Here are the wonderful teachers who are a part of the third grade team.
The Third Grade Team
The third grade team is a dedicated and hardworking team. They are devoted to helping students meet their goals! The third grade administrator is Brian Burnaugh and the third grade academic coach is Leah Izenour. Please check out the teacher biographies below so you can get to know us all! We are looking forward to an amazing year at Riverside! |
Leslie ThorntonMy name is Mrs. Thornton. I have been a part of Riverside Intermediate for 4 years. I’ve been teaching for 9 years and once again working with the fabulous 3rd grade team! I believe in being a life-long leaner and have earned my B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University, then earned my M.Ed. in Elementary Reading and Mathematics, and Ed.S in Teacher Leadership. I also have a certificate endorsement in Mathematics, ESOL, and Teacher Support Specialist. I truly enjoy teaching and building lasting relationships with my students and their parents.
When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my newborn baby girl, my 8 year old son, and my wonderful husband. I also enjoy going to the gym, shopping, and watching television. I must admit I’m a reality show junky. LOL. Renee Richerzhagen
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Brandi ChastainMy name is Ms. Chastain. I graduated from The University of West Georgia in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree at Kennesaw State University. This is my third year teaching at Riverside Intermediate. I love teaching and seeing students succeed. In my free time, I like to visit my family, shop, catch up on new movies and TV shows, and try new restaurants.
. Allie DeAngelusMy name is Ms. DeAngelus, or as most of the students say, Ms. D. This is my third year of being part of the Riverside family! I earned my B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University and I am currently pursuing my Master’s there as well (Go Owls!). I also have endorsements in ESOL and Reading. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, shopping, swimming, and watching football. I’m looking forward to watching our students achieve their goals this year!
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Khadijah AbdullahI was born in a small town near Niagara Falls, NY called Lackawanna. I am one of a set of twin girls and number four of my mother’s ten children. My grandmother was a Social worker and my mother is and educator so I knew from a young age I wanted to do something to affect children’s lives. I first set out to be a writer because of my love of books but about halfway through my college education I got a job as a paraprofessional and saw, firsthand, the way teachers changed lives and knew that was the career for me. I changed my career path and have not looked back since. The best part of being a teacher is the sense of accomplishment you receive when a child succeeds. My goal is the success for my students every day.
Deborah HumphriesMy name is Mrs. Humphries. I graduated from KSU in 1992 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, then in 2012 I obtained a Bachelors's Degree in Early Childhood Education. This is my 2nd year teaching at Riverside Intermediate. This will also be my second year as a Boy Scout Leader. I look forward to making a difference in all my student's lives. I love camping & Walt Disney World.
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Sarah Boswell
My name is Sarah Boswell. I joined the Riverside Intermediate family last school year and am so happy to be back. Before teaching at Riverside, I worked for 4 years as a Reading Interventionist and 2 years as a 3rd grade teacher at San Cayetano Elementary School in Rio Rico, AZ-a small town, south of Tucson, on the U.S./Mexico border- where I grew up. I graduated from Northern Arizona University (Go Lumberjacks!) with a Bachelors in Arts and Letters and received my teaching certificate from Pima Community College. I am married and have two daughters. I am passionate about education and firmly believe that every child can be a successful student and deserves the best education possible.
Sara O’QuinI am a daughter, sister, wife, mom, and teacher! I grew up all over south Georgia and graduated from Vidalia High School. Following high school I attended Georgia Southern University where I obtained my degree in Early Childhood Education. After teaching GA Pre-K for 5 years I joined Riverside Intermediate in 2015 and have never felt more proud. I love our school and community and am looking forward to a great year! You might also see my two children up at school for special occasions, they are my world! <3
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Rhonda BradyMy name is Rhonda Brady. I've been teaching since 1984 and have a real passion for educating children! I received my degree in music education from Auburn University (War Eagle). I taught music in Atlanta for 8 years and then I took 14 years off to raise my boys. I have three boys ages 26, 22, and 16. I received my degree in early childhood education and began teaching Kindergarten in 2003. I have also taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and ESOL. This is my third year at Riverside.
