Odyssey Charter School
14 St. John Circle, Newnan, GA 30265 -- (770)251-6111

 

Staff

Scot Hooper

Principal Superintendent

Mr. Hooper brings a diverse background in educational management, international business, and manufacturing to the Odyssey family.  He began his professional career as a technology teacher where he educated high school students during the day and adult college students in the evening.  He was recruited into industry and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as a sales and distribution manager for the domestic automotive industry where he developed aftermarket sales programs and international markets.
After working as the president of a mechanical security company in Texas, Mr. Hooper returned to education, earning a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Mr. Hooper earned a certification in Charter School Financial Management from the University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government. For 7 years, Mr. Hooper was a support administrator and teacher mentor for two “turn around” schools in the Fort Worth, Texas school system, most recently at The Young Men’s Leadership Academy. The Young Men’s Leadership Academy was recently recognized by the National Center for Urban School Transformation as one of the top 25 schools in the country for best annual progress in all core areas. Mr. Hooper’s professional licenses include Principal, Math, Science, Business, Technology, Financial Management for Charter Schools and Fundamentals of Engineering.
Mr. Hooper has been married to his wife Cheri since 1980.  They have two sons, Matthew and Dylan.  His family is excited to join him in his adventure here at Odyssey Charter School.
Email: shooper@odysseycharterschool.net

Diane Bickerstaff

Assistant Principal/Instructional Coach/Title IX Coordinator

Diane Bickerstaff is our Title IX Coordinator. Below you will find her contact information:

 

Street Address:

14 St John Circle

Newnan, GA 30265

 

Email: dbickerstaff@odysseycharterschool.net

 

Phone number: (770)251-6111

 

 

Diane Bickerstaff started at Odyssey in 2012 and started teaching in 1974 retired from Coweta County as an Assistant Principal. She earned her BA degree in Elementary Education, followed by a Master’s in Special Education, a Master’s in Leadership, and ending in an EdS in Administration. Mrs. Bickerstaff attended West Virginia University, University of West Georgia, and Sanford University. Mrs. Bickerstaff is from West Virginia. She loves to travel with her grandchildren.

Marge Blye

Federal Programs Assistant

Marge Blye started at Odyssey in 2019. She attended the Clayton State University and has a degree in Business Administration. Ms. Marge is from Massachusetts. She enjoys her weekly trivia night even though her team is not good.

Aiden Chester

IT Assistant

Aiden started at Odyssey in 2023 and started working in IT in 2023. He went to Newnan High School and CEC and has a high school diploma. Mr. Chester is from Newnan, Georgia. He loves cars and music.

Jill Chester

Registrar/SIS

Jill Chester started at Odyssey in 2014. She attended University of West Georgia. Mrs. Chester is from Mississippi. She likes to hunt for unicorns in her down time.

Kim DiGiulio

Administrative Assistant/Front Desk

Kim DiGiulio started at Odyssey in 2010. She attended the University of West Georgia and Wake Tech outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. Mrs. Kim was born in Illinois but grew up in Dallas, Texas. She was six when she was on a filming of the Bozo Circus, which is why she has a phobia of clowns.

Stacy Dooley

HR Director

Stacy Dooley started at Odyssey in 2012. She attended the University of West Georgia and has a certification from Kennesaw State University in Human Resources. Ms. Stacy is from Georgia. She loves University of Tennessee football.

Denise Pigatt

Testing Coordinator

Denise Pigatt started at Odyssey in 2018 and started teaching in 1990. She went to the University of Georgia and has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership. Mrs. Pigatt is from Meriwether County. She was born on her paternal grandmother’s birthday.

Donny Rhinehart

IT Network Administrator

Donald Rhinehart started at Odyssey in 2014 and started teaching in 1984. He went to Carson-Newman College and has a degree in Business Management. Mr. Donny is from Coosa, GA. This is his 39th year in IT, all in education.

Amy Richardson

Bookkeeper

Amy Richardson started at Odyssey in 2014 and started bookkeeping in 2013. She went to Clayton State University and has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting. Mrs. Richardson is from Alabama. She loves numbers, Alabama football, and flamingos.

