My name is Joy Depenbrok and I have been an elementary school teacher for 19 years. I have taught many grade levels, including 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, as well as served as an EIP teacher for a couple of years. I have been a teacher in APS for 7 years, and I am super excited to join the Virginia-Highlands Elementary family. 

I grew up in Northeast Ohio. I graduated from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, with a BA in Elementary Education. I then acquired a Master's Degree from Ashland University, in Ashland, Ohio. Having lived in Ohio all of my life, my husband and I decided we needed more life experiences, so we moved to Atlanta in 2006. We love the warmer weather and the beautiful "city in the forest".

Currently, I live with my husband and 2 children in Midtown, very close to the gorgeous Piedmont Park. I enjoy walking around the city with my family and 2 dogs, Remus and Rosie. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, watching NBA basketball (go Cavs!), and playing/coaching Ultimate (frisbee). I also enjoy riding my bike around the city... you may catch a glimpse of me riding my purple bike to school!