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Faculty and Administration

Faculty and Administration

Jay Freer Director jfreer@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1281	Michael Halad Assistant to the Director mhalad@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1360
Charissa Grandsen Assistant to the Director cgrandsen@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1375	Susan McCluskey Assistant Theater Facilities Manager smccluskey@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1420
Rena Lyle Assistant Office Manager rlyle@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1287	Beverly Hamrick Office Manager bhamrick@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1288
George Butler Applied Lessons Coordinator gbutler@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1501	Anne Page Summer and Adult Evening Program Coordinator apage@lovett.org 404-262-3032 Ext.1324

Email	Jay Freer, Director of Fine Arts Jay Freer , a 1978 Lovett graduate, received a BFA in acting from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and was a Kenan Scholarship winner. He has taught and directed more than 70 plays and musicals at Lovett over the last 22 years. He won the Woodward Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1992, the Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006, and accepted the appointment of director of Fine Arts at Lovett in 2007. Professionally, Jay has directed at The Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, and Theatre in the Square, and was also the founder and producing artistic director of Actors Theatre of Atlanta (ATA)—an all-equity professional theatre company that operated from 2000 to 2006. Among the shows he directed for ATA were The Good Doctor, Collected Stories (Abie Award nominated in 2001), Underneath the Lintel (Southeastern premiere and chosen as the number-one play of 2003 by the AJC and Creative Loafing), Talley’s Folly, and Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol. Jay has also taught acting at The North Carolina School of the Arts and The South Carolina Governors School for the Arts, as well as numerous professional classes. He studied in New York with Uta Hagen, who was considered “one of the greatest actresses and acting teachers of the 20th Century,” and continues to study acting with her protégé, Ted Brunetti. Jay was selected by The Charles Loridans Foundation to lead a trip to New York with three other Atlanta theater educators recognized for their significant contribution in educating and stimulating the interest of young people in theater.
Email	Garett Arrowood, Middle School Band Director Garett Arrowood , Lovett's Middle School Band Director, holds a master’s of jazz and a classical artist’s diploma from the University of Miami – Florida. Mr. Arrowood has lived and toured across the U.S. as an active freelance trombonist. He has played along side such jazz artists as Arturo Sandoval, John Clayton, Ingrid Jensen, David Liebman, Dave Koz and Conrad Herwig. Mr. Arrowood has performed with the New World Symphony, Florida Grand Opera and The Symphony of America, and has played in touring Broadway productions of A Chorus Line, Mary Poppins and Wonderful Town. Garett’s playing also attracted attention in South America when he held the solo trombone chair in the Jazz Perú Orchestra '05 led by Maria Schneider at the Festival Jazz en Lima. As a music educator, Garett has worked with big bands, chamber ensembles, jazz combos, and brass choirs across the Midwest and Florida. He is excited about his first year at the Lovett School.
Email	Marianne Beverly, Lower School General Music Marianne Beverly , Lovett’s Lower School choral director and general music teacher in Grades 2–5, has been a music teacher for 26 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education and performance at Converse College. While teaching in the DeKalb County school system in Georgia, she earned her master’s degree in music education at Georgia State University. She has been teaching at Lovett for 15 years.
Email	Sara Cameli, Middle School Visual Arts Sara Cameli has been teaching visual arts to Lovett Middle School students for six years. Born in Corning, N.Y., Ms. Cameli followed her family into various, geographically diverse landscapes across the United States and several foreign countries. During her high school years in Jakarta, Indonesia, she began to paint er memories of the different places she had lived. Interested in geography, Ms. Cameli’s work continued to focus on landscapes. At the University of Kansas, where she received her BFA in painting, Ms. Cameli began examining the relationship and underlying tensions between Earth, air, and water. After moving to Atlanta in 1996, Ms. Cameli continued to work as a practicing artist and is now widely shown and collected throughout the Southeast. Ms. Cameli enjoys teaching after school art and also coaches Middle School cross country.
