeth supervises the implementation of DIR principles into the curriculum. She also works with children in small groups utilizing floor-time. Elizabeth is a licensed professional special educator in the state of Georgia.
Victoria A. McBride, M.A., CCC-SLP has a Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia and has been a certified and licensed Speech and Language Pathologist for over 25 years. Victoria is the Director of Special Services at The Lionheart School. Victoria is one of the original professionals that started with Lionheart in the fall of 2000. She has a wealth of experience working with children in both private practice and school based settings. At Lionheart, Victoria works with children on their pragmatic language skills, articulation and oral-motor difficulties, as well as other language based challenges. Victoria is also a DIR certified specialist, embedding DIR principles in her intervention strategies while working with the students and supervising curriculum objectives.
Mary Ulich, B.A., joined the Executive Team of Lionheart in 2009, and serves as the Director of Operations. Mary received her education degree with an emphasis in special education from the University of Northern Colorado, and taught for 8 years in a variety of settings. Through years of volunteering, she received training in development, marketing, communications, and constituent relationship management, and has worked in these areas with the American Cancer Society. These are the areas she attends to for Lionheart.
Staff
Kristie Arnold, B.A., joined Lionheart as an assistant teacher in 2010. She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Elementary Education in May of 2010. She is a certified teacher in Mississippi and is currently working on her certification for Georgia. Kristie is finishing up her Masters in Special Education at Brenau University and will be done this spring!
Bryon Bartholomew, B.A., joined Lionheart in 2005 as a Support Teacher for the adolescent program. Bryon received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Southern University at New Orleans. He has received his Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials from Georgia State University. Bryon brings to Lionheart experience working with older students in after school programs in Georgia and at St. Leo the Great Catholic School in New Orleans. He has worked as a teacher in a Georgia certified Pre-K program. He has experience preparing and implementing weekly lesson plans for different age groups as well as organizing field trips relevant to recreational and academic activities for the students. He has served as a summer camp coordinator and mentor for students, providing counseling and helping with reading, writing and computer skills. Bryon joins Heather Wagner in the classroom for the adolescent program and is involved with recreational goals and objectives for all the Lionheart students.
Ashley Cheek, M.Ed., has her Master’s from Georgia State University and is a certified PK-12 educator. In her fifth year of teaching, she is the lead teacher for the middle-school aged boys. She is finishing her last class to get her Masters of Education at Georgia State University in the Multiple and Severe Disabilities Program with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ashley thoroughly enjoys teaching children at Lionheart and appreciates all of their individual strengths. She feels she learns from them as much as they learn from her.
Lise Coston, M.A., OTR/L, joined Lionheart as our licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. Lise earned a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Miami. She previously worked as a provider of OT services in private practice, home and school-based settings for children ages 1 month through 16 years in Atlanta and New York. Additionally she has received DIR® and sensory integration training, and has years of experience working with children who have learning, sensory and motor challenges. We are thrilled to have Lise join our team at Lionheart.
Allison Curtin, B.A., received her degree in English from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. She joined Lionheart as our front office administrator in 2011. She has over 10 years of office manager experience, and oversees all aspects of the front office. Ali is an active volunteer with the Humane Society.
Cathy Davis, M.Ed., is a Georgia-certified teacher in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. She earned her Masters degree at Ohio University in learning disabilities and mild to moderate developmental delays. She also has a B.A. in psychology. She previously worked in Fulton County Schools as a special education preschool teacher. Cathy has 10 years experience working with special education children at the preschool and elementary level. She also has experience as a Georgia Pre-K teacher.
Jennifer Estes, B.A., M.B.A., is entering her third year as an art teacher for Lionheart students. She received her B.A. from the University of Georgia in French and Fine Arts, and her M.B.A. from Georgia State University. Prior to joining Lionheart she served at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church in children’s ministries focusing on art instruction including the annual Faith in Arts Camp, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Jennifer also led a Girl Scout troop for members with social and learning challenges. Before discovering a deep love of children and education, Jennifer spent ten years in the corporate banking sector.
