Ron Wilson

Executive Director

Ron Wilson has more than a quarter century experience as an independent school administrator working with students who have learning differences. He was Assistant Headmaster at the Harvey School, Headmaster at the Kildonan School, and Associate Headmaster at the Maplebrook School. Ron is involved in a variety of special education organizations. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association for eighteen years. He is also a member of the International Association of Special Education, the International Dyslexia Association, and the Learning Disabilities Association. Ron has spoken nationally and internationally about Postsecondary Possibilities (Vocational/Collegiate) for students with learning disabilities.
 

Ron and his wife of 33 years, Bonnie, have two sons in college and recently re-located to Savannah. Both had been active in local clubs, events and churches in their community for many years. Ron has spent summers relaxing by volunteering to coach teen baseball teams. He has helped hundreds of teenagers to prepare for college or attain credentials/certifications in a vocational track. We look forward to his expertise and guidance continuing to enhance the fine reputation that the Royce Learning Center enjoys in the local community.

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Laci Culbreth
Head of School

Mrs. Culbreth began with Chatham Academy in 2014. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Montana State University and a Masters in Special Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Mrs. Culbreth is often caught with gummy bears or Starbucks and enjoys baking, running, or gardening in her free time. Why does she work at Chatham Academy? Mrs. Culbreth loves the path of success that Chatham Academy creates for each student. When a student arrives they are instructed in the path, finding their own success and personal development. Soon after, each student becomes a guide on the path, helping to lead other students to success. Mrs. Culbreth says the environment at Chatham Academy is inspirational to both faculty and students. The school focuses on celebrating abilities and does not dwell on the disabilities. This is particularly empowering to students who come from traditional learning environments where their disabilities are constantly a barrier to their education. At Chatham Academy, students find that they don't need constant help to excel; they just need gentle and caring direction in finding their own special way.

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Cherie Pelli
Principal

Mrs. Pelli has been with Chatham Academy for over twenty years. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language & Literature from Wheaton College and a Masters in Slavic Linguistics from Cornell University. She loves to create stained glass, cook, and garden. Why does she work at Chatham Academy? Mrs. Pelli loves to be a part of the team efforts at Chatham Academy. The faculty works together to find creative solutions for each individual student. Mrs. Hannaford holds weekly meetings to discuss challenges, successes, and systems. Mrs. Pelli believes that such team efforts help to identify student interests and strengths which lead to better individual development. She loves that Chatham Academy values this individual success.

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Caroline Christiansen
Teacher

I graduated from Chatham Academy in 2010 and received my Bachelor’s degree in history from Georgia Southern where I also studied foreign languages such as French and Spanish.
 I view working at Chatham Academy as more of a passion than a job as it creates an environment where I can truly reach a student’s individual needs, and also because of the school’s unique strategies in helping children overcome their academic struggles. Having been a student here myself, I thoroughly believe in Chatham Academy’s mission in helping each student reach success.
My hobbies include working with stained glass, traveling, swimming, reading, and driving around in my Jeep Wrangler.
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Joe Levan
Coach

Mr. Levan began with Chatham Academy in 1995. He received a Bachelors in Health Education & P.E. from Armstrong Atlantic State University. In his free time, Mr. Levan is planning his next visit to Disney World and Universal Studios. He shares his love of this adventure with his students by organizing a student trip every spring. Why does he work at Chatham Academy? Mr. Levan loves the special bonds developed at Chatham Academy. The close-knit environment allows for individual success different than most traditional educational environments. Every student has a teacher with whom they particularly connect. This connection allows for every student's potential to be realized and no student ever feels alone. Mr. Levan loves to see this potential come out on the playing fields. As the coach of various sports, he gets to see students, who would otherwise be overlooked, achieve athletic accomplishments. The smile after scoring at a sporting event for the first time is priceless!

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