In my free time I love to spend time with my family and my dog. I have a cabin in the north Georgia mountains and I escape there every chance I get. Fun Fact:I am originally from Mableton. Jessica SlatonMy name is Jessica Slaton and I am beginning my ninth year of teaching. I have taught both second and third grade at Riverside Intermediate. I am a teacher because I love to teach and help children. I have a six year old son who just began first grade. He always makes me laugh and keeps me on my toes! In my free time, my favorite things to do are to read and to draw. I'm excited to be on the third grade team and am looking forward to a great year!
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Meagan CareyThis year marks my FIRST year as a teacher at Riverside Intermediate! I spent last year teaching first grade and this school year will be my first year teaching third grade. (I am so excited!) Prior to that, I completed my student teaching experience abroad at an international school in the beautiful country of Ecuador in a kindergarten classroom. I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in early childhood education, where I met my wonderful fiancé, Michael. We are getting married in April 2017, and we are so excited! This summer we adopted a kitten named Harper, and she keeps us happy and light-hearted. I have three brothers and two sisters that live near Savannah, GA where I grew up. I love visiting them when I can.
My Favorite Things: When I am not at school, I am usually hiking, movie watching, playing with my kitten, or embarking on a new adventure in my spare time. I love food- especially Mexican, sushi, and Chick-fil-a! I am also a coffee LOVER. I love to be outside with a good book, and fall is my favorite season. A fun fact about me is that my birthday is December 25! :) Julia GilbertThis is my twelfth year as a teacher at Riverside Intermediate! During that time, I have taught second, third, and fourth grades (3rd is my favorite!), and I have really enjoyed watching the school change and grow. I especially love it when former students come back to visit me and share their successes! Before teaching at Riverside, I lived with my family (mom, dad, brother, and sister) in New Jersey, where I grew up. I attended SUNY Cortland in upstate New York, and I completed my student teaching in Ithaca, NY, and London, England. In 2005, I moved to Georgia with my parents and sister and was so lucky to get a teaching position at Riverside! I attended Georgia State University twice to get my Master's Degree and Specialist's Degree. I am looking forward to an amazing 2016-2017 school year!
My Favorite Things: In my free time, I love to travel to new places, cook, read, exercise (bike, walk, hike, yoga), and visit my friends and family. |
Michelle DavisMy name is Michelle Davis and I so excited to join the 3rd grade team this year with my co-teacher, Ms. Grover. I graduated from KSU with my teaching degree just a few years ago, and joined the staff at Riverside shortly after. I spend my free time with my wonderful husband and our dog, Henry. We love to cook, binge watch Netflix and work on projects around the house. I love my job and consider it a privilege to work with students each and every day. I am looking forward to a great year in 3rd grade!
Stephanie GroverMy name is Stephanie Grover. This is my tenth year here at Riverside, the first 6 years as an ESOL teacher. I have a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from GSU . This is my 4th year as a classroom teacher. I am married with an eleven year old and a busy toddler. My coteacher, Mrs. Davis, and I are happy to join the third grade team this year and serve our community and students
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Dr. Camelia CourtrightThis is my eleventh year teaching at Riverside Intermediate. For the last two years, I have been working with a collaborative teacher in the third grade. I received my teaching certification in TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) in my Master program at Kennesaw State University. I completed my doctorate degree this summer at Nova Southeastern University, a dual major in Reading and Instructional Leadership.
Prior to moving to Georgia in 2005, I lived in Japan for 17 ½ years. I love playing the piano, singing, bowling, horseback riding, exercising, skating, and serving others. My favorite food? Well, I have eaten cuisine from all over the world and savored each and every one. Tekenya KimesI am a veteran teacher that has been teaching for sixteen years. I have been teaching at Riverside Intermediate School for eleven years. During my teaching career, I have taught second grade, third grade, and fifth grade.
I was born into a family of educators that range from teachers all the way to superintendents. As the daughter of a captain in the air force, I was raised in a very multicultural environment. I spent my early grade school years in Japan and Turkey. These experiences have molded me into a well-rounded educator that can adapt to teaching a very diverse population of students such as our students at Riverside Intermediate School. I have an eleven year old son and a five year old daughter. I’m also a children’s church teacher at Elizabeth Baptist Church pastored by Dr. Craig L. Oliver, Sr |
Kavina ChaudhariHi! My name is Kavina Chaudhari, and I am one of the special education teachers for 3rd grade. This is my fifth year at Riverside Intermediate, and I’m looking forward to another five. This is my second year teaching 3rd grade. I taught 2nd grade for three years, and I have to say that I really enjoy teaching 3rd graders. I am very proud to be a part of a wonderful school community as well as be a part of the local community. I have three children that keep me very busy at home. During my free time I enjoy relaxing with a good book, working out, or having some fun time with my family. I’m looking forward to an exciting year with your child and you!
