PreviewofSpeakers
The Walker School’s Career Day offers Middle School students a unique opportunity to explore careers through the firsthand experiences of Walker parents and alumni. From technology, finance and engineering to healthcare, communications, marketing, education and the arts – even dolphin training – students will gain valuable insights into diverse professions. We are grateful to our parents and alumni for sharing their time and expertise and inspiring students to dream big and explore the many possibilities for their future careers.
Technology
TusharSachdevisaseasonedTechnologyExecutivewith expertiseinleadingdigitaltransformationsanddrivingvalue throughadvancedanalyticsandSaaSsolutions.Withovera decadeofexperienceasCIOandCTOinbothprivateand publicsectors,Tusharhassignificantlyimpactedglobal companiesbyfocusingonoperationalefficienciesthrough cloudtechnologiesandcost-effectivemodels.Currently,as theCTOatAptos,heisdrivingthecompany’stransformation intoaleadingRetailSaaSprovider.Previously,atKORE, Tusharhelpedevolvethecompanyintoaconnectivity, solutionsandanalyticspowerhouse.AsCIOatPRGX,he workedwithmajorretailerslikeWalmartandAmazonto transitionthecompanytoatech-drivenenterprise.Tusharis anindustryleaderinIoT,EdgeComputingandBigDataand shareshisknowledgethrougharticlesandkeynotespeeches atmajoreventssuchasCESandMobileWorldCongress.
Dr.JenniferWise ForensicPsychologist
Dr.JenniferWiseisaforensicpsychologistwithspecialized traininginforensicandneuropsychology.Sheworksasa forensicconsultantbothnationallyandinternationallyand servesasavisitingscholaratBostonCollege.Withextensive experienceasanexpertwitness,Dr.Wisehasevaluatedadult defendantsacrosstheUnitedStatesforthecriminaljustice system.Herexpertiseincludesassessingsanity,competenceto standtrial,violenceriskandsexualviolencerisk.Throughout hercareer,Dr.Wisehasprovidedcriticalevaluationsin criminalcases,offeringinsightsintomentalhealthconditions andtheirimplicationsforlegalproceedings.Herworkhelps ensurethatindividualswithinthecriminaljusticesystem receivetheappropriateevaluationsandservices.Additionally, Dr.Wisehastrainedothersinforensicpsychology,contributing tothefield’sgrowthanddevelopment.
KateMarr Audiologist
KateMarr,Au.D.,hasbeenanaudiologistforover20years. HerclinicalexperiencespanstheVeteransAdministration, ENTpractices,privateclinicsandeducationalaudiology. Since2007,shehasworkedinthecorporatesector, specializingineducation,training,sales,market developmentandclinicalsupport.SheiscurrentlyaSenior SalesRepresentativeforStarkeyHearing.Kateservesas theLegislativeLiaisonfortheGeorgiaAcademyof Audiology(GAA),isafellowoftheAmericanAcademyof Audiology(AAA),aProfessionalSupervisorforCAOHCanda memberofStarkey’sSeniorAdvisoryCouncil.Sheearned herB.S.inSpeechPathologyandAudiologywithaminorin EducationoftheDeafandherM.S.inAudiologyfromthe UniversityofSouthernMississippi,latercompletingher DoctorateofAudiologyatSalusUniversity.
KimShorter
CivilandEnvironmentalEngineer
KimShorter,P.E.,isaCivilandEnvironmental Engineerspecializinginwaterresourcesmanagement andplanning.Sheholdsbothundergraduateand graduatedegreesinCivilandEnvironmental EngineeringfromGeorgiaTechandisalicensed ProfessionalEngineer.Withexperienceworkingfor citygovernments,authorities,andlargeinternational consultingfirms,Kimbringsawealthofexpertiseto herfield.Currently,sheoperatesasa“solopreneur”at SustainableWaterPlanningandEngineering,serving localgovernmentsinthemetroAtlantaarea.Sheis well-versedinvariouscareerpathswithinciviland environmentalengineeringandoffersinsightsinto engineeringeducationandprofessionallicensure.
