LOWER SCHOOL TEAM
Mrs. Patricia Collins, First Grade
B.S. East Tennessee State University
Mrs. Collins has over 25 years of teaching experience, with ten 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.”
MEET OUR TEAM:
Mrs. Susan Welker, First Grade
B.S. University of Central Florida
Mrs. Welker has 30+ years of teaching experience, with more than 25 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. Sharon Eisenhart, Second Grade, Math & Science
B.A. Virginia Intermont College
CDA - Council for Professional Recognition
Conservatory Program - American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Mrs. Eisenhart has been teaching for five years with this being her second year at Sullins Academy. In her free time, Mrs. Eisenhart enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her family.
“I enjoy watching students discover new information that may spark interests that last for the rest of their lives. Being a part of those discoveries is my favorite part of teaching.”
Mrs. Sara Kennedy, Second Grade, Language Arts & Social Studies
B.A. Virginia Intermont College
M.Ed. East Tennessee State University
Mrs. Kennedy has over ten years of teaching experience, with four of those at Sullins Academy. Her hobbies include cooking and baking, spending time with her family, and spending time outdoors.
"I love the creativity that comes with teaching. Making the learning experience fun for students, seeing them make connections and grow a love for learning is my favorite part of the job."
skennedy@sullinsacademy.org
Ms. Leanne Walker, Third Grade
B.F.A. The University of Memphis
M.Ed. King University
Ms. Walker has been at Sullins for seven years and brings a love of adventure and exploration to the classroom. She isn’t afraid to try new and exciting ways to bring out the creativity and problem solving skills of all she teaches. Ms. Walker is joined in her classroom by Chicken and Jasper, the class guinea pigs.
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"Being a partner and advocate on the road of my students obtaining elements of self realization, developing confidence, and allowing themselves to take risks is one of the purest and greatest joys."
Mr. Scott Hopkins, Fourth Grade
B.A. East Tennessee State University
M.A. Union College
Mr. Hopkins has 27 years of teaching experience, with this being his eighth year at Sullins. His hobbies include reading, playing sports, and sport card collecting.
"I am a fourth generation educator. Education is a passion for me, and I enjoy passing that enthusiasm to my students. I teach at Sullins for the academic freedom to teach in a variety of different methods to meet each learners' needs."
Mrs. Jessica Statzer, Fourth Grade