News & Announcements
Meet the newest members of the TFS family!
Tallulah Falls School announces the additions of several new faculty and boarding staff members to the TFS family prior to the 2020-21 academic year.
Bridget Beaupré
Bridget Beaupré is serving as a Tallulah Falls School dorm counselor for the 2020-21 academic year.
Beaupré jumped into the Tallulah Falls School experience right away – spending time on Lake Tallulah during several outings with recently arrived boarding students.
“I’m excited about working at TFS so that I can meet new people and develop meaningful relationships with both students and also coworkers,” Beaupré says.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia Gwinnett College; she plans to leverage her degree to encourage personal growth among her charges and to develop relationships with her students.
Her enthusiasm for life extends to her love of travel; she wants to visit every state in Mexico.
Elisha Boggs
Elisha Boggs will serve as a Tallulah Falls School Upper School English/Journalism teacher and Yearbook Advisor for the 2020-21 academic year.
Boggs, with an English degree and a master’s in education, is uniquely qualified to support students in composing and sharing the stories of the TFS community.
She aims to build strong, confident thinkers, writers and readers as well as to develop a productive and creative journalism program.
“It is exciting to work beside faculty and staff who clearly have a passion to see students succeed and grow and learn with confidence and joy,” Bogg says. “It is an honor to work alongside each person here. And I can't wait to join and guide students on their journeys as members of the TFS community and the world beyond.”
Boggs notices the beauty of life and savors the experience.
“I see opportunities to experience this beauty in people, words, art, nature, movement, sounds and stories,” Boggs says. “I see it when I plant a seed and months later bite into a juicy tomato, or when I run the last mile of a marathon, hike through the woods with my children, watch chicks hatch or mama pigs tend to their young. I see it as I travel. I've been to 49 states! I see it when a student discovers powerful words and the joy or the team work. I see it when we reflect on works of literature and art. I love this beautiful life!”
Ashley Farris
Ashley Farris joins the Tallulah Falls School family as the Upper School Administrative Assistant for the 2020-21 academic year.
Farris, with a bachelor's degree from Salem College, has a background in the mission field.
When she and her family entered full-time mission work in Northeast Georgia, three of her six children attended TFS for the 2013-14 year.
“TFS was such a blessing to my family and I am excited my two youngest children will have the opportunity to be a part of the TFS family,” she said. “As an employee, I am thrilled to be able to work with young people again and to offer support and encouragement to everyone I encounter.”
She will play an important role as a positive influence; her desk is situated in the lobby of the Upper School academic building. Farris’ enthusiasm will be a good fit for this key position.
“The vibrant culture of TFS is one of welcoming, kindness and academic integrity and my new position has felt more like a homecoming than a job,” Farris says. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to help make others feel as appreciated and loved as the TFS community did for my family and me seven years ago.
As the mother of six and possessing a young-at-heart personality, she is eager to connect with the students. Sharing a glimpse of her own past illustrates her personality – she’s a former drummer in a rockabilly band while in college and was an All-State soccer player in high school.
Heather Henriques
Heather Henriques is joining the middle school faculty as an eighth-grade science teacher for the 2020-21 academic year.
With certifications in middle grades science and K-12 music, Henriques has a diverse educational background.
It’s clear she will set a positive example as a lifetime learner, as she is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
She aims to keep a sense of humor heading into the classroom, where she plans to challenge her students to think critically and creatively.
“I'm excited to be a part of a caring, creative, community-oriented faculty!” Henriques said.
Her love for music shines through away from the classroom.
“I have played the bassoon semi-professionally,” she says.
LUNDY RAY
Lundy Ray will serve as a Tallulah Falls School dorm counselor for the 2020-21 academic year.
Ray earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is certified in middle grades education.
He aims to complete a master’s degree program and add English as a Second Language to his teaching license.
“Growing up, I was active in the Boy Scouts and I worked at several different scout camps,” Ray says. “It was while working at scout camps that I decided I wanted to work in education.”
He enjoys participating in outdoor activities with friends and family and trying to write songs on his guitar.
“I am excited about working at Tallulah Falls School because of the incredible setting – the Northeast part of Georgia is beautiful and provides many great opportunities for some outdoor fun,” Ray says.
“I am also excited to meet students and colleagues and invest in and become a part of the TFS community.”
An interesting side note is Ray’s goal to find Bigfoot [also known as Sasquatch, Yeti, Abominable Snowman].
Ashley Walden
Tallulah Falls School Upper School Media Specialist Ashley Walden is serving students, faculty and staff this year in a space that feels familiar; Walden worked previously as an Upper School history teacher.
“TFS has always felt like home and I am so excited to be coming home,” Walden said. “This is a community where people truly care for each other and love teaching students.”
Walden has a bachelor’s degree in history education and a master’s degree in instructional technology and school library media.
She is thrilled to be back on campus and plans to share her gift with visitors to the media center.
“I have a magic power,” she says. “I can find the perfect book for anyone.”
Her goals this year include providing professional development opportunities for teachers via in-person teaching or tutorial videos; cultivating a diverse book collection that reflects the diverse student body with at least 150 new titles; and cultivating a love of reading by reading advisory and creating an avenue for student voice in the development of the collection.
Christy Craig Whitener
Christy Craig Whitener is serving students as the Tallulah Falls School Learning Center Coordinator for the 2020-21 academic year.
Whitener will be working with students in grades nine through 12 in an academic support role.
“As a parent for five years, I have seen the positive influence the school and school community has on students,” Whitener says. “ I am excited about being able to impact students' lives in a positive way!”
With degrees in psychology and math and a prestigious teaching fellowship, she is poised to assist students in moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
“I will help students build confidence so they will be successful in their coursework,” she says. “I have a passion for education because I was once a struggling student. Having had struggles myself as a student and overcoming those struggles, gives me special insight that benefits our kids. I believe that not everyone learns the same way and not every student peaks at the same time.”
Stephanie Witham
Stephanie Witham offers a unique perspective in her new role as the Tallulah Falls School Middle School broadcasting and digital arts teacher for the 2020-21 academic year. Not only is Witham a returning employee, but she is also a TFS alum.
With a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and certifications in several educational areas, she is excited to be working with middle school students in her areas of expertise.
She wants to help students feel safe and comfortable in school and guide them to be problem solvers and great thinkers.
“I want to motivate students to be creative and express their feelings using technology as their main tool,” Witham says. “I am excited to be coming back into the Tallulah Falls Family and sharing what I know with my students. I believe it is going to be an amazing school year.”