About Us
About Our School
Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy
2300 Maddox Chapel Road
Dalton, GA 30721
(706) 876-3600
(706) 876-3602 - Fax
The mission of Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy is "to develop a 21st century workforce through world-class Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE)".

About Us
Opened in the fall of 2005 as an LEA Start-up charter school, the Whitfield County Career Academy focused on helping high schools students achieve success through an individualized program of study that included rigorous and relevant instruction in academic and career/technical courses, planned and structured work based learning opportunities, and a seamless transition to post-secondary education and the workforce.
Over the past years, new partnerships have been forged with:
- Both Dalton State College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College that have reinforced our mission “to develop a 21st century workforce through world-class Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE).” In an effort to focus on post-secondary transition, and establish a base that is more regional in nature, the Whitfield County Career Academy has changed its name to the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy (NWGCCA).
As we now move forward, NWGCCA will work in partnership with Dalton State College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, neighboring school systems, the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce, and local and regional business and industry. By blending the rigor of high school curricula, the relevance of real work experiences, and the relationships forged between all stakeholders, students will be able to transition successfully and more rapidly to attain their professional goals. The opportunities Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy will be able to provide students, beginning in middle school, continuing through high school and further into post-secondary, will assist them to pursue the knowledge and skills necessary for career readiness and success, and over time, provide a better quality of life for the people of Whitfield County, the northwest Georgia region and beyond.
IMPACT AND BENEFIT
Building on these previous accomplishments, NWGCCA will create an innovative curriculum that will focus on the integration of core academics and advanced career-technical education programs. With integrated learning and collaborative teaching, NWGCCA will strive to improve student achievement, create a stronger sense of affiliation and better prepare students for post-secondary and career choices. This will be accomplished by creating an innovative educational environment that identifies, encourages, and develops each student’s career interests and abilities. NWGCCA will help direct students to focus on their future and to help students apply academic and technical skills and abilities into career experiences. Along with the partnerships established with Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Dalton State College, NWGCCA will work to create a seamless transition to students’ desired post-secondary choices. Using the academic and CTAE knowledge and content, together with work readiness foundational skills, and on the job and/or career pathway experience, NWGCCA will work to link education with economic and workforce development to support the northwest Georgia region. The success of NWGCCA lies in the vision and guidance of its leadership, the commitment of the entire faculty, across all levels – middle school, high school, post-secondary – to collaborate and connect the content to real world problems and experiences, and the desire of its students to become the best educated and trained individual they can be. The impact and benefit of such a success on the region of northwest Georgia will be immeasurable and will create a stronger, more vibrant community in which to live.
Meet our Administrators
David Moeller

(706) 876-3603
david.moeller@wcsga.net
CEO
David Moeller, a native of New York City, served in the United States Air Force for 8 years. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University with an emphasis in city and county management.
After his military service, he moved to Ringgold, Georgia. David was a Court Administrator in Whitfield County for the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. He has served on many committees in Whitfield/Murray Counties, and served on the Executive Board of Directors for the Georgia Council of Court Administrators. In 2018, David was appointed to the State Charter School Committee by Speaker
Currently, David is the CEO for the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy and Director for Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) for Whitfield County Schools. As CEO, he has worked to develop critical partnerships with local manufacturing industries, and implement the Advanced Manufacturing and Business Academy. The academy is designed to address the gap in workforce development affecting Northwest Georgia.
David is serving his third term representing district 4 as an elected school member for Catoosa County Public Schools. He holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Board.
ORGANIZATIONS:
Association of Career, Technical Education (ACTE)
Georgia Association of Career, Technical Education (GSBA) Georgia College and Career Academies (GCCA)
Georgia School Board Association (GSBA)
Sherri Travisano

