Faculty and Staff

who we are

Teachers at Academe of the Oaks love to explore the deep, perplexing questions of their subjects, and each full-time member of the faculty has at least one advanced degree. Inspiring students also involves connecting academic work to the real world and the experiences of people living in the present. Just as importantly, each faculty member is passionate about teaching and is committed to the development of every student. Teachers are very involved in the events and the welfare of the school. Each faculty member also serves as a mentor on an individual basis to a group of students throughout their high school journey.

Teaching Position – Science 2022-2023

Academe of the Oaks seeks a full-time Biology/Earth Science and Math teacher for grades 9-12 for the 2022-2023 school year. We are a Waldorf high school located in Decatur, Georgia.

We require an advanced degree related to teaching Earth Science or Biology. The position includes teaching Algebra and Geometry. Candidates should have high school teaching experience and a genuine interest in deepening their knowledge and understanding of Waldorf high school education.

For more information, please contact Eva Handschin at evah@academeatlanta.org or call 404-405-2173.

Evgeniia Korchevskaia

Evgeniia Korchevskaia

Mathematics

Evgeniia Korchevskaia earned her B.S. in Mathematics from the Auburn University at Montgomery and her M.S. in Mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Ms. Korchevskaia moved to the U.S. from Saint Petersburg, Russia, where she had studied finance and worked for an international logistics company.

In her free time, Ms. Korchevskaia enjoys playing tennis with her husband, doing crafts with her daughter, and shopping on her own.

Ms. Korchevskaia teaches mathematics and physics at Academe of the Oaks.

Dave Berzack

Dave Berzack

Computer Science

Dave Berzack earned his B.S. of science in business administration from Washington University St. Louis MO. He is an industry veteran with 20 years of experience in web development, working at agencies, Fortune 50 companies, and at start-ups. He is teaching an online bootcamp for UNC Chapel Hill that turns complete newbies into professional web developers. And he is always working on interesting side projects, interactive art, web games, and music-related applications.

Mr. Berzack teaches computer science at Academe of the Oaks. The courses focus on JavaScript and other web technologies. In addition to building a solid foundation in computer science, students gain specific skills (and standard certifications) with the most in-demand programming languages. We’ll also explore using these powerful tools for creative expression. And we’ll broaden our mental horizons, in general, as communicating with machines and solving logic problems teaches us to think in interesting new ways.

Dr. Ricardo Nogueira

Dr. Ricardo Nogueira

Sciences

Dr. Ricardo Nogueira holds a Ph.D. and M. S in Geography, and B.S. in Meteorology. Over twenty of experience as a weather forecaster and On-camera meteorologist working for The Weather Channel. He has taught weather and climate in various formats ranging from small to ultra-large classes. Since 2012, he’s worked as a senior lecturer at Georgia State University (GSU), teaching undergraduate-level courses. As of 2021, he has taught more than 8,000 students. In 2019, he received the GSU Instructional Innovation Award. In 2020, he was nominated by GSU for the Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award for Online Teaching. His innovative Virtual Exchange project in a large enrollment class received an award from GSU’s Office of International Initiatives and Atlanta Global Studies Center.

Dr. Nogueira is teaching geology, meteorology and ecology at Academe.

Tara Wyman, Ph.D

Tara Wyman, Ph.D

Sciences/Mathematics

Dr. Tara Buckley Wyman received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from California State University, Los Angeles, and her doctorate in Organic Chemistry from UCLA. As a post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Wyman studied gene therapy at the University of California, San Francisco, before accepting a position as professor of chemistry at De Anza College, Cupertino.

Dr. Wyman lives in Atlanta with her husband, Greg, and their twin boys. Dr. Wyman completed the Waldorf high school teacher training program in 2007. At Academe of the Oaks since 2004, she teaches chemistry, physics, mathematics, and quilting. Dr. Wyman is a member of Academe’s Leadership Group; she coordinates the Governor’s Honors program for the high school; and she contributes mightily to the drama department’s wardrobe of contemporary and period costumes.

Jessica Shartouny, Ph.D.

Jessica Shartouny, Ph.D.

Sciences

Jessica Shartouny, Ph.D., earned a B.S. in Chemistry from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and a Ph.D. in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis from Emory University. Her research has specialized in animal-derived antivirals, influenza infections, and, currently, viral immunology. She has taught biology and experimental techniques to undergraduate students and mentored several young researchers in the laboratory.

Outside of the lab, Jessica attends comic conventions in handmade costumes and plays cello in a community group. She has four cats, two frogs, and a dog. On the weekends, she volunteers as an educator for the Amphibian Foundation in Atlanta.

