Community
Our Staff & Board
Undoubtedly, Lionheart’s greatest asset is its staff. The school’s concentration and caliber of teachers and licensed therapy professionals is unmatched by any other Special Education program in the Southeast.
Our Executive Team
Tracy Burke, B.S., M.B.A
Executive Director
Tracy joined the Lionheart team in 2018, but her relationship with the organization goes back to 2013 — first as a Lionheart parent, then as a deeply involved volunteer, a Lionheart WORKS job coach, and later as Director of Operations. In 2025, she became Executive Director, bringing the full depth of that experience to lead the organization forward.
Her background spans nuclear medicine imaging, classroom support as an assistant teacher, and operations leadership in the software industry. Tracy holds a B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the University of Dayton and an M.B.A. from the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business — a combination that gives her both the analytical rigor and organizational range Lionheart's work demands.
Elizabeth Dulin, M.Ed
Co-Founder, Head of School
Elizabeth is the Co-Founder and Head of School at Lionheart. She holds a Georgia certification to teach special education from pre-K through 12th grade and earned both her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her master's in Early Childhood Special Education from Vanderbilt University. With over 40 years of experience working with children across private school, public school, and private practice settings, Elizabeth brings a rare depth of perspective to her work.
Alongside Victoria McBride, Elizabeth oversees every aspect of student programming at Lionheart. She partners closely with families to identify each child's individual needs and ensure they're met with care and intention. Her approach blends sound teaching practice with specialized, relationship-based training — she is a training leader and expert DIRFloortime™ provider, and supervises the integration of DIR® principles throughout the curriculum. Elizabeth also leads small-group sessions using Floortime™, drawing on her deep understanding of how children grow and thrive.
Elizabeth is a fully certified handler for Lionheart's facility dog, BURKE.
Victoria A. McBride, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Co-Founder, Head of Therapeutic Services
Victoria is the Co-Founder and Head of Therapeutic Services at Lionheart. She holds a master's degree from the University of Georgia and is a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 40 years of experience working with children across private and public school settings and private practice.
Alongside Elizabeth Dulin, Victoria oversees every aspect of student programming at Lionheart. She partners closely with families to identify each child's individual needs and ensure they're addressed thoughtfully. Her extensive experience has shaped her work helping students transition successfully into adulthood, and she oversees the vocational and therapeutic components of Lionheart WORKS. Victoria also works directly with students on pragmatic language skills, articulation, oral-motor difficulties, and other language-based challenges, while mentoring and supporting Lionheart's teachers and therapists.
Victoria is a DIR® certified specialist, embedding DIR® principles into her intervention strategies and overseeing curriculum objectives across the program.
Tamara B. Spafford, M.B.A.
Founder & Strategic Advisor
Tamara Spafford is a founding parent of Lionheart Life Center whose journey began with a deep personal mission—to create opportunities and a meaningful future for her own child, now an adult, and for countless others with autism and developmental disabilities. As one of the organization's founders, she served as Executive Director for 25 years, leading Lionheart from an ambitious dream into a thriving organization that provides education, vocational training, employment opportunities, and life-enrichment programs for children and adults with diverse abilities.
Throughout her leadership, Tamara championed innovative programming, strategic growth, and a culture that recognizes the unique gifts and potential of every individual. Her passion, inspired by both her professional expertise and lived experience as a parent, has shaped Lionheart's enduring mission and impact.
Today, she continues to serve as Lionheart's Financial and Strategic Advisor, helping guide the organization's long-term vision, sustainability, and future growth while remaining an enthusiastic advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Cynthia Bradford, B.A.
Development Officer
Cynthia serves as the Development Officer at Lionheart Life Center, bringing a diverse background spanning the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has extensive experience in fundraising, communications, and donor engagement, and holds a degree in Fine Art and Design from St. Petersburg College, as well as a postgraduate qualification in Graphic Design.
Cynthia builds and nurtures the relationships that allow our mission to grow — connecting with donors, partners, and volunteers, and representing Lionheart at community events throughout the year. She is an Alpharetta Rotarian, a Leadership North Fulton alumna from the Class of 2026, and an active member of the Roswell Women’s Club, deepening her ties to the very community she serves on Lionheart’s behalf. She also plays an integral role in planning and executing Lionheart’s fundraising events.
Passionate about community building and volunteerism, Cynthia is driven by a deep commitment to making a positive impact and brings both creative vision and genuine warmth to everything she does on Lionheart’s behalf.