Email	Pete Ciaschini, Upper and Middle School Orchestra Pete Ciaschini is the Upper School and Middle School orchestra director at Lovett and also assists with the Lower School orchestra program. He attended Boston University and received bachelor and master of music degrees from the Boston Conservatory of Music. An accomplished violinist, Mr. Ciaschini has appeared as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician in performances across the country. He is concertmaster of the Atlanta Opera, a member of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and a violinist with the Santa Fe Ensemble. Locally, he collaborates with members of the Atlanta Symphony on many chamber music and chamber orchestra projects and is an active participant in the Atlanta freelance community. He has taught violin and viola, coached chamber music, and conducted orchestras at all levels. In addition to his teaching at Lovett, Mr. Ciaschini is a violin and viola instructor, orchestra coach, and chamber music instructor for the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 2006, he was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship to participate in Mozart and His Worlds at the NEH Institute in Vienna.
Email	Jordan Clark, Upper School Visual Arts Jordan Clark joined the Lovett faculty in 2004. He teaches AP art history, as well as semester-long courses and seminars on the history of western art and architecture. He is a graduate of Davidson College, and he also received a master’s degree in art history from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Mr. Clark is the former chief investment officer and board member of Gables Residential Trust, a NYSE traded real estate investment trust. He is the father of three Lovett graduates.
Email	Chris Ekholm, Middle School Theater Arts Chris Ekholm , Lovett’s Middle School theater arts teacher, has been a professional actor for 20 years, performing in theater, film, television, commercials, radio voice-overs, training films, and live industrials. He won the 2005 Suzi Bass Award for Most Outstanding Actor for Atlanta theater and has appeared on many of Atlanta’s stages, including Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Horizon Theatre, True Colors Theatre Company, Jewish Theatre of the South, and Theatre in the Square, where he won four Jennie Awards. In addition, he has worked with such people as Steve Martin, John Lithgow, and Tyler Perry. Most recently, Mr. Ekholm has appeared in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne on TBS and a Georgia Lottery commercial. He also teaches and directs young people and adjudicates at the Georgia Theatre Conference and Shorter College. Mr. Ekholm is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild and has a bachelor of fine arts in acting from Florida State University.
Email	Charissa Gransden, Lower School Band Charissa Gransdenis the Lower School band director. Thisis her second year at Lovett, her 11th year teaching band, and her 18th year as a private flute instructor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Georgia State University. Mrs. Gransden has been an adjudicator and guest clinician throughout the metro Atlanta area. She is also a freelance flute player who has performed with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Orchestra Atlanta, and the Southern Crescent Symphony.
Email	Michael Halad, Technical Theater Director Michael Halad has been the technical theater director at Lovett for five years and was an assistant professor at Davis and Elkins College for nine years. He earned a B.A. and a B.S. from Davis and Elkins College and a master’s in scenic design from West Virginia University in 1993. As a scenic designer, Michael has worked with several professional theaters around the Atlanta area, including Actor’s Theatre of Atlanta, the Theatrical Outfit, The Aurora Theatre, and The Jewish Theatre of the South. He has also worked with Georgia Shakespeare on several of their productions as a props designer. At Lovett, he has designed the scenery for Mousetrap, The Diary of Anne Frank, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He teaches technical theater in the Upper School at Lovett and works extensively with both the Middle and Lower School drama and musical programs.
Email	Kadija Johnson, Upper School Dance; Choreographer Kadija Johnson received a bachelor of arts degree in theater with a dance concentration and a minor in psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta. At Lovett, she teaches dance in the Middle School mini-arts rotation and in the Upper School. She is a former member of the Morehouse College Competition Dance Team, Richmond City Dance Troupe Competition Dance Team, Unique Concepts Dance Academy (company member), and is a current member of the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team (A-Town Dancers) as well as the Atlanta Thrashers Ice Girls (Blue Crew). She is also the co-founding director of Modern Movement Dance Company and has worked with the Spelman College Children’s Dance Theatre Program. In addition to dancing, Kadija has several theater and film credits in local productions, as well as productions in Bermuda.