Rebekah Roberts

Family Engagement Coordinator

Rebekah Roberts started at Odyssey in 2013 and started teaching in 2015. She went to the University of West Georgia and has her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Roberts was born and raised in Newnan. She is an identical twin.

Bridget Wilson

Federal Programs Director/Transportation

Bridget Wilson started at Odyssey in 2009 and started teaching in 2009. She went to Brenau University. Mrs. Bridget is from Mansfield, Massachusetts. She has a son who graduated from Babson College and a daughter who attends Flagler College.

Emilie Cates

Teacher

Emilie Cates started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2022. She attended Georgia College and State University and has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Cates is from Newnan. The coldest temperature she has ever been in is negative twenty degrees Fahrenheit.

Amy Haskins

Paraprofessional

Amy Haskins started at Odyssey in 2019 and started teaching in 2004. She attended Missouri State and has a degree in recreation and a minor in psychology. Mrs. Amy is from Springfield, MO. She played basketball and ran track and cross country in college.

Lindsay Kelshaw

Teacher

Lindsay Kelshaw started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2022. She went to Georgia College and State University and has a degree in Sociology and is currently getting her Master’s in Elementary Education. Mrs. Kelshaw is from Newnan. She has skied in the Alps.

Latoya Mabrey

Paraprofessional

LaToya Mabrey started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2009. She went to Brown Mackie and the University of Phoenix and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Mabrey is from Hampton, Virginia. She is the mother of three boys.

Rebecca Simpson

Teacher

Rebecca Simpson started at Odyssey in 2020 and started teaching in 2011. She went to the Georgia Southwestern State University and she has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Mrs. Simpson is from Camilla, GA. She has lived in four different states growing up.

Melissa Harper

Paraprofessional

Melissa Harper started at Odyssey in 2020 and started teaching in 2006. She attended the University of West Georgia and has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Mrs. Harper is from Fayetteville, Georgia. She loves to shop and travel.

Sunni Griffies

Teacher

Sunni Griffies started at Odyssey in 2019 and started teaching in 2019. She attended the University of West Georgia and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Griffies is from Newnan, Georgia. She is named after her grandfather.

Kaylee Defluiter

Paraprofessional

Kaylee Defluiter started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2023. She attended the Georgia Military College and has an Associate of Science and Early Childhood Education. Ms. Defluiter is from Ohio. She was in the honor chorus in high school and color guard.

Megan Kennedy

Teacher

Megan Kennedy started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2023. She went to the University of West Georgia and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Kennedy is from Newnan. She learned to crochet this summer.

Tamika Stewart

Paraprofessional

Tamika Stewart started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2014. She is currently attending Clark Atlanta University. Mrs. Stewart is from New Jersey. She is the first of her family not born in Jamaica.

Katie Uhlman

Teacher

Katie Uhlman started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2022. She attended California University of Pennsylvania (now called PennWest California) and has her degree in PreK-6 Education. Ms. Uhlman is from Pittsburgh, PA. She is certified to teach in three different states.

Debbie Harris

Paraprofessional

Debbie Harris started at Odyssey in 2023. She attended the National College of Education and she has a BA with a major in education and an art and math concentration. Mrs. Harris is from Northfield, IL. She is an animal lover who enjoys reading and going anywhere she is outside with nature and enjoys spending time with her two boys whenever she can.

Tiffany Horton

Teacher

Tiffany Horton started at Odyssey in 2019 and started teaching in 2016. She attended the University of Alabama and GATaap and she has a degree in criminal justice/social welfare. Mrs. Horton is from Moody, Alabama. Her favorite movie is The Princess Bride.

Ashley Matos

Paraprofessional

Ashley Matos started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2008. She attended Northeast Mississippi Community College. Mrs. Matos is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She loves flamingos and cats.

Abbey Milliorn

Teacher

Abbey Milliorn started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2021. She attended the University of West Georgia and has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Milliorn is from Fayetteville, GA. She loves Taylor Swift.

Hillary Jonenson

Paraprofessional

Hillary Jonenson started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2023. She attended Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and has a Bachelor’s in Nursing. Mrs. Hillary is from Puerto Rico. She loves to travel and play video games with friends.