AnnaKennedy
LicensedProfessionalandClinicalCounselor
AnnaKennedy(WalkerClassof2002)isaLicensed ProfessionalCounselor(LPC)andaClinicialprofessional counselorsupervisor(CPCS).ShefoundedElevate Counseling+Coachingin2018andservesastheclinical director.Sheisalsotheco-presidentofthenon-profit foundationEDIN(EatingDisordersInformationNetwork). Inadditiontotraditionaltherapy,shehasalotof experiencewithleadershipdevelopment,personal developmentandhealthandwellness.PriortoElevate Counseling+Coaching,shespenteightyearsasthe DirectorofUpperSchoolCounselingandOutreachfor TheWalkerSchool.Additionally,shefoundedtwoyoga studiosintheAtlantaarea.SheisaGeorgianativeand currentlylivesinMariettawithherhusbandandtwo youngchildren.AnnareceivedaBachelor’sdegreein PsychologyfromtheUniversityofGeorgiaandaMasters inProfessionalCounselingfromGeorgiaStateUniversity.
Dr.JayWeinstein
LicensedClinicalPsychologist/Neuropsychologist
Dr.JayWeinsteinisManagingPartner,AtlantaClinicalGroup(1998present),aprivatepracticespecializinginPsychologicaland NeuropsychologicalEvaluationofAdultsandGeriatricsforavarietyof Psychiatric,NeuropsychiatricandCognitive/BehavioralDisorders, rangingfromDepression/AnxietytoSchizophreniatoTraumaticBrain InjuriestoAlzheimer’sDiseasetoFrontotemporalandLewyBody Dementias.HisexperiencerangesfromResearchattheNational InstitutesofMentalHealthwithMacaqueMonkeys'Learning/Memory systemstoResearchonthePhenotypicExpressionofSchizophrenia acrossthelifespantoClinicalDifferentiationbetweenAlzheimer’s disease,VascularDementia,andFrontalDementias.JayhasaPh.D.in ClinicalPsychologyfromEmoryUniversity,aClinicalInternshipatUAB andaPost-DoctoralFellowshipinNeuropsychology.Hehasason, Andrew,whoisinsixthgradeatWalker,daughtersLaurieandAllyand a“faithfuldog,Winston,”whomhesaysishisinspiration.
StephanieSonnenfeldStinn StrategicCommunications
StephanieSonnenfeldStinn,APR,isastrategiccommunications leaderatLockheedMartin,whereshedrivescommunications fortheAirMobility&MaritimeMissions(AMMM)division, includingtheC-130Hercules,C-5GalaxyandP-3Orion programs.WithoveradecadeatLockheedMartin,Stephanie manageseverythingfromstrategicplanningandcrisis managementtoexecutivesupportandemployeeengagement. Shehasshapedmessaging,mediarelations,socialmediaand brandingformajorprogramsliketheP-3OrionandF-35 LightningII.PriortoLockheedMartin,sheworkedatKaiser PermanenteandWellstarHealthSystemandhasabackground injournalism.AdedicatedPRSAmember,Stephanieearnedher APRin2009andactivelysupportstheAPRprogram.Sheholdsa bachelor’sinJournalismfromtheUniversityofSouthCarolina andamaster’sinStrategicCommunicationsfromJohns Hopkins.StephanielivesinGeorgiawithherfamily.
T.J.Ferguson InformationTechnology
T.J.wasborninFairborn,Ohio,intoamilitaryfamily. Afterhighschool,heenlistedintheU.S.Navyasa CryptologicTechnician.HelaterworkedinNewOrleans andWashington,D.C.,wherehemetLaTrese.Theyhad theirdaughter,Bethany,in2010.T.J.hasworkedin technologysincehighschool,startingwiththeNavyand lateronahelpdeskfortheMarines,designingnetworks forgovernmentagenciesandmanagingtheStateof Georgia’sdatacenter.In2011,hejoinedDell Technologies,whereheworkedintechnologysales, designingenvironmentsforFortune500companies.In 2023,hetransitionedtoOperationsasDirectorofITfor theCityofAtlanta,overseeingtheDataCenter,Telecom andNetworkteams.T.J.andLaTresemovedtoMableton in2005,andafterthecity’sincorporationin2022,T.J. waselectedasCityCouncilmanforDistrict5.
