Our Teachers and Staff

Christi Dearborn     
Elementary School Teacher

B.S., Bible and Early Childhood Education         
Lancaster Bible College - Lancaster, PA       
Georgia Certified Elementary Educator  
ACSI Certified

Christi was born and raised in Lancaster County, PA and moved to Georgia six years ago. She has been teaching for over 30 years, 25 years teaching preschool aged children, and Kindergarten and 1st grade the past few years. She has been married for 14 years to her husband, Jason. They enjoy singing at church, going for walks with their dog, going out to dinner, and spending time with family. They decided early on not to have children when God called them to “parent” in a different way, hosting 12 exchange students. Their dog, Lily, also serves as a therapy dog with Canines for Christ!

Emily Helu   
Elementary School Assoc. Teacher

M.A., Elementary Education  
Western Governors University - Millcreek, UT  
B.A., Communications, Minor in Biblical Studies    
Saint Mary’s College of California - Moraga, CA

Ms. Helu joined the DCS family in 2020 as an Associate Teacher and Lions’ Den Leader. She is returning as an Associate Teacher. Mrs. Helu is a committed Christian, a person of high integrity, and has a fun personality. While at Saint Mary’s College of California she was also a full-time student-athlete, earning many accolades competing at the NCAA Division 1 level in both Indoor and Sand Volleyball.

Chloe Koh  
Elementary School Teacher

B.A., Elementary Education   
Asbury University - Wilmore, KY   
ESOL Endorsed

Ms. Koh was born in Korea but raised in China for 12 years. She has recently graduated from Asbury University and served in the Children's ministry at her church. Chloe has traveled to many countries in Southeast Asia for mission trips and hopes to visit other places to provide Christian education. She has received a private Christian education her entire life, and is excited to share what she's experienced with her students, and establish a welcoming classroom.

Greta Newman   
Elementary School Teacher

B.A., Elementary Education     
Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI     
Georgia Certified Elementary Educator  
ACSI Certified

Ms. Newman comes to DCS after having served as an instructor at Victory World Church School and Eastside Christian School in Atlanta, as well as, Faith Christian Academy in Michigan. While building her career in education, she also spent time planting a ministry in Canada, serving as a children’s minister for Faith 4 Life ministry, and is involved in Toastmasters in Atlanta. She is a dedicated Christian and student-centered teaching professional who is committed to providing a well-balanced, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all students.

Lucy Perich

Elementary School Teacher

M.Ed., Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment       
Walden University - Minneapolis, MN      
B.S., Early Childhood Education      
Samford University - Birmingham, AL  
Georgia Certified Elementary Educator

Mrs. Perich is an Atlanta native that began her career teaching in Gwinnett County. She taught 1st Grade and Kindergarten for 9 years before deciding to stay home for a few years. In 2009 she married her husband and they welcomed a daughter, Sydney, and second daughter, Taylor. Lucy returned to teaching in 2016 at the Kingswood Preschool to teach 3 year olds for 3 years and Kindergarten for 1 year. Her son Wyatt was born in 2019. Finally in 2020, Lucy returned to the public school system as a paraprofessional in Kindergarten for 1 year at Kingsley Elementary.

Alyssa Sherman  
Elementary School Assoc. Teacher

Obtaining a M.S., Early Childhood Education  
Mercer University - Atlanta, GA  
B.S., Early Childhood Education  
Mercer University - Atlanta, GA

Ms. Sherman's mission is to educate, engage, and enable students and guide them in their development. She has been a Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society recipient since 2019 and enjoys assisting in philanthropic activities with her sisters at Phi Mu Sorority. Alyssa will be working as a long-term substitute and floater between every classroom while working towards her Masters Degree in Education at Mercer University. She has been raised as a devoted Christian and is thrilled to begin her teaching journey as a DCS Lion!

Laura Stewart     
Elementary School Teacher

B.A., Elementary Education       
University of Florida - Gainesville, FL    
Orton-Gillingham Trained   
Georgia Certified Elementary Educator

Upon graduating college, Mrs. Stewart’s desire “to see the world” prior to teaching led her to Delta Air Lines. Her In-Flight Service career included flying, participating in Marketing and HR special assignments, and working as an IFS supervisor. In 2008, she left Delta to fulfill her dream to teach.

Mrs. Stewart comes to us from The Howard School in Atlanta where she taught 3rd grade for three years before being recruited to serve as Math Specialist for six years in Middle School. Prior to teaching at Howard, she also taught 3rd grade for three years at The Swift School.

Mrs. Stewart and her husband, George, reside in Roswell. Their children, Olivia and Harrison, both live in metro Atlanta. The Stewart family is Episcopal in faith. 