Jessica teaches cell biology, physiology, and zoology at Academe of the Oaks.

Petrus C. Martens, Ph.D.

Petrus C. Martens, Ph.D.

Sciences

Prof. Martens was born and grew up in The Netherlands. He obtained a PhD (Cum Laude) from Utrecht University in theoretical astrophysics in 1983, and shortly thereafter started a Postdoc position at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center near Washington DC. It had always been his dream to work in space exploration, and now that became reality. In 1987 he started as a research scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge MA, followed by a staff position in 1990 at the Lockheed-Martin Solar and Astrophysics Lab in Palo Alto, CA. As such he participated in the operations of the joint Japanese, US, and UK Yohkoh satellite studying the Sun, which were conducted from the Japanese space center in Sagamihara, near Tokyo, where Dr. Martens spent a year.

Dr. Martens has taught courses in astrophysics, both graduate and undergraduate, at Utrecht University, Harvard, Stanford, the University of Buenos Aires, Montana State University, Sera Buddhist Monastery near Mysore in India, and now at Georgia State University. He also serves regularly on panels and boards, and consults with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the American Astronomical Society, and works closely with NASA on space hazard forecasting for the Artemis project.

Dr. Martens has been married for 35 years to his wonderful wife Kathleen who is a teacher, professor, and a therapist. Together they raised five children, and their youngest child, Ellie, graduated from the Academe of the Oaks in May 2022. They now have two grand children as well in the Atlanta area. Dr. Martens enjoys teaching “Introduction to Astronomy” to non-physics majors at GSU, and the course at Academe of the Oaks is a natural extension of that.

A word from our School Director:

“Our education is cutting edge, but rooted in sound academics and a classical approach.

Our core values are reflected in our daily work with the students. High school education is a journey, and the individual relationships formed between our students and faculty support the students on their way. Education at Academe is meaningful, relevant, authentic, inspiring, challenging and also fun. We strive for our students to become confident, well-rounded human beings who can think independently, care for others, and take initiative to make the world a better place.” – Eva Handschin

Alex Lotito

Alex Lotito

English, History, Music

Alex Lotito, a native Atlantan, was graduated from Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy; he subsequently earned his master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction and Design. Mr. Lotito has taught at Vashon High School in St. Louis (under the auspices of Teach for America) and at Lakeside High School (his alma mater) in Atlanta.

In 2016, Mr. Lotito was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship; as a Fulbright Scholar, he taught English in Trapani, a small town on the western shore of Sicily. In his free time, Mr. Lotito enjoys playing the guitar and traveling. He teaches English, History, and Guitar at Academe.

Thomas Glenn Pelham

Thomas Glenn Pelham

Humanities

TG Pelham received his B.A. in philosophy and history from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD, and his M.A. in rhetoric from Georgia State University. Mr. Pelham has taught in both public and private schools since 1995, specializing in literature and history, debate, and outdoor experiential education.

Mr. Pelham has coached both college and high-school debate teams for national competition. As a faculty member of Emory University’s National Debate Project, he helped establish urban debate programs for underfunded public schools. An outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Pelham has also created several outdoor education programs. For 20 years he directed youth summer programs at Turtle Island, a camp run by Eustace Conway and featured on the History Channel. Mr. Pelham teaches outdoor skills such as South Eastern American Indian technologies, backcountry and primitive camping, white-water canoeing, and rock climbing.

He lives in Decatur, GA, with his partner, Lesli, their two sons, and Sydney, their convenient travel-sized Mini Aussie.

Dr. Ilise Cohen

Dr. Ilise Cohen

Humanities

Ilise Benshushan Cohen, Ph.D., received an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, and a doctorate from California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco. Dr. Cohen is a scholar-activist on Israel/Palestine, specifically focused on Mizrahi Jews (from the Middle East and North Africa). She taught Jewish studies at Agnes Scott College, global issues of justice at Mercer University, international policy and perspectives, and socio-cultural concepts at Smith College’s School for Social Work, globalization, and social movements at California State University, Monterey Bay. She is active on Middle East, human rights, peace-building, and education and has led many delegations to the Middle East. She is committed to critical thinking, organizing, and educating for justice in the Middle East and to anti-racist activism and organizing locally.

