New Teachers Begin Work this Week

New teachers for the Jasper County Charter System began work Monday, with the first order of business to be introduced to the public via this newspaper.

Jasper County Middle School has the largest number of new teachers, with a dozen, Washington Park welcomes eight new teachers, the high school welcomes seven, and only three new teachers are filling spots at Jasper County Primary School.

Each of the teachers were asked to provide a short biographical sketch for the newspaper.

Jasper County Middle School:

•Heather Suwinski—She received her undergraduate degree from the University of West Georgia in Middle Grades Education as well as a Master’s in Instructional Technology. For the past several years, she taught Language Arts at Putnam County Middle School. “I am thrilled to jump in and work with the kids in Jasper County, the place where I grew up and where I currently reside with my husband, Daniel, our two daughters, Kate and Emma, and our four legged fur-babies, Rugar and Lady. I can’t wait to kick of the 2018-2019 school year, which is sure to be an incredible one!”

•Victoria Ross—From Watkinsville where she currently lives. She is a recent graduate from the University of Georgia where she received a Bachelors degree in Middle Grades Education with an emphasis in Social Studies and Language Arts. “This will be my second year of teaching and I am very excited to be joining the Jasper County Middle School team!”

•Jessica Turberville—Originally from Battletown, KY, she currently lives in Newborn. Prior to teaching, she was a LPN and worked in healthcare for about six years. After receiving her Bachelors in Psychology and Minor in Social Science from Troy University she completed the Georgia TAPP Program through Griffin RESA. Her certifications/ endorsements include behavioral science, broadfield science, biology, and special education. She worked as a Special Education Teacher in the ninth Grade Academy at Alcovy High School in Newton County in biology for about 2 ½ years. “I am excited to bring my unique experience and knowledge base to Jasper County as a seventh grade Life Science teacher this coming school year. We have four children, our eldest is a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, our next two are both in college, and our youngest is seven and attends Jasper Primary School. I love this community, I love our children, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve in our awesome district!”

•Stephanie Hayslip— Born and raised in Social Circle, she is going into her eighth year of teaching. She received a bachelors degree in middle grades education with specialization in social studies and language arts from the University of Georgia. She then received a Masters in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. She is also gifted

certified. She has been married to her husband, Josh, for two years and have a son who is one as well as two stepdaughters, six and 13. She is looking forward to my new beginning at Jasper County Middle School!

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•Kimberly Miller—A native of South Carolina prior to moving to Greene County four years ago with her husband, Buddy, and their four beagles. She graduated with a BA degree in Education from Clemson University, her Master’s Degree in Education from Converse College, received 30 hours above her Master’s in Reading from the University of South Carolina, has her gifted certification, and is also a National Board Certified teacher. She has teaching experience in grades 3-8. Before coming to Jasper Middle School, she taught for three years in Greene County.

•Tammy Lee—Originally from Alabama but raised in South Georgia near Valdosta. I and my husband, Dan, of almost 15 years, live in Walton County. We have two boys, six grandchildren, five rescue cats and two dogs. I married into a ready made family, but I claim and love them as if they are my own. I have a B.S. in Psychology from Valdosta State University and have started my masters in school counseling. I started teaching on a provisional and did a one-year practicing through North GA RESA. I am certified in Early Childhood, Middle Grades Science, Math, and Social Studies, and Special Education.

I taught 15 years in Walton County but took a short break from teaching to do some volunteer work, attend Bible study classes with a group of “seasoned” ladies (retired teachers), re-center myself, and serve others on various mission trips within the U.S. and Honduras. Last year I returned to teaching in Newton County, but I just felt like I was needed more

somewhere else. I chose Jasper after realizing I drive through Monticello every time I go down south to visit family. I felt a calling, so to speak, and Jasper is where I hope to stay. I’m looking forward to a new experience and the love of good small town values.

