The Auburn Day School Team
KATIE WITTHAUER MURRAH, M.ED.
OWNER/DIRECTOR
AUBURN DAY SCHOOL IS MY PASSION AND I LOVE EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF LEARNING ALONGSIDE THESE YOUNG STUDENTS. I HAVE OVER 15 YEARS OF TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE AND A MASTERS DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH AN EMPHASIS IN GIFTED EDUCATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA. I'VE TAUGHT CHILDREN FROM PRESCHOOL TO EIGHTH GRADE IN A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS. OVER THE YEARS I'VE WORKED WITH MANY BRIGHT AND TALENTED STUDENTS AND I'VE DESIGNED THE CONCEPT-BASED STEM CURRICULUM FOR AUBURN DAY SCHOOL WITH EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS IN MIND. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU AND GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FAMILY.
OWNER/DIRECTOR
AUBURN DAY SCHOOL IS MY PASSION AND I LOVE EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF LEARNING ALONGSIDE THESE YOUNG STUDENTS. I HAVE OVER 15 YEARS OF TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE AND A MASTERS DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH AN EMPHASIS IN GIFTED EDUCATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA. I'VE TAUGHT CHILDREN FROM PRESCHOOL TO EIGHTH GRADE IN A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS. OVER THE YEARS I'VE WORKED WITH MANY BRIGHT AND TALENTED STUDENTS AND I'VE DESIGNED THE CONCEPT-BASED STEM CURRICULUM FOR AUBURN DAY SCHOOL WITH EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS IN MIND. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU AND GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FAMILY.
Lillie Brooks, B.S.
Assistant Director/Sprouts' lead teacher
I am ecstatic to be a part of the Auburn Day School family! I have my bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Auburn university and I have a passion for seeing children learn and realize their potential! I have loved getting to know the children and parents at Auburn Day School. In my free time, I love to be with friends, listen to t-swfit, and snuggle with my pup-Tank! I cannot wait to continue to learn and explore alongside the sweet students here!
Assistant Director/Sprouts' lead teacher
I am ecstatic to be a part of the Auburn Day School family! I have my bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Auburn university and I have a passion for seeing children learn and realize their potential! I have loved getting to know the children and parents at Auburn Day School. In my free time, I love to be with friends, listen to t-swfit, and snuggle with my pup-Tank! I cannot wait to continue to learn and explore alongside the sweet students here!
Linda Roach, B.A. English,
Office Manger
Hi, my husband and I recently moved from Pennsylvania to Alabama. We are empty-nesters and our kids have decided to make their homes in the south! So here we happily are. Watching children grow and learn is the most satisfying career I have had. My early publishing career in NYC gave me a terrific experience in the corporate world but there is nothing that comes close to seeing a child’s love to learn. I love volunteering, especially in wildlife rehabilitation, gardening, watercolor painting, my silly pets and of course my family and friends!
Office Manger
Hi, my husband and I recently moved from Pennsylvania to Alabama. We are empty-nesters and our kids have decided to make their homes in the south! So here we happily are. Watching children grow and learn is the most satisfying career I have had. My early publishing career in NYC gave me a terrific experience in the corporate world but there is nothing that comes close to seeing a child’s love to learn. I love volunteering, especially in wildlife rehabilitation, gardening, watercolor painting, my silly pets and of course my family and friends!
Alison Crosby, M.S.W.: voyagers' LEAD TEACHER
I am thrilled to be a part of the ADS team. After graduating with my Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work from the University of Georgia, I returned to Auburn, my hometown, with my husband. It was then I realized my passion for early childhood education and began my 10 year career in a child development center. I spent 8 years in the Toddler and Twos classroom and 2 years in administration. I love spending time with my husband and two kids (3 & 7). I've loved my first year at ADS, and I can't wait to meet all of you.
I am thrilled to be a part of the ADS team. After graduating with my Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work from the University of Georgia, I returned to Auburn, my hometown, with my husband. It was then I realized my passion for early childhood education and began my 10 year career in a child development center. I spent 8 years in the Toddler and Twos classroom and 2 years in administration. I love spending time with my husband and two kids (3 & 7). I've loved my first year at ADS, and I can't wait to meet all of you.
Sharon Zhang, M.Ed.
adventurers' Lead Teacher Hey there! I'm thrilled to be part of the Auburn Day School team! Back in my home country, I earned my teaching certification and later pursued my masteR's degree in ESOL/Bilingual Education at the University of Florida. Coming from a family of educators, my passion for learning and teaching has always been ingrained in me. Over the past five years, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with ESOL and Mandarin-as-a-Second-Language students, both in China and here in the US. My heart truly belongs to working with kids, and I’m all about fostering a positive and enjoyable learning environment that supports their growth and development. On a more personal note, I made the move from Florida to Alabama. When I'm not in the classroom, you can often find me whipping up delicious meals, capturing life’s moments, or simply hanging out with my furry friends – my dogs and cat. I can’t wait to team up with you as we embark on this exciting journey together, nurturing your child’s growth and development every step of the way! |
Laila Gul, B.S.