Christen Smith

Teacher

Christen Smith started at Odyssey in 2019 and started teaching in 2015. She attended the University of West Georgia, LaGrange College, and Georgia Southwestern State University and has a Master of Science in Education Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Smith is from Hogansville, Georgia. She is in Grad School getting her Specialist Degree.

Rachel Patterson

Paraprofessional

Rachel Patterson started at Odyssey in 2021 and started teaching in 2021. She is attending West Georgia Tech and pursuing a degree in education. Ms. Rachel is from Newnan. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Alyssa Barsky

Teacher

Alyssa Barsky started student teaching at Odyssey in 2013 and started teaching in 2015. She attended West Virginia University for her undergraduate degree and the University of Southern California for her Master’s Degree. Mrs. Barsky is from New York City. She loves to travel and her favorite place that she has been is Paris, France!

Maggie Rose

Paraprofessional

Maggie Rose started at Odyssey in 2021 and started teaching in 2008. She attended Flint River Technical College and has an Associate’s Degree. Mrs. Rose is from Pike County. She loves diamond painting and watching college football with her family if she is not outside or shopping.

Alex Pifer

Teacher

Alex Pifer started at Odyssey in 2019 and started teaching in 2016. He attended Troy University and has a degree in Elementary Education. Mr. Pifer is from Cusseta, Georgia. He can imitate almost anyone.

Cassy Orr

Paraprofessional

Cassandra Orr started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2016. She attended the Newnan High School and has a paraprofessional certification. Ms. Orr is from California. She loves singing karaoke.

Kylie Addison

Math/Science Teacher

Kylie Addison started at Odyssey in 2020 and started teaching in 2020. She went to LaGrange College and has a Bachelor’s Degree in educational studies with a minor in psychology. Mrs. Addison is from LaGrange, GA. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and friends on the lake.

Gypsie Stewart

Paraprofessional

Gypsie Stewart started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2003. She attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has a degree in Aerospace Studies. Ms. Gypsie is from Newnan, Georgia. She won a free trip to Japan in 1992 for two weeks. She did competitive dance in college.

Tori Elder

Reading/ELA

Tori Elder started at Odyssey in 2020 and started teaching in 2020. She went to the University of West Georgia and has her degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in General Special Education. Ms. Elder is from Fayetteville, GA. She loves to line dance.

Name

Paraprofessional

staff bio coming soon

Wade Adams

Social Studies

Wade Adams started at Odyssey in 2020 and started teaching in 2020. He went to Kennesaw State and has his Bachelor of Arts in American History. Mr. Adams is from Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys traveling.

Susan Huddleston

Science

Susan Huddleston started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2020. She attended Mercer University and has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Ms. Huddleston is from Newnan, Georgia. She performed in the Stellar Awards at the Grand Ole Opry.

Latoya Jones

ELA

LaToya Jones started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2011. She went to Georgia State University and has a degree in English. Ms. Jones is from Newnan, Georgia. For her, fried food is a greater weakness than dessert.

Celeste Jones

Math

Celeste Jones started at Odyssey in 2016 and started teaching in 2022. She attended The Master’s University and has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. Mrs. Jones is from Fairburn, Georgia. She loves music and often plays the keyboard at her church.

Brooklyn Blansit

Social Studies

Brooklyn Blansit started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2022. She went to Jacksonville State University and has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Social Studies. Ms. Blansit is from Rome, Georgia. She has two cats, Cashew and Chester.

Becky Ferguson

ELA

Becky Ferguson started at Odyssey in 2018 and started teaching in 1999. She went to the University of West Georgia and has a Bachelor’s in Secondary Social Studies Education, MEd in School Library Media, and she is in school for an EdS in Instructional Technology. Mrs. Ferguson is from Newnan, Georgia. She loves sports. Georgia football is one of her favorite things along with Duke Basketball.

Ashiha Moore

Science

Ashiha Moore started at Odyssey in 2020 and started teaching in 2011. She attended Georgia State University and has a BS in Biology and MAT in Science Education. Mrs. Moore is from Atlanta, Georgia. She writes science fiction.

