Rebekka Whitehead, founder
Native Atlantan Rebekka Whitehead’s educational career spans in and out of the classroom, working within the accreditation, learning support, and curriculum development and implementation spaces. Rebekka's experience as liasion and teacher in Atlanta area private schools lends a unique insight into K-12 learning environments, prioritizing an inquiry-driven, project-based learning approach. She has experience within state, national, and global accreditation spheres to monitor academic resource support, advisory groups, college counseling, high-quality mentoring, academic and life coaching, and accountability as well as auxiliary services to evaluate progress and overall improvement across corresponding curricular benchmarks. Rebekka’s experience in curriculum advisement led her to East Africa where she supervised the implementation of upper school integrated curriculum and authored K-12 curricula that is implemented worldwide. Her transition into the educational consulting industry came about from her passion for family advocacy, professional guidance, and belief that every student should be empowered with the tools to thrive. An expert on Atlanta schools, Rebekka yearns to be a conversation partner with families as she develops and executes an insightful and strategic plan for approaching the independent school admission process.
A lifelong learner, Rebekka is a member of Project Zero at Harvard University, Philanthropic Educational Organization, Teachers Without Borders, International Reading Association, Partnership of 21st-Century Skills (P21), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), and a Women's Community Bible Study. A member of the Atlanta Track Club, Rebekka is an avid competitive runner and also enjoys traveling and cooking. She has a passionate heart for giving back, and savors time spent on the Leadership Committee for Thrive Global Project or mentoring middle school girls. Rebekka resides in Sandy Springs with her husband Kirk where they are both active members of Buckhead Church.
Susie McDaniel, director of cognitive training
Dr. Susie McDaniel, owner and Executive Director of LearningRx Atlanta & Alpharetta, is honored to partner with Whitehead Learning Group. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2003 and her Master of Physical Therapy Degree in 1993, both from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Susie is a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and a Certified Interactive Metronome provider. Professionally, she held the position of Corresponding Secretary on the Executive Board of the International Dyslexia Association of Georgia for eight years and also served on the Scientific Advisory Board of the LearningRx National Headquarters. She is thrilled to have supervised this facet of cognitive training in Georgia since 2008. As the mother of two boys, Susie was curious about enhancing their learning and performance. When she learned that the brain can be changed and how strengthening skills like processing speed, memory, and attention can increase life opportunities, she was inspired to transition from traditional physical therapy to cognitive skills training. Susie is passionate about the lasting academic and social impact of cognitive skills in a student’s life, particularly in academic achievement and scholastic aptitude.
Susie lives in Sandy Springs with her husband of 25 years and her two boys, Matthew and Thomas. Matthew is a sophomore at KSU majoring in Robotics Engineering and Thomas is a senior at Marist School. Susie enjoys meditation, trying new restaurants and listening to podcasts or audiobooks while she walks. Susie enjoys Saturdays at her LearningRx centers socializing with clients and trainers. Weekends also include quiet time at home with her family and three cats.
See more of Susie’s work here.
Sharon Egan, parent and family coach
Sharon Egan began in career as a family therapist and now works as a parent and family coach. She is honored to partner with Whitehead Learning Group. Sharon’s openness and compassion allows her to help parents understand and connect with their children to maximize deeper relationships. Sharon’s 35-year expertise and dedication as a teacher, mentor, trainer, speaker, and parent coach–but most importantly, her role as a mom–allows her to create a holistic and tailored approach for each of her families. Sharon believes that building a strong parent-child relationship at the intersection of temperament and learning style is key to unlocking mental, emotional, social and academic growth. Sharon received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Denison University, her Master’s degree in Education/Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania, and her certification in School Counseling from the University of West Georgia and her Parent Coaching certification through the Academy for Coaching Parents International.
Sharon and her husband Rob have been married for 36 years. They, along with their 3 children, moved to Roswell, GA in 1996. They loved raising their children there and are now proud to say they are grandparents of 4 adorable little ones. Sharon loves the outdoors whether walking, biking, gardening or traveling and she is passionate about giving back to the community through Habitat for Humanity.
See more of Sharon’s work here.
Lauren Maxwell, office manager
Lauren is the Office Manager at Whitehead Learning Group. A natural listener and problem-solver, Lauren’s attention to detail leads client relations and administration. Her energy for and commitment to WLG impacts every project and partnership. Lauren is an Atlanta native and graduate of Woodward Academy. She attended the University of Mississippi where she received a Bachelor’s in Social Work. While at Ole Miss, Lauren met her husband, Hank, and they relocated to Atlanta upon graduation. Lauren worked at Dunwoody’s Peachford Hospital in Dunwoody prior to marriage. Lauren and Hank just celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. After beginning her family, Lauren stayed home to raise her three kids, Avery, Kate and Henry. In the years she stayed home, she was active at both her home church, Mt. Bethel United Methodist, and in her children’s schools. Delegating her efforts across three schools, Lauren was a dynamic parent volunteer and supporter at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, Atlanta Speech School and Mount Vernon School, later serving as a substitute teacher. Her daughters are currently attending the University of Alabama and her son is an 8th-grader at Mount Vernon.