Dear Sutton Community,

It is a true honor to serve as the Principal of Willis A. Sutton Middle School. Each day, I am reminded that the strength of our school lies not in any single person, but in the collective energy, commitment, and vision of our students, families, faculty, and community partners. Sutton is our group project—one that requires all of us working together, contributing our talents, and striving toward a shared goal: the success and growth of every child.

At Sutton, we believe that education must prepare students not only to succeed academically, but also to lead with integrity, resilience, and empathy. We are committed to delivering a rigorous and engaging academic program, while also cultivating the character and civic responsibility that empower our students to make a meaningful impact on the world. Our work is guided by the principle that every student deserves a world-class education that challenges the mind, nurtures the heart, and prepares them for high school, college, and beyond.

My own journey as an educator has prepared me to lead this mission with purpose and conviction. I began my career as an English Language Arts Special Education teacher in Fulton County Schools before moving into general education, where I served as Department Chair and AVID model teacher. I later worked as an Instructional Coach, leading literacy initiatives across all content areas, restructuring PLCs, and supporting teachers in personalizing learning for students. In 2018, I was humbled to join Sutton as an Assistant Principal, serving in that role until my appointment as Principal in 2022.

Alongside these professional experiences, my academic training has shaped both my perspective and my commitment to excellence in education. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Morehouse College, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Each of these experiences has further deepened my belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of providing that opportunity to every student.

As we move forward, I am guided by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” Our mission is not simply to educate, but to transform lives. We must hold high expectations for every learner while also fostering the compassion and courage that will serve them long after they leave our classrooms.

I am confident that, with your partnership, Sutton will continue to thrive as a place where students dream boldly, think critically, and lead with purpose. Together, we will ensure that Sutton’s legacy remains one of achievement, growth, and opportunity for every child.

Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility, and for joining me in this important work. Sutton is—and will always be—our group project, our pride, and our promise to the future.

With gratitude and commitment,

Dr. Dominique R. Merriweather
Principal

Amanda Fielder is a native of Michigan who moved to Atlanta after college. She obtained Bachelors of Arts degrees in History and English from Western Michigan University, a Master of Arts degree in Instruction from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Arts degree in American History from Ashland University. Over the course of her career, Amanda has taught Language Arts and Social Studies at each of the three middle school grade levels; she taught Georgia Studies, a course she loves with all of her heart, for a decade. Amanda has also served as Sutton's Athletic Director, Individuals and Societies (Social Studies) Department Chair, gifted contact, and as a founding member of Sutton's GO Team. Taking advantage of all the cultural and entertainment events Atlanta has to offer, you might find her at professional or college sporting events, concerts, or stage performances. As someone who loves to travel, it's not uncommon to run into her at Hartsfield-Jackson! Follow Amanda on Twitter @smsfielder!

Fannie Phillips-Bennett was born here in Atlanta, Georgia and is considered to be a “rare, but true Georgia Peach.”  Before beginning her career 19 years ago, she attended Clayton State University and received a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Biology. In 2006, she completed a Masters in Instructional Education at Central Michigan University.  In 2007, she completed a Specialist degree program in Educational Leadership at Lincoln Memorial University. Ms. Bennett has served in various positions in education such as Science Department Chair, Science Instructional Coach, Assistant Site Coordinator of PowerUp, curriculum writer, District Core Content Instructional Specialist, and Lead-Based Campus Mentor. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, spending time with her son and daughter (Gregory and Samayyah), hanging out with family and friends, and TRAVELING! 

Ms. Bennett’s educational philosophy is that ALL students have the ability to learn and are entitled to the best education one could possibly receive.  In her role as Assistant Principal, she set out to ensure that this happens for every student at Sutton Middle School. More specifically, she looks forward to carrying out the vision of the school. Ms. Bennett is wholeheartedly committed to doing this on a daily basis!

IB Learner Attributes: Inquirer & Knowledgeable

Mr. Metcalf was born in Buffalo, NY and still puts vinegar on his fries. He graduated from the University of North Carolina with a B.A. in English. After college, he moved to Asheville, NC, where he fell in love with mountains and Bluegrass music. While living in Asheville, he earned a Master’s in Teaching from Western Carolina University and moved from social work/mental health to the classroom, to teach high school English in Swannanoa, NC.

Before teaching in APS, he worked as a Campus Director with Citizen Schools, Inc. in Durham, NC and later, as Associate Director of Education Programs at an Atlanta nonprofit. Mr. Metcalf missed the classroom and returned to teaching English at Young Middle School. At Young he served as the Vice Chair of the GO Team and completed the Atlanta Public Schools Aspiring Leadership Program. Mr. Metcalf moved to Sutton Middle school in 2023. While at Sutton he completed his school leadership certification at Georgia State University.

He lives in East Atlanta with his awesome family. His son attends Georgia State and plays bass and guitar. Mr. Metcalf’s daughter is a high school student and an aspiring visual artist. Mr. Metcalf loves reading, catching live music, running and working out, and planning the next trip.

Mr. Timothy Robinson is a proud native of Atlanta and boasts his years as a student in APS.  His early years he attended A. F. Herndon Elementary, English Avenue, John F. Kennedy Middle school, and graduated from The Booker T. Washington High School.  After graduating, he attended and received his Bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University.  He later received his Master’s degree from Central Michigan University and continued with addition course work from the University of West Georgia.  Mr. Robinson completed his student teaching here at Sutton where he also received his first teaching job.  Mr. Robinson taught science, social studies, and reading for six years.  In addition to teaching, he has served as a coach, athletic director and now serves as the 7^th grade Assistant Principal.  In his spare time, you may catch Mr. Robinson cooking special meals for his family, reading a good mystery book, or fishing in a local stream.

IB Learner Profile Attribute:  Reflective

IB Learner Profile Attribute Striving towards: Balanced

Ms. Henderson is a native of Evans, Georgia and moved to Atlanta to attend college at Georgia State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Childhood Education. She also holds a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. Ms. Henderson has been in education for 17 years and has proudly served in Atlanta Public Schools for the past 9 years teaching at Sutton Middle School. Throughout her career, she has taught Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies. She has served in many leadership roles within her local school and district including Gifted Lead, Grade Level Chair, ELA Department Chair, Social Studies Ambassador, APS Teacher Recruitment Ambassador, and Lead Campus Based Mentor. Her passion and love for education and service was instilled in her by her parents. Ms. Henderson strives to inspire students to always do more, become more, and to make a positive impact in their community and personal lives. She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues to maximize learning opportunities for the students and families that she serves. Ms. Henderson is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., enjoys working out and living a healthy lifestyle, and spending time with her family. 

Follow Ms. Henderson on Twitter @fhenderson1908

IB Learner Profile Attribute: Caring

IB Learner Profile Attribute striving towards: Balanced

Israel Vance is a native of North Carolina and moved to Atlanta after living in Texas and Washington State. He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts degree from Wake Forest University, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. Israel started his teaching career as a math teacher and quickly found a passion for working with students with varied educational and linguistic backgrounds. He has served on Sutton’s GO Team, as ESOL Lead Teacher, and has worked diligently since 2020 to establish a thriving DLI program at Sutton Middle School. He has a passion for soccer and has cheered on Atlanta United since attending their inaugural home match.

Mr. Vance’s IB Learner Profile attribute is: Reflective

The IB Learner Profile attribute he is striving towards is: Risk-taker