Dr. Cohen is co-founder and co-coordinator of the Jews of Color, Sephardi and Mizrahi Caucus, co-founder and co-leader of Jewish Voice for Peace, Atlanta chapter, steering member of SEDQ: Global Jewish Network for Justice and a member of the newly formed International Jewish Collective for Justice in Palestine. She was co-vice chair of the national council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), former chair of Interfaith Peace-Builders (Eyewitness Palestine), and member of FOR’s Latin American Task Force Colombia program committee among other commitments.

Dr. Cohen also teaches Hebrew and mentors young Jews and allies. For the last few years, she has been teaching Middle East history and current events at Academe of the Oaks.

Fiona Handschin

Fiona Handschin

Fine & Practical Arts

Fiona Handschin graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2008 with a B.F.A. in Illustration. She is currently completing coursework at SCAD toward her master’s degree. A trained Waldorf teacher, Ms. Handschin’s independent studies in practical arts have included calligraphy, clay sculpture, printmaking, and woodworking. She has developed and coordinated a summer arts program for children, and provides individual instruction in various media.

Ms. Handschin is a native of Basel, Switzerland, where she attended Rudolf Steiner Schule Mayenfels; she has lived in the U.S. since 1999. She is a dedicated runner and has competed in several marathons and triathlons. Ms. Handschin’s daughter, Belinda, attends the Waldorf School of Atlanta.

Ms. Handschin teaches fine and practical arts and physical education at Academe, having joined the faculty in 2009; she also participates in our cycling club, including major cycling excursions like the Bike Ride Across Georgia!

Corrina Mensoff

Corrina Mensoff

Fine & Practical Arts

Corrina Sephora Mensoff began her life-long interest in metalworking at the age of five in her father’s workshop. After receiving her BFA in Sculpture and Metalsmithing from the Massachusetts College of Art (Boston) in 1995, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she created a self-guided journeyman’s apprenticeship. Two years later, she established Phoenix Metalworks, specializing in sculpture, furniture, and architectural works.

In 2005, Ms. Mensoff received her MFA in Sculpture from Georgia State University. Her metalworking awards include “Best in Show” from Annette Cone Skelton of MOCA, Silver Award from Icarus International, and a Silver Sculpture Award from NOMMA, among others. Her metalwork is on permanent display in Atlanta at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Temple Sinai, the Martin Luther King Natatorium, and in many private collections nationally. She continues to exhibit in museums, galleries, and public art venues.

Ms. Mensoff teaches blacksmithing to the ninth grade at Academe of the Oaks.

Andreina Salas

Andreina Salas

Foreign Language

​Andreina Salas graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BA in Modern Languages (French and Spanish) and an MA in Spanish Literature and Language. Mrs. Salas is a native of Venezuela; she has lived in the United States since 1999.

Mrs. Salas teaches all levels of Spanish at Academe and has also taught various electives such as mythology, podcasting, and swimming. She enjoys sharing her passion for exploring all cultures with her students and has acted as the sponsor for Academe’s International Club. In addition to her teaching experience, Mrs. Salas has experience as a translator and interpreter for the state of Georgia, teaching English to adult immigrants, and has coached swim teams throughout the state. Mrs. Salas lives in Marietta with her husband, Emery, and their two children, Isla and Ander.

Fran Carroll

Fran Carroll

Entrepreneurship

Fran Carroll is the Director of Operations and Finance at the International Community School (ICS) in Decatur, GA. When not working at ICS, Ms. Carroll also serves on the Board Of Directors for The Ormewood School in Ormewood Park. Ms. Carroll has also served in multiple roles including President of the BOD for Inman Park Cooperative Preschool. She earned her BA in Spanish with a concentration in International Business in 2004, and her Masters of Business Administration from Georgia State University in 2010. Ms. Carroll is also a graduate of the Start: ME Southside Cohort, 2018 an entrepreneurship initiative through Emory’s Goizuetta Business School. She considers herself a lover of entrepreneurship having launched 3 businesses. Ms. Carroll also recently launched a movement called #tinyactivistsatl #tinyactivists. Tiny Activists responds to recent issues surrounding police reform, racial equality and race relations in our country. The goal of Tinyactivists is to provide a platform for children and their families to use their voices to affect change. When not working and volunteering, Ms. Carroll enjoys spending time with her family, her Husband Milton, and kids Addison 9, Nora 7, and Micah 4.

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“Academe students are eager to learn—and they do learn—in an environment with heavy emphasis on developing the capacity for rational thinking. The administration solicits my input on the curriculum, values my judgment, and allows me to teach.”

