Fulton County Adaptive Art
Our Teachers
Wendy S.
Wendy has been with the Fulton County Schools Adaptive Art department since it was first created in 1995. This is her 30th year of developing and providing meaningful art experiences for her students with diverse exceptionalities. She is very proud to be a part of this unique department of talented art educators. She feels truly blessed by an amazing career that perfectly blends her passion for the creative arts and working with students with special needs. Wendy is a graduate of The University of Florida with degrees in Ceramics/Art Education and North Georgia College & State University with a Master’s degree in Special Education. Wendy was the 2018 recipient of the Croy West Special Needs Art Educator of the Year Award and is an active member of the Georgia Art Education Association. She served as the department Fine Arts Support teacher from 2020-2025. Currently, she teaches students in PreK- 5th at Sweet Apple ES, Birmingham Falls ES, Summit Hill ES, and Hembree Springs ES. Wendy and her husband enjoy traveling, joint creative endeavors, and being active marching band parents for their son Sam, who is a senior at Cambridge HS in Fulton County.
Katie S.
I am Ms. Katie ( also known as " Ms. Mona Lisa"). I am an alumna of the University of Georgia. Go DAWGS! I began teaching Adaptive Art and some general education Art classes in Fulton County in 2000. I have taught students in grades preK through high school. In 2019, I was honored as the Georgia Art Education Association Croy West Special Needs Art Educator of the Year! My students bring me joy each day that I have the pleasure to teach them!
Risa J.
As an Atlanta-based art educator and practicing collage artist, Risa Jones believes that art is for everyone. She is passionate about expanding access to the therapeutic and transformative power of creative expression for learners of all ages and abilities.
After earning a bachelor's degree in public relations from Auburn University in 2019, Risa discovered her calling in education while working as a one-to-one special education paraprofessional in DeKalb County. Those experiences encouraged her to merge her commitment to supporting diverse learners with her love of art, leading her to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education from Georgia State University in 2025.
Risa is particularly interested in process-focused art practices that prioritize exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. She believes the true value of art lies not only in the final product but in the cathartic and meaningful experiences created along the way. For her, art serves as a bridge between disciplines, helping students develop creativity, confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. She believes the arts are essential to a well-rounded education and plays a vital role in preparing students for life after school, whatever that may look like!
Brittany M.
I am an Adaptive Art teacher for students in elementary and high school in north Fulton County. Before I was an Adaptive Art teacher, I was a middle school Special Education teacher for students with autism. I was born in Kentucky, but grew up in Georgia. I graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education and earned my master’s degree in Special Education and Autism through the University of Louisville.
I LOVE art, especially painting with watercolor and drawing. I also enjoy making art with my daughters, taking our dogs to the lake, and trying new food my husband makes!
Beth B.
I am an Adaptive Art Teacher with Fulton County Schools, where I have dedicated over 35 years to fostering creativity and inclusion in the art room. With a background in textile design and a passion for accessible art education, I have helped develop an innovative adaptive art program that empowers PK–12 students of all abilities to express themselves through art. I am the 2026 recipient of the Croy West Special Needs Art Educator of the Year Award and an active member of the Georgia Art Education Association. Outside the classroom, I love exploring the outdoors with my family—whether camping, whitewater kayaking, or section hiking the Appalachian Trail. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our two children: our daughter is a high school freshman, and our son, who is in his first year at Western Carolina University, majoring in music production.
Donna C.
I’ve been teaching art for 29 years, and for the past 16 years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of teaching Adaptive Art. I hold a BA in Fine Art from Richard Stockton University in New Jersey and an MS in Information Science from the University of North Texas. In 2020, I was honored the GAEA Croy West Special Needs Art Educator of the Year for the state of Georgia. Every day, my students bring a smile to my face. Art offers our students joy, boosts their self-esteem, and nurtures essential problem-solving skills. It’s a powerful tool for expression and growth.
Lauren W.
Lauren is in her 13th year with Adaptive Art. She currently serves multiple schools in the South Fulton Learning community. Lauren believes every child has the ability to produce and express themselves through art and is passionate about unlocking that potential. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Holly B.
