Jared Wilson

History Teacher

Seven years of experience in education

University of Tennessee - M.A.

Georgia State University - M.H.P.

Mercer University - B.A.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

You cannot know where you are going until you know where you have been. Teaching offers me the opportunity not only to share my passion for history with young people and help them to understand the world in which we live, but also why that world looks as it does.

Why did you want to join the GWA team?

I grew up in Monroe so I have been familiar with GWA since my youth. I worked with Mike Head when he was teaching at Monroe Area and later when he joined GWA on his Virginia trip. Seeing GWA students on that trip, and the sense of family and community that they possessed, I was impressed and decided that I wanted to work in an environment that promotes that kind of respect and camaraderie.

Please share any unique aspects of your experience that would be of interest to our students and parents.

I have taught in public and private high schools previously, as well as at Cleveland State Community College in Tennessee and at the Virginia University of Lynchburg. I completed a training program for teachers at the Library of Congress, learning how to incorporate their collection of primary source documents into daily instruction. I also officiate high school athletics, umpiring baseball and softball, as well as refereeing football games.

Would you like to share about your family?

My wife, Laura, and I are expecting our first child this summer and we have an adorable eight-year-old beagle named Penny.

Lynne Behnke

Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher

24 years of experience as a teacher

University of Georgia - M.Ed

University of Georgia - B.S

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I can’t remember ever wanting to do anything else!

Why do you enjoy teaching at GWA?

I taught in public school for 24 years, but my daughter was at GWA. Seeing the difference between her academic experiences and those that my students had were unbelievable. I strongly believed in GWA as a parent and knew it was something I wanted to be a part of professionally.

Please share anything unique about your experience that would be of interest to our students and parents.

I took a brief break from teaching to serve as an adjunct professor at Piedmont College. I worked with student teachers in Gwinnett and Walton counties.

Would you like to share any information about your family?

I am married to Kevin Behnke and our daughter Reese is a rising seventh grader at GWA.

Brian Stephens

Math Teacher

13 years of experience in education

Walden University – M.Ed.

Piedmont College – B.S.

Why did you decide on a career in education?

I have always had a love for teaching. I love to watch children learn and get excited about what they are learning.

Why did you want to work at GWA?

I love the atmosphere at George Walton. I feel GWA provides students with opportunities that you don't see other places. I'm excited to be a part of what GWA has to offer.

Anything else you would like to share?

I like to spend time with my family, play music and be outdoors.

Fourth Grade Teacher

University of Georgia - M.Ed.

University of Georgia - B.S.Ed.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I wanted to be a teacher because of the firm foundation I was given through my own teachers. I was given a love for learning, resilience, and a nurturing heart, and I want to be able to give those things to my own students.

Why do you want to join the GWA team?

I want to be a teacher at GWA because of how much I loved this place as a child. There is a sense of family here I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. I’m also looking forward to the freedom you are given as an educator here and the relationships you can form with families.

Please share any unique aspects of your experience that would be of interest to our students and parents.

I had the opportunity to teach English in the Netherlands last fall and lived with a family there for two months! It was such a wonderful experience and I learned so much (flexibility and cultural knowledge.)

Would you like to share about your family?

I was just married on May 19 to Michael Griggs and he graduated from GWA in 2012. We have one dog (our child for now) named Jameson.

Testing and Tutorial Coordinator

10 years of experience in education

Perimeter College at Georgia State University - A.S.

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Kennesaw State University

What are you most looking forward to about joining the GWA team?

I have enjoyed being a part of the GWA community for many years and now I'm thrilled to be coming on board as the Testing and Tutorial Coordinator in the new learning center. I'm looking forward to helping support and equip students of all levels for academic success.

What do you most enjoy about working in education?

I have always enjoyed working with and teaching students. I have homeschooled my own three children for the past eight years, and I have been a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Would you like to share about your family?

My husband is Jeff Lalaian who has been a math teacher at GWA for the last 18 years. My children are Elizabeth (10), Abigail (nine), and Hannah (six). Elizabeth began GWA as a fifth grader in January of this school year. She recently played Young Fiona in the GWA musical production of Shrek Jr. Abigail and Hannah will be joining GWA as students next school year. Jeff and I have always enjoyed being a part of the GWA community, and we are excited to now have our whole family at GWA.

Shane Davis

Assistant Head Football Coach

26 years of teaching experience

27 years coaching football, 10 as a head coach / seven years as a head baseball coach

Lander University - B.S., Health and Physical Education

Troy University - M.Ed.

Staff Sergeant - United States Marine Corps

Squad Leader - Combat Service Support Detachment 10 - Operation Desert Shield / Storm

Would you like to share about your family?

I’ve been married to Kimberly Davis for 22 years and we have two daughters - Anna (20) a rising junior at The University of Georgia and Abby (17) a rising senior at Prince Avenue.

Amanda Riser

Volleyball Coach and Advancement Associate

Why did you decide upon a career in coaching?

Volleyball has been a passion of mine for most of my life. If I am not playing, I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge with others. Coaching youngsters is one of the most rewarding careers on and off the court.

Why do you want to teacher/be a part of GWA?

I choose GWA for its history, values and family-like atmosphere.

Please share anything unique about your experience that would be of interest to our students and their parents.

I have lived all over and with that comes life experiences and unfamiliar surroundings. Volleyball has been the constant that always makes me feel like I am home. My experience ranges from playing indoor, beach and coaching 10-18 years old.

Would you like to share any information about your family?

My husband and I are excited for our three children: Sienna (seven) and London and Sydney (three) to be joining me at GWA and becoming Bulldogs.

Registered Nurse

Georgia College and State University - B.S., Nursing

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

I chose to be a nurse because I have always had a passion for helping people. I have been a Registered Nurse for nine years working in the Emergency Department, where I truly love taking care of people in urgent situations.

Why do you want to be a part of GWA?

I am very excited to become a part of GWA and have the opportunity to build a relationship with students and faculty, as well as being a resource for any health needs that may arise.

Please share anything unique about your experience that would be of interest to our students and their parents.

I have been a Registered Nurse in an emergency department for nine years and have had a great deal of experience with urgent and emergent situations. I hope that parents will take comfort in that, should an emergency occur.

Would you like to share any information about your family?

I have been married almost 10 years to Wes, who is the chaplain for GWA football. We have three children, Avery, (seven) and twins, Hudson and Hayes, who are three and a half.