Mindy Young  
Elementary School Teacher

B.S., Elementary Education, Specialization in Reading    
University of Texas - Austin, TX   
Project Wild Science - Certified

Mrs. Young joins DCS bringing with her experience in both public and private school settings. Most recently she taught Pre-Kindergarten at Wesleyan School and has extensive experience instructing younger elementary grades as well. She has previously taught in the Spring School District and at Second Baptist School in Houston, Texas, and has a deep passion for inspiring children to become lifelong learners and followers of Christ. Mrs. Young attends both First Baptist Church of Atlanta and Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, where her son is a member of the praise team. Mrs. Young enjoys reading, traveling, photography, Bible Study Fellowship, and spending time with her family.

Derrick Abrams   
Middle School Teacher/Middle School Chapel Leader

M.E., Elementary Education   
Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ   
B.S., Christian Leadership & Management   
Liberty University - Lynchburg, VA   
Georgia Certified Teacher

Derrick Abrams comes to us comes to DCS with enthusiasm and experience teaching 5th grade for the past two years in the public sector. He is a church Elder, former Youth Minister, and current Men’s Ministry leader. His goal is to help students identify, engage, build upon, and create new learning opportunities through discussion, collaboration, and reflective thinking. Derrick states that “all students are unique and must have a diverse, stimulating educational environment where they can freely grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and academically!”. It is his desire to create this type of atmosphere so students can meet their full potential and achieve academic success.

Dr. Yvonne Fields      
Middle School Teacher

Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities and English     
Clark Atlanta University - Atlanta, GA     
M.A., English, and African American Literature     
North Carolina A&T State University - Greensboro, NC 
B.A., English      
Livingstone College - Salisbury, NC

Dr. Fields is excited to work with our students in middle school. She has lived and breathed English literature for most of her adult life as she earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in English literature. She is originally from Virginia but moved to Atlanta for her doctoral studies program at Clark Atlanta University. She has taught at the collegiate level for 13+ years and middle and high school for five years. She loves spending time with her daughters, Olivia and Arianna, and enjoys shopping, traveling, and reading in her spare time. Dr. Fields is also a preacher's kid, and she shares that she "wakes up each day knowing that I am given another chance at life to share my gift of teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others to be the BEST version of themselves by living a life that they are proud of in the eyes of our Lord. In everything that I do, I strive to live a life that is pleasing to our God."

Sherrill Weihe      
STEM Teacher/Middle School Teacher

M.B.A., Marketing      
University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN   
B.S. Management Science and Computer Science   
Newman University - Wichita, KS   
Georgia Certified Educator K-8  
Gifted Endorsement

Mrs. Weihe started her career in computer sales after obtaining her degrees. She decided to change her focus to teaching and received her teaching certificate from Oglethorpe University. With over 20 years of experience in both 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 of 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.

Dr. Suzy Besson   
Reading Specialist

Ed.D., Curriculum and Instruction   
Liberty University - Lynchburg, VA   
Ed.S., Educational Leadership   
Lincoln Memorial University - Harrogate, TN   
M.A., Teaching (Elementary Education)   
Wayne State University - Detroit, MI   
Reading Endorsement Classes

Dr. Besson came to DCS after retiring from Forsyth County school system, where she enjoyed a long and successful career, most recently serving as a first grade teacher. Dr. Besson was named the Forsyth County teacher of the year in 2008, and was a Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist in 2010. She holds 11 teaching certificates. More importantly, she is a woman of strong Christian faith who is highly energetic and passionate about teaching.

Melissa Upchurch Gibson       
Math Specialist

M.Ed., Mathematics Education  
Georgia State University - Atlanta, GA  
M.S., Computer Based Education  
University of Georgia - Athens, GA  
B.S., Middle School Mathematics and Music  
University of Georgia - Athens, GA  
Reading Endorsement Classes

Mrs. Gibson has been teaching 33 years and has taught math all 33 of those years. She spent 31 of those years in the public sector and the last 2 years in the private. She now tutors various students throughout the Atlanta Area. Melissa grew up in Fulton County schools and has always called Fulton County home. She and her husband, a Band Director, both love music very much and were in the Georgia Redcoat Marching Band. Melissa was also on the Georgette Dance team and plays the flute in the Georgia Wind Symphony.

Miriam Buechter  
Elementary Chapel Leader and Librarian

M.S.W., Children and Family Development focus     
Tulane University - New Orleans, LA   
B.S., Social Work     
Louisiana Christian University - Pineville, LA

Mrs. Buechter has been teaching Chapel and Music since 2004. Miriam is passionate about teaching children Bible stories in an interactive way, using games, object lessons, drama, and other creative methods to help children understand they are a part of God's Big Story. Over three years, she has developed a three-year Scope and Sequence curriculum to help children learn most of the main Bible stories. She excels at partnering with families to help children develop Christian character while learning Biblical truths.