•MaryAnne Hinkle—Born in Germany, has a military family background and currently resides in Covington as an award-winning photographer, a mother to her son, the wife of a chef and restaurateur, published writer, hike leader for the Ga. Sierra Club, an Alaskan Klee Kai dog breeder, and is incredibly passionate about education; thus the reason she is currently a teacher. Originally trained as an educator at the University of Phoenix and the Georgia TAPP program, MaryAnne chased her passion for teaching both in the classroom, and in the field of photography.

Mrs. Hinkle received her B.A. from Mercer University with a major in Communication and a minor in Criminal Justice; graduating Summa Cum Laude. MaryAnne began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in Rockdale County in 2009, then later accepted a position as an Elementary Intervention Specialist in 2015, and now she is going into her third year as a full time teacher.

•Stacey Moran—Says she is so excited to begin her 13th year as a teacher at JCMS. She has taught for the past 12 years in Newton County where she resides in Covington with my husband of 29 years, Dave, and their 17-year-old son, Jacob. She has degrees from the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS) and Grand Canyon University. She has experience teaching math support, seventh grade math, Early Childhood Education and the Food and Nutrition Pathway.

“I am thrilled to return to my favorite subject, MATH. I can’t wait to get to know all the teachers from JCMS especially my seventh grade team. I will also be serving as the softball assistant coach and have enjoyed getting to know all the sweet Lady Canes. I am proud to be a teacher in such a great community. “

•Joshua Crouse—From Colbert, he completed his BS in middle grades education at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. This will mark his second year as a middle school teacher. He formerly taught earth science at Gainesville Middle School and is excited to move into this new role here at JCMS. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and spending time with friends.

•Kelly Burke.—This year marks her 14th year as a middle school educator in Georgia. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Middle Childhood Education from Georgia State University in 1992, and returned later to earn her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 1999. Her teaching experience includes 12 years with Gwinnett County Public Schools and two years with Social Circle City Schools.

“I am a proud mother to three amazing daughters ages 13, 16, and 17, for whom I took 10 years away from the classroom to be as involved as possible in their personal and educational endeavors. Working with middle school students in helping them realize their full potential is my passion, and I strive to make every student in my classroom know that they matter and that they have my support. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with sixth graders at Jasper County Middle School, and I am looking forward to the fabulous school year we will have together “

•Andrew Sever—A native of Sharon, Pa., (on western border with Ohio midway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland), he attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Earned his Bachelors degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies. He minored in geography and history as well. He taught high school for four years in Dodge City, KS in the subjects of U.S. History, World History, and World Geography. I also coached girls and boys tennis teams.

•Kenly Overton—Lives in Eatonton with her husband, Wade. She graduated from Macon State College with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education K-12. Before coming to Jasper Middle School, she taught for seven years in Greene County. She is very excited about joining the JCMS team.

Jasper County High School

•Luke McFarland—A native of Cordele, he has lived in Jasper County for 14 years. He graduated from UGA and earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of Iowa in ‘99. Luke’s taught gifted middle schoolers for 14 years and looks forward to challenging Jasper County High Schoolers. He, his wife, his two girls, and a bevy of rescued animals live in Jasper County, where at least some of them have been for 14 years. Luke manages the disc golf course (The Monty) at the Jasper County Recreation Department. His prior 15 years’ restaurant experience make him an excellent cook—and humble.

•Christina Hess—Originally from VA and NC, she received her education from College of William and Mary, and teacher certification from UNC – Chapel Hill, Kennesaw State, and she holds foreign degrees from the University of Montpellier, France and the University of Chicoutimi-Quebec. She is certified in French,ESL and high school general special Ed. She has taught in North Carolina and Cobb county. She is married with two grown children, and one granddaughter.

•Wayne Jones—“It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to continue my teaching and coaching career at Jasper County High School. I currently reside in Buford, with my beautiful wife (Lynn) of 19 years and two wonderful kids. Lynn currently works at Gainesville City Board of Education.My daughter Britley is 17 years old and is a senior at Lanier High School. She is currently ranked second in her class. Britley is headed to Princeton. My son Jordan is 16 years old and is a junior at Lanier High School and he is also an above average student with a passion for weight lifting and Track & Field.