Margaret Fussell, also known as “Maggie Mulch”, is Lionheart’s gardener. She came to Lionheart via the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church cottage garden. She has worked with various Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in the New York Hudson Valley, both with the growing and preparation of produce. Although home gardens were part of her childhood, she developed her passion for gardening after working as a chef.
Beth Hampshire, MT-BC, NMT Fellow, Beth received her music therapy degree from Eastern Michigan University. She received her neurologic certification from Colorado State University in 2001, and was granted fellowship in 2006. She is the founder, owner, and operator of Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta. Beth is a registered Music Together® teacher and a credentialed early interventionist. Beth’s specialty is in autism and other neurologic conditions. She plays and teaches both piano and guitar. Beth volunteers for a variety of national and local organizations. She currently serves as a member of the City of Roswell Inclusion Task Force. Beth is also serving on the Music Together® Clinical Testing License Group. Beth has recently served on the national reimbursement committee with AMTA (American Music Therapy Association) and on the board of directors with ASA-GGC (Autism Society of America – Greater Georgia Chapter) and the continuing education committee of CBMT (Certification Board for Music Therapists).
Mary Catherine Jones, B.A., graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2011, with a bachelors degree in Education, specializing in childhood development. She has extensive experience in working and caring for children with disabilities. While completing her undergraduate degree she has worked with the RISE Center and Crossing Points of Alabama to help her prepare for her first year at Lionheart. As an assistant teacher to Shelly Solomonson, she is very excited for this year.
Amanda Kriegel, PsyD., serves as a Floortime therapist at Lionheart. Amanda received her Doctoral of Psychology degree (PsyD.) from Argosy University, Atlanta in December 2010. She received her Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Argosy as well and has a B.A. in Psychology from Tufts University and a B.F.A. in Studio Art from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She has completed three years of supervised practicum placements, in which she worked exclusively with children and families. Amanda began working with Dr. Kathleen Platzman in the spring of 2006. She has completed the Floortime Introductory Training Course and has a Certificate of Mastery for completion of the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL) Infancy and Early Childhood Training course. Amanda has been providing Floortime therapy and assessments under the supervision of three ICDL faculty members for 4 years. Amanda will be providing services under the supervision of Dr. Kathleen Platzman at Floortime Atlanta, and in Alpharetta.
Matt McCarthy, B.A., has lived his entire life in Alpharetta, graduating from Chattahoochee High School. After a few years at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama on a baseball scholarship, he completed his degree in Health and Physical Education at the University of Georgia, and is a certified teacher in Georgia. He is currently pursuing certification in Special Education. Matt spends his free time coaching at the Patriot Baseball Academy and giving private lessons. Matt is extremely excited to be working at The Lionheart School!
Gail Nearing, B.S., has worked with Lionheart since the fall of 2004 as a Teacher Assistant. Prior to that Gail worked in the preschool program at the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Day School. Since July 2003 she has also worked with a special needs child doing Floortime therapy. Gail works within the DIR framework in order to meet academic goals for the students in her classroom. In the Spring of 2005, Gail attended the Infancy and Early Childhood Training Course in Washington, D.C. to gain a better understanding of DIR principles and supplement her training and education. She has also received a Certificate of Mastery in Stanley Greenspan’s basic DIR/Floortime course and has continued her DIR education with Kathy Platzman at the ICDL.
Jennifer Plunk, M.Ed., is returning for her third year at Lionheart as a certified teacher with 7 years of prior teaching experience enhanced by 6 years of experience in the world of autism. Her eleven year old son was diagnosed with ASD at age three, and since then the DIR model and Floortime have been an integral part of her family’s life. She has worked with professionals at Floortime Atlanta and has attended two of Stanley Greenspan’s conferences in Washington D.C. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Georgia Tech and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Georgia State University. She taught high school math prior to having children, and then she homeschooled her two children for three years. When her son began attending Lionheart, these past experiences opened the door for her to volunteer at Lionheart where she found her passion: sharing her love of Floortime AND her love of turning kids “on” to learning – math and otherwise. She is thrilled to be a member of the Lionheart family!
