Vestavia Hills City Schools

Dr. Sandy Ritchey is the Executive Director of Continuous Improvement in the Vestavia Hills City School system. She has been an educator for 23 years and has held positions as a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th-grade teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, assistant principal, and principal. Sandy has a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She also has an administrative certificate and an Education Specialist degree in Leadership from UAB. Most recently, she earned a doctorate, defending a new grounded theory in the area of leadership. Sandy has led professional development at conferences and in school districts across Alabama. She specializes in the areas of literacy, assessments, curriculum, standards, response to instruction/intervention, and leadership. She also has considerable experience working with English Learners, Title I, and gifted students. She passionately believes in empowering teachers to become leaders and learners in education.

Dr. Antonio Cooper currently holds the position of Director of Curriculum & Instruction for Vestavia Hills City Schools. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling, an Education Specialist degree in Administrative Leadership in Teaching and Learning, and a Doctorate in Administrative Leadership in Teaching & Learning.

Over the course of his distinguished 17-year career in education, Dr. Cooper has assumed various roles, such as behavior specialist, teacher for grades 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th, dean of students, coach, secondary assistant principal, elementary principal, secondary principal, and coordinator of student services. His extensive experience reflects a commitment to diverse aspects of education at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Dr. Antonio Cooper has been acknowledged as a Fellow with Hope Institute, a recognition specifically attributed to his noteworthy contributions in the field of character education. This distinction highlights his significant impact and commitment to fostering positive character development within educational settings. Dr. Cooper's dedication to character education aligns with his broader mission to inspire individuals to dream big, recognize their purpose, and walk in their full potential.

Faith Lenhart is a visionary leader with over 25 years in K–12 arts education and school leadership. As Director of Arts Education for Vestavia Hills City Schools, she leads district-wide initiatives, oversees facility upgrades, secures grants, and facilitates impactful professional development. A member of the district leadership cabinet and MTSS team, she also supports programs in PE, library media, STEM, world languages, and EL education.

A former arts department chair and dance educator, Mrs. Lenhart has developed award-winning programs and led strategic planning. She has served on state and national committees, including the Alabama Dance Standards Committee and the National Dance Education Organization. She is President of the Vestavia Hills Arts Council and holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Arts Education.

Katie McCarthy is the Special Education Coordinator for the Vestavia Hills City School system. Katie has been an exceptional education teacher for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Collaborative Special Education for grades K-12 and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education, both from Auburn University. She also has an Instructional Leadership certificate from Samford University. Katie has taught students in the resource, inclusion, and Life Skills setting. She most recently served as a VHCS Special Education Program Specialist. Katie is a proud graduate of Vestavia Hills City Schools and is passionate about serving her community by providing students with an educational experience that promotes independence and instills confidence in all students so that they can truly learn without limits. She is thrilled to continue serving teachers, administrators, and parents as they instruct, support, and advocate for the students of Vestavia Hills City Schools.

Brooke Wedgworth is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Vestavia Hills City Schools. With a career in education spanning more than two decades, she has held a variety of roles, including middle school math teacher, elementary educator, and interventionist. Brooke has taught at Rutledge Middle School as well as several other schools within the district, including Central Elementary, Liberty Park Elementary, and Cahaba Heights Elementary.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Samford University, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and an educational leadership certification from Samford University. Brooke has also contributed to statewide teacher training efforts as a trainer for the Alabama Reading Initiative.
In her current role, Brooke leads curriculum selection, professional development, and instructional strategy implementation across the district. She specializes in literacy, mathematics instruction, and teacher development.