– George Batten, PhD

Robert Glor, Ph.D

Robert Glor, Ph.D

Music

A native of Missouri, Robert Glor received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Missouri State University. While in St. Louis, he developed the choral program at St. Louis Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), taught public school, and completed a master’s degree in voice performance from Webster University. In 2007, he received his doctorate in music education from Shenandoah University (Winchester, Virginia).

Dr. Glor is the founding artistic director of OurSong, the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chorus, now completing its fourteenth season; he was formerly artistic director of the Atlanta Feminist Women’s chorus. He has been coordinator of K–12 choral music for the DeKalb County School District, and choral director (and chairman of the department of fine arts) at Chamblee High School. Dr. Glor’s choral groups have consistently received Superior ratings at choral festivals.

Involved with choral music performance and conducting for more than thirty-five years, Dr. Glor directs the choir and the select Academe Singers choral ensemble at Academe of the Oaks.

Mac Isseks

Mac Isseks

Music

Marshall “Mac” Isseks is a musician and educator originally from Liberty, New York. He earned a BA in philosophy from Emory University and an MM in jazz studies from Georgia State University. He has studied and performed with many of Atlanta’s great jazz community members including: Gary Motley, Kevin Bales, Louis Heriveaux, Mace Hibbard, EJ Hughes, Audrey Shakir and Kermit Walker. Mr. Isseks’s undergraduate work in philosophy focused on French existentialism and jazz improvisation, both of which have remained lifelong passions. He performs regularly in Atlanta’s fertile music scene. Mr. Isseks teaches the Jazz Ensemble at Academe of the Oaks.

Guy Strauss

Guy Strauss

Music

Steve Rucker (Professor of Music, University of Miami), and completed the Certificate Program at Drummers Collective, New York City. He has more than eight years’ experience as a private drum instructor, and ten years’ experience as a touring and recording drummer for a number of major-label acts.

Mr. Strauss teaches disparate styles and skill levels using a practical and musical approach to drumming. The curriculum he has developed for the high school includes rhythms in various styles, timing, dynamics, reading standard notation, rudiments and more advanced techniques of drumming, and independence. He emphasizes musicality, feel, development of creative abilities and listening analysis.

Mr. Strauss teaches drumming at Academe of the Oaks.

Jessica King

Jessica King

Orchestra

Ms. King has has a passion for music since she was four years old. She began her study of the violin and through the years this instrument has taken her to perform in Europe, England, and all throughout the United States. She has placed and won awards in competitions such as the North Carolina Music Teacher’s National Association, American String Teachers Association, Tar River Symphony Concerto Competition where she won and debuted as a soloist with this symphony. She was awarded a scholarship to study at Brevard Music Center and then awarded a full scholarship to attend Florida State University, where she received her B.M. in violin performance. Jessica was then accepted to the Boston Conservatory where she studied for the Graduate Performance Diploma.
Jessica taught at Westside Waldorf School for twelve years where she was the strings instructor for grades 3 through 8. She’s a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, American String Teachers Association, and Association for Waldorf Music Education. When Jessica isn’t conducting or teaching she performs in area symphonies and has also recorded on several albums for local bands.
Michael Zimmerman

Michael Zimmerman

Athletic Director

Michael Zimmerman earned a B.S. and M.S. in Exercise Physiology at the University of Wisconsin where he competed in track and field winning the title of Junior Olympic Champion in the 110 meter hurdles his freshman year. His talent in sports continued to excel as he began to develop an interest in football. After graduation, he was offered an opportunity with the NFL to play for the Greenbay Packers as an undrafted free agent for 3 seasons when coaches observed him run a 4-2-40. He later went on to become a NASM Certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Mr. Zimmerman is very passionate about being a role model while helping today’s youth explore their interest in sports as well as finding healthy positive outlets for their time and skills by supporting their individuality.

James Omedo

James Omedo

Volleyball

James Omedo is a passionate volleyball coach who values the life benefits and lessons of playing volleyball. He has been coaching volleyball for over 20 years at middle school, high school and college. James is a certified USAV level 1 coach, a certified FIVB level 1 coach, Impact certified USAV coach, member of the ACVA and developer of the celebrated Direct Impact coaching educational series. James Omedo is also the founder and director of Olympus volleyball club. As a Olympic qualifier player James played for his national team in the zone 5 olympic qualifiers and actively plays sand, grass and outdoor volleyball. James Omedo’s coaching philosophy are always give your best effort everyday and have fun doing what you love, the rest will take care of itself. James enjoys traveling, playing beach volleyball, designing and spending time with his wife and two kids.

