The ClearWater Team

ClearWater Academy’s greatest asset is our teaching staff and licensed therapy professionals. To meet and exceed our high standards ClearWater Academy requires our entire staff to go through highly specialized training specific to our student population which is above and beyond their formal training. Such training includes: Strategic Learning Coaching, DIR training, special reading /decoding classes, and our specialized social-emotional skills training to name a few. We are pleased to introduce our highly motivated, committed and caring staff and licensed therapy professionals.

Dr. Lynda Boucugnani-Whitehead, Ph.D.,
Consulting Neuropsychologist

Dr. Lynda is a neuropsychologist in private practice with over 30 years of experience in understanding the processes of how individuals learn and the strategies that are most effective in meeting their needs. She has devoted her professional career to researching the neuropsychological characteristics of students with learning, behavioral and emotional difficulties and translating this knowledge to practical, effective strategies to help them. Dr. Lynda is a recognized expert on ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia and the needs of students with varying learning, neurological and behavioral concerns. She formerly was the Director of Psychological Services and Research and Development for a major school system, was the consulting neuropsychologist for many years to the Westminster Schools and has conducted workshops and presentations on numerous occasions in state and national venues. Dr. Lynda has published award-winning research and has been the recipient of numerous awards including the outstanding dissertation award at Georgia State University and the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the field of psychology. Dr. Lynda is also the CEO of Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. and the developer of Strategic Learning Coaching, an innovative process of assisting students with learning difficulties. At ClearWater Academy, Dr. Lynda assists in the development and implementation of research-based methods for helping students reach their potential, works with teachers and staff to develop the best curriculum practices and provides ongoing consultation regarding individual students as they advance at the school.

Shelley Drummond,
Director

Shelley Drummond has a B.S. in Agricultural Communications and a B. A. in Special Education from the University of Georgia. She has served at ClearWater Academy as a lead teacher, and has also taught children in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and TRIAD (Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome) programs in the Fayette County Public School System. Shelley is a certified instructor for riders with disabilities (Certified Horseman’s Association and PATH International). She has taught riding instruction to children with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities at the Calvin Center. Shelley completed the year-long Floortime Atlanta Intensive DIR®/ Floortime™ Educational Program for Professionals course plus an additional year of small group follow-up training. She also completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students. Shelley is honored to work with families and children to assist students in reaching their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

Abbie Huber,
Education Specialist, Lower School

Abbie Huber began her teaching career over 16 years ago in Alabama. She has taught Pre-K through 4th grade, taking time off in between to raise her three children. Abbie has served as a Lead Teacher for three years at ClearWater Academy and is most currently serving as an Education Specialist. In this role, she provides individual academic instruction to ClearWater Academy students in areas of the students' greatest academic needs. Abbie also coordinates and instructs ClearWater Academy's social and emotional development program and assists students with individual regulation needs and strategies.

She received her teaching degree from Auburn University at Montgomery. Abbie completed the year long Floortime Atlanta Intensive DIR®/ Floortime™ Educational Program for Professionals course plus an additional year of small group follow up training. She also completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students.

Abbie feels very blessed to be a part of ClearWater Academy.“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the gleam in a child’s eyes when he feels a sense of accomplishment.”

Patty Gullick,
Lead Teacher, Upper School

Patty Gullick earned a BS in Special Education from the University of Maryland in 1994.  She has taught in environments ranging from the elementary classroom to work with the Association of Retarded Citizens, to tutoring students 1:1 in reading using the Orton Gillingham method.  In 2008, Patty and her family moved to Georgia from San Antonio, TX, after her husband completed his military service.  Patty enjoys time with her family and her interests include travelling, canoeing, tennis, camping, reading, and gardening.  Patty grew up as an Army brat and became an Army wife. She is looking forward to putting roots down in GA. 

Patty completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students. She is excited to be a member of the ClearWater team and being part of a warm and supportive educational team who help children meet their potential. 