(706) 876-3605
sherri.travisano@wcsga.net
Degrees and Certifications:
- M.Ed Educational Leadership, University of Phoenix
- M. Ed Education, University of Phoenix
- B.A. Elementary Education, Arizona State University
Principal
I have had the opportunity to serve as principal at the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy and Phoenix High School since 2017. I joined Whitfield County Schools in 2007 as an elementary principal. I have worked as a principal, district administrator, instructional coach, college professor, and teacher in my 30+ years in education.
ORGANIZATIONS:
Association of Career and Technical Education , ACTE
Association of Supervision of Curriculum Development, ASCD
Georgia Association of Alternative Education, GAAE
Chastity Blanchard

(706) 876-3606
chastity.blanchard@wcsga.net
Degrees and Certifications:
- Ed. S Supervision, Lincoln Memorial University.
- M. Ed Education Administration, Lincoln Memorial University.
- B.S. Medical Technology, Georgia State University.
Assistant Principal (Curriculum/Testing)
I have been part of the Whitfield County Schools family since 2000, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. This year, I'm honored to support students and staff as an assistant principal at both Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy and Phoenix High School.
I earned my B.S. in Medical Technology from Georgia State University, followed by my M.Ed. and Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. Working across all grade levels has been a meaningful journey that’s helped me grow both personally and professionally. It’s given me a deep understanding of how to support students, collaborate with teachers, and help build strong school communities.
Jason Pilcher

