OUR FACULTY

EMILY HELU   
Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Helu joined DCS in 2020 as an Associate Teacher and Lions' Den Leader. She is returning as our Lead Kindergarten Teacher. With a strong commitment to her Christian values, high integrity, and vibrant personality, Mrs. Helu brings a unique blend of qualities to the team. During her time at Saint Mary's College of California, she excelled as a full-time student-athlete, earning numerous accolades in NCAA Division 1 competition for Indoor and Sand Volleyball.

AUBREY McWATERS 
Kindergarten Assoc. Teacher

Mrs. McWaters rejoins DCS with a fervent dedication to the field of education, having gained extensive experience working with diverse age groups and cultures. Throughout her academic tenure at UGA, she successfully imparted knowledge in numerous elementary schools, simultaneously serving as a children's ministry instructor within her church community. In her leisure moments, Mrs. McWaters finds solace in artistic pursuits such as painting, camping, hiking, film photography, and exploring new destinations alongside her husband, Ross. Her unwavering enthusiasm for spreading the love of Christ and creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment is both admirable and inspiring.

CHRISTI DEARBORN     
1st Grade Teacher

Originally from Lancaster County, PA, Christi relocated to Georgia six years ago. With over 30 years of teaching experience, including 25 years focused on preschool-aged children, she has recently taught Kindergarten and 1st grade. Married to her husband Jason for 14 years, they find joy in singing in the Dunwoody Baptist Church worship leading team, taking walks with their dog, and cherishing quality time with their loved ones. Their unique path led them to embrace a non-traditional form of parenting by hosting 12 exchange students, while their dog Lily contributes as a therapy dog with Canines for Christ.

MINDY YOUNG  
2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Young brings a wealth of experience from public and private school environments to DCS. Her recent role involved teaching Pre-Kindergarten at Wesleyan School, and she has extensive experience instructing younger elementary grades. Mrs. Young has previously taught in the Spring School District and at Second Baptist School in Houston, TX. With a deep passion for nurturing children's curiosity and fostering their faith, she is dedicated to inspiring lifelong learning and guiding students to follow Christ. Mrs. Young actively participates in First Baptist Church of Atlanta and Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, where her son serves on the praise team. She enjoys reading, traveling, photography, engaging in Bible Study Fellowship, and cherishing moments with her family in her leisure time.

LAURA STEWART    
3rd Grade Teacher

2023 Best Teacher, Best of Perimeter

After completing her college education, Mrs. Stewart's aspiration to explore the world led her to Delta Air Lines. During her In-Flight Service career, she gained valuable experience in various roles, including flying, engaging in Marketing and HR special assignments, and supervising the IFS department. In 2008, she left Delta to pursue her long-held dream of teaching. Before joining our team, Mrs. Stewart taught 3rd grade at The Howard School in Atlanta for three years before transitioning to Math Specialist in Middle School for six years. She also taught 3rd grade at The Swift School for three years. Mrs. Stewart and her husband, George, reside in Roswell, while their children, Olivia and Harrison, live in metro Atlanta. The Stewart family identifies with the Episcopalian faith.

GRETA NEWMAN   
4th Grade Teacher

Ms. Newman brings a diverse background in education, having previously taught at Victory World Church School, Eastside Christian School, and Faith Christian Academy prior to joining DCS. Alongside her teaching career, she dedicated herself to planting a ministry in Canada and serving as a children's minister for Faith 4 Life ministry. Active in Toastmasters in Atlanta, she continually hones her communication skills. As a devoted Christian and student-centered educator, Ms. Newman is committed to fostering a well-balanced, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all students.

MEI OU FAN      
Middle School (ELA) English Language Arts Teacher

Middle School Reading Specialist

Mrs. Fan is an experienced educator with over a decade of teaching and school administrative leadership experience in public and private settings. She began her journey in Christian education at Victory World Christian School, teaching elementary grades for seven years while earning her Master of Arts in Teaching from Emory University. Mrs. Fan later taught English language arts at Lilburn Middle School and leadership/career studies at Providence Christian Academy. Her expertise in teamwork collaboration and leadership tools from the Giant Worldwide curriculum empowered her high school students to become intentional leaders. Returning to Victory World Christian School, Mrs. Fan served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Coordinator, and Elementary Principal for six years. As a wife and mother, Mrs. Fan finds great joy in her faith and the opportunity to make Christ known in all aspects of her life. Believing in the transformative power of education rooted in Christian values, she eagerly anticipates guiding students as the Middle School Principal and Associate Head of Dunwoody Christian School, helping them discover their unique calling from God.

