Faculty & Staff
Felecia Tucker-Jones serves as the Principal at International Charter Academy of Georgia. She works for ICAGeorgia because she believes in the value of diversity. Language allows for deep connections and cross-cultural relationships. She feels privileged to be a part of our students’ journeys. In her spare time, Ms. Tucker-Jones loves to write and enjoy her family. Email Ms. Jones
Junko Jones is Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at International Charter Academy of Georgia, managing financial strategy, budget administration, and funds from federal, state, and donations. In addition, she oversees ICAGeorgia’s administration, enrollment, facilities, and human resources operations. Ms. Jones has 25 years’ experience in finance and accounting with 20 years in Corporate Finance. She has an MBA in Accounting as well as certificates in Charter Schools Financial Management. Email Ms. Jones
Miki Ito is the Sr. Operations Specialist at ICAGeorgia assisting in the central office to ensure that the school runs smoothly. Before starting her career in Education, she worked as a corporate events & conference planner, office manager, consecutive interpreter and translator for 20 years. As a native born Japanese speaker who studied English in the US school system, she understands intimately the experience of learning two languages and can relate as well as empathize with our ICAGeorgia’s students. She enjoys witnessing the growth of all of our children as they blossom into English and Japanese speaking citizens. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, doing crafts and being outdoors with her boyfriend and Chihuahua twins. She also loves hula and anything Hawaiian. Email Ms. Ito.
Yuriko Evett is an Executive Assistant at International Charter Academy of Georgia. She is very grateful to have joined the team and to be a part of the first Japanese and English public charter school in Georgia. She certainly feels that she is lucky to work with our wonderful teachers and skillful staff members! Ms. Evett enjoys building relationships with students, parents, and everyone that comes to visit ICAGeorgia. She loves to visit Georgia State Parks, camp, and
hike with her beautiful family. She loves taking pictures of nature and generally spending time outdoors. She is a mother of 3 and a loving Irish terrier! E-mail Ms. Evett
Heidi Walker is the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant here at ICAGeorgia. Before joining the team she was lucky enough to translate and teach abroad in Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Canada, and other states across the US. This experience allowed her to become more culturally aware which draws her closer to students and parents. She enjoys helping others and making sure everyone is taken care of. In her spare time, she values family time, loves to travel, and watch movies. Email Ms. Walker
Mieko Basan is a Japanese subject teacher for the 1st grade class. It is her privilege to witness students grow as global citizens in diverse learning environments. She believes their learning experiences at ICAGeorgia open their eyes to the world. In her spare time, she enjoys videography, photography, and working out. She also enjoys learning about different cultures and food from all over the world. E-mail Ms. Basan
Monica Blade is an English subject teacher for the the 2nd grade class. She was born and raised in Rome, Italy, but she has lived in the US since 1997. She is very excited to be part of the staff at ICAGeorgia and can’t wait to learn more about the Japanese language and culture. Ms. Blade has a master’s degree in elementary education and a gifted endorsement. For the past 8 years, she taught both 1st and 2nd grade at another dual language immersion school in Atlanta. Despite the challenges, she has seen the incredible enrichment that students get when they learn academic content while acquiring another language and their increased level of cultural awareness. When she is not teaching, she enjoys traveling to Europe and spending time with her friends and family. Email Ms. Blade
Megumi Saito-Bush is a Japanese subject teacher for the 2nd grade class, and is on the sunshine committee. She works for ICAGeorgia because she believes that Dual Language Immersion programs are the most effective types of learning programs for nurturing bilingual students. In her spare time, she loves to catch up with her parents and siblings in Japan via LINE and go to her son’s lacrosse games. E-mail Ms. Bush
Kazuyo Gray is a paraprofessional, and supports the lead teacher for the kindergarten class. She welcomes students in the Cafeteria each morning, and serves as a member of the committee of Student Exhibitions. Ms. Gray works for ICAGeorgia because she enjoys helping students from different cultures. In her spare time, she loves to read books about crafting, cooking, and drawing. She also likes to spend time with her family. Email Ms. Gray.
Noriko Harada is a Japanese subject teacher for the 3rd grade class, and also serves as a member of the Student Exhibitions committee. She works for ICAGeorgia because she believes in the benefits of learning two languages, two cultures, and developing greater cognitive flexibility. In her spare time, she loves watching soccer games and spending time with her family. E-mail Ms. Harada
Ms. Jones is a paraprofessional and supports lead teachers for the 1st and 3rd grades. She has experiences as a teaching assistant in Japan, and also as a teacher at a Saturday Japanese school in the U.S. Ms. Jones believes that to learn and carry on traditional Japanese is as unique as it is important. In her spare time, she does Judo and Kendo, and is an avid athlete in general. Email Ms. Jones
Kat Key graduated from Kennesaw State University. She studied the Japanese language all four years there as a part of her degree. Miss Kat is very passionate about cross-cultural communication and promoting intercultural understanding through education. In her spare time, Miss Kat likes to read about history, continue her Japanese language studies, and play guitar and piano. Email Ms. Key.