Holly has been an adaptive art teacher since 2002, working with students in grades pre-K through 12th with diverse learning needs. She earned her BFA in art education from Young Harris College and Georgia State University in 2001. Holly began her career in Fulton County Schools, then was hired as the first Adaptive Art Teacher for Atlanta Public Schools. After four years of pioneering that role, she returned to Fulton County where she has dedicated the majority of her teaching career. Throughout her career, Holly has taught at numerous schools within Fulton County and currently teaches at schools in College Park and East Point. All her students are part of the special education program and she is deeply committed to making art meaningful, accessible, and engaging for every learner.
Holly loves the work she does and she loves her students even more. She firmly believes in the power of art as a tool for expression, connection, and empowerment for all students.
Ashley Wallace is an art educator with a passion for inclusive creative expression. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education with a concentration in Ceramics from Georgia State University. Since 2019, Ashley has been teaching art in Fulton County Schools, where she inspires students to explore their artistic voices and embrace creativity in all forms.
In 2025, Ashley began her journey as an Adaptive Art Teacher, combining her love for art and her dedication to supporting students of all abilities. Born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, she brings warmth, creativity, and advocacy to every classroom she enters. Outside of teaching, Ashley loves traveling and drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures and artistic traditions she encounters. She hopes to continue growing a strong, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to create and express themselves through art.
Ashley W
Chip W.
I am an Adaptive Art Teacher with Fulton County Schools, beginning an exciting new chapter in a journey that has been a lifetime in the making. After 25 years as a professional graphic designer and illustrator, I’ve come to realize that every experience, challenge, and unexpected turn along the way has helped prepare me for what may be the most meaningful work of my life.
Looking back, my path has rarely been a straight line. It has been filled with twists, turns, and a few bumpy roads, but each one has led me closer to where I feel I’m meant to be. Coming from a multigenerational family of teachers, creatives, and artists, I feel incredibly fortunate to bring together these family traditions and my professional experience in this new role.
As an Adaptive Art Teacher, I am passionate about helping students discover their creativity, express themselves, build communication skills, and experience the joy of making art in ways that celebrate their individual strengths. My goal is to create an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to explore their own unique creative voice. I believe the future is full of possibilities—and it’s going to be bright, bold, and beautifully colorful!
A special thank-you goes to my wife and best friend, Joey Waller, who is also an incredibly talented elementary school teacher, and to my amazing son, Maxwell, who keeps me young, curious, and at least somewhat connected to the latest trends. I’m still working on mastering the latest lingo—whether it’s a vibe, rizz, or whatever comes next—but I’m always up for the challenge. After all, life is one big creative adventure, and there’s always another fun, bumpy road to explore!
I am originally from Denver Colorado where my education includes: Associates in Illustration Media from the Rocky Mountain College of art. Dual Major BFA in Metalsmithing and Sculpture with a minor in Industrial Design from the Metropolitan State College of Denver.MFA/MH in Graduate Level Sculpture and Art History with an emphasis in film studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Prior to adaptive art I was a high school art teacher for five years. Before I began teaching, I worked as a Jeweler and freelance illustrator in advertising. I am also a studio artist with over twenty years of experience with my own studio at my home here in Georgia. Although I am adept at most forms of art my studio focus is in mixed media with a particular emphasis in sculpture and painting.
I am very excited to be a part of this amazing program and share my passion in the arts with our fabulous students.
Don A.
Melissa N.
I am originally from Bristol, Tennessee. I have been teaching art for 28 years and 21 of those years have been in Fulton County Schools. I have both a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education and a Master’s Degree in Art Education from East TN State University and my Education Specialist Degree in Teaching and Learning from Piedmont College. This is my second year as an adaptive art teacher. I am married and have a son and a daughter. We also have an awesome Labrador Retriever. Our son has Down Syndrome, so I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve students who have special needs. I love to create lessons that are fun for students to help encourage a love for art!
