Ms. Strickling was born and raised in Queens, New York where she attended a diverse public school system with rigorous academic programming from elementary school through high school. She received her undergraduate degree from Morris Brown College which is located here in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Strickling returned to New York to pursue a graduate degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and began her teaching career at Clear Stream Elementary School where she taught first and sixth grade. Ms. Strickling believes that her greatest achievement as a teacher was the mentoring she received which served to develop her ability to teach effectively and manage instructional routines.

While teaching, Ms. Strickling pursued a second Master’s degree in educational administration. She has spent the last three years as a building administrator in California Avenue and Northern Parkway elementary schools in Uniondale, New York. Ms. Strickling believes that her greatest accomplishment as an administrator has been her commitment to students in providing a safe a nurturing educational environment; and her support for teachers in assuring that they have access to resources, materials and professional development needed to develop their craft as excellent educators.

Ms. Strickling is excited about joining the Atlanta Public Schools District and is looking forward to leading and supporting the goals of the students, staff and parents of Bolton Academy.