Administration

Mr. Kooi began his career as a commercial litigation attorney before moving on to work as an attorney for the Florida Department of Education. Mr. Kooi later served as Policy Chief for Education in the Florida House of Representatives, as Executive Director of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools, and as Executive Director of the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice at the Florida Department of Education. In 2013, Mr. Kooi came to Atlanta and served as Education Division Director for the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. Most recently, Mr. Kooi was Managing Director of Capital Education Solutions, LLC.

Dr. Arthur began her career in education working with at-risk students in Title 1 schools through the Teach For America program. In Georgia, she has worked in both the DeKalb and Clayton County school districts in both the public and private sector. She received her BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a dual degree in Communication and Ethnic Studies. After working for 12 years as an educator at both the middle and Elementary School levels, Dr. Arthur earned her Master’s degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education with a degree in Instructional Leadership and was awarded the Intellectual Contribution Award for her cohort. After receiving her Ed. M from Harvard, she began her doctoral program at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education and graduated in 2018 with a degree in Educational Leadership and was the Dissertation of the Year award winner.

Upon her return to Georgia, Dr. Arthur was hired at Georgia Cyber Academy as the Instructional Support Services Director to develop the district’s Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS) and Section 504 plan programs. Her dedication to improving student achievement and equitable opportunity and access to education has driven her career and brought her to GCA. Dr. Arthur is an advocate for culturally and socially responsive education and passionate about providing students with the instructional tools they need in order to achieve academic and lifelong success.

Mr. Hopewell has extensive finance experience across multiple categories and disciplines within consumer, corporate, manufacturing, and education finance. Before joining the Georgia Cyber team, he was most recently a Regional Senior Finance Manager at K12 Corporation for five years. There he was responsible for about $100M in gross revenue across a number Southern Regional Program Schools. Prior to K12, Andre gained Big 4 consulting experience as he progressed through several Project Consultant roles at Deloitte and Touché, LLP where he managed account level clients worth over $360M across more than 30 projects. Previous to his Senior Project Consultant role, he spent over six years at General Electric where he held several financial planning and analysis roles in Philadelphia, Houston, and Atlanta.

Mrs. Ross graduated from the University of Colorado with a BA in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. Prior to becoming a professional school counselor she was a mental health professional, counseling youth in residential treatment facilities. She served as a Behavioral Specialist, Transition Coordinator and the Director of Life Skills Development and Transition Program. Mrs. Ross graduated from Cambridge College with a M.Ed. in Professional School Counseling in 2008 and immediately began working as a High School Counselor in the Atlanta Public School District. She has been with Georgia Cyber Academy since 2013. Since joining the GCA team Mrs. Ross has served as a High School Counselor, Faculty Advisory Council Member, Lead Counselor and now District Counseling Services Director.

Mrs. Ross is a committed Advocate for the importance of educating the "whole child". There are emotional, social and academic needs of every student. It is paramount for all stakeholders to understand that meeting the needs of the “whole child” at GCA directly impacts our student’s success in school and life.

J. “Brock” Tarno began his career in Clayton County Public Schools in 2007. He received his M.A.T. and Ed.S. in Special Education from Valdosta State University.

Mr. Tarno spent six years working in self-contained classrooms at the elementary and middle school levels. These classrooms provided supports to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mr. Tarno transitioned from the classroom to the district level in 2014 as the Autism/Intellectual Disability Specialist in Clayton County. As AU/ID Specialist, he served as the Georgia Alternate Assessment district testing assistant, Extended School Year Program Manager and Supervisor for Adapted Physical Education, Special Olympics, and Music Therapy.

In the summer of 2016, Mr. Tarno transitioned to Coordinator of Behavior and Therapeutic Supports for Henry County Schools. Prior to the pandemic he was asked to change roles and become Coordinator for Autism Supports and Services. This role allowed him to return to his passion for designing and implementing specially designed instruction opportunities for students with autism across the spectrum.

