Meet Our Board Of Directors

Dr. Mary McPherson ("Dr. Mac") earned her Bachelor of Art degree in History from Oglethorpe University, Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology, and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Policy Studies at Georgia State University. She started her career in DeKalb County Public Schools teaching high school and transitioned to St. Martin’s Episcopal School where she served as both a classroom educator and administrator for twenty one years, first as Director of Academic Technology and most recently as Elementary School Principal. In her eleven years as principal, she helped to identify and support students with language-based learning differences and was an integral part of developing a program at St. Martin’s that specifically supports students who have been diagnosed with a reading impairment. She continued to see additional needs within the independent school community to serve students who have strengths in visual/spatial understanding who also needed support with language development. This led her to found Courage Schools.

Dr. Mac serves on the Cowart Ashford Dunwoody YMCA Board of Advisors and chairs the Youth Development Committee. She also serves as a board member of the International Dyslexia Association's Georgia chapter.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and Master of Science degree in School Psychology from Duquesne University, Kelly worked for several years as a school psychologist. Her practice, Kramer and Montiel Psychology, focuses on children, adolescents, and college-aged students who are suspected of having learning and/or attention difficulties. Kelly's doctoral training taught her the importance of sound science and research. As the parent of a child with learning support needs, she understands the challenges parents face when supporting their child through the academic process.

Kelly is a former board member of the International Dyslexia Association's Georgia chapter.

Micki is a resident of Peachtree Corners, GA. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from University of Alabama-Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotions. Micki has worked in non-profit management for 20 years. Prior to moving to Atlanta, she gained extensive experience in the "Y" movement while residing in Tampa, FL. During that time, Micki excelled in the position of Wellness Director for the Campo Family YMCA. After moving to the Atlanta area, she held several roles as Senior Membership and Wellness Director and Associate Executive before landing as the Executive Director of the Cowart Family Y, primarily responsible for the branch’s day-to-day operations. In her current position, Micki also provides strategic direction in the areas of staff supervision, membership and program development, fiscal management and fundraising. She is the essential figure in further expanding the Cowart Y’s reach into the five communities it serves: Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Chamblee, and Doraville. Micki excels in developing and fostering partnerships and collaborations with both private and public sectors, including the local government and Dekalb and Fulton County school boards. She has a passion for serving others and the community.

Micki enjoys spending time with her family, running, fishing, golfing, and most anything fitness related.

Christina Moore serves as co-chair of the Real Estate Department at Taylor English Duma. In her professional roll, Christina represents owners, developers, borrowers and lenders in the acquisition, development, financing and leasing of transactions involving multifamily, office, retail and industrial real estate development. She performs general corporate formation work and provides general governing advice to business/corporations.

Ms. Moore is also on the board of Freedom Park Preschool and the Freedom Park Conservancy. The involvement with these non-profits allows Ms. Moore to be involved in her community and give back through service and collaboration with others.

Christina and Tom live in Candler Park and have four children: Julia, Peter, Josephine and Connor, who keep them busy. Christina and Tom’s son Connor is currently thriving at Courage!

Wade Hanse is an accomplished educator with a decade of experience specifically focused on STEAM and science instruction with elementary-aged students. Wade holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Georgia Southern University and a Master’s degree in Educational Measurement and Statistics from Georgia State University. Currently, Wade is in the final stages of obtaining his Educational Doctorate in Leadership from Georgia State University. During his doctorate studies, Wade was nominated by a committee of university faculty for the David L. Clark National Graduate Student Seminar for his research on vertical collaboration in independent school settings. In addition to his Clark Scholar nomination, Wade was recognized by Georgia State as one of the top doctorate candidates in his program for both his academic performance and writings. Beyond his work on vertical collaboration, Wade has research expertise within the areas of growth mindset, overcoming the fear of failure, and project-based education.

Wade currently resides in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife, Mary Beth, and their young son, Curtis. Wade enjoys playing golf, running, and cooking for his family and friends.

Mrs. Farinholt's bio is forthcoming.