706-876-3611
jason.pilcher@wcsga.net
Degrees and Certifications:
- M. Ed. Educational Leadership, Georgia College and State University
- B.S. Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice, Liberty University.
Assistant Principal (Attendance/Behavior/Facilities)
I started my teaching career in Whitfield County Schools in 2005 as a Law and Criminal Justice Instructor at Whitfield County Career Academy. Recently, I accepted the position of assistant principal in charge of discipline, attendance, and facilities at Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy and Phoenix High School. I am set to begin my new role in the 2025/2026 school year.
Board of Directors
Board Purpose:
NWGCCA is a public charter school within the Whitfield County School system. Our charter gives us flexibility to be innovative and creative in meeting the needs of both students and local business/industry who are the customers we serve. In partnership with the local board of education, NWGCCA is governed by a board of directors of up to 17 members who represent local business/industry, post-secondary partners, parents, educators, and the community. The board of directors works with the school's CEO to set the overall strategic direction for the school.
Staff Directory
| STAFF NAME | |
|
Billie Abney |
billie.abney@wcsga.net |
| Chris Alexander | chris.alexander@wcsga.net |
| Kyle Alveshere | kyle.alveshere@wcsga.ner |
| Viry Apodaca | viry.apodaca@wcsga.net |
| Andrew Bowen | andrew.bowen@wcsga.net |
| Michelle Brice | michelle.brice@wcsga.net |
| Emily Buffington | emily.buffington@wcsga.net |
| TIppi Clayborne | tippi.clayborne@wcsga.net |
| Steven Cole | steven.cole@wcsga.net |
| Marlen Cruz | marlen.cruz@wcsga.net |
| Angie Dashler | angie.dashler@wcsga.net |
| Anthony Flowers | anthony.flowers@wcsga.net |
| Beth Foster | beth.foster@wcsga.net |
| Kris Groves | kris.groves@wcsga.net |
| Jennifer Hall | jennifer.hall@wcsga.net |
| Lorraine Hambock | lorraine.hambrock@wcsga.net |
| Teresa Jones | teresa.jones@wcsga.net |
| Kelley Kittle | kelley.kittle@wcsga.net |
| Marney Lenahan | marney.lenahan@wcsga.net |
| Tim Marks | tim.marks@wcsga.net |
| Brittany McMillan | brittany.mcmillan@wcsga.net |
| Tony Miller | tony.miller@wcsga.net |
| Becky Morrison | becky.morrison@wcsga.net |
| Flor Padgett | flor.padgett@wcsga.net |
| Diana Paniagua Paz | diana.paniaguapaz@wcsga.net |
| David Pedulla | david.pedulla@wcsga.net |
| Shane Pendley | shane.pendley@wcsga.net |
| Ashley Prewett | ashley.prewett@wcsga.net |
| Ana Quintana | ana.quintana@wcsga.net |
| James Rowlenson | james.rowlenson@wcsga.net |
| Missy Smith | missy.smith@wcsga.net |
| Margaret Walraven | margaret.walraven@wcsga.net |
| Lisa Waters | lisa.waters@wcsga.net |
Hall of Fame
2024-2025 Class
Dr. Judy Gilreath
Former Superintendent
Whitfield County Schools
Dr. Judy Gilreath is a retired educator who worked 20 years within Whitfield Couty Schools and almost 35 years total in education. Dr. Gilreath was instrumental in setting the strategy for WCS and working with the NWGCCA Board of Directors to develop a workforce-focused plan for the school. She also was instrumental in leading the way to provide the land upon which the Dalton GNTC campus was constructed. Dr. Gilreath worked very well with neighboring school systems, the Greater Dalton Chamber, post-secondary partners, and the local business and industry community. Her leadership impact continues to be felt across Whitfield County Schools.
Mr. Joe Yarbrough
Former Industry Executive
Former President – CRI
Former TCSG Board Member
Joe Yarbrough is a retired Floorcovering Industry Executive who became President of the Carpet & Rug Institute upon leaving industry. Mr. Yarbrough is known across Georgia for his passion for education and for bringing groups together to solve issues that others feel are impossible. Mr. Yarbrough remains a champion for workforce development across Greater Dalton. He has mentored and influenced hundreds of people as they have grown their career. During his time at the CRI, Mr. Yarbrough played a key role in bringing the community together to open a campus of Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Dalton, which expanded opportunities for students who attended NWGCCA. Mr. Yarbrough has always been a loyal supporter of the Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy.
2025-2026 Class
Mr. Chris Alexander
Automotives Instructor
NWGCCA
Mr. Chris Alexander began his teaching career at NWGCCA twenty-one (21) years ago – the day the school opened its doors. Prior to joining the NWGCCA team, Mr. Alexander was a Technician at the local Ford Dealership in Dalton where he became a Ford Master Engine Technician. Over his career, Mr. Alexander has earned 25 ASE Professional Technician Certifications and was elected to the Nashville Auto/Diesel College Hall of Fame. Under Mr. Alexander, the Automotive program at NWGCCA has earned and retained Industry Certification and has also expanded to include electric vehicles. Students annually rate Mr. Alexander as one of their most favorite instructors.
Mr. Tom Dickson
Former Superintendent
Elected Official & Community Leader
While serving as Superintendent for Whitfield County Schools, Mr. Dickson led efforts to develop the charter and gain local and state approval for Whitfield County Schools to create a College & Career Academy. After leaving education, Mr. Dickson was elected State Representative of Georgia’s 6th House District where he continued to play a key role in supporting education, College & Career Academies, and workforce development. Throughout his career, Mr. Dickson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community and education advancement through serving on numerous boards and civic groups. Mr. Dickson currently serves as the Mayor of Varnell, Georgia.
Mrs. Barbara Ward
Current NWGCCA Board Member
Retired Chamber Executive & Community Leader
After retiring as an educator from Dalton Public Schools, Mrs. Ward was hired as the first Director of Workforce Development for the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce. Leveraging her knowledge of educational practices and the local industry, Mrs. Ward quickly established relationships with area employers to discuss their workforce needs. She brought both local school systems together to jointly implement programs that provided job shadows for high school students, expanded work-based learning opportunities, and increased career awareness for both teachers and students. In 2011, Mrs. Ward led efforts to develop the Design, Engineering & Manufacturing Camp, a free STEM Summer Camp for students, that continues annually each summer. Mrs. Ward has been a key leader on the NWGCCA board of directors since 2012 and continues serving as a civic leader.