Email Scott Email Laura	Scott and Laura Martin, Upper and Middle School Choral Music Scott and Laura Martin are in their second year of teaching at The Lovett School, where they administer a comprehensive choral program for Grades 6–12. Mr. Martin has a bachelor of music education degree from Shorter College. As a member of the Shorter College Chorale, Mr. Martin performed at Carnegie Hall and Georgia’s own Spivey Hall, as well as toured internationally. As a clinician, Mr. Martin has conducted honor choirs around the state. In addition, Mr. Martin is in frequent demand as a soloist. His professional memberships include the Georgia Music Educators Association, the American Choral Director’s association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity for Men. Mr. Martin is a member of the Elysium Chamber Chorus and past member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Prior to his appointment at Lovett, he taught at Brunswick High School and Woodstock High School. Mr. Martin is currently pursuing a master of music in music education degree at the University of Georgia. Mrs. Martin is a 2004 cum laude graduate of Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., where she received her bachelor of music degree in music education. While at Converse, she studied flute and piano and was a member of the wind ensemble and symphony orchestra. As a flutist, Mrs. Martin has attended the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Sewanee, Tenn., and has been a performing member of the Northwest Georgia Winds, Seven Hills Opera Orchestra, and Rome (Ga.) Symphony Orchestra. Her professional memberships include the Georgia Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. Prior to Lovett, she taught at Woodstock Middle School in Woodstock, Ga. Mrs. Martin is currently pursuing a master of music in music education degree at the University of Georgia.
Email	Susan McCluskey, Assistant Theater Facilities Manager and Productions Coordinator Susan McCluskey is joining the Fine Arts staff this year as the Assistant Theater Facilities Manager and Productions Coordinator. Susan graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts Management. The combined business/arts degree has lead her to a variety of different opportunites from theatrical stage management to administrative support of corporate presidents, set dressing to bookkeeping, and properties design to marketing design. For the past five years, Susan has been active in Atlanta’s professional theatre arena as a Stage Manager and Props Designer, working mostly with Theatre in the Square in Marietta, and with Atlanta Lyric, Synchronicity, Horizon Theatre and 7 Stages. Her past experience also includes work with the Orlando Opera Company, Walt Disney World, Beers Construction, The Sports Authority and a few others, in addition to being a youth sponsor at Sandy Springs Christian Church working “behind-the-scenes” and has participated in two youth mission trips to Mexico.

Email	Anne Page, Lower and Middle School Orchestra Anne Page is the Lower School orchestra director and assists with the Middle and Upper School Orchestra Programs. She received a bachelor of music degree in violin from Florida State University and master of music and master of musical arts degrees in violin from The Yale School of Music. She served as the orchestra director at Dunwoody High School and was an affiliate instructor at Mercer University and Emory University. She also performs occasionally with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, has performed with Atlanta Virtuosi for their Mexican and European tours and summer residency at Bates College, and was a member of the Atlanta Chamber Players. Anne is often asked to record and perform for shows in the Atlanta area and is a regular performer in the Atlanta freelance community. She is presently a guest performer with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra.
Email	Wayne Parker, Upper School Visual Arts Wayne Parker , a native of New Jersey, received a bachelor of arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and attended Emory University in Atlanta for graduate work. He then served in the military before joining the Lovett faculty in 1971 as audiovisual specialist. Mr. Parker teaches videography and history of film in the Middle and Upper Schools and is also the director of academic teams.
Email	Joy Patty, Lower School Visual Arts Joy Patty teaches kindergarten and first grade art classes at Lovett. In addition, she is the Lovett Galleria art coordinator. Originally from Tennessee, she holds a master’s degree in art education from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Ms. Patty’s career positions in art education include the High Museum of Art in Atlanta; the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas; the Meadows Museum in Dallas, Texas; and the Glassell School of Art in Houston, Texas. She teaches continuing education studio and art appreciation courses at Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta and coordinates the Art Smarts Summer Camp for SCAD-Atlanta.
Email	Carla Quintero, Lower School General Music Carla Quintero has been a music teacher for over 22 years and has experience with all ages/levels—from babies to adult. She has specialty certification and training in the area of early childhood music. Carla is a member and past national board member of the Early Childhood Music & Movement Association and is a member of the Atlanta Orff Schulwerk Association, MENC, and GMEA. She received her B.S. in music education with honors from the University of Maryland. Carla also teaches private piano in her home studio in Roswell. She teaches kindergarten and first grade general music.

Email	Katherine Schneider, Lower School Visual Arts Katherine Schneider teaches second through fifth grade art. She earned a BFA in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design and holds a MA in art education from the University of New Mexico. Ms. Hamburger also studied at Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy and interned during college with several working artists in New York City. She has researched indigenous artwork of the Southwest, participated in the excavation of Roman pottery in England, and is a veteran of advanced workshops in ceramics at the Penland School of Crafts. She is a practicing clay and mixed media artist.
