Marian Wright Edelman Center Staff

Andrea Lewis Johnson, Director
Ms. E. Genell Bolton | Dorcas A. Callendar
Mrs. Pamela J. Garvey | Ms. Carla Rogers

Mrs. Andrea Lewis. Johnson (Director) received a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from Spelman College, a Master of Early Childhood Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and is completing her PhD in Early Childhood Education at Georgia State University. She has worked as a teacher and administrator in Atlanta Public Schools, taught Early Childhood Education courses at Atlanta Technical College, and interned in a National Association for the Education of Young Children affiliate. Even as a student at Spelman College, Mrs. Johnson’s motto was “The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to" spoken by her role model Children’s Defense Fund Founder and President, Marian Wright Edelman. Andrea loves developing young minds and believes that all children need a nurturing and stimulating academic environment to lay the foundation for future success. Mrs. Johnson has been recognized for her community service involvement and excellence in education by Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Outstanding Atlanta, and Turner Broadcasting Systems. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two young sons.

Lead Teachers

Ms. E. Genell Bolton (Lead Teacher) graduated from Spelman College in 1984 with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She began her illustrious career at the Atlanta University Childcare Center which was owned and operated by Spelman College in July of 1984, under the direction of Dr. Evelyn Chisolm. She transferred to the Spelman College Nursery-Kindergarten School here on campus in 1985. Ms. Bolton has a deep passion for music and is involved with a community chorus as well as her church choirs and hand bell choirs throughout the city. She loves traveling, swimming, reading and is an avid bowler. Ms. Bolton’s love and dedication for children has led her to establish “Heaven Sent”, a baby–sitting and tutorial service for children 0-5th grade. Her motto is “I will not teach math, or science or reading, I will teach children.”

Mrs. Pamela J. Garvey (Lead Teacher) graduated with a BA in Economics from Spelman College in 1976. Mrs. Garvey is currently teaching the kindergarten class and has been working at the center for 12 years. She started at MWEC as the teacher’s assistant in Mrs. Hutcherson’s pre-kindergarten class. After assisting Mrs. Hutcherson, she then moved to Ms. Carla’s class, there she experienced the learning practices of the three year olds. Mrs. Garvey also has teaching experience in the public school system. Having left the MWEC in 1999 to contribute her academic resources to the public school sector, she then returned to MWEC to continue her tenure as a lead teacher of her own kindergarten class. Mrs. Garvey is the mother of three adult children, who she originally home schooled. The youngest is currently attending Spelman College. Mrs. Garvey considers herself a life-long learner and loves interacting with children. She is the co-coordinator for Children’s Church at her church. She enjoys reading, journaling, gardening, community involvement and family time.

Ms. Carla L. Rogers is the lead teacher for the three and four-year- old class of the Marian Wright Edelman Nursery School. Her educational background came from Oakwood College (University) in Huntsville, Alabama, where she received a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. Ms. Carla has over 15 years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education Development with a focus on three and four-year-old children. The combination of all of these factors makes Ms. Carla an invaluable role model for her students and colleagues.

Assistant Teachers

Dorcas A. Callendar (Teacher Assistant) graduated in 1976 the from Caribbean Union College with an AA in Secretarial Science. She has been working with MWEC for eight years. She worked in the Spelman College bookstore as a sales associate for four years. Her talents include that of a interior designer and professional seamstress. She works with children and senior citizens. Mrs. Dorcas can always be identified by her bright smile and cheerful disposition. She is the proud grandmother of three grand children.