DERRICK ABRAMS   
Middle School Math and Bible Teacher

Middle School Chapel Leader

Derrick brings a passion for teaching and valuable experience instructing 5th grade in the public sector for two years. As a church Elder, former Youth Minister, and current Men's Ministry leader, he brings a strong commitment to guiding and inspiring students. Derrick's teaching philosophy revolves around helping students identify, engage, and create new learning opportunities through discussion, collaboration, and reflective thinking. Recognizing the uniqueness of each student, he aims to provide a diverse and stimulating educational environment that promotes growth in all aspects—mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and academic. Derrick's ultimate goal is to foster an atmosphere where students can reach their full potential and achieve academic success.

SHERRILL WEIHE      

Middle School Science Teacher
STEM Teacher

Mrs. Weihe started her career in computer sales after obtaining her degrees. She changed her focus to teaching and received her teaching certificate from Oglethorpe University. With over 20 years of experience in public and Christian private education, she is excited to become a faculty member at DCS. Her passion for nature, space, and STEM education spurs creativity and wonder in all her students. She is a member of Dunwoody Community Church, where she teaches children's Sunday school and volunteers in the ladies' ministry. She also attends the Bible Community Fellowship at DBC.

RHONDA SELLS     
Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Mrs. Sells, a Georgia native, brings a rich background in Christian education to her role as a Social Studies teacher at DCS. Her family, known for their passion for history and love of books, shares in her excitement for this opportunity. With a strong foundation in education, Mrs. Sells has served at Victory World Christian School and Perimeter Christian School. Beyond her educational experience, she attributes her readiness for this position to her service as the Co-Director of Women & Family Outreach at Perimeter Church and her 8-year tenure as a leader for Bible Study Fellowship groups in the Dunwoody area and at City of Refuge. Mrs. Sells' diverse experiences and devotion to her faith equip her to inspire and educate students at DCS.

MEGAN HILTON   
Art Teacher

Mrs. Hilton brings a unique background to her role as an art teacher, with experience teaching P-7th grade in the private Christian sector after a 13-year career in Marketing. An Atlanta native residing in Sandy Springs, she shares her life with her husband, Michael, their twin daughters, Ana and Genny, and their rescue dog, Kona. Alongside her dedication to the school and church, Megan enjoys engaging in art projects with her daughters, pursuing gardening, participating in Zumba, and exploring her culinary skills.

ERIKA SUNDAY   
Music Teacher

Hailing from Arlington, TX, Ms. Sunday is a proficient pianist with a decade of experience and a vocalist since age five. Currently, she holds the position of DCS Music Teacher and Preschool and Elementary School Piano Teacher at DSA. With a diverse piano, voice, and guitar background, Ms. Sunday's musical talents extend beyond teaching. She utilizes her gift of singing to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, serving as a worship leader and piano director at her local church. Passionate about fostering a deep appreciation for music, Ms. Sunday envisions guiding students toward diligent learning and a true understanding of the beauty of music.

DEVONTA' WHITE   
Physical Education Teacher

Coach White brings an extensive background as a teacher, coach, and accomplished professional athlete to DCS. His basketball career began at Georgia State University, where he earned recognition as one of the university's finest basketball players. Coach White pursued a professional basketball career in Europe following his collegiate years. Upon his return to the United States, he dedicated his time to coaching and training youth athletes. Coach White's mentorship extends beyond DCS, as he guides and inspires young individuals in other schools and churches within the area. His passion for promoting health, sports, and teamwork shines through in his work with youth, significantly impacting their development.

DIEDRE DONAHUE     
Spanish Teacher

Deirdre Donahue, our new Spanish teacher, brings over 15 years of experience teaching foreign languages, primarily in private religious schools in Atlanta and her hometown of New York City. Previously teaching at schools such as Our Lady of the Assumption School in Brookhaven, Marist School, Saint Peter's Prep in Jersey City, and De La Salle Academy in Manhattan, Deirdre emphasizes the development of oral and listening comprehension skills in her students' Spanish language learning journey. She sees herself as a language instructor and a teacher of "life," incorporating Christian values into daily lessons through classroom conversations and interactions with her students. Deirdre's expertise in intercultural training and experience as an interpreter and ESL teacher in various countries, including France, Italy, Ecuador, and Chile, enrich her teaching approach. Deirdre and her spouse, Steve, are proud parents of four children and reside in Peachtree Corners. Her educational background includes a B.S. in foreign languages from Georgetown University's School of Languages and Linguistics and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in French and Italian, she brings diverse language skills to our school community.