 

Nathan Durham

Nathan Durham

Basketball

Coach Durham fell in love with the game of basketball at the tender age of 5. Basketball fascinated him not just because of the athleticism of the game but most importantly it was the mental aspect of the game. Coach Durham has over 15 years’ experience coaching. In addition to coaching, he is an active member of NG3 where he facilitates character development and small group mentoring. Coach Durham is dedicated not only to the game, but also to seeing students succeed in every aspect of life.

Coach Durham attended Christian Life School of Theology, Athens Tech, and he’s currently a student at Luther Rice College and Seminary. Coach Durham has been married to his wife Carolyn for 24 years. Carolyn teaches 8th grade Studies at Carver Middle School in Monroe Ga. She is also the Head Coach of Carver’s Basketball Team. Coach Durham and Carolyn have 2 daughters Natyana and Natavia. Coach Durham hopes to bring a winning culture to Academe of the Oaks. He is looking forward to a strong season.

Sumar Deen

Sumar Deen

School Counselor and Learning Strategist

Sumar Deen received her B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Spanish from University of Georgia. She went on to obtain a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Associate Professional Counseling License (A.P.C.), and will be pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.) through postgraduate counseling supervision.  Sumar Deen was born in Nairobi, Kenya, moving to Decatur when she was five years old to start kindergarten. As part of her training to become a mental health counselor, Sumar returned to her alma mater to complete a year-long internship at the Decatur High School Student Center. In her work there, she discovered her passion for counseling with teens by providing individual counseling to students, conducting group counseling sessions for students and parents, and providing psychoeducation in classroom and small-group settings.

Janice Kloess

Janice Kloess

College Counselor

Originally from Maryland, and a graduate of East Carolina University with a BSBA in Accounting, Janice began her career in Washington, DC with BDO Seidman. Her career path led her to David C. Cooper & Associates, focusing on matching skills and personalities with a client’s hiring needs. Janice’s success at finding the “right fit” and her passion for helping people find their perfect career track is what led her into educational consulting. Her wide view of career possibilities has proven to be a valuable asset to students and parents as they identify college options. Janice is a CPA and is currently completing her practicum for Certification in College Counseling through UCLA and maintains a private college consulting practice in East Cobb.

As College Counselor at the Academe, Janice begins working with students in their Junior year and assists them through the application and decision process Senior year. Students are provided with necessary tools for college research as well as one-on-one meetings to address concerns unique to each student. Each student is on a different journey, and Janice is available to help our families navigate the college application process.

Keif Schleifer

Keif Schleifer

Master Beekeeper

Master Beekeeper Keif Schleifer teaches our students the process of beekeeping and that they take the lead on this ‘art’. Keif has served as president of the Tara Beekeepers Association.

ADMINISTRATION staff

Natyana Durham

Natyana Durham

Assistant to the School Director

Natyana Durham received her B.A. in Political Science and Theatre at Georgia State University. She is currently furthering her studies in pursuit of her M.S. in Criminology at Walden University. Aside from being a full-time student, Ms. Durham volunteers at her local Middle Schools as a mentor as well as a tutor for middle-school students.

Ms. Durham is heavily involved within her community. She serves as a youth leader and director of dance at her church. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and shopping with her children. Ms. Durham has two beautiful children, Cali and Charles V “Cinco”.

Ms. Durham is the administrative assistant and the drama club teacher. Ms. Durham hopes to bring a light of relevance to the students at Academe.

Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards

Director of Marketing

Atlanta native, Christina Edwards, received her B.A. from Georgia State University after studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Ms. Edwards brings over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, public relations, and communications, and began working with Academe in 2016. Ms. Edwards resides in intown Atlanta with her husband, son, and daughter, and enjoys hopping on the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail on the weekends.

Tracy Delgado

Tracy Delgado

Director of Development

Tracy Delgado joined Academe as Director of Development in January 2018. Ms. Delgado has been a professional fundraiser for ten years. Before joining Academe, she worked at Emory University and The Paideia School. Prior to fundraising, Ms. Delgado was a trial attorney in Atlanta. She is a graduate of The University of Virginia and The University of Georgia School of Law.

Ms. Delgado values community service and has served on several Atlanta non-profit boards, including International Women’s House, DeKalb Library Foundation, and Decatur Book Festival, where she is currently a member.

Ms. Delgado lives in Atlanta with her husband, daughter and rescue dog, Maggie. She is an avid reader and book blogger and enjoys hiking and creative pursuits.

Want to learn more about our rolling admissions process and take the next step to learn if Academe of the Oaks is right for your child?

146 New Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404.405.2173