Megan Hilton   
Art Teacher

B.F.A., Animation, minor in Drawing   
Savannah College of Art and Design - Savannah, GA   
Georgia Certified Art Educator P-12

Mrs. Hilton has taught P-7th grade art for a few years in the private Christian sector and previously worked for 13 years in Marketing. Megan is an Atlanta native living in Sandy Springs. She and her husband, Michael, have been blessed with twin daughters, Ana and Genny, and their rescue dog Kona. When Megan is not helping around the school and church, she enjoys doing art projects with her daughters, gardening, Zumba, and cooking.

Erika Sunday   
Music Teacher

Musical Internship Completed - 1.5 years at Paulding County High School  
Musical Internship Completed - 4 years at Seven Springs  
Musical Internship Completed - 2 years at Free Chapel

Born in Arlington Texas, Ms. Sunday has been playing the piano for 10 years, and has been singing since the age of 5. She is currently a Preschool and Elementary School piano Teacher at Dunwoody School for the Arts. She has experience in piano, voice and guitar. Ms. Sunday also uses her gift of singing for the Lord, as a way to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. She currently serves as a worship leader and a piano director at her local church. Ms. Sunday’s vision is to help students learn diligently and truly understand the beauty of music.

Trina De Mar-Tucker    
Spanish Teacher

M.Ed., Secondary Education  
Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ  
B.A., Spanish Literature  
Georgia State University - Atlanta, GA  
ESOL Endorsed

Mrs. De Mar-Tucker is a twin and is from Chicago, IL. Trina enjoys volunteer work. Currently, she assists in distributing food in Latino communities for Atlanta. Mrs. De Mar-Tucker is also a volunteer farmer with the Good Samaritan Clinic. She loves people and likes to help when she can. In addition to that, she teaches English to immigrants in the evenings.

Davonta' White    
Physical Education Teacher

Former professional basketball player

Coach White comes to DCS with a wealth of experience as a teacher, coach, and professional athlete. He played basketball at Georgia State and was one of the best basketball players in GSU history. The coach went on to play basketball professionally in Europe. Since returning to the U.S., Coach White has been coaching and training youth.

Coach White leads and mentors youth at other area schools and churches. He has a passion for health and sports and enjoys developing teamwork in youth. 

Paula Costello  
Lions’ Den Director

Mrs. Costello comes to DCS with extensive experience in the classroom and aftercare programs, having previously worked for several years in the aftercare program at Mount Vernon School with different age groups. She works at the Dunwoody Baptist Church preschool as a science teacher and leads after-school enrichment classes for the preschool. She also is a regular on Sunday mornings in the Dunwoody Baptist children’s ministry, serving in the classrooms and church nursery. Mrs. Costello is organized, creative, and a strong Christian who brings a spirit of service to our DCS families. She is from Canada and has married her husband, Kent, for 27 years. They have lived in Sandy Springs for 23 years and have four exceptional children.

Jasmine Little     
Business Manager

B.S., Psychology     
University of West Alabama - Livingston, AL

Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Ms. Little is an essential member of our team. Ms. Little focuses on managing the business of the school. She oversees school accounting and finances, including payroll and other HR support, budgeting, the annual fund, and purchasing. Our school community has learned to depend upon Ms. Little as an efficient multitasker who is thorough, organized, and resourceful in overcoming obstacles. Outside of her responsibilities at DCS, Ms. Little has extensive experience in cheer and dance. Most recently, she danced professionally for two seasons as a Glads Girl representing the Atlanta Gladiators hockey team, serving as team captain her second season.

Yolandi Hattingh       
Administrative Assistant

A.S., Business Administration      
Georgia State University - Atlanta, GA

Many of you know Ms. Hattingh as our Administrative Assistant. Anyone who knows Yolandi knows that she is a warm and friendly face, professional, dependable, creative, and a self-starter. Originally from Durban, South Africa, Ms. Hattingh has lived in the U.S. for 5 years. She recently completed her degree and attends Dunwoody Community Church.

Phyllis Breech  
IT Specialist

B.S.B.A., Business Management  
University of Alabama - Huntsville, AL

Mrs. Breech launched her firm, Software Applications Technology, in 1995. She incorporates her faith and love for God into an exciting combination of strategic goals and action to get results for her clients. Phyllis has been instrumental in the formation of more than 100 non-profit organizations and has served on several boards, exercising her passion for serving others. She has also helped businesses and non-profit organizations set up and establish their online presence. Together with her husband, they served as Marriage Ministry Pastors at a multi-culture megachurch in her community where they impacted hundreds of lives for the Kingdom of God. Her passion to serve others has taken her on several mission trips, both locally and to India and Nicaragua. In addition to being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Phyllis is passionate about being able to give back to the community through a variety of volunteer and non-profit opportunities.