Robin Packer

Math

Robin Packer started at Odyssey in 2012 and began teaching in 2005. She went to Florida A&M University and Georgia State and has her degree in Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Ms. Packer is from Atlanta, GA. Her middle name comes from Hurricane Camille which hit 3 years earlier in 1969.

Ana DeJesus

Spanish

Ana De Jesus started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 1995. She went to the University of Salamanca in Spain and has a Master’s of Education in Spanish Culture. Señora De Jesus is from Puerto Rico. She loves to teach fun and funny phrases in Spanish.

Merideth Harper

Art

Merideth Harper started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2022. She went to the University of West Georgia and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education. Ms. Harper is from Newnan, GA. Ms. Harper enjoys creating art and is an active member of the Boy Scouts of America.

Dante Hill

PE/Athletic Director

Dante Hill started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2022. He attended Columbus State University and has a Kinesiology Degree. Coach Hill is from Lagrange, Georgia. He is a twin, but they have different birthdays. His sister was born before midnight and he was born shortly after midnight.

Michele King

Technology

Michele King started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 1993. She attended GA State University and has a Bachelor’s in Education. Mrs. King is from Amory, Mississippi. She works with her sister and her niece.

Sheila Laux

Librarian

Sheila Laux started at Odyssey in 2019 and started teaching in 1983. She attended Troy University in Troy, AL, and the University of West Georgia and has a Master’s in Early Childhood. Mrs. Laux is from Dothan, AL but has lived in Bangkok, Thailand, Florida, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia while her dad was in the Air Force. Her hobby is scrapbooking. She loves working in the Odyssey Library and seeing scholars get excited about reading.

Patrick Thompson

Music

Patrick Thompson started at Odyssey in 2016 and started teaching in 2009. He went to Clayton State University and has a Bachelor’s of Music Composition. He is from Fairburn, Georgia. Mr. Thompson and his lovely wife, Ashley, are the parents of five beautiful children.

Maggy Granobles

Maintenance

Maggy Granobles started at Odyssey in 2008.  Mrs. Maggy is from Colombia. She loves all animals, but her favorite thing to do is play with her chickens.

Andres Valencia

Maintenance

Andres Valencia started at Odyssey in 2008.  Mr. Valencia is from Colombia. He loves technology and fixing things.

Hope Callahan

Gifted

Hope Callahan started at Odyssey in 2012 and started teaching in 1984. She attended Georgia State University and West Georgia University and has Ed.S in middle grades and gifted K-12. Mrs. Callahan is from Georgia. She won a free trip to Japan in 1992 for two weeks. It was very exciting.

Nikki Chadwick

EIP Teacher

Nikki Chadwick started at Odyssey in 2018 and started teaching in 2017. She is attended Georgia State University and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Chadwick is from Peachtree City, Georgia. Her favorite candy is Reese’s Cups.

Danielle DosSantos

OT

staff bio coming soon

Ashley Eidson

Special Education Paraprofessional

Ashley Eidson started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 2023. She attended the University of West Georgia and has an English Degree. Mrs. Eidson is from Sharpsburg, Georgia. She has two dogs, Penny and Kody.

Laurie Evans

EIP Teacher

Laurie Evans started at Odyssey in 2023 and started teaching in 1981. She went to Georgia State and Oglethorpe University and she has a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Evans is from Newnan, Georgia. She married her softball coach at First Baptist Atlanta. She will be married thirty-eight years in October.

Kathy Keown

Special Education Director

Kathy Keown started at Odyssey in 2018 and started teaching in 1982. She attended Jacksonville State University and Arkansas State University and has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Master’s in Special Education. Mrs. Keown is from Huntsville, Alabama but I’ve lived in Newnan since 1989. She was a gymnast from the age of eight until she graduated from high school.

Thomas Martin

ESOL Teacher

Thomas J Martin started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 2015. He went to Virginia Wesleyan College and has a degree in International Business and Journalism and is certified in English, and ESOL, and has a Reading Endorsement. Mr. Martin is from Virginia. He was a Movie extra in Marvel projects.