From 2020-2023 Mr. Tarno served Henry County Schools as the Coordinator for Secondary Special Programs, Transition Services and Transportation. One of his greatest accomplishments in this role was becoming a district Strategic Action Tactic Owner. His assigned tactic was centered around advancing transition services and post-secondary opportunities for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Additionally, as the special education liaison for Transportation services, he had the opportunity to collaborate cross divisionally and improve route times as well as student safety while being transported to school each day.

Mr. Tarno is excited to join the GCA family as the Director of Special Education and looks forward to actively supporting students and staff in a virtual educational environment.

Dr. Deirdre Daniels is a passionate and dedicated educator. Her expertise in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and teacher support has impacted student learning and teacher development across traditional and virtual learning environments.

Dr. Daniels began her academic journey at Syracuse University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She furthered her education at Georgia Southern University, achieving a Master of Art in Teaching in Curriculum and Instruction, an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, and an Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership, showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning and educational excellence.

Throughout her career, Dr. Daniels has received awards and recognition for her educational contributions, including being named the Georgia Cyber Academy District Teacher of the Year for consecutive years (2019 – 2021) and the Bettye Anne Battiste Award for Excellence in Education Research. She has also shared her insights and research findings at platforms like the Eastern Educational Research Association, highlighting her dedication to advancing educational practices through scholarly inquiry.

As a leader in the education community, Dr. Daniels actively contributes to educational research and professional development. Her involvement with organizations such as the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and Georgia Association for Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors reflects her commitment to staying abreast of industry trends and best practices. Dr. Daniels's research focuses on crucial topics such as teacher preparedness in online classrooms and strategies for enhancing teacher retention in virtual environments, aiming to improve educational outcomes and support teacher effectiveness.

Dr. Deirdre Daniels is deeply committed to enhancing educational practices, supporting teacher growth, and ensuring student success through innovative curriculum design and effective instructional strategies. Her leadership, coupled with her passion for school improvement and culturally responsive teaching, continues to positively impact education. Dr. Daniels remains dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.

Mrs. Watson has served in many areas of education since 1988. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a B.S. in Organizational Leadership. Mrs. Watson has been involved with multiple facets of Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA) since her arrival as a Learning Coach in 2007. She officially joined FAST as a Family Academic Support Liaison (FASL) in 2010, after three years as an engaged, passionate Learning Coach who was excited about GCA's unique method of delivering K–12 education virtually. Since then, she has worked with all grade levels within FAST and has served as a FASL lead for both middle school and high school where she helped design and implement the school's FASL program. Mrs. Watson served as the Family Academic Support Team (FAST) Assistant Administrator for two years, assisting in overseeing FAST's advisement, FASL, truancy, family engagement, and social work programs. She has served as the Family Engagement Director for the past few years where she works hard to reach her ultimate goal for all positions within FAST to support GCA's at-risk and struggling families, ultimately leading to their success within GCA's virtual environment.

Mrs. Bailey is an enthusiastic educator with over 17 years of experience, including 7 years in leadership. She has earned an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and holds a coaching endorsement. This is her 10th year at the Georgia Cyber Academy and 3rd year as Primary Principal. She first started here as a Kindergarten teacher where she immediately fell in love with the virtual classroom. Prior to GCA, Mrs. Bailey gained experience teaching Pre-K through 2nd grade at her local school.

Mrs. Bailey has a passion for working with teachers, parents, and early learners. She is committed to differentiated instruction, a positive approach, and going the extra mile to serve GCA teachers and students. She has a deep belief in the power of virtual education and school choice. Mrs. Bailey is proud to serve at the best virtual school in the nation, GCA!

Mrs. Mullinax has over 16 years of experience in education. She graduated from the University of North Georgia (UNG) with a dual Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from UNG, a Specialist degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Lincoln Memorial, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Mrs. Mullinax also holds endorsements for reading, gifted, academic & instructional coaching, and online teaching.

Prior to joining Georgia Cyber Academy, the majority of her career was in Dawson County where she spent 9 years in the classroom teaching many different subjects as a homeroom teacher and a Gifted Lead teacher for advanced content segments in all grade levels K-5th. After leaving the classroom, Mrs. Mullinax moved into Academic Coaching & Leadership positions where she was able to continue her Gifted Lead responsibilities and also become the MTSS/RTI Coordinator as well as the Title I Coordinator.

