Board of Directors

Denise M. Finley, Ed.S.

Denise M. Finley, Ed.S. — Curriculum/Learning Support Specialist K-12

Denise Finley currently serves as K-12 Curriculum Coordinator/Learning Support Specialist for Lamar County Schools. Mrs. Finley holds a dual Specialist degree (Educational Leadership/Reading-Family Literacy) from Georgia College and State University. She has 32 years of experience as an educator working in a variety of public settings with diverse student populations from birth through high school. Mrs. Finley has served in a number of roles as classroom teacher, instructional coach, professional learning consultant and educational curriculum consultant.

Read more: Denise M. Finley, Ed.S.

Erika Hill

GODDARD SCHOOL, Owner

EDUCATION: Georgia Tech (BS Electrical Engineering), Emory University (MBA Finance)

Erika is a champion for early childhood literacy through her work with the Goddard School. She is the first Goddard School franchise owner awarded a license to operate three schools in the Atlanta market and selected to serve on the nationwide, inaugural Goddard Systems Advisory Council. She has served her community as PTA president, Area School Council Business Representative, Young Men's Service League member and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., executive board member. Erika is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Susan McWhirter

RIVERTOWN PEDIATRICS, Pediatrics Specialist

EDUCATION: University of Maryland (BS Zoology), Emory University School of Medicine (MD)

Dr. Susan McWhirter has been involved in educating families on the importance of literacy since her days as a Pediatric Resident at Emory University. She is already involved in several projects in her community promoting access to books for children starting at birth. Dr. McWhirter has been previous Chief of the Medical Staff at what is now Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and currently serves on its Board. She is also a Board Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Georgia Chapter.

Margaret M. Quinlin

Margaret M. Quinlin is President and Publisher of Peachtree Publishing Company, an award-winning independent publishing house founded in 1977 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. Peachtree publishes books for young readers from board books through young adult fiction and nonfiction. 

Margaret’s own passion for language and books derives from her father’s great love of books and her Irish mother’s strong love of stories and verse. Growing up in a household filled with children and music and stories and books reinforces for her the great value of bringing books to young children in their homes.

Read more: Margaret M. Quinlin

Wes Turner

Wes graduated from the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in Family Financial Planning. Upon graduation, he lead a team of data analyst for a credit card processor, Total Systems Services (TSYS). Today, he is a Registered Investment Advisor and partner of Lumature Wealth Partners in Alpharetta, GA. He currently serves as Board President for the Atlanta Alumni Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Wes and his wife, Alex, along with their dog, Kirby Belle, live in Americus, GA. In his spare time he coaches youth football for the Northside Youth Organization (NYO) of North Atlanta, enjoys playing golf, spending time outdoors, and attending UGA football games.