Jill Snell, M.Ed., comes to us with a Masters in Early Childhood Education for the Handicapped (N-3), a Masters in Mental Retardation (N-12), a Masters in Adaptive P.E. and a Bachelors in Physical Education. She is a certified teacher in the state of Georgia. Jill is currently at level III of the DIR certificate. Jill has 25 years of experience teaching, evaluating and implementing individual educational plans for children with special needs. She has worked in the public and private sectors and in individualized home-based sessions. Her cornerstone philosophy for success is to start with building a relationship with each student and their parents. Jill is the lead teacher for one of the younger groups of children at Lionheart.
Shelly Solomonson, B.S., first joined Lionheart in 2004 and is a Georgia-certified teacher in Special Education. She previously worked within the Atlanta Public School system as an elementary school teacher for children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Shelly also holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of Georgia, and worked in this field for several years prior to obtaining her teaching degree. At Lionheart, Shelly works as a lead teacher for elementary-age children, utilizing a combination of DIR/Floortime techniques, therapeutic recreation, and foundational academic instruction to foster her students’ social/emotional and academic growth.
Carol Spadafora, M.Ed., is a certified DIR/Floortime™ Specialist. She also has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia University. Carol works with children on their social and emotional challenges utilizing Floortime as the primary mode of intervention. As a parent of two children, Carol uses her professional and personal experience to help families learn to interact and engage with their children. She co-teaches parent training courses with Dr. Barbara Dunbar, a professional consultant for Lionheart. Carol has been working in private practice for the last 8 years to help families develop and implement the DIR model of intervention in their homes. Carol also trains and mentors professionals who are in the process of learning to master this approach.
Kathy Sponsler, M.Ed., serves as Lionheart’s Reading Specialist. Kathy graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Kathy then earned a teaching certificate from Brenau University for grades 4-8, as well as a Masters Degree in Special Education from Brenau University. She taught fourth grade for eight years in the public school system, and this is her second year at Lionheart. Kathy is also certified in the Orton-Gillingham method for reading instruction and has completed the Lindamood Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking course. When Kathy’s godson was diagnosed with autism at age 3, his parents soon introduced her to the DIR/Floortime model. It was then that Kathy realized her passion and desire to teach at a school like Lionheart. She began independently tutoring students in reading at Lionheart as well as privately tutoring children with reading difficulties. Kathy began taking classes in November 2009 at Floortime Atlanta to further gain knowledge in the DIR/Floortime model.
Jackie Tucci, B.S., received her degree in physical therapy from California State University, Long Beach, and has been at Lionheart for 4 years as a classroom assistant in the younger classes. Jackie has a passion for Floortime, and has received a certificate of mastery for Stanley Greenspan’s basic course in the DIR Floortime model. She also recently completed the regional year long intensive Floortime course. Jackie has a 17 year old daughter at Lionheart and has been immersed in the DIR philosophy since 1997. Prior to Lionheart, Jackie worked as a physical therapist for 20 years.
Heather Hasty Wagner, BSW, MA, is co- teaching our oldest class and helping direct the vocational program. For the past two years Heather has been teaching art at Lionheart. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and from Union Presbyterian Seminary (VA) with a Master of Arts in Christian Education. Heather has worked in a variety of settings: as the Director of Children’s Ministry at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, as a program assistant for the City of Carrboro, NC Parks and Recreation Department, as a Campus Minister at Pennslyvania College of Technology, as a behavioral therapist in public schools (PA),and as a potter at Sacred Mud Studio (PA/GA). In her freetime, Heather enjoys pottery, hiking, woodworking, jewelry making, and gardening.
Alysha Warde, B.A., graduated from Auburn University in May of 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and is currently working towards her Masters of Education in the Special Education program at Brenau University. Alysha has over four years experience working with children on the autism spectrum. While completing her undergraduate degree, she taught at two schools for children with developmental challenges and was involved in a research lab investigating different aspects of autism spectrum disorders. In her second year at Lionheart, Alysha is the assistant teacher for middle school age students.