Angie Readd-McSpadden,
Creative Arts Instructor

Angie Readd-McSpadden earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Augusta State University, Augusta, GA and post Baccalaureate certification in Art (K-12) from the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA. She is an accomplished photographer and artist, and is also a certified personal trainer and has attended training in Yoga instruction and practical Pilates. Angie believes art has the ability to open doors of thought, make interdisciplinary connections, and provide a forum to practice personal experience and expression. She believes art has the power to educate, unify, build tolerance, communicate, entertain, inspire, and innovate. Angie's love of art is inspired by a passion for nature and travel that she shares with her husband.

Angie has completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level I on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students.

Stephen E. Braxton,
Lead Teacher, Upper School

Stephen E. Braxton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. He has also completed the coursework for his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University. For the past 6 years Stephen has worked in Clayton County as a Paraprofessional and as a teacher in the Autism unit. He is certified in Special Education (general curriculum) and Early Childhood Education.

Stephen has also completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students.

Michelle Grana,
Teacher Support Specialist

Michelle Grana, a certified paraprofessional, and her husband John moved to Georgia in 2010 from Columbia, South Carolina. This is her first year with ClearWater Academy and Michelle is excited about being part of the ClearWater team. She has worked with children of all ages and levels for over 13 years in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Her first experience working with children who have learning differences came in 2003 at the Mailman Segal Center/ Baudhuin Preschool on the Nova Southeastern University campus in Ft. Lauderdale Florida where she had the privilege to be a lead teacher in an inclusive classroom. She has also worked in inclusive classrooms with children who were in need of developmental therapy, diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD/NOS, in both private and public schools.
Michelle has her Child Development Associates Credential and has also completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students.
Michelle truly embraces ClearWater Academy’s philosophy and is looking forward to contributing her skills and passion to impact, enhance, and enrich the children’s ClearWater Academy experience and education.

Carolyn Triana,
Lead Teacher, Lower School

Carolyn Triana earned a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Texas State University. She has taught several grade levels in Texas, New York and Georgia. She and her husband, Brian, moved to Peachtree City in 2004. They have two children, Patrick and Carly.  
Carolyn completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students. She is pleased to join the ClearWater Academy team. She is impressed by the unique blend of academics, therapies, and social skills programs that are provided for all students.

Lynn Schriver,
Teacher Support Specialist

Lynn Schriver is a Georgia certified paraprofessional in her fourth year with ClearWater Academy. Lynn has an Associate’s Degree from Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She and her family have lived in Fayette County for 14 years. She brings many years of office management experience in the business and legal fields to our school.

Lynn completed the year-long Floortime Atlanta Intensive DIR®/ Floortime™ Educational Program for Professionals course. She also completed the Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. Strategic Learning Coaching Level 1 on-line course, which is geared towards identifying, developing, and utilizing targeted academic strategies for remediation and accommodation of specific learning differences for students. She is excited to learn and incorporate strategies to engage and interact with the children in small groups and one-on-one settings. Lynn believes that each child’s individual learning differences should be embraced.

David Boucugnani,
Educational Technology Consultant

David Boucugnani has specific training in the biological, cognitive and computer sciences, and holds a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, where, among other topics, he focused on assistive technologies for education and the elderly. He is also the president of Strategic Learning Connections, Inc., where he is focusing on developing integrative software and media to assist students, teachers, and coaches with applying metacognitive approaches to remediative and accommodative strategies. David assists ClearWater Academy by developing, implementing and deploying hardware and software assistive technology solutions, training students and teachers on specific classroom and personal technology relevant to the educational space, and developing custom individual technology plans.

Chris Zelski,
Recreational Therapist

Chris Zelski has been involved in earlyr intervention programs for children with various cognitive learning challenges since 1992. Before co-founding Learning on the Log in 2001, he served as the classroom coordinator and lead teacher at the Walden Early Childhood Programs at Emory University’s Autism Resource Center (1992-1997). He also served and as resource case manager and research assistant. His roles involved developing and supervising classroom curriculum, evaluating academic and social development of children with autism, develop language and social skills in an integrated classroom setting, one to one instruction and supervising of parents within their home environment and classroom teachers within the school setting. Chris was published and presented his work on two research projects at the national convention of the Association For Behavioral Analysis in San Francisco in 1996.

