Faculty

Faculty of the College Prep Academy

Nicole Jackson-Social Studies

I have been teaching for three years. I have been at Ridgeland for three years. I received my degree in history and secondary education from Dalton State. I teach Government and Economics. I am a sponsor of the SGA and a PBIS and prom committee member.

Janie Lamontagne-Social Studies

I began my teaching journey at Ridgeland High School and have taught for four years. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. I then received my Master of Arts in Public History at Western Carolina University. In the 2023-2024 school year, I teach College Prep World History and College Prep U.S. History. In addition, I am department chair for social studies, sponsor the Gay-Straight Alliance, and am a member of the school's Prom and Site Safety committees.

Jordan Moorehead-Math

I have been teaching high school math for 6 years all at Ridgeland. I teach PreCalculus and Geometry in the College Prep Academy. I have a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Dalton State College. I am the eSports coach here at Ridgeland and a member of the Site Safety Committee.

Ellen Nowak-English

Mrs. Nowak, formerly Ms. Kay, has been teaching for nine years; six years at Ridgeland High School. She attended Georgia Southwestern State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Most recently, she continued her studies at Valdosta State University and graduated with a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Nowak teaches ninth-grade Literature and Composition and eleventh-grade American Literature and Composition. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she is the advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA).

Kris Pickard-Science

I have been teaching for 18 years, all 18 at Ridgeland. I have taught Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology I, and Biology II. I currently teach Biology I and Biology II. I got a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Science from the University of Georgia. I obtained my Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University in Teaching and Learning, and a Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from Valdosta State University. I have coached 4 sports at Ridgeland - basketball, volleyball, soccer, and tennis.

Tanya Stinson-Science and Academy Lead Teacher

My college education started when I received an Applied Associates Degree in Radiography in 2007 from Dalton State College. I worked at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton for 17 years part time in Computer Tomography. I changed careers and found my passion in education. I received my Bachelors Degree in Biology Education from Kennesaw State University in 2013. I went on to receive my Masters in Instruction and Curriculum from Valdosta State University in 2018.

This is my 9th year at Ridgeland high school. I teach Freshmen College Prep Physical Science and Sophomore Seminar. I also serve as the Teacher Leader for the College Prep Academy.

Chris Gehard-Science

Chris Gehard has been teaching for 16 years, with 10 of them as a Ridgeland Panther. Mr. Gehard has a Bachelors of Geology from Eastern Illinois University and Masters of Education degree in Science Education from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mr. Gehard teaches Chemistry and Environmental Science at Ridgeland. When he is not teaching he can be found on his mountain bike along the many trails near Chattanooga or kayaking the Ocoee River.

Nic Storr-Math

I have been teaching high school math for 26 years and 16 of those have been at Ridgeland. I currently teach Algebra and Algebra II. I have a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Hull University in England. I also have a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Newcastle University in England. I am the Math Department Chair, the head Girls Soccer coach, the Drama Club Sponsor, and a die-hard supporter or Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.

Stacy Talwar-English

Stacy Talwar has been teaching for twenty-seven years with the last seven of those years being at Ridgeland High School. Ms. Talwar received her Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She followed that with her Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University and then received her Education Specialist Degree in Educational Technology and Instructional Design from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Ms. Talwar teaches English II and English IV. She is also a member of the Site Safety Committee.