Robyn Guy, BS
Director of Lionheart WORKS
Robyn graduated from Furman University with a degree in Math and Economics. After a career in software quality assurance, she began substitute teaching. She was drawn to teaching students with special needs and worked as a middle school Special Education Paraprofessional. She began volunteering at Lionheart as a Job Coach and is excited to join the staff at Lionheart as a Vocational Assistant. Robyn enjoys photography, music, painting, and volunteering in her free time.
Ashley Cheek, M.Ed.
Associate Development Officer
Ashley is Lionheart's Associate Development Officer, leading the planning and execution of Lionheart's two signature fundraising events: Grilling and Gridiron each fall, and Party with Heart each winter. She also seeks new funding opportunities and works to expand Lionheart's reach throughout the community.
Ashley holds a Master's Degree in Special Education from Georgia State University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Child Development from the University of Georgia. She has been part of Lionheart since 2008, spending her first seven years as a classroom teacher before transitioning into event work — a background that gives her a unique, firsthand understanding of Lionheart's mission and the students it serves.
Ali Curtin, B.A.
Operations & Family Engagement Manager
Ali is Lionheart's Operations and Family Engagement Manager. She supports the executive team, teachers, and therapists; oversees Lionheart's facility operations; manages enrollment and admissions; and serves as a key point of contact for families navigating their journey with Lionheart. She also oversees Lionheart's social media platforms, helping share our story with the broader community.
Ali holds a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of North Carolina, along with a secondary degree in Education, and brings over twenty years of management experience to her role.
Ali joined Lionheart in the fall of 2011, and her deep institutional knowledge and steady, organized presence make her an essential part of how Lionheart runs — and how families experience their first and ongoing connection to our community. For Ali, getting to work alongside Lionheart's extraordinary students is the best part of the job.
Our Staff
Katya Glass, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Katya provides occupational therapy at Lionheart and runs our hippotherapy program and Summer Farm Camp. She has a Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences with a focus on Equine Science from Auburn University. She completed her Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy (MHSOT) degree from the College of Allied Health Sciences at Georgia Regents University in Augusta. Katya has received her Level II certification in Hippotherapy & is a member of the American Hippotherapy Association. Her lifelong experience with autism gives Katya a deep understanding of what children need & how to help them be successful.
Alexandra Grapenthin, B.A.
Teacher Assistant
Alexandra earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clemson University before beginning her career as a preschool teacher. Driven by a passion for supporting children's emotional, social, and developmental growth, she has continued her education with specialized training in play therapy. Alex has also served as an assistant presenter at the Expressive Therapy Summit in New York City and at the Center for Hope and Healing in Gainesville.
She is deeply committed to working with children and dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where every child feels supported, understood, and encouraged to thrive. Alex is currently a Teacher Assistant in one of our lower school classrooms.
Catherine Greenfield, B.S.
Teacher Assistant
Catherine joined the Lionheart family in 2021 as a Teacher Assistant in our high school classroom, where she now works alongside students in our HeartReach class. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix and brings years of hands-on experience as a paraprofessional in the public school system, including meaningful time spent in special education classrooms.
Catherine especially loves helping our older students get out into the community, explore new experiences, and start imagining what their future might look like — including the kinds of jobs and paths that excite them.
Chris Hayes, B.S.
Teacher Assistant
Chris graduated from Manhattan University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. She brings experience in education, community relations, enrollment, marketing, and leadership to her role. Drawing on her classroom experience, Chris is dedicated to creating a positive, engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential. She is excited to be part of the Lionheart community and looks forward to partnering with the team to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Booth Jewett, B.S.
Lionheart Gardens Manager
Booth graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Justice. Since 2014, he's worked in Nashville, Tennessee, as a regenerative farmer, teacher, and consultant within the local food movement, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems.
An Atlanta native, Booth moved back to his hometown to join the Lionheart team as Gardens Manager. He oversees the farm's daily operations, teaches garden lessons to students, and serves as a liaison between Lionheart Gardens and the surrounding community. His favorite parts of the job are helping students build a real connection to where their food comes from and growing Lionheart Gardens into a space the whole community can be proud of.
Melissa Johnson, B.S.
Teacher Assistant
Melissa graduated from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a minor in Reading. She taught preschool before staying home to raise her three daughters. After moving to Georgia in 2015, she spent several years working as a paraprofessional in Fulton County Schools' Mild-to-Moderate program. That experience sparked a deep love for working with students with diverse profiles, and she now brings that dedication and care to every day she spends with the Lionheart team.