Email	David Silverman, Upper School Theater Arts David Silverman joined the Lovett community in 2006. He brings to Lovett his 17 years of experience as an actor and continues to work professionally, both on stage and screen. In 2006, he was named “Best Actor in Atlanta” by Creative Loafing magazine. His professional credits include dozens of national commercials for Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion, Turner Classic Movies, Florida Tourism, and Bojangles Chicken. Mr. Silverman’s local and regional commercial credits include ads for The Georgia Lottery, Krystal, America’s Home Place, Shoe World, Advance America, Kroger, and two and a half years as the on-camera spokesman for BellSouth Mobility DCS. He was also heard on the radio for the likes of Quik Trip, BellSouth, and Hank Aaron Toyota. David has appeared in countless training videos for Coca-Cola, BellSouth, The Home Depot, UPS, Chick-fil-A, and many others, and he earned a role in the HBO film, Warm Springs, winner of the 2005 Emmy Award for Best TV Movie. On stage, his credits include productions with The Alliance Theatre, Theatre in the Square, Actor’s Express, Theatrical Outfit, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Theater Emory, ART Station Theatre, Jewish Theatre of the South, and many others. Mr. Silverman is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, a graduate of The University of Miami, and a lifetime member of The Accidental Comics improv comedy troupe.
Email	Amy Story, Upper School Visual Arts Amy Story grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and now resides with her husband Zach in Atlanta. This is her 11th year of teaching Upper School at Lovett. Previously, Amy taught for three years at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans, La., while pursuing her master’s in education at Loyola University. This degree compliments her bachelor of fine arts from Tulane University. She also leads summer study abroad programs to Savannah, Italy, and adult trips to Provence, France. Amy works in all media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, and photography. Her pieces are narrative in nature. Through the use of layers and formal composition, they each tell a story. Amy is inspired by folklore, her dreams, and her travels. Common themes found in her work include imagination, youth, nature, and iconography. Each of Amy’s pieces exists as a glimpse into her unique point of view.
Email	Karey Walter, Upper School Visual Arts Karey Walter is a recognized fine art, black and white photographer, and educator. Born in Pittsburgh, Penn., she holds a master of fine arts degree from the University of Utah. Ms. Walter currently directs the photography program at Lovett, where she has taught for the past 11 years. Recognized as a highly acclaimed photography program in the South, Lovett students have won top honors for their photographic works. Ms. Walter’s work varies from black and white documentary of people, to landscapes from across the United States, Mexico, Italy, and France. She has a sensitive vision of her surroundings and an appreciation of various cultures. Her works have been displayed throughout the Southeast and are included in numerous private collections.
Email	Stutz Wimmer, Upper School Band Stutz Wimmer , Upper School band director at Lovett, holds a bachelor of music degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in music from the Eastman School of Music at The University of Rochester. He is currently in his 22nd year at Lovett. Mr. Wimmer was also the band director for six years at Druid Hills High School while serving as the director of jazz at Emory University. He is an active clinician and has served as president and in other offices of the Georgia Association of Jazz Educators Board. For 20 years he has been a freelance saxophonist, arranger, and consultant. Under his direction, Emory and Lovett ensembles were selected to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association’s In-Service Conference in Savannah, and his Lovett Jazz Orchestra was selected to perform at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference in 1996. Founder of the Lovett Ellington Jazz Ensemble in 1995, Stutz has taken three of his ensembles to the national finals of the Essentially Ellington Competition at Lincoln Center in New York. He has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, on HBO, and has recorded locally for hundreds of radio and television commercials and film and record projects alongside some of the industry’s most widely recognized recording artists.
Email	Tom Zwierlein, Upper School Visual Arts Tom Zwierlein , studio artist and visual arts coordinator, has been teaching art at Lovett since 1987. He is also the ceramics instructor at the Callanwolde Arts Center in Atlanta. He is a former University of Kentucky ceramics instructor and has been a visiting artist at many craft schools and colleges, including The Penland School, the Hambidge Center, and The Georgia High School Governor’s Honors Program at Valdosta State. Mr. Zwierlein was a founding faculty member of the Anderson Ranch Ceramics Program in the late 1970s under the direction of Paul Soldner and is a contributing writer for the international ceramic magazine Clay Times. He conducts workshops around the United States. His work is exhibited on a national level.