Ai Lovell is a Japanese subject teacher for the kindergarten class, and also serves as a member of the school culture and spirit committee. She works for ICAGeorgia because she loves teaching and also believes cross cultural exchange is very important to a child’s development. She is very happy to build a bridge between Japan and the U.S. In her spare time, she loves visiting coffee shops, walking on the beltline and spending time with her family. Email Ms. Lovell.
Faith Mack is an English subject teacher for the Kindergarten class. For the past 10 years, she has taught both Kindergarten and First Grade here in Georgia and her hometown New Orleans. Ms. Mack has a Master’s degree in elementary education and educational leadership. She is very excited to be part of the staff at ICAGeorgia and can’t wait to learn more about the Japanese language and culture. Ms. Mack loves to learn about different cultures. When she is not teaching, she loves to travel to other countries and explore the world. Email Ms. Mack
Mayuko Nelson is a Japanese subject teacher for the 4th grade class. She works for ICAGeorgia because she is passionate to support and nurture children to obtain academic knowledge, broaden the global view, and find a joy of learning. In her spare time, she likes reading, dancing and going to new places with her children. Email Ms. Nelson.
Megan Perkins is an English Math and Science teacher for the 4th and 5th grade classes. She works for ICAGeorgia because she believes in the benefits of students learning and experiencing different languages and cultures. In her spare time, she is often found enjoying outside activities with her sons. When she has the time to relax at home, she is typically found reading. Email Ms. Perkins.
Loraine Papailler is an English Subject Teacher for the 5th Grade class. She is very excited to be part of the staff and community here at ICAGeorgia. She got her B.S.E in Middle Level Education (Grades 4-8) from Georgia State University. Growing up in a Trilingual household herself, Ms. Papailler believes in the benefits of a bilingual education and cultural exchange. In her free time, Ms. Papailler plays Flag Football in a Women’s league. She also likes to read, write, draw, paint, and play video games on the computer she built. Email Ms. Papailler
Maria Sabino is an English subject teacher for the third grade class. She is excited to be part of the International Charter Academy of Georgia team. She thinks that students can achieve to great heights when they are bilingual. They are able to embrace diversity and learn about a different culture. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with son and daughter. She loves outdoor activities Email Ms. Sabino.
Hello! Konnichiwa! Hola! Lakilla Smith is an English subject teacher for the kindergarten and 1st grade classes. This is her 6th year of teaching and she is thankful for the passion to purpose to serve students on their educational journey as they grow. She is so excited to serve at ICAGeorgia amongst diverse cultures and languages, and witness the growth of the students on their unique journey. She was blessed with the opportunity to teach in Okinawa, Japan and she absolutely loved it: the culture, the people, the environment, the FOOD! She had such a wonderful experience. She looks forward to working with you and seeing the students grow. Email Ms. Smith
Shizue Sommer is a Japanese subject teacher for the kindergarten class, and is also on the school culture and spirit committee. She enjoys working at ICAGeorgia because she loves kids and has always been fascinated with bilingual education. Many years ago, she remembers her own kindergarten experience and always strives to improve upon it. For hobbies, she likes spending time with her children, watching figure skating, cooking, and hiking.
Naosuke Umezaki is a Japanese subject teacher for the 5th grade class. Language is an important factor in the culture and identity of any country. He aims to demonstrate the valuable parts of Japanese culture to his students through daily lessons, his thoughts, words and actions, and to empower them to learn. Mr. Umezaki loves kayaking, camping, and Japanese archery, but the most enjoyable time for him is when he plays tug of war. Email Mr. Umezaki.
Annie Varghese is a Teacher/Dean of Education, and she has been with ICAGeorgia since its opening in 2018. Prior to coming to ICAGeorgia, she served as Head Teacher of the English Department at a private Japanese school in Atlanta. With 17 years plus in education, her current role revolves primarily around supporting the principal in all aspects of day to day operations, Assessment, and ESOL coordinator. She also implements a strong school culture with teachers, parents, and students while organizing a variety of school culture events that align with the mission. Mentoring the student leadership team is her passion and building strong relations in the community through service learning projects. She is proud to work with students and serve their needs every day and enjoys the diversity represented at ICAGeorgia! Email Ms. Varghese.
We are looking for qualified, dynamic and passionate individuals to join our team. All members of our team work together to fulfill the ICAGeorgia mission. We invite you learn more and apply.