Cherise Kelly, B.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist
Cherise graduated from State University of New York – College at Geneseo with a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She also maintains a Georgia State Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology. Cherise began her career in NY as a speech therapist, working with occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers, and parents to provide individual instruction to children with developmental disabilities. Since she has been in Georgia, she has worked to provide services independently through her private practice, Speech-Language Partners of GA.
Linda Lenston, M.Ed.
Teacher
Linda holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College. While working for several years on a long-term inpatient psychiatric unit, Linda also earned a Master's degree in Educational Psychology along with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Psychology from American International College. Prior to her move to Georgia and her discovery of Lionheart, Linda worked as a paraprofessional in a public school serving elementary-aged students with ASD. During her first two years at Lionheart, Linda was a teaching assistant in an elementary class. Linda is now a lead teacher in one of our high school classrooms. With a strong academic foundation spanning mental health, counseling, and education, Linda brings a comprehensive, student-centered approach to supporting students' academic, social, and emotional well-being.
Carly Lyon, M.F.A.
Art + Music Teacher
Carly is Lionheart's Art and Music Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia and went on to complete a Master of Fine Arts at Ohio State University. After gaining experience teaching art to students of all ages, Carly earned her PK-12 certification in Fine Arts from UGA and is also certified in Early Childhood Education.
Carly joined The Lionheart School after 11 years of teaching elementary art to a community of diverse learners. She loves connecting with students through the art-making process and finds joy in collaborating with them as they create. Beyond her work at Lionheart, Carly teaches students from her home studio and is currently nurturing her love of music — she sings and plays piano and ukulele, often performing at local open mic nights.
Olivia Merritt, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Olivia earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Health. She has served children with diverse needs through private practice OT since 2017, and is passionate about the countless ways occupational therapy can create meaningful change for a child and their family — both in the classroom and beyond.
Olivia especially enjoys parent education, supporting sensory processing needs, fostering fine motor development, and nurturing social-emotional skills within pediatric OT treatment.
Maya Nambiar, M.A.T.
Teacher
Maya joined Lionheart after graduating from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s in Marine Science and Biology, where she also studied Chemistry and Disability Awareness. She earned her master’s in Special Education from Georgia College and State University and is a certified Special Education Teacher (P-12). Maya is now completing her specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Collaborative Special Education (6-12). Maya loves being part of the Lionheart team and working with our HeartReach class. She is passionate about supporting her students in developing the life, vocational, and community-based skills needed to pursue their goals and navigate adulthood with confidence.
Michelle O’Riordan, B.S.
Lower School Instructional Lead
Michelle is a certified special education teacher and Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) with more than 25 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She earned her degree in Special Education from Loyola University Chicago and joined The Lionheart School in 2015. As the Lower School Instructional Lead, Michelle combines her passion for teaching with mentoring and supporting fellow educators. She believes every student has the potential to learn and grow, and that it is our responsibility to understand and support each learner's unique profile. Michelle views teaching as a partnership and considers it a privilege to learn from her students every day. Michelle is grateful to be part of the Lionheart community and values working alongside such a collaborative, caring, knowledgeable, and talented team.
Abigail Patel, B.S.
Upper School Transition and Instruction Director
Abigail joined Lionheart in 2012 after graduating from Lee University with a degree in Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities (K-12) and is a certified Special Education Teacher. Abigail serves as our Upper School Transition and Instruction Director. She cares deeply about these teenagers and young adults and is honored to be a part of each of their stories. She is passionate about their social and emotional journeys, their academics and life skills, and building enriching, interactive environments that help students become their best selves.
Christina Nielsen
Teacher Assistant
Christina grew up on Long Island, New York, and spent over 20 years in the mortgage industry before following her heart into caregiving. Over the past three years, that experience has profoundly shaped her sense of purpose. She loves serving her community and values helping others feel seen and supported.
Christina now serves as an assistant in one of Lionheart's high school classrooms, bringing a contagious enthusiasm to everything she does. She is grateful to be part of Lionheart and excited to learn and grow surrounded by this phenomenal team.
Kerry Sloe, B.A.
Teacher
Kerry graduated from Davenport University with a degree in Business Management and Communications. She is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, bringing a strong foundation in health, wellness, and education to her work with students. Kerry is currently completing her Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education with a concentration in Adapted Curriculum at University of West Georgia.
Kerry loves being part of the Lionheart team and is passionate about supporting students' growth and success. She serves as the lead teacher in one of our elementary classrooms.
Shelly Solomonson, B.S.