Mr. Flowers is a dedicated educator with over 17 years of experience in public education. He began teaching middle school art in 2017 after several years of teaching general and exceptional education at the elementary level, and now specializes in creating inclusive, engaging art experiences for students with diverse learning needs. Mr. Flowers has been honoured both as professional employee of the year and teacher of the year during his time in Fulton County Schools.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Flowers moved south and studied Fine Art while attending Morehouse College. He has earned a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education from Grand Canyon University. He is a practicing visual artist working primarily in acrylics, most recently receiving the Patrons Choice Award from Arts Clayton Gallery.
In addition to his role in education, Mr. Flowers is an ordained elder and youth pastor, committed to mentoring and ministering to young people both inside and outside the classroom. He is also a triathlete and endurance sports enthusiast, often combining his love of art, faith, and fitness in creative ways.
Mr. Flowers is a proud husband and father to a bouquet of 3, and deeply values family, faith, and helping others reach their full potential.
Bryan F.
Ashley Greer (Groninger) is in her 10th year teaching with the Fulton County Adaptive Art Team. She has been teaching since 2010 after graduating from the University of North Georgia with a B.S. in Art Education with a concentration in Ceramics. Ashley later earned her M.A. in Art Education from the University of Florida with a concentration in Printmaking. She is an active member of GAEA and has presented multiple professional developments with colleagues at the state and county level. Ashley was honored to be the recipient of the of the 2023 GAEA Croy West Special Needs Art Educator of the Year. She currently serves Riverwood International Charter School, North Springs High School, Esther Jackson Elementary School, Northwood Elementary School, and as a Fine Arts Support Teacher. Her hobbies include reading, painting, hiking, thrifting, baking, travel, and spending quality time with her husband and 2 boys.
Ashley G.
Melanie L.
I have been teaching for 26 years in Fulton County. I love teaching art and helping students find joy in making their own art and tapping into their endless well of creativity. I am a proud graduate of Fulton County Schools graduating from Riverwood High School and continuing my education at the University of Colorado, Boulder and Kennesaw State University. I enjoy spending time with my family , taking extra long walks with my mother and her dog Sadie, traveling, lakes and oceans, animals, and sports. I grew up in Atlanta with 5 generations of Golden Retrievers so was always surrounded with bubbly, playful puppies. Watercolor painting and sculpture are my two favorite mediums. Watching children create art and seeing their sense of joy completing a project brings me so much satisfaction.
This is Tricia’s 8th year of teaching and 3rd year teaching Adaptive Art. Before teaching Adaptive Art, she was a middle school IRR, SLD, and Autism teacher. She has been an artist for over 30 years and has worked as a writer, illustrator, fashion designer and muralist. She has a Masters in Special Education from the University of West Georgia, a B. A. in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Colorado, and a B.A. in Mass Communications from Florida Southern College.
Tricia L.
Rob F.
I have been an art teacher with Fulton County Schools for 22 years. I graduated from The University of Florida in 1994 with a B.S. in Biological Illustration & the Portfolio Center in 1999-Certificate of Illustration. I also have an EdS-University of West Georgia degree in Instructional Technology.
Additionally, I am a freelance illustrator, web cartoonist, muralist, fine art painter, and children's book creator. I teach at elementary, middle, and high schools and absolutely love exploring art with our wonderful students every day!
With over 21 years of experience teaching art in
Fulton County, Ms. Rizzo is passionate about
inspiring creativity in students of all ages. Her career has provided opportunities to work throughout both the North and South Learning Communities as an itinerant art teacher, allowing her to serve and learn from a wide variety of school communities. A graduate of Georgia State University's Art Education Program, Ms. Rizzo moved to Georgia in 1995 after growing up in upstate New York and living in St. Louis. Her dream of becoming an art teacher began
in second grade, and she has been pursuing that passion ever since. Ms. Rizzo believes that art plays
a vital role in every child's growth and development. She is excited to continue refining her teaching practices and adapting lessons to support the
success of all learners. When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Rizzo enjoys making and selling handmade jewelry, exploring new destinations in
her RV, and attending live music performances.
Kimberly R.
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