LOWER SCHOOL TEAM
Mrs. Patricia Collins, First Grade
B.S. Elementary Education, East Tennessee State University
Mrs. Collins has over 25 years of teaching experience, with eight of those at Sullins. Her hobbies include painting furniture, antiques, shopping, and spending time with family.
“I teach because I love books, reading, and learning. I love seeing children become excited about books and reading. I teach at Sullins because I enjoy the strong family atmosphere, the emphasis on kindness and caring, and the encouraging learning environment. It’s a fun place to teach.”
Mrs. Susan Welker, First Grade
B.S. Elementary Education, University of Central Florida
Mrs. Welker has 25+ years of teaching experience, with more than 20 of those being at Sullins Academy. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, hiking, games, reading, watching movies, and cooking.
“I love teaching first graders because they are so curious and exited about learning! I’m passionate about helping them to be confident readers and good citizens. Teaching at Sullins Academy allows me to be creative in how I deliver my lessons."
Mrs. Sara Kennedy, Second Grade
skennedy@sullinsacademy.org
Mrs. Amy Todd, Second Grade
B.S. Elementary Education, East Tennessee State University
Mrs. Todd has 21 years of teaching experience with five of those years being at Sullins. She is married to her husband of 25 years, Eric, and has two children Erica, (23) and Eli (19). She enjoys reading, watching Tennessee football, spending time with her family, and loving on her dog June.
“Loving children is what I do best! Watching the students grow academically and seeing their excitement for learning makes my job so worthwhile. The funny stories are just an added bonus!”
Mrs. Ashleigh McGlothlin, Third/Fourth Grade
amcglothlin@sullinsacademy.org
Ms. Leanne Walker, Third/Fourth Grade
B.F.A. Graphic Design, The University of Memphis
M.Ed. King University
Ms. Walker brings a love of adventure and exploration to the classroom. She isn’t afraid to try new and exciting ways to reach her students' highest academic abilities, and you never know what to expect in her lessons. She is joined in her classroom by Chicken and Mr. Waffles, the class guinea pigs and Shadow, the class gecko.
Mrs. Sara Stewart, Fifth Grade
B.S. Photography and Primary Education, Virginia Intermont College
M.A.Ed Instructional Technology, Virginia Tech
Mrs. Stewart has over 15 years of teaching experience. She taught at Virginia Intermont College for seven years and has been at Sullins for five years. Her hobbies include reading, yoga, and playing board games with her family.
"I can’t remember not wanting to be a teacher. I love helping students find solutions that enables them to be autonomous in future learning.”