Belinda JamesTeaching is actually my second career. They say people change careers at least three times in a life time. I can honestly say, that I wish I would have started off in this profession. I’ve always had a strong passion and heart for working with children. I adore teaching and watching them learn and develop. I’m very excited about this opportunity to take part in shaping the lives of my students.
I’m originally from NewJersey and moved here about 13 years ago.I have an undergraduate degree in Business Management. I’ve worked in that field for many years until I decided to pursue my dreams in the education field. I’ve worked in the Cobb County School district for approximately 10 years in several positions such as: Bus Attendant, Substitute Teacher, Certified Tutor and Paraprofessional. I’ve earned my Masters Degree in Elementary Education in 2013 from the University of Phoenix. I’m a single parent of two handsome young men ages 16 and 22. |
Stephanie MartinMy name is Stephanie Martin. This is my third year teaching third grade at Riverside Intermediate! I graduated from the University of West Georgia with my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2012. I graduated from Walden University with my master’s degree in Reading and Literacy Instruction in 2015. I love teaching 3rd grade and can’t wait for a fun year of learning!
Samantha SmithHello, My name is Samantha Smith and I am 25 years old, I currently live in Smyrna, Ga, with my amazing Goldendoodle named, Jet. In 2015, I graduated with degree in Early Childhood Education and began teaching here, at Riverside in fall of the last year. In my free time, I am usually coaching cheerleading at Kennesaw Mountain High School or doing online course work for my Masters.
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Sandra BrownMy name is Sandra Brown, and I am an Interrelated 3rd Grade Teacher at Riverside Intermediate. I believe that receiving a quality education is an inherent right of all people. I will use my abilities, strengths, and various resources to help my students reach their highest potential while not overlooking their individual intelligences. Becoming aware of my own learning style has made me a strong proponent for Howard Gardner’s theory on Multiple Intelligences.
I began teaching in 2005, and I have taught in several school districts. My experiences include teaching Middle Grades 6-8 and elementary grades. While in Middle Grades, I served as a General Education Teacher and as a Special Education Teacher. However, my elementary experiences include serving as a tutor for grades 1-5 and as an Interrelated Teacher for grades 2, 3, and 5. My husband and I have one daughter and two granddaughters. My hobbies are playing the Alto Saxophone, reading, walking, and traveling with my family. Very soon, my husband and I plan to learn how to play the guitar. I’m very excited about teaching at Riverside Intermediate! Dana StuderHi! My name is Dana Studer and I am new to Riverside this year. I graduated from Kennesaw State University with both my Bachelor’s degree in 2013 and a Master’s degree in 2015. This is my first year teaching 3rd grade, but I come with 3 years of teaching experience working in Special Education Pre-K and Georgia Pre-K. My favorite thing about teaching so far is getting to know the kids and seeing the growth they make throughout the year. Outside of my life teaching, my husband and I just got married this past year in September of 2015. We have two fur babies and are expecting our first baby girl in September of 2016. I am so excited to be spending this year at Riverside!
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Stephanie RossMy name is Stephanie Ross. I am from LaGrange, Georgia. I have one dog named Oreo. I graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2013. This will be my third year teaching. I have taught second grade for two years and this is my first year teaching third. I look forward to a wonderful year at Riverside Intermediate!
Julie WalkerGreetings!
My name is Ms. Walker. I have been teaching for five years. This is my first year at Riverside Intermediate School as well as my first year teaching third grade. Previously, I have taught kindergarten and second grade. I also worked as a substitute teacher in Gwinnett County for five years before becoming a full-time teacher. I am a mother of two wonderful children and a grandmother. I enjoy spending time with my family. Cooking, exercising, and traveling are also some of my favorite hobbies. The beach is my favorite place to go for vacation. I am excited to be a part of the Riverside team! |