Chris held the position of Program Coordinator and Summer Camp Supervisor at Speech Pathology Services (1997-2000). His role was to develop and lead group environments that promoted increased communication and interaction with peers and adults by utilizing Sensory Integration and Speech based approaches. Continued communication, training of staff and developing individual goals for the children enrolled in the program remained a major component of the position.
Other position’s Chris has held includes teaching at the Lionheart School in Alpharetta, Home School Instructor, Floortime player in small group and individual instruction environments and Aquatics Instructor for children with various learning challenges.

With the idea of continuing to promote productive, community based, supportive and fun programs for children and their families, Chris founded Outdoor Rec. Adventures, Inc in July of 2010. The mission of ORA is to provide exciting and challenging learning opportunities for children with various developmental constrictions such as ADD, ADHD, Sensory Integration Delay, Autism, PDD, PDD/NOS and Asperger's Syndrome. By utilizing Dr. Stanley Greenspan's DIR (Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based) framework, recognizing the child’s individual sensory profile, various natural settings, community resources and family participation, the program strives to strengthen each child's relationship with the world around them as well as their physical, social and emotional development and health.

Chris is excited to work with ClearWater Academy for the fourth year. He shares the belief that each child‘s individual learning style and sensory diet must be respected and honored. He is thrilled to be affiliated with an organization that supports and encourages his passion for helping children develop social and emotional skills through sensory-based recreational activities.

Michelle Marchese-Deutscher,
Occupational Therapist

Michelle Marchese-Deutscher obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Keuka College, New York, in 1994. Since 1997, Michelle has specialized exclusively in pediatrics. She has experience working in a variety of settings to include hospital settings, private outpatient clinics, and public and private school systems. Michelle and her husband own and operate a private pediatric practice, Hands On Healing, located in Fayetteville, Georgia. Michelle is certified in Neuro-developmental treatment for pediatrics and has extensive training in sensory integration. Michelle is also certified in the Therapeutic Listening Program and has experience implementing the Alert Program. Michelle resides in Peachtree City, Georgia, with her husband and three children. Michelle has a passion for missions work and has led two therapeutic mission trips to a third world country.

Laura Albritton,
Speech Therapist

Laura Albritton is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master degrees in Communicative Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995 and 1997, respectively. Laura began her professional career in Chicago, Illinois working with traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. She then continued her career at Duke University Medical Center working with adults with speech, language, and swallowing disorders in an acute care setting, and worked with a variety of patients including those with autism in an outpatient setting.

Since 2009, Laura has continued to expand her education and training in speech pathology by becoming a dyslexia consultant. She is specially trained to screen and treat individuals (adults and children) with dyslexia through an Orton-Gillingham based training program by the internationally-recognized expert in dyslexia, Susan Barton.

Laura enjoys exercising, acting, and spends the rest of her time cheering on her three children at their sporting events.

Hila Ronen,
Speech Therapist

Hila Ronen, MS, CCC-SLP, is a new speech therapist working with ClearWater Academy students. Hila comes to us from New York where she obtained both her graduated and undergraduate degrees from Brooklyn College. While in New York, Hila worked for the United Cerebral Palsy of New York as well as working at a private school specializing in Autism. Hila boasts a diversified background with experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), PECs, Dynavox, adaptive reading and feeding materials, and oral motor development/skills.

Sara Carter,
Director, Haven Hills Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.

Sara Carter started riding horses before she could walk a straight line. She rode every opportunity she could and went to horse shows nearly every weekend as a youth. By the time she was fourteen years old, Sara was training horses and providing lessons to boys and girls. While Sara taught classes at a local therapeutic riding center, she began the NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) instructor certification process. Sara dreamed of and created a riding center without limits, one that emphasized fun, and one that provided the best care for both riders and horses. In 2009, Sara created her own NARHA center, Haven Hills Therapeutic Riding Center, which opened its doors to riders in January 2010. Sara is the director, instructor, horse trainer, and Special Olympics coach.