Board of Directors
Dr. Cowan has been an educator since 1986. She has taught various regular and special education classes before becoming the Director of Student Support Services at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. She has also served as an Adjunct College Professor and Student Teacher Supervisor. Dr. Cowan has a passion for assisting students with overcoming obstacles and achieving their fullest potential.
Dr. Cowan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Master's of Science in Special Education, Master's of Science in Brain-based Teaching, and a Specialist and Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Dr. Cowan married her wonderful husband, Randy, in April of 1981. They have four beautiful daughters and three great son-in-laws. They are also the proud grandparents of four precious grandchildren.
Dr. Cowan is a member of Turning Point Church in McDonough, GA. She enjoys a good movie, spending time with family and friends and a robust cup of Starbucks coffee.
Dr. Wanda Cowan
Founder—Head of School
Karen Hunley
Board President
I am very happy and honored to become a part of the ABLE school family. I love teaching and have been an educator since 1998. I graduated from University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I also have a Masters of Education from the University of Phoenix. I have taken a leave but will resume my studies in pursuing a Specialist degree from Columbus State University in October 2016. I have taught at Mt. Zion Christian Academy, Faith Christian Academy (Michigan), Eagles Landing Christian Academy (ELCA), Newton County Schools, and now Strong Rock Christian School (SRCS). My passion is in math. At ELCA I was able to help grow a middle school curriculum with honors classes and curative classes for struggling students. Each school and each experience has been rewarding as I have experienced students developing a love for numbers and mathematics. I am also a ministry school graduate from The Bible Training Center in Southfield, Michigan.
I enjoy any sport and love to attend those of my students. I am returning to running which included training for a marathon. I have a son, Konner. He is a wonderful example of a respectable, Godly son. I could not be more proud and blessed. I also have two furry children, Dallas and Ellie. They have been the best dogs I could have ever asked for. I am very active in my Church, Turning Point with Michael Turner as pastor. I am a graduate of the intern program at the church. I serve on the Praise Team, the Prayer Force team (Saturday mornings/devotion leader on rotation), and I am the leader of all prayer groups at the church.
My purpose here is to assist ABLE in fulfilling its mission statement. I am looking forward seeing God’s hand in every area of the school. The students at ABLE will be extraordinary citizens impacting the world both spiritually and academically. I am here to serve you and your child in any way I can.
Kelly Suttles
Treasurer
Kelly Suttles currently works for Turner Enterprises, Inc. as their Senior Internal Auditor. In this role, she develops and performs audit programs for different business ventures with units in more than 16 states. Kelly’s audits evaluate a broad range of financial metrics, internal company policies, procedures, and standards, and external regulation compliance. Kelly seeks to educate managers on best practices and compliance and to give useful feedback to the corporate office from an ‘outside’ perspective.
Kelly has been working in the Turner organization since 2005. She has a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of North Georgia. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and is currently studying to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Kelly married Ben Suttles in December of 2012, and they live in Stockbridge, GA. They love to travel, spend time with their families, serve in their church, and spend time outdoors hiking, going to Braves games, and going for rides in their convertible.
Dr. Melvina Norwood
Secretary
Dr. Melvina Norwood is a licensed psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, at Spelman College, and Master's and Doctoral degrees in Clinical/Counseling/School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She completed her postdoctoral training in child clinical psychology at a joint program at Stanford University Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Health Council. After several years of private practice group affiliations, Dr. Norwood opened Norwood Psychological Group (NPG) in McDonough, Georgia; she serves as the Clinical Director for a group of licensed psychologists and Master’s level trained therapists.
Dr. Norwood provides a variety of services to diverse child, adolescent and adult populations including individual, family and group therapy, as well as psychological, educational and forensic evaluations. Dr. Norwood integrates spirituality in family therapy when requested by clients. She also provides treatment for juvenile sexual offenders and children experiencing distress from physical and sexual abuse. Dr. Norwood also worked at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she specialized in the areas of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.
In addition to clinical work, Dr. Norwood is an Adjunct Professor at Spelman College in the Department of Psychology. She frequently conducts psychological and personal development workshops at professional and community-based conferences for educators, psychologists and civic organizations. Dr. Norwood is a member of the American Psychological Association, Georgia Psychological Association and National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
Board of Advisors
Murrell Blackburn, Esq