George Wilkerson is a seasoned education professional with over 19 years of dedicated service in the field, boasting 13 years as a school administrator. Throughout his career, he has garnered valuable experience as a Business Education and Computer Science teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Bus Driver, and Principal. Prior to joining the GCA, Mr. Wilkerson served as the Principal for Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in Tyrone, Georgia. With an unwavering passion for education and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, Mr. Wilkerson is thrilled to be a part of the GCA family and eagerly anticipates collaborating with the outstanding staff in furthering the institution's vision and mission.

Jennifer Mitchell started her journey as an educator in the Georgia public school system in 1996. She joined the GCA family as a Learning Coach in 2008. In 2010, Mrs. Mitchell joined the GCA staff as it began its induction of the high school. Since joining the GCA team, she has served as a high school mathematics instructor, lead teacher, mathematics chairperson, 8^th grade mathematics teacher, new teacher trainer, assistant administrator, SIS administrator, and most recently as District Operational, Compliance, and Accountability Director. She believes in GCA and the opportunities afforded to the students who attend. In fact, her own family has continued to re-enroll year after year since 2008.

Mrs. Blencowe has been involved with GCA since 2008 in various capacities including Learning Coach, Parent Booster, Regional Parent Leader, and PTSO Treasurer. In 2013, Mrs. Blencowe joined GCA staff as a Family Engagement Coordinator where she supported GCA families toward becoming active partners in their student’s education, provided parent training and support, and helped partner families with the GCA Community through regional connections, school culture initiatives, district communications, website development, video production, and digital media. In 2018, she accepted the role of Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations Director where her passion for effective school-family communications and her desire for a vibrant school culture continues to provide support to GCA families, students, and staff. Mrs. Blencowe graduated cum laude from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and an emphasis in Communications.

Ms. Perrilloux is a passionate human resources professional with nearly 10 years of HR experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Southern University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

After working in the accounting field for 15 years, Ms. Perrilloux transitioned to Human Resources. She has HR experience in local government as well as education. Prior to joining Georgia Cyber Academy in January 2022, she served as the Director of Human Resources for 6 years at a public school in the Atlanta area.

Ms. Perrilloux strongly believes in the value of a quality education for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. She is committed to doing her part by providing support and fair & consistent Human Resources practices to all employees.

Julie Ferrer is a distinguished alumna of the University of North Georgia, having earned three degrees from the institution. In 2008, she achieved a double major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, followed by the completion of her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2010, along with an endorsement in English to Speakers of Other Languages. Returning to UNG in 2022, Julie obtained her specialist degree in School Leadership.

Beginning her career in education as an elementary school teacher in Forsyth County, Julie joined GCA in 2013, initially serving as a third-grade math and ESOL teacher. Over time, she transitioned into a leadership role, spearheading the development of a compliant ESOL program and assuming the responsibilities of Title III and ESOL Programs Coordinator. Embracing leadership development, Julie enrolled in Metro Resa’s Leadership program to attain certification as a school leader.

In her previous role as the Federal Programs Manager, Julie oversaw Title III and McKinney-Vento Act grants, Parent Engagement, the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, and Federal Programs Monitoring. Now, as the Federal Programs Director at GCA, she expanded her managerial role to include strategic planning, implementing, and monitoring the school's Title I school-wide grant and other federally funded initiatives.

Julie remains a steadfast advocate for GCA’s subgroup populations, diligently seeking best-practice solutions to enhance student achievement across all grade levels. Her unwavering passion for school choice and commitment to making GCA the premier option for Georgia families seeking a virtual education underscores her dedication to fostering excellence in education.

Ms. Perrilloux is a passionate human resources professional with nearly 10 years of HR experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Southern University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

After working in the accounting field for 15 years, Ms. Perrilloux transitioned to Human Resources. She has HR experience in local government as well as education. Prior to joining Georgia Cyber Academy in January 2022, she served as the Director of Human Resources for 6 years at a public school in the Atlanta area.

Ms. Perrilloux strongly believes in the value of a quality education for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. She is committed to doing her part by providing support and fair & consistent Human Resources practices to all employees.