Mr. Jones has a bachelor degree from Georgia Southwestern State University; Master’s degree from National University and an EdS from Capella University. He is currently working on his PhD. at Capella University. For the past 11 years, he has been coaching and teaching at Gainesville High School where he taught strength and conditioning and strategies to success. “As a coach I have been blessed to coach football and Track & field at GHS. In football I earned awards as the: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 region assistant coach of the year. In 2012 I was named state assistant Defensive Coordinator of the year. I also served as the recruiting coordinator at GHS from 2007-2018. I am excited to be a part of the educational and athletic programs at Jasper County High School.”

•Amy McNair—With 17 years of teaching experience at the high school level, she is certified/endorsed in English, Gifted, Advanced Placement, and Special Education. She comes from a family of educators and graduated from UGA. She has traveled internationally but found there is no place like home which is an old farmhouse where she lives with her family and rescue animals. “I love all travel, all creatures great and small, being by the water, and reading (which conveniently allows you to travel without buying a plane ticket)!”

•Robert Pulliam—A Jasper County native and a 2010 alumnus of JCHS, he earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from Georgia College in 2014 and his M.A.T. from the University of Georgia in 2017. Before entering the teaching vocation, Robert served as Youth Pastor of Monticello Baptist Church. He has also worked for the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement at the Governor’s Honors Program at Valdosta State University and Berry College. Science and sports have long been two of Robert’s passions, and he is thrilled to engage our students in these areas at JCHS as a chemistry teacher and head coach for both Men’s Soccer and Men’s Cross Country. Robert is proud to carry on his family’s educator legacy; his mother, Lisa, is a teacher here at Washington Park, and his sister, JoAnn, teaches special education in Valdosta.

•Jamey Smith—”In my 20 year teaching career, I have had the joy of teaching all subject areas from directing band to teaching Pre- Calculus. I have taught kindergarten, third grade, middle school and high school. I have over 10 years experience teaching math, favoring Algebra. I am a songwriter and enjoy live music, especially bluegrass. I like the outdoors and enjoy fishing. I graduated with honors from the University of Arizona. I lived near the border of Mexico for 20 years and in Incirlik, Turkey for two years before coming to Georgia. I worked in Muscogee County for the last six years as a highly qualified math teacher in grades 6-12. I am very excited about joining the staff at Jasper County High School and collaborating with my fellow educators and anticipate a wonderful year of facilitating a learning community with my new students. I like to remind my students that it’s not magic, it’s just math!”

•William Flory—”I’m happy to say this is my third year teaching. I grew up in Lancaster, Ky., and graduated with a Bachelor of Science, in physics, degree from Georgia College and State University in 2014 as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching in 2016 from Georgia College and State University. I began my teaching career in the Bibb County School District. I taught a year in this district before moving to Wilkinson County High School. This year, I will be teaching two sections of zoology, two sections of Environmental Science, and two sections of Intro to Health Care. Currently, I live in Gray with my wife, Jennifer, and son, Iain. I enjoy video games, reading, watching movies, and spending time with my family.”

Washington Park Elementary School:

•Stacey Tindall—Currently lives in Shady Dale. This will her first year as a third grade teacher and she is so excited to begin this new journey. She received her bachelors degree in early childhood education at Mercer University. She has three children ages 13, 15, and 16. “Teaching is my passion and I look forward to starting my teaching career at Washington Park Elementary School!”

•Ally Powers—She currently lives in Eatonton with her husband, Derick, and their two dogs, Bear and Madison. She grew up in Loganville before attending Georgia College in Milledgeville, from which she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. This will be her third year of teaching, and she is eager to get involved in the community here in Jasper county. “In my free time, I enjoy being on the lake, restoring and building furniture, and decorating. I am looking forward to beginning a new chapter at Washington Park!”

•Tracy Bagwell —From and currently living in Macon, she retired this past May after teaching 30 years. In those 30 years, she taught 1st – 5th grades.She taught in DeKalb her first few years, Bibb for nine years, and 19 years in Jones County. She has two sons and one grandson, and she enjoys spending as much time she can with family. “I am looking forward to teaching at Washington Park Elementary and becoming a part of this great team!”