PHYLLIS BREECH 

Leadership Teacher 
IT Specialist

Mrs. Breech, the founder of Software Applications Technology, established in 1995, seamlessly integrates her faith and devotion to God with strategic goals and action to deliver exceptional client results. With a track record of supporting the establishment of over 100 non-profit organizations and serving on various boards, Phyllis showcases her deep commitment to serving others. She has also assisted businesses and non-profits in establishing a strong online presence. She served as a Marriage Ministry Pastor at a multicultural megachurch alongside her husband, positively impacting numerous lives in their community. Phyllis's dedication to serving extends beyond her local community, as she has participated in mission trips to India and Nicaragua and engaged in local volunteer and non-profit endeavors. Balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother, Phyllis remains fervent about giving back to the community through her active involvement in various charitable opportunities.

MIRIAM BUECHTER  
Elementary Chapel Leader Elementary School Librarian

Since 2004, Mrs. Buechter has been dedicated to teaching Chapel and Music, showcasing her unwavering passion for guiding children through Bible stories in an engaging manner. She aims to demonstrate to children that they are integral to God's Big Story using interactive methods such as games, object lessons, and drama. In her role, Mrs. Buechter has diligently developed a comprehensive three-year Scope and Sequence curriculum, ensuring that children are exposed to key Bible stories. Furthermore, she fosters strong partnerships with families, actively supporting children in developing Christian character and acquiring a deep understanding of Biblical truths.

DR. SUZY BESSON-MARTILOTTA   
Elementary School Reading Specialist

Dr. Besson-Martilotta joined DCS following her retirement from the Forsyth County school system, where she achieved a distinguished career as a first-grade teacher. Her remarkable achievements include being named Forsyth County Teacher of the Year in 2008 and being recognized as a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year in 2010. With an impressive repertoire of 11 teaching certificates, Dr. Besson-Martilotta's expertise is evident. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a woman of deep Christian faith, known for her boundless energy and unwavering passion for teaching.

MELISSA UPCHURCH GIBSON   
Elementary School Math Specialist

Mrs. Gibson brings an impressive 33 years of teaching experience, specializing in mathematics throughout her career. She devoted 31 years to the public education sector before transitioning to the private sector for the past two years. Currently, she engages in tutoring students across the Atlanta Area. Melissa's deep connection to Fulton County is evident as she attended Fulton County schools and considers it her home. Both Melissa and her husband share a deep passion for music, with her husband serving as a Band Director. They were both members of the renowned Georgia Redcoat Marching Band. Additionally, Melissa's involvement extended to the Georgette Dance team, and she is a talented flutist in the Georgia Wind Symphony.

CHRISTIE COATES   
Middle School Math Specialist

After nine years teaching math in Gwinnett County and taking time off to raise her children, Mrs. Coates is excited to return to the classroom to teach mathematics again. She graduated from Georgia Tech and spent a short time in the banking industry before being led to pursue her dream of becoming an educator. She received her teaching certificate and Masters in Middle Grades Education, with a concentration in math, from Mercer University. Mrs. Coates has been married to her husband for 23 years, and they cherish spending time traveling with their three teenagers, walking their dog, and doing anything outdoors. She and her family have been devoted members of Dunwoody Baptist Church for 12 years, and they are grateful to serve and worship there. Mrs. Coates strongly desires to bless her students by helping them grow not only in their confidence and ability as math students but also in their faith in Christ.

PAULA COSTELLO  
Lions’ Den Director

Mrs. Costello joins DCS with extensive experience in classroom teaching and aftercare programs. She spent several years working with different age groups in the aftercare program at Mount Vernon School. She is a science teacher and leads Dunwoody Baptist Church Preschool after-school enrichment classes. Mrs. Costello actively contributes to the children's ministry at Dunwoody Baptist Church on Sunday mornings, supporting her in classrooms and the church nursery. With a strong Christian faith, Mrs. Costello exemplifies a spirit of service toward our DCS families. Originally from Canada, she has been happily married her husband, Kent, for nearly 30 years. They have resided in Sandy Springs for 23 years and are proud parents of four exceptional children.