Meet our teachers

  • Susan weidner

    PreSchool and Kindergarten Director

    Mrs. Susan has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from Piedmont College and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Georgia. She is married to Jim and they have four children: Sarah, John, Michael, and Matthew. In addition to raising four children, Mrs. Susan over 20 years of experience working with children in clinical and educational settings. The Weidners are members of Clarkesville First United Methodist Church.

  • mandy Garcia

    Preschool Teacher

    Mrs. Mandy has an Associate's Degree in Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. She has many years of experience teaching in Christian schools. She is Married to Rudy and is Mom to Sophia & Jeremiah. The Garcia's attend The Torch. 

  • karen taylor

    Preschool Teacher

    Karen Taylor teaches our Pre-K class. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education with a reading endorsement from the University of Georgia. She taught Kindergarten for 23 years and Reading Recovery for 7 years. She is married to Wesley Taylor, and they have 3 children: Renn, Arren, and Cami. The Taylors are members of Clarkesville First UMC.

  • Cathy Leach

    Preschool Teacher

    Cathy has a degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught fourth and fifth grades.  She is mom to Robert & Megan, Katie & Jacob and Jordan who is 15.  Her family attends Cornerstone Baptist Church.    

  • Kellen Jenkins

    Preschool teacher

    Kellen has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  She is mom to Kaden, Will and Luke.  She and her family attend Grace Calvary Episcopal Church where she serves as Children’s Director

  • Laura West

    Preschool Teacher

    Laura has a degree in Early Childhood Education and she has 20 years of experience teaching Pre-K through fourth grade.  She is married to Hugh and is mom to Jordan and Blake .  They attend Rock Springs Church.    

  • Deann cranford

    Kindergarten Teacher

    Mrs. Deann Cranford is a graduate of Shorter College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She earned a Master of Education degree in school administration from Liberty University. She has taught elementary school and served as vice principal of Hebron Christian Academy Elementary Campus. She is married to Chip, and is a mom to Annie, Lily, and Cooper. The Cranfords are members of Bethlehem Baptist Church.