Mrs. Andrade Mrs. Civil Ms. Jones Mrs. Ledbetter Mrs. Petterson
Welcome to our page! We are excited to get to know you for the 2023-2024 school year. We understand last few years were unusual years, please be assured we will do all we can for a successful first-grade year.
We want to thank you in advanced for your patience and support as we navigate through the school year. Please be comforted that our main goal is the safety of your child. We will continue to live out Brighten's mission statement to nurture habits of scholarship and ethical character in a joyful, engaging, rigorous and equitable environment. We are looking forward to partner with you to insure your child grows academically and socially. in this very important foundational year. Remember, We are CREW! Let us know if we can help in any way.
The first-grade team is blessed to have Mrs. Tonya Ledbetter as our team paraprofessional. She will be working closely with the children to provide extra practice. She will be the main contact person for first grade especially during school hours while we are teaching. Please make sure to join your class remind as it will be our main way of communication. You can also use email to contact us.
We will continue to update you on "what we are learning" every Friday through remind. Mrs. Ledbetter will send out a newsletter with academic and calendar updates. It is also important that you check your child's binder daily so we can keep in communication. Please take a moment to get to know the fabulous first-grade team.
Contact Information:
Mrs. Peterson mpeterson@brightenacademy.com Remind Code: @crewpete
Ms. Jones njones@brightenacademy.com Remind Code: @brighten10
Mrs. Andrade tandrade@brightenacademy.com Remind Code: @andcrew
Mrs. Civil mcivil@brightenacademy.com Remind Code: @1stcivil
Tori Andrade
This is my 29th year of teaching. I graduated from Auburn University and earned my Master's Degree in early childhood education from Piedmont University. I also have my gifted endorsement through Douglas County. I am blessed to have been a part of Brighten since it's opening in 2006. My husband Jay and I are both from Alabama but moved to Georgia when I got my first teaching job. We have two fabulous children - Joshua is in his early 20's and adulting. Macy Beth is beginning her adult journey as a freshman at Mississippi State. It is still an adjustment for me not having my babies at Brighten with me so I am so excited to spend this year with your babies! We also have 2 sweet puppies - Biscuit and Bandit. When not teaching, I enjoy reading, shopping, traveling, and being with my family.
Marie Civil
This is my 26th year teaching and 11th year at Brighten Academy. I received my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. I taught in MA for a year then moved to Rochester, NY where I taught for 8 years. I received a Master's Degree in Arts for Children at the State University of New York. I moved to Douglasville, Georgia in 2007 to teach in a Fulton County School. I was a Brighten parent for three years before joining the first-grade team. I received my Gifted Endorsement through the Douglas County School. My husband Roosevelt and I were born on the island of Haiti and grew up in Massachusetts. We have three sons. This year, my eldest Caleb will be a freshman at Georgia State University, Alain a senior, and Tyler a sophomore at Chapel Hill High School. All three boys have been part of the Brighten family since kindergarten. They still enjoy visiting and attending school events. When not in the classroom, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending enjoyable moments with my family. I look forward to getting to know your family and having a wonderful year with our first graders!
Mahaley Peterson
This is my 6th year teaching and first year at Brighten Academy. I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. I received my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. My husband and I have a wonderful newborn, Holland who has been a blessing in our lives. I am thrilled to be a part of Brighten Academy, and I am overjoyed to be a part of the lives of you and your children.
Nikki Jones
I am a native New Yorker, born and raised in Queens, New York. I relocated to Atlanta upon entering college. I graduated from Spelman College with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, and later earned an M.S. in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. In addition, I attained an endorsement for ESOL instruction (English to Speakers of Other Languages) in 2011. I also received my gifted certification from Douglas County Schools in 2019. My teaching career began in 1997, teaching 1st grade within the Atlanta Public School System. I joined the Douglas County School System in 2003, teaching 1st and 2nd grade for the past 19 years. This is my 6th year at Brighten. I am the mother of a brilliant son, Cameron, who is currently attending Texas A&M University, and my fur baby, a frisky Maltese named Kobi. When not teaching, I truly enjoy traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. A child at heart myself, I love all children and enjoy being a valuable part of their growth process. I will always hold each and every one of my students to high expectations, knowing that every one of them can achieve!
Tonya Ledbetter
This will be my 13th year as a Paraprofessional at Brighten Academy. I am originally from Augusta and graduated with a B.B.A. from Augusta University. My wife, Melissa, and I have two daughters, both of whom attended Brighten from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Marisa is in her senior year at KSU and Anna is a Junior at KSU. Our family also has three rescue fur babies, Jovi, Lulu, and Zoey. When I'm not at school I enjoy thrifting, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I am passionate about helping students thrive and supporting the amazing women that make up the 1st grade team.