Les discovered his passion for computers in fourth grade, sparking a lifelong interest in technology. He pursuedthisthroughmiddleandhighschool,working with early computers like the Radio Shack Color ComputerandAppleII.LesearnedaB.S.inComputer Science from the University of Georgia and spent the first15yearsofhiscareerinoperationalandbackend roles,specializinginLinux,PerlandPython.In2005,he joined Bank of America’s Quantitative Finance group, usingLinuxclusterstodrivefinancialmodeling.Nowa ManagingDirector,heleadsateamacrossAtlantaand Charlotte, working with experts in finance, mathematics and statistics to enhance decisionmaking through technology. Over the years, he has gaineddeepexpertiseinfinancialmodeling.
LisaBodechon
ZoologicalOperations/AnimalTraining
LisaBodechonistheSeniorDirectorofZoological Operations/AnimalTraining DolphinCoastatGeorgia Aquarium,overseeingthecareof13bottlenosedolphins, shorebirds,andateamof26trainers.Since1999,shehaspursued herpassionforanimalcare,educationandpublicengagement. SheplayedakeyroleinbringingdolphinstoAtlantain2010, leadingtheiracclimationandtraining.In2022,shehelpedexpand theDolphinCoastgallery,addingafree-flightaviarytohighlight coastalhabitats.Lisahasworkedatmultipleaquariums, specializinginmarinemammaltrainingandreproductive sciences.ShehaspresentedatIMATAandservedonaccreditation committeesforindustryorganizationslikeAZAandAMMPA.A marinesciencesgraduateofKutztownUniversity,sheremains dedicatedtoconservation,educationandinspiringconnections betweenguestsandmarinelife.
JessicaWeinstein Psychotherapist
Withoveradecadeinsocialwork,Jessica Weinsteinisadedicatedpsychotherapistat ThriveworksandthefounderofGeorgiaWomen forDemocracy.Herworkcentersonadvocacy, mentalhealthandreproductiverights,witha strongfocusoncoalition-buildingand meaningfulchange.AtThriveworks,sheapplies herexpertisedaily,fosteringacultureof diversity,empowermentandprogressiveaction. Hercommitmenttocreatinginclusive communitiesandamplifyingmarginalized voicesisattheheartofhermission.Through bothherclinicalpracticeandadvocacyefforts, Jessicastrivestomakealastingimpactinthe livesofthosesheserves.
JoshMiller
DigitalMarketing/Media
Withmorethan20yearsofexperienceindigitalmarketing andmedia,JoshMillerhasmanagedcampaignsfortop brandslikeVerizon,KrogerandYahoo.Hehasoverseen annualbudgetsofupto$100millionandledteamsofupto 50people,specializinginleveragingGoogleandothermajor advertisingplatformstodriveresults.Hisexpertisespans strategy,campaignexecutionandperformance optimization,ensuringimpactfulmarketinginitiatives.
Josh’sleadershipandindustryknowledgehavepositioned himasatrustedexpertinthefield,consistentlydelivering measurablesuccessforthebrandsheworkswith.