Explorers' Lead Teacher |
Katelyne Turner,
investigators' Lead Teacher Labelle Dance Company Owner/Director What a delight it is to be part of the ADS family! I am from Elba, AL and I am currently studying early childhood education at Auburn University. I started my journey working with children in 2018 and have since worked with children from age six weeks to preschool. I have gained experience with older children as well through teaching dance! I found that I also love the management side of working with children as I worked as the director for a daycare center in the past. I have a dog named Hank who keeps me more than busy. I also enjoy spoiling and looking after my grandmother (who adopted me) when I visit my hometown. I am more than eager to see how these children at ADS and I can grow! |
Maggie Young, B.S.
Curious connectors' Lead teacher Hey ADS, I am so excited to be in this special school family! I grew up in Auburn where I was very involved in the community and extracurriculars while also working part time jobs throughout high school and college. I worked as a Summer Show Offs head counselor, two-year old preschool teacher, and also held various leadership roles in my sorority. I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and now live here with my high school sweetheart turned husband and our golden retriever, Tuck. For the last three years I worked as a Kindergarten teacher in the public school setting where I interacted with many students with various learning abilities. I have a passion for children and helping each child find what makes them special. When I’m not at school, I love to spend time with my friends and family, working out, being outside and traveling. I can’t wait to see what great things this year will bring! |
Kristen Elrod, M.Ed.: Junior scientists' Lead teacher
It is such an honor to teach with the Auburn Day School team! I’m a passionate educator with ten years of experience in the elementary school setting. I earned my B.S. in Early Childhood from the University of Georgia and my M.ED from Piedmont College. During the latter years of teaching, I had a unique opportunity to create a reading intervention program and solely serve as a schoolwide reading interventionist for two years. In this program, I had the privilege of teaching over 220 students individualized instruction in 37 differentiated reading groups. I was able to work with students in all grades ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade daily. I’ve continued online education through Kennesaw State University to stay current on all learning opportunities. My husband’s job brought us to Auburn four years ago, and I’ve been a teacher at home to our son. I love being back in the classroom sharing my love for education with the students of Auburn Day School! |
ASHLYN WEAVER, B.S.
Junior chemists' LEAD TEACHER I am overjoyed to be part of the ADS team! I am an Auburn native and graduated with my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development. I have always had a passion for education, starting with teaching my dolls as a kid to joining ADS in 2022! I have had experience with all age groups from my time at ADS as well as babysitting and serving in my church nursery for many years. I am determined to ensure every student leaves my classroom knowing they are loved, important, and ready to take on the world. I love all things Disney, coffee, and books! I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of ADS and I know we will have a wonderful year! |
Heather McDonough, B.S., ADS Music Teacher and Assistant Teacher
I'm an original auburn native, although I spent 13 years in Newnan, GA. I have a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Auburn University and 15 years of teaching experience at the elementary and preschool levels. My passion is exposing young children to the many benefits of creative expression through music, movement, and imagination. I'm married with two children and a cardigan welsh corgi. Outside of ADS I'm involved in Girl Scouts and the Auburn Band Parents Association. I'm a textbook Hufflepuff and love to read, belly dance, and nap! 
Asher Smith,
assistant teacher Hi I'm Asher! Auburn Day School is my happy place; i'm so excited to be leading our junior scientists' this summer! I've been assisting at ADS for nearly two years now and have loved every minute of it. I'm a Senior at Auburn University studying Early Childhood Education and teaching is probably my favorite thing in the world. I adore what I do and I see every second in the classroom as a chance to make an impact on a child's future! Outside of school, I love drawing, playing ukulele, enjoying nature, cooking, and spending time with my friends and my kitty cat Nugget! I look forward to continuing to learn with the ADS family! |
ANTOINETTE DAVIS, Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Antoinette and I am a new assistant teacher at Auburn Day School. I am currently pursuing my Early Childhood Education degree at Auburn University and I love it here! I’m from Phenix City, AL and I enjoy arts and crafts! I am so excited about the opportunities and experiences ahead in my teaching journey at Auburn Day School! 
Abigail faulkner, stem play asst. teacher
Hey everyone! I am so happy to be a part of this amazing team at ADS! I am currently studying Mathematics Education at Auburn University because of my passion for inspiring students to develop a lifelong love for learning. I am committed to building engaging learning environments for children where they can find joy in their ability to learn and discover new things, as well as be encouraged to utilize their natural curiosity to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I am so enthusiastic about education and relational development and truly love kids with my whole heart. I hope to inspire young children to become confident in their ability to reach their full potential. I love playing piano and running when I have free time, and I can’t wait to be with these kids as they grow, laugh, and enjoy their time at ADS! |
Raley Barnes, sprouts' asst. teacher
I am the new Sprout's assistant teacher. I recently moved to Auburn to earn my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Auburn University. I love working with children, and my passion was immediately matched by Auburn Day School’s hands-on learning approach. I plan to pursue my Master's Degree in Special Education, as well. I am so excited to be a part of this team and to be able to grow and learn with the ADS staff and students. |
Tatiana Gitcevich, Asst. Teacher
Suz Renneker, Asst. Teacher
Ren Hunt, substitute Teacher
My name is Ren Hunt and I am originally from Gwinnett County GA but now live in Auburn full time! I am currently enrolled at Auburn University getting a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I will graduate in May of 2025 and plan to continue my education to get my master’s degree and a PhD in Educational Theory and Practice. In my free time I enjoy reading and shopping. I am so excited to continue at Auburn Day School. |