Maria Sharrett is a wife to Taylor and mother to three children, Weston, Hadley Kate, and Walker. Maria is entering her 14th year of education and is currently the Director of Special Education at Georgia Connections Academy and volunteers her time at her church. Maria Sharrett graduated from Georgia State with a bachelor's in Science, Valdosta with a MAT in Special Education, and Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction. She has centered her career around supporting individuals with disabilities throughout their educational tenure and has realized a need for additional support throughout the community. Maria had a vision for a Christian-based non-profit that changes the way the world sees individuals with disabilities. She is excited for the future of Grace Upon Grace

Nikki Sharrett is a wife to Jordan and mother to Jackson and Grayson. When she isn’t at one of their ball games or helping pastor a church, you will find her working one of her many jobs. After graduating from Clemson University in 2006 she jumped straight into the workforce and hasn’t slowed down since. Nikki not only has a high capacity to manage all of life’s demands, but she has a strong passion for making a difference in people’s lives. Grace Upon Grace gives her one more opportunity to serve people and have a direct impact on some of the forgotten people in our area.

Kristina is wife to Sean and mother to Hunter and Brooks. Kristina graduated from UGA with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education with a minor in Consumer Foods. After teaching high school for a few years she earned a master’s degree in Adult Education. Kristina taught high school for 9 years and middle school for 3. Kristina’s favorite thing about teaching is preparing students for future success and helping them discover their passion and purpose. Kristina is thrilled to be a part of GUG and can’t wait to see the limitless opportunities it will bring to so many lives!

Wife to Dustin and mother to two daughters, Katie and Amy. Maggie attended Brenau University where she received her undergraduate and Masters degrees in Special Education. Maggie is entering her 11th year of teaching special education and currently the Career Readiness and Life Skills teacher at Buford High School where curriculum focuses on getting individuals with special needs as independent as possible upon exiting high school. She works to bridge the gap between the school and the community by partnering with local businesses to give students on-site job skills and build ties with community members in hopes of graduating from high school with employment. Maggie is thrilled to be a part of Grace Upon Grace and so excited to see how it will help individuals with special needs within our community.

Sabine Claster has served the special education community for 10 years as Special Education Teacher and Assistant Director of Special Education at Georgia Connections Academy. She earned a BS in Accounting in 1995 along with CPA certification in 1996 and worked in private industry for 17 years before embarking on a new career in Education. She received her Masters of Teaching in Special Education from Liberty University in 2012 and has since worked at Georgia Connections Academy advocating for and supporting those who have varying abilities. Her passion and commitment stems from her own experience raising a son on the Spectrum and facing daily challenges that have become more daunting after High School graduation.

Sabine is married for 30 years and has three children. She lives with her husband and two of her children in Loganville, GA. Being born and raised in Germany, she appreciates differences in cultures and enjoys traveling state side and abroad.

Tara Ragan lives in Canton Georgia with her husband Corey and son Caleb. Tara graduated from UNG with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Tara works as a special education teacher and is a parent to a child with a disability. She serves as the advocacy chair of the Cure SMA Georgia Chapter and has experience with advocacy work at state and national levels. Tara's heart has always been in serving and championing for individuals with disabilities. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to meaningfully contribute and support families who are navigating parenting a child with a disability. This organization will provide hope and also allow families facing similar situations to connect with each other. Tara is thrilled to serve on the board of Grace Upon Grace and excited for the future.

Haley McDonald is a wife to Matthew and mother to two daughters, Molly Grace and Charlotte. I completed my undergrad at the University of Georgia and continued my education earning a master’s of special education and graduating this summer with a specialist in Teacher Leadership. Entering my 15th year of teaching special education, I am so excited to begin a new chapter at Youth Elementary School in Walton County. One of my favorite things about teaching is building relationships with my students and their families, creating a partnership to support students during my time with them, and the years that follow. I strive to prepare students for future success and guide them in understanding their purpose and the plans the Father has for them. I am so grateful to be a part of GUG and can’t wait to see the amazing opportunities it will bring to so many families!