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Ms. Jill Alford - Interrelated Resource
I have been involved at Hayes since the second year it was open, first as a parent, currently as a teacher. Teaching is my second career and I love it. I have taught at Hayes in some capacity for the last eight years. I am certified in special education and elementary childhood education and am currently working on my Master's in Education, with teaching of Reading and Mathematics emphasis. I have two wonderful children, Christina who is a senior at KMHS and Steven, who is a junior at Kennesaw State. I enjoy working out, laughing with my friends and family, and pursuing new and challenging interests. |
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Ms. Sue Ellen Arnett - Special Education
As an ARMY brat, I grew up moving locations every few years. Some of the places I have lived include Hilo, Hawaii; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Navarre, Flordia; Calhoun, Georgia; and Chicago, Illinois. Currently, I live in Atlanta, but I travel to Hayes Elementary because it is truly a great place to work. Although I have an undergraduate degree in business, I fell in love with teaching students with special needs. I earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and I have now been teaching for over two years. I enjoy reading, walking my dogs, singing to the radio, and learning new things; but most of my time is spent fulfilling my passion for providing education and early intervention to young children with special needs. |
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Ms. Holli Atwater - Special Education (Kindergarten)
This is my second year teaching here at Hayes Elementary. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Education from Georgia State University. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Education. I am married and have one daughter, Jordyn who is 6 years old. I enjoy shopping, eating out, spending time with family and of course teaching! |
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Ms. Nancy Baldwin - Early Intervention Program (EIP)
This is my 24th year of teaching, with this year being my 8th year in the Cobb County School District. I earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Valdosta State University and a Master of Elementary Education, also from Valdosta State University. My husband Greg and I have two teenagers, Will and Laura, who both attend Kennesaw Mountain High School. I enjoy music and play flute in the Worship Orchestra at First Baptist Church of Atlanta. |
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Ms. Beth Bevels - Speech |
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Ms. Robin Blackburne - Special Needs Paraprofessional
I have been a paraprofessional in Special Needs PreK for 2 years. I have a husband and 2 children. Nicole is in 7th grade at Pine Mt. Middle School. Ashley is in 4th grade here at Hayes. I am responsible for Boxtops 4 Education and Coke Rewards at our school. Our family has many pets. A dog named Oreo, hamster named Anne, many fish, and 2 hermit crabs. |
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Ms. Kelly Bowman - Special Needs Paraprofessional
My husband and I have been married for 19 years and have two children. Tyler is a sophomore at Kennesaw Mountain High School and Kaitlyn is in the 4th grade at Bullard Elementary School. Both of my children are very active in sports so my husband and I spend much of our time running back and forth between the football field and baseball/softball diamonds!
I have an AAS in Computer Information Systems and a BS in Management Science. In January 2009 I passed the GACE Basic Skill Test. Once summer winds down, I will begin studying for the FACE Special Needs General Curriculum test and working toward my ultimate goal of earning my teaching certificate.
This will be my third year as a paraprofessional in the Pre-K Special Needs classroom and I feel very fortunate to be part of the wonderful staff at Hayes Elementary School. |
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Ms. Jan Bradfield - English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
I have been teaching ESOL for 13 years and have taught all grades K-12. I have been at Hayes since 2008, and taught 4th and 5th grades last year. I attended the University of Tennessee, and I earned my undergraduate in elementary education and my master's in C. & I. ESOL. I have two wonderful children, a son, Christopher is a computer programmer in Seattle, WA, and a daughter, Kate is a sonographer at Piedmont Hospital here in GA. I also have three darling, Devon Rex cats and a chocolate, toy poodle named Charlie Brown, who is also, a cutie pie. Other than teaching, I love boating, playing cards, reading, and traveling. |
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Ms. Wanda Buchanan - EBD K-5
This will be my sixth year at Hayes and eighth year working for Cobb County. I am married and have two children who have both attended Hayes. Both of my boys play baseball for Kennesaw and I enjoy going to their games and watching them play. I enjoy working with the special education population because each day is different and presents a new challenge. In my free time I like to go to the park and read new books.
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Ms. Chrissy Camp - Physical Education
This upcoming school year will be my fifth year as a teacher. I received a bachelor’s degree, from Kennesaw State University, in early childhood and elementary education and taught for 3 years in the classroom. I transitioned to physical education and earned a master’s degree, from the University of West Georgia, in physical education. This will be my second year teaching physical education at Hayes. My husband and I enjoy spending time cycling, running, kayaking (pretty much anything outdoors), and hanging out with family and friends. |
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Mrs. Felice Catalano - Special Education 5th
This will be my third year teaching at Hayes . In May 2009, I was the Teacher of the Month. I have taught 3rd grade inclusion for the past 2 years. This year I will be a 5th grade inclusion teacher. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University and received my Bachelor's of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I hold certifications in both Early Childhood and Special Education. I have been married for 15 years and have 2 wonderful sons entering 4th grade and 7th grade. We have a dog, a cat, a lizard, a frog, and many fish. I love to read, cook, exercise, listen to music, and enjoy time with family and friends. |
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Dr. Angela D'Amico Ritchey - ESOL
Hello. My name is Dr. Angela D'Amico Ritchey and I am a native of Italy. I received my doctorate from the University of Messina, and after a few years of teaching there, I immigrated to America. After
taking courses from the University of North Florida to qualify for a teaching certificate in this country, I taught foreign languages in the Duval County School System, for Jacksonville University, and for Cobb
County. I have eighteen years teaching experience, and it is my current pleasure to teach ESOL at Hayes Elementary School. Besides my love of foreign languages, I enjoy now teaching English as second language to ELL students. I feel it is important to instill in ELL students an appreciation of the adopted country’s culture as well as to develop their fluency in its language. Besides my love for teaching, I also love music and drama and have participated in community theater productions. |
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Ms. Laura Daniels - Speech
I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 8 years. I earned my
Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication Disorders and Sciences and Master’s
of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the State University of New York
at Plattsburgh in 2001. I earned my national Certificate of Clinical
Competence in 2002. I am married and have one daughter named Torie. I
have two dogs named Bailey |
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Ms. Channa Fleming - English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
I have been teaching for 12 years, 6 years in Cobb County and 6 in the private sector. I have been an ESOL teacher here at Hayes for the past 4 years. I recently completed a Master of Arts degree with a focus on elementary reading. I am married and am a native of Southern Illinois, but have lived in Georgia for the past 18 years. I enjoy reading and traveling.