KristanJones-Scales Marketing–BrandManagement
KristanJones-ScalesistheDirectorofBrandManagementfor Boys&GirlsClubsofAmerica(BGCA),leadingnational campaignsandbrandinitiativesacross5,400Clubsworldwide. SheoverseesBGCA’sbrandedmerchandiseprogramand Marketplace,launchingateenapparellineincollaboration withteenleaders,whichdebutedwithafashionshow sponsoredbyOldNavy.WithexperienceatAT&TandtheGirl ScoutsofGreaterAtlanta,shehasastrongbackgroundin brandidentityandmarketing.In2021,shewashonoredasa DisneyMagicMakerforhercommunityoutreach.Throughher consultingbusiness,KristanStephanieMarketing,shehelps smallbusinessesandnonprofitsenhancetheirbrands.Sheis activeinhercommunity,servinginleadershiprolesforseveral organizations.KristanholdsaBachelor’sdegreeandMBAfrom theUniversityofIllinoisandlivesinKennesawwithherfamily.
KyleSmith InformationSecurity
KyleSmith(WalkerClassof2006)isan InformationSecurityprofessionalwith15 yearsofexperienceinITinfrastructureand cybersecurity.Hehasworkedacrossmultiple industries,includingretail,highereducation, healthcare,andhospitality,invarious technicalroles.Hisexpertiseincludes compliance,incidenttriage,identityand accessmanagement,baselining,automation, andassetmanagement.Kyleisagraduateof TheWalkerSchool(2006)andearnedhis bachelor’sdegreeinmanagement(2010)and MBA(2022)fromGeorgiaTech.
MattisonLewis Screenwriter
MattisonLewis(WalkerClassof2011)isa screenwriterforLittleEarsMediawithextensive experienceinfilmandtelevisionproduction. Withover150creditstohisname,hehas workedinvariouscoordinatorrolesatmajor entertainmentcompanies,includingBunimMurray,WarnerBros.Discovery(TurnerSports), NetflixandParamount.Hisbackgroundspans multipleaspectsofproduction,from developmenttopost-production,givinghima deepunderstandingoftheindustry.Passionate aboutstorytelling,Mattisonbringscreativity andexpertisetohisscreenwriting,contributing toengagingandimpactfulcontentacross differentmediaplatforms.
MelanieDavis
Spanish/EnglishTutor&SuccessCoach
MelanieDavis(WalkerClassof2010)isaSpanishandEnglish tutorandstudentsuccesscoach.Shehelpshighschooland collegestudentsimprovetheirEnglishskillsandpreparesthem forcollegebystrengtheningtheiressays.Melaniealsoteaches beginnerSpanishtoadults.In2022,shelaunchedhertutoring business,ReNewLanguageTutoring,focusingonEnglishwriting, ESLandSpanish.Asasuccesscoach,sheguidesstudentson studyskills,timemanagementandgoal-setting.Melanieholdsa BachelorofArtsinSpanishwithaminorinFrenchfromCovenant College,aMasterofArtsinAppliedLinguisticsfromGeorgiaState UniversityandaMasterofEducationfromtheUniversityof Georgia.Sheispassionateabouthelpingstudentssucceedand loveswitnessingtheir“lightbulbmoments.”Inherfreetime, Melanieexplorescoffeeshops,writesforhertravelblogand enjoysbudget-friendlytravel.
MeredithBurkeHammons
GrantWritingConsultant/Trainer
MeredithBurkeHammons,PhD,GPC,isthefounderof BurkeHammonsConsultingandatrainerforGrantWriting USA.Withover15yearsofexperience,shespecializesin grantdevelopment,trainingandresearchfornonprofits, schoolsandmunicipalities.Since2020,shehaswritten federal,stateandlocalgovernmentgrants,aswellas corporateandfoundationapplications,securingmorethan $18millioninfunding,includinga$1millioncapitalgrant forachildren’smuseum.Beforebecomingagrantwriter, Meredithworkedasalibrarian,educatorandAssistant DirectoroftheAtlantaofficefortheJohnsonO'Connor ResearchFoundation.SheholdsaPh.D.inReligionfrom VanderbiltUniversity,aMaster’sinLibraryandInformation SciencefromtheUniversityofIllinoisandaB.A.inReligion fromDavidsonCollege.ShelivesinSmyrnawithher husband,daughterHopeandtheirpets.