•Kimberly Rabun—Born and raised in Jackson, she has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton and certified in Special Education General Studies. She is going into her third year of teaching Special Education. She previously taught in Desoto County, Miss., where she lived for two years. “I now live in Monticello with my husband, Grafton. We have been married for five years. We both love to travel and spend time with family. I am excited for the upcoming year at Washington Park and cannot wait to get involved in the Jasper County community!”

•Charles McMahan—Havinag lived in Eatonton the last five years and taught seventh grade math at Putnam Middle school for four years, he has been married to his wife, Judy, for over 30 years and have two adult sons. “I love helping children learn and become good citizens of our community. I have coached soccer, football, baseball, and wrestling. My favorite sports are football, Go Dawgs, and wrestling. I am looking forward to my first year as a purple hurricane!”

•Simeco Vinson—Currently lives in Gray, but her hometown is Springfield, (Effingham County). She is married to Scott Vinson and together they have three children, Anthony (24), Adrienne (19) and Keith (10). “My education includes a doctoral degree in Christian Education & Administration: California University of Theology – 2015, a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership: Walden University – 2010, a specialist degree in Educational Leadership: Georgia College & State University – 2016, a master’s degree in Educational Technology: Georgia College & State University – 2006, a master’s degree in Public Administration: Georgia College & State University – 2005 and a bachelor’s degree in Education: Mercer University -2004. “My certifications include educational leadership, media specialist and early childhood education. I have 13 years experience in university and K-12 education both in teaching and administration. I look forward to bringing my expertise to Jasper County Charter System to continue the legacy of preparing every student with 21st century skills to achieve individual success for life beyond school.”

•Armanda Sands—A Jasper County native who has recently returned to the community. She is married to Shawn Sands and has two children; Karlie (1) and Karter (4). After graduating from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an ESOL endorsement in 2014, Mrs. Sands began teaching in Newton County where she taught third and fourth grades, served on many leadership committees and earned her Gifted Endorsement. This year she joins the Washington Park team where she plans to continue learning and growing as she shares her passion for teaching with the amazing students that make.

•Hannah Hearn—From and currently living in Molena, she went to college at Gordon State College in Barnesville, and received a dual degree in both General and Special Early Childhood Education. This is her first year teaching after recently graduating in May 2018. “I am engaged to my high school sweetheart of six years and we will be getting married in June 2019. I am so excited for this journey at Washington Park Elementary!”

Jasper County Primary School:

•Stephanie Kelly—Grew up in Milledgeville, and received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia College. “My husband, Scott, and I settled in Monticello in 2002 to raise our two daughters. Both of our girls are currently in college in Milledgeville. This will be my 19th year in teaching. I am very excited about the new school year at Jasper County Primary School.”

•Lauren Deck—From Covington, she has lived in Monticello for the past five years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Macon State College. She taught in Newton County before moving and teaching in Jasper County. She most recently taught at Jasper County Preschool for two years. She has two children a six-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son. “After taking a year off of teaching I am excited to rejoin my JCPS family in second grade.”

•Stephenee Stanley—Mrs. Stanley lives in Covington with her husband, Brandon. He is the pastor of Crossroads Baptist in Social Circle. They have two grown sons, Caleb, Stephen and a daughter-in-law, Anna. Caleb will attend Georgia Piedmont in the fall. Stephen is a musician and Anna is a surgical technician. “I attended the University of West Georgia and Point University. My certification includes early childhood and special education. My experience includes preschool, first grade, second grade and kindergarten.”

Central Staff:

Ashley McElheney is a native of Monticello and a graduate of Jasper County High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercer University in Macon, with a major in psychology and a minor in communications and theatre arts. She received her Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees in school psychology from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Ashley comes to Jasper County Charter System with 11 years of experience as a school psychologist. She is an active member of the Georgia Association of School Psychologists and has served on the executive board for the past two year