Meet our New Faculty and Staff

 

Nicholas Cork, our new athletic trainer and sports medicine teacher, comes to us with 11 years of experience in a variety of settings, including middle and high schools, physical therapy clinics, orthopedic physician offices, and a durable medical equipment (DME) company. A Samford graduate, he looks forward to working with students in the classroom and supporting our student-athletes.

 

We’re excited to welcome Allison Fuller back to Indian Springs! Allison previously served in the Admission Department from 2007 to 2019 as an Admission Associate. After several years away, we’re thrilled to have her rejoin the department in the same role earlier this summer.

 

Adrienne Gilbert brings more than 20 years of experience to her role. She previously worked in college admissions at schools like Rice University, as a high school college counselor at Whitefield Academy in Atlanta, and as a consultant for the Tier 1 college consulting firm Solomon Admissions. Adrienne obtained her bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College, where she played basketball, and will be coaching our girls varsity basketball team.

 

We're also excited to welcome Hunter Herron back on campus in a full-time role as our IT Manager. Hunter, who started with Impact Technology Group in August 2017, was assigned to Indian Springs as an IT technician from 2018 through 2020, and worked at Indian Springs on a rotating basis from 2021 through 2025. We're grateful to now have Hunter as a dedicated member of our campus team each day.

 

Cecilia Johnson brings 10 years of experience teaching secondary mathematics, holds a master's in secondary mathematics education from the University of Montevallo, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. This year, she will instruct our students in precalculus, advanced precalculus, and foundations. Cecilia also joins our ResLife team, and she and her family reside on campus.

 

Dr. Dakotah Kirk is the newest addition to our science department. Dakotah holds a bachelor's degree in physics from Mississippi State University, a master's degree in physics from Auburn University, and completed his Ph.D. in condensed matter physics at Auburn University earlier this year! He is teaching AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C this year and is part of our residential life team.

 

Dr. Xiaojun Ma brings a unique academic background to our Modern & Classical Languages department, having studied biology, worked at Penn State Medical Center, and earned a Ph.D in Special Education from Purdue University. She discovered a meaningful calling in teaching Mandarin and has developed a deep passion for sharing both the Chinese language and culture.

 

With more than 35 years of experience in the classroom, including several years as an administrator, Denise Trimm brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and most importantly, a deep love of learning to Indian Springs. A National Board Certified Teacher, Denise holds a B.S. in Secondary Language Arts Education and an MFA in Creative Writing — both from the University of Alabama. A voracious reader and part-time writer, Denise brings a genuine passion for literature and the power of great stories.

 

 

In addition to her role as photography teacher, Rachel Benoit will serve as the new chair of the arts department.

 

Longtime history teacher Dr. Bob Cooper has stepped down from teaching 8th grade history to teach history electives.

 

Academic Center Coordinator Christine Copeland has taken on teaching study skills in the 8th Grade Wheel and in part of WellFit.

 

Assistant Dean of Students and history teacher Alonia Fulgham is now teaching 8th grade history.

 

Head of School Scott Schamberger is teaching civics as part of the 8th Grade Wheel.