RaquelMideau Marketing
RaquelMideauisanexperiencedmarketingleaderwithover20 yearsinbranddevelopment,integratedmarketing,andmarket analysis.AsDirectorofMarketingatNINEdotARTS,shehelps clientsenhancetheirartprogramsthroughstrategicPR, engagementinitiativesandinteractivemicrosites.Herwork elevatesartandcultureprogramsacrosspublicandprivate sectorsnationwide,focusingonthesocialandeconomic benefitsofcustomizedartcollections.Raquelisknownfor cultivatingstrongteams,buildingcross-functional relationshipsandthrivinginfast-pacedenvironments.She holdsaBAinCommunicationswithaminorinGraphicDesign andisbilingualinSpanishandEnglish.ApassionateLatinX professional,Raquelisdedicatedtorepresentingcommunities impactedbycommercialdevelopment.Sheisalsoanactive memberoftheUrbanLandInstituteandparticipatesonthe PlacemakingCouncil,advancingbestpracticesforcreating vibrant,equitabledestinations.
AndrenettiGoodwin
StrategicProjectManager,XboxUserDataManager
Withmorethan25-plusyearsofprojectmanagement experienceacrossMicrosoft,UPS,M&MMARS,Ryder Transportation,KraftFoods,HondaandtheU.S. Army,AndrenettiGoodwinspecializesinsupply-chain optimizationandoperationalefficiency.AtUPS, Andrenettileadsprojectsthatdrivecostsavingsfor bothlargeandsmallprojectsandimprovecustomer satisfaction.Additionally,shemanagesXboxuser dataforvideogamecreators,ensuringtheintegrity, securityandoptimizationofdataprocesses.Using MicrosofttoolssuchasExcel,PowerBI,andProject, sheanalyzestrends,providesinsightsandsupports developersinenhancinggamingexperiences.
JesseWalton,Jr.
ExecutiveDirectorandFinancialAdvisor
JesseWalton,Jr.isanExecutiveDirector,FinancialAdvisor, PortfolioManagerandFounderoftheMeliorGroupatMorgan Stanley.HeisalsoafoundingmemberofTheAccessOneAlliance atMorganStanley,10ofMorganStanley’smostexperienced, seniorAfrican-AmericanFinancialAdvisors,whoprovidethefull depthandbreadthofMorganStanley’splatformtocorporations, non-profitorganizations,endowmentsandfamilyofficeclients. JessewasnamedtoForbes’rankingoftheBest-in-StateWealth Advisorsfor2022,2023and2024,andForbes’Best-In-StateWealth ManagementTeamsfor2023and2024.Hewasalsonamedto MorganStanley’sprestigiousMaster’sClubin2021,2022,2023and 2024,agroupoftheFirm’smostsuccessfulFinancialAdvisors. Jesseisdedicatedtopromotingdiverseworkenvironmentsandto mentoringfinancialadvisorsandallyoungprofessionals.An alumnusofHowardUniversity,JessereceivedhisB.BAin InternationalBusinessandhisM.S.EdegreefromGeorgiaState University.Heandhiswife,Angela,resideinMarietta,alongwith theirsons,BryceandDuke.
ElenaThornton SoftwareEngineer
ElenaThornton(WalkerClassof2018)isaSoftware EngineeratFigma.Shehelpsimprovetoolsfor digitaldesigners.ElenagraduatedfromGeorgia Techin2022withadegreeinComputerScience.Her journeystartedatTheWalkerSchoolandcontinued withstudiesatGeorgiaStateandGeorgiaTech.She saysshechoseComputerSciencebecauseshehas alwayslovedproblem-solvingandtechnology.At Figma,sheworksontheDesignSystemsteam, helpingdesignerscreatebuildingblocksforapps andwebsites.Shesays“It’sexcitingtoknowthat thetoolsIworkonareusedbypeoplealloverthe worldtocreateamazingthings.”Outsideofwork, shelovesrockclimbingandyoga,andsaysshe alwaysenjoyslearningnewthings.
