We are delighted to announce some transformative organizational changes at FSA, spearheaded by our new Head of School. Recognizing the need for strategic evolution, our Head of School has recently pulled together a group of individuals who will work alongside the Head of School to drive innovation and elevate our institution to new heights. Ultimately these individuals are responsible for the decision-making of the school:
Head of School – Dorothy “Dot” López
Elementary School Head – Michelle Cullen
Middle School Head – Laura James
Director of Advancement – Krystal Collier
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Kristen Clayton
Director of Enrollment – Alexis Garrett
Director of Finance – Elsie Santway
Director of Operations – Anna Knipfer
Director of Director of Building and Grounds – Chris Micallef
Get to know the driving forces behind FSA’s positive transformations! Each week we will highlight a new individual from our team.
This week’s post highlights Krystal Collier.
Krystal Collier
I’ve embarked on a journey that intertwines my passion for finance with my deep-rooted love for education. Following the completion of my B.A. from Smith College, I delved into the world of finance on Wall Street. Yet, despite being successful, my heart yearned for something more meaningful—a path that resonated with my formative experiences in education.
Before my collegiate endeavors, I was fortunate to attend a small independent school in Maryland. It was there that my affinity for education blossomed, nurtured by a community that valued exploration and learning. This institution not only ignited my wanderlust through its robust study abroad program but also instilled in me the profound importance of philanthropy from an early age.
Now, as I find myself at The Friends School of Atlanta, I’m struck by the synchronicity of it all—a full-circle moment that speaks to the convergence of my past and present aspirations. Having been shaped by the transformative experiences of prestigious educational environments, I’m deeply committed to paying it forward. Through fundraising efforts, I aim to provide opportunities for children, much like myself, to access the transformative power of education. In essence, this role is not just a profession; it’s a deeply personal endeavor, rooted in gratitude and driven by the belief in the profound impact of education.
My journey at FSA started in the summer of 2022. While my professional background has predominantly been in finance, my commitment to education has led me to various roles that intersect with teaching and mentorship. While I haven’t held a full-time educator position before, I’ve engaged in diverse educational capacities. From supporting as a teaching assistant in 3rd grade to mentoring high school students and contributing to the alumnae board of an independent school, my experiences have shaped my understanding of the educational landscape.
Printmaking!
“Well-behaved women rarely make history” – Gloria Steinem
Secret Lives of the Super Rich on CNBC
Checking out Atlanta’s art scene. I love chatting with artists about their work.
This is a hard one given the rich tapestry of activities that grace our community each week. However, if pressed to choose, I must confess that the DEI events hold a special place in my heart. I really enjoy learning about other cultures!
I chose FSA because I learn something new every day, and I genuinely appreciate the people I have the privilege of working with.
I would like to see FSA develop a study abroad program in the near future. A well-crafted study abroad program not only enriches the educational journey of our students but also aligns seamlessly with FSA’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and promoting lifelong learning.
Elsie Santway
My career in not-for profit finance began at Hancock Shaker Village, a living history museum and I found that using my skills and education to support an organization that I believed in was important to me. When my daughter was struggling in public school I was offered the opportunity to work at Pine Cobble School along with the opportunity for her to attend there and we both flourished. Eventually we wanted to move to a warmer climate so when I was offered employment at FSA we moved to Atlanta and it is my pleasure to have been here ever since.
Working in education became my joy 27 years ago in a small independent school in Western Massachusetts call Pine Cobble School. Immediately I connected with the culture and kid energy and stayed for 5 years. In 2002 I was offered the opportunity to become Director of Finance at FSA and have been here since. Again, the kid energy has been great, but the Quaker school culture and community has also deeply resonated with me.
Crafting! When I have time, I enjoy creating things in many mediums such as origami, painting, knitting, quilting, macrame, sewing and photography.
Depends on the day and the situation. 🙂
A series of young adult books written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson called “Peter and The Starcatchers”. It is a prequel series of books about the characters in the original “Peter Pan” book and is compelling, exciting and uplifting. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
The variety of cultural events!
Graduation! It is such a joyful event even though I know I will be missing our graduates. Sometimes alums come to the graduation, and it is great to see how they have grown and hear about their adventures and successes.
I was drawn to FSA as an employee and a parent because of the values, the emphasis on educating for peace and justice, the diversity, and the community. I appreciate the small class sizes and the dedication to teaching to/caring for the whole child.
Kristen Clayton
Coming from a family of educators, I always knew I wanted to work in education. During college, I worked as a camp counselor and youth swim instructor. After graduating from Emory, I worked as a third-grade co-teacher and middle school softball coach at the Greenwich Country Day School in Greenwich, CT. I then decided to pursue higher education, receiving a MA and PhD in sociology from The University of Georgia. While at UGA, my studies centered on the social psychology of race, class, and gender and understanding how these characteristics affect people’s experiences in educational settings. After graduating from UGA, I took a position as an assistant professor of sociology at Oglethorpe University, where I taught classes on race and inequality and served on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) taskforce. Serving on this taskforce inspired me to transition into a career as diversity practitioner. Homeschooling my son during the pandemic also reminded me of my love for teaching young children and led to my decision to work as a diversity practitioner in a PreK-8 setting. Despite leaving higher education, I continue to have an active research agenda. My research has primarily explored identity and inequality in educational settings and has been published in journals such as Sociology of Race and Ethnicity and Sociology of Education, among others.
I have worked at FSA since Fall 2022. I have worked in education for about 13 years; I’ve worked as a camp counselor, coach, 3rd grade teacher, college teaching assistant while in graduate school, college professor, and now as a director of DEI.
Creative writing and singing.
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” -Amanda Gorman
Holiday Baking Championship
I really like the roof at Ponce City Market. I like being in the city at night with all the bright lights and activity. I like exploring parks and visiting cute restaurants and coffee shops.
I enjoy hosting and sponsoring various DEI events (e.g., the FSA Latinx and Black Heritage Celebrations, sponsoring the Decatur Lunar New Year Festival).
I was drawn to FSA as an employee and a parent because of the values, the emphasis on educating for peace and justice, the diversity, and the community. I appreciate the small class sizes and the dedication to teaching to/caring for the whole child.
I would like to see us further develop our relationship with Casa Alterna. One idea I have is to develop a service learning course with Casa Alterna where students would 1) get practice speaking Spanish, as most of the Casa Alterna residents speak Spanish as their first language, 2) give back by helping to provide hospitality to individuals seeking asylum, and 3) learn more about race and immigration.