Teacher Assistant
Shelly is a dedicated educator with more than 25 years of experience in special education. Since beginning her career in 1998, she has focused on supporting students with emotional, social, and academic challenges. She earned her degree from the University of Georgia and is a certified Special Education Teacher. Before joining The Lionheart School in 2004, Shelly taught elementary students with behavioral and learning challenges in the Atlanta Public Schools system.
Shelly is deeply committed to empowering students to become the best versions of themselves, helping them build meaningful relationships, develop confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. She currently serves as a Teacher Assistant in one of Lionheart's upper school classrooms.
Kathy Sponsler, M. Ed.
Reading Specialist
Kathy serves as Lionheart’s Reading Specialist. She graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and later earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from Brenau University. Before joining Lionheart in 2009, Kathy taught fourth grade in the public school system.
Kathy is certified in the Orton-Gillingham method for reading instruction and has completed the Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing® for Language Comprehension and Thinking course. Her path to Lionheart became personal when her godson was diagnosed with autism at age three; his parents introduced her to the DIR®/Floortime™ model, and that experience helped Kathy discover her true calling.
Jackie Tucci, B.S.
Teacher
Jackie received her degree in Physical Therapy from California State University and has been an integral part of Lionheart for many years. She has a deep passion for Floortime™ and holds a Basic DIR®/Floortime™ Certificate of Mastery in Stanley Greenspan's model, having also recently completed a year-long regional intensive Floortime™ course. Jackie has been immersed in the DIR® philosophy since 1997, and her daughter is part of Lionheart's WORKS program — giving her a deeply personal connection to Lionheart's mission and approach.
Prior to joining Lionheart, Jackie worked as a physical therapist for 20 years. She now serves as the Lead Teacher for Lionheart's youngest classroom, where her unwavering dedication to the DIR® model shapes every aspect of her connection with and support for her students.
Lauren Yates
Teacher
Lauren graduated from the University of Miami in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Psychology. She began her career as a pediatric and NICU nurse in Atlanta and continues to maintain her nursing license alongside her teaching position at Lionheart.
This year, Lauren will be a Lead Teacher in one of Lionheart's middle school classrooms. She has a deep passion for helping children and young adults with special needs and strives to ensure every student feels loved and accepted. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Education. Lauren is honored to be part of the Lionheart team.
Burke
Facility Dog
Burke joined the Lionheart team in May 2020 as one of our beloved facility dogs, and she has a special gift — an uncanny ability to find the students who need her most. You'll find her at the door every morning to greet each student, and there again every afternoon to send them off — a job she takes seriously, tail wags included.
Throughout the day, Burke loves sharing a snuggle, a kiss, a stroll on the treadmill, or a walk with anyone who invites her along. She also knows over 100 commands, and teaching students how to give her cues is one of everyone's favorite activities.
Whether she's offering quiet comfort or a playful nudge, Burke is a living reminder of what it means to live with heart.
Our Board
The Lionheart School is governed by a working board of directors which delegates the management of the school program to the Executive Director, who hires and manages the Executive Team which includes the Head of School, Head of Therapeutic Services, and the Director of Operations. The role of the working board of directors is to establish the philosophy, the broad goals, and the overall policies of Lionheart, and to preserve and enhance Lionheart’s assets, including land, buildings, endowments and regular income. The Executive Team oversees the daily operations of the School.
Board Of Directors
- Kyle Caswell, Board Chair, CSO – Ivons
- Beth Hudson, CFO, CPA – Axiom Staffing
- Pat Spafford, Member, Physician, CHOA
- Chris Owens, Member, Civil Engineer
- Scott Doll, Member, Sr. VP & Experience Officer
- Byan Pyne, Member, Director at Houlihan Lokey
- Shyann Malone, Member, Entrepreneur & News Anchor
- Jeremy Alexander, Member, VP Neurology
- Mickey Rogers, Member, Sweet Gum Cabinetry Owner
Board Emeritus
- Jerrill Sprinkle, President (Retired), MP Equipment
Advisory Board
- Nancy Bivins, Community Volunteer
- Bill Boydston, M.D., Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Mandi Davis, Wealth Advisor, TrueWealth
- Neal Freeman, President, Watkins Retail Group
- Greg Gaughan, Assistant Vice President, GrandBridge Real Estate Capital
- John Hull, Contributor, 100 Huntley Street Television
- Drew Klepchick, Homrich Berg
- Lindsay Murray, Senior Account Executive, Google, Inc./ YouTube
- Amy Opie, Community Volunteer
- Lynne Riley, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Revenue
- Jeff Sprinkle, Retired CEO, MP Equipment
- R. Lamar Wakefield, CEO and Founding Partner, Wakefield Beasley and Associates
