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 with her husband and two daughters. Email Ms. Walker
Alicia Freeman, AKA “Nurse Alicia” is ICAGeorgia’s school nurse. She graduated from the University of North Georgia with her RN degree in 2006. She has worked in many areas of nursing; in various hospitals as a postpartum nurse, in a residential home for medically fragile children and in a pediatrician’s office before coming to be our school nurse. She admits that this is by far her favorite job she has had throughout her career. She loves all of the students as if they were her own. She strives every day to make each child feel special, to make them feel brave when they are afraid, and to comfort them when they are sick. In her free time, Alicia enjoys going out on the boat on Lake Lanier and going on annual beach trips with her best friend of the last 30+ years. She loves shopping, spending quality time with her friends and family, and most importantly snuggling with her dog, Sidney. Alicia has become fascinated by the Japanese culture since coming to ICAG, and she feels fortunate to be able to learn more through the eyes of your students.
Mieko Basan is a Japanese subject teacher for the 2nd 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
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
Maria Icabalceta is an English subject teacher for the 1st grade class. She is excited to be part of the International Charter Academy of Georgia team. She thinks that students can achieve great heights when they are bilingual. They are able to embrace diversity and learn about different cultures. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son and daughter. She loves outdoor activities Email Ms. Icabalceta
Mr. Kim recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mercer University. He holds a deep love for travel, firmly convinced that it brings invaluable experiences to the classroom. Through his journeys, he has gleaned important lessons on understanding different perspectives and embracing diversity.
Outside of the classroom, he loves to read, learn new skills, and play sports. Mr. Kim has developed a strong passion for martial arts and has been a Taekwondo instructor for the past eight years, sharing his expertise with people from diverse age groups and backgrounds. Email Mr. Kim
Andrea Lay is the new Special Education and MTSS coordinator here at ICAGeorgia. This is her 25th year of teaching special education in Georgia. She loves seeing the abilities in all students, and watching students succeed is the best part of her job. She loves the outdoors and being a mom of two girls. She is so excited to be part of the ICAGeorgia family and so thankful for feeling so welcomed. Email Ms. Lay
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.
Jordan Moulis is the afterschool director and paraprofessional for the Kindergarten class. She recently returned from teaching in Hokkaido, Japan where she worked with 3 different Junior High schools. She is very excited to continue to learn more Japanese! She hopes to have a great year with all the students and have lots of fun! In her free time, she loves to read and cook new recipes with her boyfriend. Email Ms.Moulis
Mayuko Nelson is a Japanese subject teacher for the 3rd-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 the joy of learning. In her spare time, she likes reading, dancing and going to new places with her children. Email Ms. Nelson.
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
Carlota Parra is an English subject teacher for the kindergarten class. She was born in Venezuela and is an enthusiast and advocate of bilingual education. Her journey as an educator has been magical. She believes in nurturing young minds, creating a fun and engaging learning environment, and sowing the seeds of a lifelong love for language, which is one of the many reasons why she joined ICAGeorgia. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and dog, board games, traveling, and a hot cup of coffee. Email Ms.Parra
Megan Perkins is an English Math and Science teacher for the 3rd 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.
Megumi Saito-Bush is a Japanese subject teacher for the 1st-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. Saito
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.
LaKeith Thomas is a paraprofessional for the Kindergarten class and has been a paraprofessional for four years. He is very excited to work with such a great and unique school. It is his pleasure to work alongside with great teachers and students. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and also enjoys music. Email Mr. Thomas
Naosuke Umezaki is a Japanese subject teacher for the 4th 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.
