Mrs. Bridgette Marques, Assistant Principal As the newly appointed Assistant Principal, I want to share my excitement about serving the students, faculty, staff and community of Barnwell Elementary. Barnwell has a reputation of excellence and I feel fortunate to join a school community that focuses on student achievement, innovation and partnerships. It will be an honor to serve your school. Before joining the Barnwell Elementary community, I wore many hats in the education field as a teacher, administrator and most recently, a curriculum support teacher. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from the College of Charleston in 1995 and my Masters of Education in Elementary Administration from The Citadel in 2009. I will complete my Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership this summer from Valdosta State University. On a more personal note, I have been married to my biggest supporter, Ed, for 21 years and am the proud mother of two fantastic teenagers, Jessica and Sydney. My goal as an administrator is to support the mission and vision of Barnwell Elementary School. I feel privileged to join such an outstanding faculty, staff and school community who are dedicated to the social, emotional and academic needs of our students. I look forward to getting to know each of you. Mrs. Ginger Bartlett-Plett, 4th Grade Teacher I graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, and worked in the insurance field for several years. After my first son was born I decided to stay home to raise three boys. My oldest son is now a senior at Georgia College, my second son is a sophomore at Georgia College, and my youngest son is a senior at Roswell High School. Eight years ago I joined Fulton County Schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional. During my employment with Fulton County Schools, I completed my Masters of Arts in Teaching at Reinhardt University. I live in Roswell, Georgia with my family.
Mrs. Leah Foster, 3rd Grade Teacher Mrs. Foster is genuinely honored to be joining Barnwell Elementary School and the third grade team. This is her third year as a lead teacher. She has also worked as a paraprofessional and has done many hours of volunteer time in schools in Vermont, Colorado, and Georgia. Mrs. Foster's favorite subject to teach is science. She even ran a elementary school science lab her first year of teaching. In her free time, Mrs. Foster loves to visit Atlanta's museums with her family, and spends a lot of time playing with her animals (she has dogs, cats and a flock of backyard chickens!) She also lives to swim, read and spend time in her garden. Mrs. Callista O Mahen, 5th Grade Teacher Callista Pappas attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Psychology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Callista Pappas spent her first year teaching as a founding teacher in a Milwaukee start-up charter school with an arts-infused and college-focus model. In her classroom, Ms. Pappas was able to raise student achievement in reading by over 130% on the Measures of Academic Progress assessment. In addition, she has experience in coaching running and student mentoring.
Ms. Jamie Silverboard, Pre-K Teacher I was born and raised in Roswell, Georgia. I attended North Springs Charter High School in Sandy Springs, and graduated from the science magnet program. I am a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, and received a Bachelor of Science from the College of Education, magna cum laude. In my senior year of college, I spent a year as a student teacher in a first grade classroom, and absolutely loved it! During college, I was a mentor at an elementary school for over three years, on a Relay for Life committee, and an active member of my Panhellenic sorority. Aside from teaching, I have coached gymnastics for several years in both Dunwoody and Athens. I look forward to sharing my love of learning with my students, and I cannot wait to be a Barnwell Bear...and Go Dawgs! Mrs. Samantha Weaver, 4th Grade Teacher I am so excited to teach Fourth Grade at Barnwell Elementary! I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, instantly making me a Steelers fan! My family and I moved to Ohio while I was in elementary school. That is where I resided until I graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. I wasn't cut out to sit behind a desk all day, so when my husband and I moved to Arizona in 2005 I started education classes at ASU - best decision I've ever made! I have received my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have a wonderful husband named Anthony! We also have beautiful furbabies named Ellie (a Lancashire Heeler) and Opie (a Cardigan Welsh Corgi)! In my free time, I like to read, watch movies, hike, watch football, and spend time with my family.
