Instructors   Academics Michelle Frost Michelle Frost graduated from Agnes Scott College with a major in political science and minor in mathematics. After college, she joined the Peace Corps and was stationed on Epi Island in Vanuatu, where she taught mathematics and social science to students in grades 7-10. She then spent five years teaching mathematics for Atlanta Public schools at Inman Middle School. Currently, Michelle teaches eighth grade mathematics and sixth grade world studies at the Atlanta Girls’ School. In addition to her teaching, she is a co-sponsor of the Robotics team and eighth grade team leader. Michelle's hobbies include spending time outdoors hiking and biking, gardening, and listening to National Public Radio. Jennifer Johnson Jennifer graduated from Northwestern University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. After graduating, she decided to pursue her passion, teaching. She taught eighth grade English and reading for two years at Metro Catholic Parish Schools in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2003, she enrolled in Emory University's Master of Arts in Teaching program for middle school certification. She completed the M.A.T. program in May 2004 and currently teaches 7th grade language arts in Gwinnett County Public Schools at Summerour Middle School. She also serves as the Language Arts Department co-chair. In the 2006-07 school year, Jennifer was awarded the honor of being Summerour’s "Teacher of the Year." Jennifer is currently enrolled at UGA to pursue her Educational Specialist Degree in Secondary English Education. David Lakin David Lakin teaches 9th grade Political Science and U.S. History at Milton High School, an Academy school, in Fulton County. He has been part of the Fulton County Schools since 2000. David plans trips to Washington D.C. for the 9th graders and has had the opportunity to take his students to places such as the Georgia State Capitol, Savannah, and Kennesaw Mountain. He also currently works on implementing learning focused schools. David originally hails from Oak Park, Michigan, and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. He currently holds teaching certificates from both Georgia and Michigan. David did his student teaching in Detroit where he taught alternative education classes in psychology and economics. Samuel Spence Sam began his teaching career in Clayton County where he taught in the alternative setting for four years.  He obtained his education degrees from Georgia State University and Central Michigan University respectively.  Sam is certified in the areas of Science, Social Studies and Language Arts.  He is currently teaching Earth Science in Atlanta Public Schools and works at the Martin Luther King Middle School afterschool program.  Sam has also been a Fellow with the Emory University Center for Science Education where he developed science curriculum and lesson plans for teachers.  He enjoys working out daily and spending time with his children Samara and Silas. Physical Education Eric Heintz Eric Heintz, director of physical education for Challenge & Champions, is a social studies teacher at Marist School. After receiving his B.A. in history and the classics from John Carroll University, he earned his M.A.T. from Emory University in the same cohort as Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. The Ohio native is the varsity cross country coach and an assistant track coach. He is certified by USA Track and Field and has been involved with athletics for more than 14 years. When not running and lifting on his own, he enjoys spending time with his wife outdoors, reading, playing poker, and eating everything he can get his hands on. Craig Johnson Craig Johnson, a physical education instructor for Challenges and Champions, is currently a mathematics teacher at Lithonia High School. Born in Lovejoy, Georgia, the Morehouse College (B.A.) and Emory University (MAT) graduate enjoys playing soccer and football while coaching the varsity girls' soccer squad. When not changing lives, he likes to cook and eat Mexican and seafood while doing anything competitive. Todd Posey Being from a military family, Todd moved frequently as a child. He was born in Hawaii and spent a couple of years in the mountains of Utah, but grew up primarily in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He has been teaching for seven years. He is currently finishing his fourth year teaching Physical Education to students in grades 6-8 at Lanier Middle School in Buford, Georgia. He is also the boys’ basketball assistant coach and Intramural director. He has coached girls’ basketball and boys’ baseball at the High School level. He played one year of college basketball at Okaloosa/Walton Jr. College before transferring to the University of Alabama. At Alabama, Todd received his undergraduate degree in Human Performance/Physical Education for grades K-12. Also through Alabama, he received his master’s degree in Health Promotion. Todd is currently pursuing a specialist degree through Piedmont College. In his spare time, Todd stays in shape by playing anything and everything. He and his wife Kelly have a 20 month old son named Garrett. Lead MAT Mentor Lisa Garosi Originally hailing from Lebanon, PA (near Hershey, PA), Lisa attended undergraduate work at Indiana University of PA where she earned her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. After teaching for three years in PA, she moved to Savannah, GA to teach another seven years and help open a new middle school. In Savannah, she was a child advocate for two years guiding students to be successful in the middle school environment. Lisa’s Master's degree in Education was earned at Cambridge College in Cambridge, MA. She recently relocated to Metro Atlanta from Savannah to teach middle school in Roswell, GA. She has earned her Specialist degree in Curriculum and Leadership at Lincoln Memorial University and is currently an Instructional Coach for Fulton County Schools where she works with middle school administration and teachers to improve students learning within their schools. She has a lovely daughter that is 9 years old and spending time with family, traveling, eating sushi, reading, and taking new challenges in order to learn new things.