DIRECTORS & STAFF

Melissa Agnes was born and raised in Cobb county. After graduating high school, Melissa attended Kennesaw State University where she earned her Bachelors in Legal Studies and a minor in education. Melissa later attended the University of West Georgia and obtained a Masters degree in Special Education grades P -12. Melissa started working at the MDE school in the Fall of 2017 as a reading specialist.

Danielle Brown is a native Coloradan who moved to Georgia in June of 2016 with her husband and two teenage boys. She has over 10 years in the public and private school systems as a paraprofessional, clinic aide and administrative assistant. When not at work she enjoys watching her two boys swim competitively, reading, sewing and being outdoors.

I grew up in Mobile, AL where, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Spring Hill Jesuit College. I taught in Dekalb County School System from 2001-2017 serving as an inclusion teacher. During my years as an educator I especially enjoyed working with students who were on the Autism Spectrum helping them reach their goals. I served as a tutor, mentor, sponsor for various school clubs, and the Afterschool Extended Day Program Director. I was selected as The Teacher of the Year for 2011- 2012 school year. I believe that all students can achieve their goals in a loving, nurturing setting. I am very excited to join the MDE school!

Rachel Hanthorn-Kolis has over 15 years of experience working the non-profit sector and has helped raise over 14 million dollars. Most recently she served as the Executive Director of Erin’s Hope for Friends; a non-profit that serves teens on the high functioning autism spectrum. Rachel has also worked for Corrigan Care, Inc., the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, and the University of Minnesota and serves as an advocate for craniofacial awareness with national non-profits like Apert International and the Children’s Craniofacial Association.

Walter Marshall served as an Intensive Interventionist at H.A.V.E.N Academy for eight years, working with children with emotional/behavior disorders. He received several certification’s during that time, including Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior, Human Empowerment and Leadership Principles and The Person Brain™ Model. Walter attended Chattahoochee Technical College and volunteers with The Melting Pot, a non profit urban outreach program.

Teresa Marshall is a Georgia native and loves everything about her hometown of Atlanta. Teresa holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, a Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse Counseling as well as an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education. She has nearly 15 years’ experience working with special needs children. Her passion in special education began as an after-school assistant where she provided a variety of services to assist students with disabilities reach their educational goals. Her background in counseling as well as mindset training has helped her to better understand the needs of her students. She enjoys working the life skills program that has helped many students become more independent and reach their full potential. Teresa enjoys counseling and ministering to people in need and is a proud member of the National Association of Christian Ministers. She loves participating in 5k races and is a huge fan of the Falcons and the Georgia Bulldogs!

Donna Racher earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood / Elementary Education and Child Psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa. Donna also receive a certification in the Children Infant/Toddler Development Program at Temple University. She has also earned a certification in Integrated Listening System(ILS). Donna began her career at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital and took part in the development of play therapy/art therapy programs. She has taught special needs children in the Philadelphia and Atlanta areas. Donna has been a teacher at MDE School since it’s inception in 2009.

Bobby Robinson has worked with general and special needs children and adults in the West Indies, New York and Georgia. A certified Phlebotomist, EKG Technician Nursing Assistant, Licensed EMT, Bobby brings 12 years plus experience with a specialty in brain health. Bobby has also served as a music coordinator at several local churches.

Jessie Singer was born and raised in Milton, GA. After graduating from Milton High School, she attended Kennesaw State University where she studied Exercise Science. For the last 7 years, she has worked with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds as both a personal trainer and Crossfit Coach to help them with their fitness and lifestyle journey. Seeing others push themselves to achieve things they never thought possible is a true passion of hers. Jessie started working at MDE in the Fall of 2018 as a PE teacher. She is very excited to join the MDE family full time for the upcoming year!

Shawn Titus has a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Central Michigan University. She has 20 years of teaching experience, mixed with general and special education, working with children birth to second grade. Originally from the beautiful island of Jamaica, she relocated to Canada, Texas and Michigan (with a loss of an accent along the way). She’s been in Georgia for 8 years now and is blessed to have found MDE School. This is the perfect opportunity for her to embark on a new journey which allows her to transition into a degree of Speech Language Pathology.

Melissa Whyte has graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Sociology. While in college she was a member of Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority. As a sister of the sorority she volunteered with a number of organizations but organizations that focused on the Special Needs community are her favorite to work with. She gained her love for the Special Needs community as a nanny for a child with Down-Syndrome. He has opened her up to a world she never thought would bring her so much joy. She was an intern at Corrigan Care and also volunteers with their Respite Nights. She also volunteers with the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, the Special Olympics, and Horizon League. Her main goal is to get her Masters Degree in Special Education and Speech Pathology.