Small Group/Specialized Instruction
The entire special education team strives to meet the needs of ALL students at Brighten Academy Charter School through cooperative teaching and planning with all staff members. If you have a student that is served by one of our special education staff members, you can use the links on the right of this page to contact your child's service provider.
Digital Learning Announcement
If your student sees Ms. Laughlin or Ms. Ramsay for reading and/or math, please have him/her complete the assignments posted by them. Students who have small group instruction in reading and/or math are not responsible for additional reading/math work assigned by grade-level teachers.
Zoom Help Hours
Meet the Staff
My name is Lanisa Laughlin. I was born and raised in Lithia Springs. I attended the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega and graduated with an Early Childhood/Special Education degree. I have been working at Brighten for 5 years. Previously, I have taught 3rd grade and this year made the switch to Special Education. I love seeing my students have that light bulb moment! For fun I like to craft, watch movies, go out to eat, and be with friends and family. I am beginning my masters program for Early Childhood Education this summer. I am huge Braves fan and can often be found at the ball park during the season with friends or family.
My name is Gurj Jackson, I was born and raised in England, U.K. Having graduated from University of London and London Metropolitan University with an MBA in Business Management I spent the bulk of my career in the heart of London’s financial district working at the EBRD (a multi-lateral development bank). I moved to the USA to marry my husband. We now have two wonderful children, both of whom attend Brighten. I have been with Brighten Academy for 3 years, the first year as a substitute teacher and now as an instructional paraprofessional. I truly love working with children and helping them learn, nothing is better than hearing a child say, “I get it now!”. My co-paras and teachers are simply awesome. Would I ever go back to the world of finance – never!
My name is Maggie Gillespie, I was born in Mobile, Alabama but have grown up in the Villa Rica/Douglasville area. I am currently still in school full-time pursuing my early childhood education degree. My mom is also a third-grade teacher at Brighten, she has been a big inspiration in me entering this work field. I started as a substitute teacher last year and this is my first year working full-time as a special education paraprofessional. I have found my passion in education and working with children. It is hard work but extremely rewarding! During my free time I enjoy spending time with my dogs, going to the park, reading, going to the gym and spending time with my family!
My Name is Edwine Estime. I have been a special education paraprofessional for 7 years.
I truly care about my students and their education.
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My Name is Jennifer VanderWeit, however everyone knows me as Mrs. V. I was born and raised in New York. I attended Pace University and graduated with a Business Management degree. I enjoy working with the students at Brighten Academy. I am happy to be a part of such a wonderful school, faculty and community. In my spare time I love to travel, watch movies, and enjoy watching my children play sports.
My Name is Jennifer VanderWeit, however everyone knows me as Mrs. V. I was born and raised in New York. I attended Pace University and graduated with a Business Management degree. I enjoy working with the students at Brighten Academy. I am happy to be a part of such a wonderful school, faculty and community. In my spare time I love to travel, watch movies, and enjoy watching my children play sports.