Jennifer Miller

Special Education Paraprofessional

Jennifer Miller started at Odyssey in 2016 and started teaching in 2014. She is attending the University of West Georgia and is working on her Bachelor’s degree. Mrs. Jennifer is from Newnan, Georgia. She has been a paraprofessional for the last 9 years – will be a parapro this year and will graduate from UWG in the spring.

LaNessia Miller

Special Education Teacher

LaNessia Miller started at Odyssey in 2017 and started teaching in 1997. She went to Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL and has her degree in Elementary Education and Specific Learning Disabilities. Ms. Miller is from Clearwater, Florida. She has been skydiving and she is a certified scuba diver.

Jamie Norred

Gifted

Jamie Norred started at Odyssey in 2014 and started teaching in 1985. She went to the University of Georgia and has her Education Specialist in Middle School Education. Mrs. Norred is from Fayette County Georgia. She says the ingredients of a Big Mac backward.

Carolina Paulino

ESOL Paraprofessional

Carolina Paulino started at Odyssey in 2021 and started teaching in 2010. Mrs. Paulino is from Ecuador. She loves traveling with her family.

Kim Pelletier

School Psychologist

Kim Pelletier started at Odyssey in 2018 and started teaching in 1977. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi and has a Ph.D.. Dr. Pelletier is from New Hampshire. She is in the process of visiting as many of the U.S. National Parks as possible.

Angela Perkins

ESOL Teacher

Angela Perkins started at Odyssey in 2007 and started teaching in 2007. She went to the University of Alabama and has a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies. Mrs. Perkins is from Columbiana, Alabama. In her spare time, she loves to go mountain bike riding.

Teri Schramm

EIP Paraprofessional

Teri Schramm started at Odyssey in 2009 and started teaching in 2009. She attended Broward University and has a Liberal Arts Degree. Mrs. Schramm is from Ohio. She has jumped out of a plane before, and she loves a good adventure.

Sandy Thames

Special Education Teacher

Sandy Thames started at Odyssey in 2022 and started teaching in 1988. She went to Auburn University, the University of West Georgia, and Nova Southeastern and has her degree in Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Master’s Degree in Special Education, Specialist in Special Education, and EdD Child and Youth Studies. Mrs. Thames is from Germany. She loves to white water kayak.

Colleen Williams

Speech/Language Pathologist

Collen Williams started at Odyssey in 2015 and started working as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist in January 1984. She attended the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) and Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Dr. Williams has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders, a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and a Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama. She loves reading, writing, traveling, and dancing.

Brittany Ashmore

Nurse Assistant

Brittany Ashmore started at Odyssey in 2018 and started nursing career in 2017. She attended Georgia Medical College and has an Associates in Applied Sciences. Mrs. Ashmore is from Atlanta, Georgia. She is obsessed with sharks

Cyle Bohannon

Counselor

Cyle Bohannan started student at Odyssey in January of 2017 and started teaching in 1991. She attended the University of West Georgia and has her Doctorate in School Improvement. Counselor Cyle is from Wisconsin. She loves to watch gardening shows.

Jerrie Kee

Bus Driver

Jerrie Kee started at Odyssey in 2012  and started driving school buses in 2005. She attended West Georgia Technical College for industrial electronics and got her CDL in 2005. Mrs. Kee is from Coweta County. She lives on a farm and has a green thumb.

Kelly Sequeira

Nurse

Kelly Sequeira started at Odyssey in 2016 and started nursing career in 2012. She attended West Georgia Technical College and has a degree in nursing. Nurse Kelly is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She loves to bake sweets (cakes, cupcakes) and read books in her spare time.

David Turnquest

Bus Driver

David Turnquest started at Odyssey in 2023 and started driving buses in 2023. He attended school in Poughkeepsie. Mr. David is originally from New York. He drives the trolley in Newnan.

L’Anne Waldroup

Bus Driver Trainer

L’Anne Waldroup started at Odyssey in 2017 and started driving buses in 2003. She attended school in Louisiana. Mrs. L’Anne is originally from Alexandria, LA, but now lives in Sharpsburg. She has a lot of pets.

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