Faculty & Staff

Fred Furtah

Founder

Bachelor's & Master's
Eastern Michigan University & University of Michigan
40+ Years of Experience

In 1981, Mr. Furtah established a reading clinic for children and adults, now operating as The Center for Reading Development. His technique was based on the uniqueness of the multisensory phonics method developed by Charlotte F. Lockhart. Seeing the need for reading education to go further, Mr. Furtah decided to open a school dedicated to teaching reading. Thus, Frederick J. Furtah Preparatory School was founded in January 2001. Mr. Furtah started this school with a mission of Inspiring Hope & Changing Lives, and we continue to follow this mission today.

Kenyatta Shim

Head of School & Counselor

Bachelor's & Master's
American Military University & University of the Southwest
15+ Years of Experience

My mission is to provide a caring, stimulating, equitable, positive, safe environment where the teacher is the guide--facilitating and nurturing the students' natural curiosity and giving them the tools to direct their own path and reach their fullest potential. Piquing a student's natural curiosity can open a world of possibilities. Promoting and fostering high self-esteem, confidence, and a positive attitude is key to teaching students that they can do anything they set their mind to.

“Don't ever let a school define what your child can be--put them in a school that nurtures who they can become.” -Frederick Furtah

Kenyatta.shim@furtahprep.org

Michael Martin

Science Teacher

Bachelor's
University of West Georgia
2 Years of Experience

My mission is to foster an environment that encourages students to problem-solve, critically think, and discover solutions.

"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it." -Albert Einstein

Michael.martin@furtahprep.org

Stephanie Robinson

Study Skills Facilitator

Currently pursuing an associate's degree
Penn Foster College
5 Years of Experience

My mission is to encourage, believe, trust, listen, nurture, and understand my students. My students will know they are important to me. My students will succeed.

Stephanie.robinson@furtahprep.org

Tiara Simpkins

Physical Education Teacher & Aspire Program Lead

Bachelor's
The College of New Jersey
7 Years of Experience

My mission is to provide the skills and opportunities for your child to learn and embrace health and fitness for life. I want to give my students everything they need to be confident adults.

Tiara.simpkins@furtahprep.org

Theresa Tolbert

Middle School Language Arts Teacher & Dean of Student Success

Bachelor's & Master's
Jacksonville State University & Walden University
20+ Years of Experience

My mission is to edify, educate, and empower students to fulfill their destiny in life by providing a level field and an opportunity to learn.

"The most important function of education at any level is to develop the personality of the individual and the significance of his life to himself and to others." ~ Grayson L. Kirk

theresa.tolbert@furtahprep.org

Gregory Victor

Middle School Math Teacher

Bachelor's & Master's
London Metropolitan University, University of East London, & Queen Mary University of London
10+ Years of Experience

My mission is to create a positive learning atmosphere where all are felt included, respected and free of judgment. I believe there should be no fear in exploring mathematics, as it's in the mistakes we learn the most.

Einstein said it best: “Not everything that can be counted counts and not everything that counts can be counted.”

gregory.victor@furtahprep.org

Dave Weis

Social Studies Teacher & Weight Training Coach

Bachelor's & Master's
University of Maryland, University of Colorado
20+ Years of Experience

My mission is to motivate, lead and inspire students to perform better academically, improve as a team player, and ultimately become a better person through attitude, effort and integrity.

Unbelievable!! Attitude is Everything!!

dave.weis@furtahprep.org

Christi Whitney

Language Arts Teacher

Bachelor's
Kennesaw State University
20+ Years of Experience

My mission is to utilize literature, language, writing to foster creative growth while facilitating an environment of respect, responsibility, and relationship that allows each student the opportunity to achieve success, both in high school and in the future.

christi.whitney@furtahprep.org

Brittany Young

Elementary School Teacher

Bachelor's & Master's
Western Governors University
6 Years of Experience

My mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment of mutual respect while inspiring children to achieve their academic potential as life-long learners. I will also inspire a lifelong love of learning by creating lessons that are exciting, engaging, and relevant to the lives of my students.

brittany.young@furtahprep.org

Tony Young

Math Teacher

Bachelor's & Master's
Kennesaw State University & Georgia State University
20+ Years of Experience

My mission is to teach my students in such a way that they will grow mathematically and be able to use the problem-solving processes they learn to help solve problems in their day-to-day lives now and in the future. I also do my best to help each of my students become respectful members of society who desire to help others and improve the world around them.

anthony.young@furtahprep.org

Karen Armstrong

ESOL and Language Arts Specialist

Bachelor's & Master's
Purdue University Global
7 Years of Experience

My mission is to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered. I am dedicated to fostering a love for language and literature while providing individualized instruction to meet the diverse needs of English language learners. Through culturally responsive teaching practices and meaningful language experiences, I strive to equip my students with the communication skills and confidence needed to succeed academically and thrive in a multicultural society.

karen.armstrong@furtahprep.org

Scott Davis

IT Services

Bachelor's
Principia College
30+ Years of Experience

Today's children are tomorrow's leaders - let's foster them with care. My goal is to encourage and grow students’ creativity, problem-solving, and logical thinking abilities, as well as their ethical and social awareness of the impact of computing; providing high quality preparation to successfully tackle the intricacies of real-world domains and contexts.

scott.davis@furtahprep.org

Heather Galloway

Business Manager & Admissions

Bachelor's
Georgia State University
13 Years of Experience

My mission is to improve processes, provide encouragement, and support our students, families, and staff.

heather.galloway@furtahprep.org

Mary Lou Luckie

Front Office & Admissions

Associate's
Albany Medical Center
30+ Years of Experience

The front office exists to greet students, parents, & guests with a smile and a helpful attitude. We want to make sure that they feel welcome when they walk through our doors.

mary-lou.luckie@furtahprep.org