New Teachers Take Flight: Meet South Forsyth’s Newest War Eagles

A multitude of new teachers started at South this school year, so we asked them to share some things about themselves and their experiences!

Anushka Khivasara and Sanaa Gupta

September 16, 2025

New Teachers Take Flight: Meet South Forsyth's Newest War Eagles

Sanaa Gupta and Anushka Khivasara / The Bird Feed

In addition to new HVAC, a new track, and a new phone policy, South also welcomed a variety of new teachers to the flock this year. Check out this video to meet a few!

As the new school year begins, South Forsyth High has welcomed a new HVAC system, a new track, changes in the technology policy, and new teachers in our building! Let’s meet some of them and give them a warm welcome to SFHS.

To begin, you might have spotted Dr. Rachel Lehner and her gray therapy dog, Jasper, roaming the West Hall. She teaches Math Accelerated Advanced Algebra and is the freshman assistant coach for the South Volleyball team.

Dr. Lehner has coached over eight sports including soccer, lacrosse, golf, and softball. Her favorite thing about south so far is the students. “The kids are on another level here. You’re very well respected here as a teacher.”

This summer, Lehner spent time traveling up north, and also got engaged to her wife Kelly.

Next up are a few teachers from the pods!

Mr. Shymala teaches IB Math AA Standard Level and AP Stat. Outside of school, he loves to cook and try new dishes.

This summer, he conducted research work in nuclear physics, working to develop “small modular reactors(SMR) which are portable to bring electricity facilities to remote areas,” with his research team.

Since coming to South, Shyamala mentions the amount of support he’s been receiving. “Teachers are very, very helpful” Shymala said. “If I ask about technology, they will help me.”

New instructor Garin Berry teaches government and history. He loves to go hiking in areas with waterfalls and attending live music events with his wife. Mr.Berry has also served seven years in the military.

“I’ve probably died more than a cat’s nine lives,” he said.

Over the summer, Mr. Berry worked as a wedding officiant for two weddings, one for his niece and another for a former student.

He has already made some memories at South. He says “Our 32nd dance party” was his favorite moment, and “you just had to be there.”

Joining the World Language Department is Monica Phelps. She teaches Spanish 2, Spanish 4 and AP Spanish. Before joining South, Mrs. Phelps worked at Central High School for 10 years.

This summer, she went to Mexico with her family. Mrs. Phelps also speaks some Italian and French. “We love learning about different cultures” she said.

Mrs.Phelps has two kids, one who is currently enrolled in a doctorate program and a second who is training to be a pilot. “We’re very excited for both of them,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at South so far, she said her favorite part is “[the students.] They’re so well mannered and sweet.”

Finishing off in East Hall, Kristi Brower, whose name might sound familiar, is teaching IR Math at south this year. You might recognize her last name as her older sister Kaylee Brower started her first year at south last year.

During college, Ms. Brower used to work at Disney’s Magic kingdom running the Seven Dwarfs mine train. “So if you have any Disney questions I got you” she said.

She spent this summer working as an accountant and took an Alaskan cruise with her family. “It was so pretty” she said. “We saw glaciers and went whale watching.”

Her favorite thing about South so far is helping to coach the softball team, “I really loved getting involved with that…and getting to know more kids.”

About the Contributors

Anushka Khivasara, Managing Editor

Anushka is a Junior at South Forsyth High School, and this year she is the Managing editor of The Bird Feed. Anushka loves traveling, music and looking for new places to eat. She has been doing gymnastics since she was five and loves any kind of competition. When Anushka’s not at school, you might find her crocheting bags or online shopping. She tends to spend a lot of her time with her friends, baking or crafting. She dreams of moving to the city and owning one cat, or maybe two. Her all-time favorite tv shows are “The Great British Baking Show” and “Gossip Girl.” She especially enjoys writing, reading, and taking pictures of almost everything. Anushka’s goals for this year include improving her writing skills and helping others feel welcome to the class. Anushka’s favorite artists include Tate McRae and Gracie Abrams. She is a part of the SFHS Varsity Gymnastics team and French National Honor Society. Her most used apps include Pinterest, Spotify and Crossy Road. Anushka is so excited and looking forward to being a part of the Bird Feed!

Sanaa Gupta, Media Director

Sanaa Gupta is a Junior at South Forsyth High School and looking forward to serving as the Media Director of The Bird Feed this year. Sanaa is so excited to explore our new tools and help everyone on the staff create an outlet for their passions. She also is an IB Diploma student, and she is involved in several extracurriculars both inside and outside of school including HOSA, WSA, Sources of Strength, and the Student Ambassador program. Gupta is also an athlete, and she is on the South Forsyth swim team. In her free time, you can catch her reading, watching TV, swimming, or woodworking. Some of Sanaa’s favorite books are “Pride and Prejudice,” “Frankenstein,” and “Dangerous Liaisons.” Sanaa loves exploring films from different parts of the world, and some of her favorite movies are “The Secret Life of Walter Whitty,” “Forrest Gump,” “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Casablanca.” Gupta also loves to try new foods and travel. Her favorite journalism mediums are videos and articles, especially science experiment videos. In the future, she hopes to become a dentist and specialize in orthodontics as a private practice owner. Gupta is very thrilled to be a part of The Bird Feed once again this year!