Mrs. Melissa Herring, 1st Grade Teacher Melissa Herring has been teaching for 15 years. She has taught grades Pre K-5, and Gifted and Talented. Melissa received her Bachelor s Degree and Master s Degree from the University of Central Arkansas. She also has Gifted and Talented Licensure, through training at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Melissa received National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading and Language Arts in 2006. Melissa also has experience teaching dance, gymnastics and cheerleading. Two years ago, Melissa, her husband, Ronnie, and their two children were relocated to Alpharetta, Georgia from North Little Rock, Arkansas. Their children attend Webb Bridge Middle School. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, reading, scrapbooking, and watching movies. She is looking forward to teaching first grade! Ms. Grace Yen, Music Itinerant Teacher Ms. Yen is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she received her Bachelors of Music (Music Education) with a minor in Mass Communications. She began her musical studies at the age of 7 when she started piano lessons. She started playing the cello in 6th grade, which was later made into her main instrument and the instrument she studied in college. She was a graduate of the Chamblee Charter High School Magnet Program for High Achievers where she was a member of the orchestra all 4 years. She spends her spare time watching UGA sports (Go Dawgs!) and the Atlanta Braves, plays with the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra, teaches cello and violin lessons, and spends time with her loved ones (including her Cairn Terrier, Abby!)"
Mrs. Brenda Smith, Art Itinerant Teacher I am so excited to be a new member of the Barnwell community. As your new itinerant art teacher I will teach art at Barnwell every Friday then travel to other schools to teach the other days of the week. I am a graduate from the University of Georgia with a BFA in Studio Art & Art Education. I spent the first part of my professional life working in advertising and design before returning to the classroom. This will be my 5th year teaching art. I love every minute of sharing the vast and varied world of visual arts with young students. Outside of school, you can find me on many adventures around town with my husband and two sweet young boys, Samuel and Charlie or busy making art of my own. I am looking forward to a creative and fun new year with the Barnwell artists! Mrs. Heather Lambright, 4th Grade Teacher I am originally from Alabama, but I have lived in the Atlanta area for 15 years. I received my B.S. from Auburn University and received my M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University. I have been teaching elementary grades for almost 9 years. I believe education should empower young children to make positive contributions to the community. I enjoy helping children achieve their goals through education. I live in Roswell with my husband and my 2 children, Liam and Elli. When I am not teaching, I enjoy cooking, reading, and traveling. I look forward to becoming a part of Barnwell Elementary School.
Mrs. Janet McClung, Speech-Language Pathologist Janet has lived in the Atlanta area for 30 years. She received her bachelors and masters degree in Communication and Scientific Disorders from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). She is ASHA certified and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Having worked for Fulton County Schools for 20 years, she enjoys working with children in elementary school setting. She states that it is rewarding to watch the sparkle in children s eyes as they learn and try knew things and she is honored to be a part of their journey. Janet has been married for 40 years and has a grown son who is married (to a teacher) and has an adorable four year old granddaughter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and art. She is looking forward to working at Barnwell this year and getting to know the students, parents, and staff. Mrs. Molly Petry, Speech-Language Pathologist Molly Petry is one of the Speech-Language Pathologists who will be serving Barnwell Elementary this year. She is coming to us from Hillside Elementary, where she has taught the past 8 years and was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2010-2011. She has also taught in Ohio, Illinois and Florida. Molly received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, and her graduate degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Cincinnati. She lives in Johns Creek with her husband, Charlie, and two sons Sam (15) and Ben (13).
Mrs. Jamie Youngs, EIP Teacher I recently earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University. I worked hard to become the best teacher I can be and, as a result, was proud to graduate summa cum laude and be chosen as the Bagwell College of Education s Most Outstanding Student of Spring 2013. My husband and I moved from Ohio to Georgia seven years ago. We currently live in Kennesaw with our two dogs, Nami and Ralph. I am a devoted lifelong learner who believes books save lives. When I am not working or reading, I enjoy baking and spending time outdoors. My ultimate goal in life is to help our students develop their own passion for becoming lifelong learners.