Christie Holman serves as the Assistant Head of School for Operations and Chief Financial Officer. She has more than 20 years of experience as the business officer at independent schools and enjoys participating in independent school activities outside of Walker including serving on SAIS Accreditation Teams, the board of MISBO and various committees at NBOA. “Walker’s vision and mission are inspiring, and the decades-long emphasis on academic excellence is something that I am proud of, believe in and am privileged to be able support,” she says. “I love working at Walker because I get to work with incredibly intelligent, kind and dedicated colleagues each day.”
Michael Arjona serves as Head of Upper School, Assistant Head of School for Academics and an Economics Teacher. Michael has held many positions in his 22 years at Walker including, Director of Studies, Upper School Academic Dean, and History Teacher, and feels fortunate to know the school in multiple ways. He is an alumnus of Walker, Class of 1997, and a current Walker parent; his daughter Lucy is a lifer in the Class of 2027. During his first seven years at Walker Arjona was a soccer and wrestling coach, and he continues to teach AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics in the Upper School while sponsoring Walker’s Academic Team, a student club that competes in a quiz bowl. Arjona says that what he appreciates most about Walker, “is that it is all about academic excellence while also being a very caring environment. This balance is what made me think ‘this is what school could be like’ when I started at Walker as a ninth-grade student.” He has always appreciated that it is a school where it is cool to be interested in academics and involved in activities and that the teachers go above and beyond for their students.
Katherine Harrision, Director of Admission, has served Walker for 13 years, previously serving as the Primary School Head. In her 25 years in education, she is fortunate to have taught students in Kindergarten through high school and the many stages in between. She says that experience is what helps her connect with children and parents as we invite them to campus to see our amazing teachers and students in action! When asked why she appreciates Walker, Harrison explains, “Walker truly understands that the whole child is the whole idea. I will forever be grateful to Walker for the amazing role models and mentors who helped us raise our own children (Tate, Class of 2021, and Janie, Class of 2022). It is a privilege to be part of a child’s school experience, and I am honored to help families find their school home here with us.
Andrew Fuller, Head of Middle School, is starting his first year with The Walker School. Fuller has over 10 years of diverse school leadership experience with a strong background in educational leadership, having served in principal and assistant principal roles within the Atlanta Public School System since 2015. Andrew notes that what he most appreciates about Walker is the family environment, the students and the community that surrounds it. Andrew sees Walker as a place where his own children can thrive and is eager to make a meaningful contribution to the Walker community in his first year on campus. Outside of school, Fuller loves bass fishing, playing golf and playing Texas Hold’em.
Dr. Kathy Meskell, Head of Lower School, has served Walker for two years. With more than 27 years of experience working with elementary students, including six years in an administrative position, Kathy has experience as a Director of Lower School, Director of Learning Support and Directory of Odyssey of the Mind, an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students. Kathy values engaging in creative thinking and problem-solving in her role and hopes to make a difference in the lives of all Lower School students, families, faculty and staff members.
Cindy O'Neill, Head of the New Avenues Dyslexia Program for Grades 1-5, has been at Walker for seven years. Cindy is certified at the Associate Level in Orton Gillingham, Wilson Reading System Dyslexia Therapist Level II and is a certified Multisensory Math Practitioner. Cindy has over 20 years of experience, previously serving as a Director of the Academic Resource Center, a classroom teacher and reading specialist for grades K-6. When asked what she appreciates most about Walker, Cindy says, “The Walker community is filled with students from a vast array of cultures and backgrounds.” She says, “Working with students with dyslexia is where my heart and passion lie. Walker’s program allows students to focus on building a solid foundation centered on their specific needs, thus allowing each child to progress through school well-armed with the knowledge, tools and strategies that apply to all areas of learning.”
Jessica Waugh, Head of Primary School, has been serving Walker for one year. She holds educational leadership experience at international schools both abroad and in the United States using a child-centered, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, teaching experience across the primary grades and school accreditation team experience. When asked what she appreciates most about Walker, she says it’s “the school community and our focus on supporting, fostering and enriching all aspects of a child’s development.”
Shea Flemming, Director of Diversity and Belonging, is entering her second year at Walker. With nearly two decades of educational experience in schools across the globe, Shea has gained valuable insights into the profound interconnectedness of humanity, the transformative influence of creating equitable environments, and the significance of fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals. Shea has experience working as an Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion, a 10th-grade dean, and the facilitator of the Black Student Union. What Shea most appreciates about Walker is that the students are an inspiration. She notes, “They are not only welcoming but also serve as catalysts for change. Their authenticity shines through as they share their diverse experiences and unique perspectives.”
Andrew Tulowitzky, Athletics Director, is entering his first year as a Wolverine. Andrew brings a wealth of experience, having served as an Athletics Director for the past five years and before that as an Assistant Athletics Director for three years at The Galloway School. In his previous roles, Andrew played a pivotal role in elevating various athletic programs, including Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, Track and Tennis. Andrew also served as the Boys’ Varsity Basketball coach for eight years and is the winningest coach in school history. Andrew is excited to be leading the next chapter of the Walker Athletics program, noting, “This is an exciting time to be a Wolverine, and I can’t wait to help our athletics program reach its full potential.”
Elizabeth Sirk, Director of Development, is entering her second year at Walker. As a seasoned non-profit executive with nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to her role. Elizabeth brings extensive experience in fundraising and development, having previously served as Chief Development Officer for St. Vincent de Paul Georgia. She has a deep passion for our school’s mission and values. Elizabeth notes that she is “ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with so many amazing, compassionate and talented staff, faculty, parents and families who make Walker such an incredibly special place.”
Dr. Derrick Williams, Director of Human Resources, has been serving The Walker School for five years. With 30 years of educational and leadership experience, Dr. Williams has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, athletic director, director of human resources and chief of staff. When asked what he appreciated most about Walker, he says, “the strong sense of community and the supportive, collaborative environment.” Dr. Williams notes that “the dedication to excellence in education and the focus on individual student growth brought me here and continue to inspire me to stay. The commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere, combined with innovative teaching practices, makes Walker a place where both students and staff can thrive.”
Karen Park, Director of Communications and Marketing, is in her sixth year working at Walker and 11th as a parent. Her daughter, Lil (Class of 2029) began in the Early Learners program. Karen has worked in Global Marketing at InterContinental Hotels Group and various positions at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Detroit Free Press. She says the experience she has gained in marketing and journalism has been critical to helping promote Walker to current and prospective families. Asked what she appreciates most about Walker, Karen says: “I am proud to work at a school that is focused on academic excellence within a nurturing and committed to creating a community where everyone genuinely feels like they belong.”