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Ms. Judy Fountain - Music
I have been teaching music at Hayes since 1998. This begins my 12th year of teaching students to sing, play recorders and perform in musical performances at Hayes and I love my job. I will celebrate my 37th anniversary this year to my wonderful husband, Ray, and have two grown sons, Jim and John. Misty, our fantastic daughter-in-law has given us two wonderful grandchildren, Graycen, 4 yrs and Jude 7 months.
I enjoy cooking, walking, and singing in my church choir. I have two dogs, BeBe a Bichon, and Mille, my 3rd Springer Spaniel. Mille is two years old and very different and challenging. |
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Ms. Kelly Garrard - Art
I am about to start my second year as the art teacher at Hayes. I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in art education. I love helping students find their creative outlets, it is very rewarding. Outside of school I enjoy visiting art galleries, cultural events and exploring new cities. |
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Ms. Christie Jones - EBD-K-5
This will be my third year at Hayes. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Kennesaw State University in Early Childhood Education. During this time I had the opportunity to row for Georgia State University. I enjoyed this experience because I was able to travel every weekend and I was in the best shape of my life. I am currently working on my Master's degree in Special Education from North Central University. I plan to complete this degree in December which would be a fantastic Christmas present! In my free time I enjoy chocolate, running at Swift Cantrell Park, and eating out. I am excited about the upcoming year and building relationships with each of my new students. |
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Ms. Mary Ellen Jones - Physical Education Paraprofessional |
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Mrs. Teresa Kent - Media Specialist
I have worked a variety of libraries over the past eleven years, including private law firm, public libraries and school libraries. I earned my Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University in 2000 and my Specialist Degree in School Library Media Leadership from FSU again in 2007. I also obtained National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification for Library Media in 2007. I am married and have one dog. Outside of school, I love to travel, make quilts and read good books.
Class Website | Cobb Virtual Library |
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Ms. Amanda Korf - Special Education (IRR)
This is my 3rd year teaching. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work, both from Stony Brook University in New York. I completed the Georgia TAPP Program to become a certified teacher. I enjoy reading and flower gardening. I am married and have a wonderful black lab named Shelby. |
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Ms. Amber LaCroix - Target
I am in my ninth year of teaching. This is my fourth year teaching Target at Hayes. I truly enjoy working with the students in my classes; it has been a treat getting to know them and their families the last couple of years. I am extremely involved in my church--especially in missions. I have gone on six mission trips in the last year and a half. I have no husband, kids, or pets, but I have a plant I have managed to keep alive for six years.
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Ms. Sharon Larson - SNP
This is my first year at Hayes Primary, but my 27th year as a Speech/Language Pathologist working with preschool students. I can't imagine doing anything else! I am originally from Michigan where I obtained my Master's Degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. I live with my wonderful husband and two daughters. My younger daughter is a junior in high school and my older daughter is a sophomore at Auburn University. War Eagle! |
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Ms. Linda Leonardo - Speech
I have been a speech/language pathologist for 30 years and have been at Hayes Elementary since it opened in 1993. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California University of Pennsylvania and went on to earn my Master of Science degree in speech/language pathology from Georgia State University.
My family included my husband, Joe as well as my 3 daughters. Lori is an undergraduate of Auburn University and The University of Georgia School of Law. Kristy is a recent graduate of The University of Georgia and will be attending Georgia State University School of Law in August. Melissa is in her second year at the University of Georgia. As you can probably tell, we are Bulldog fans!!! One of my favorite activities is watching college football! |
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Ms. Donna Lewis - Special Education
This is my sixth year teaching in Cobb County. Prior to coming to Hayes, I taught 7th grade for four years. I have a BA in Journalism from American University in Washington, DC, and I am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Special Education – General Curriculum at the University of West Georgia. I am married to a wonderful man and our son will enter college this fall. We have a sweet golden retriever named Copper. |
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Ms. Susan McCarthy - Guidance Counselor
Susan McCarthy is the part-time school counselor at Hayes ES. She works with the Kindergarten grade level in the primary school. Ms. McCarthy is a retired school counselor with over 38 years of experience in the education system in Georgia. She has worked as a teacher, school counselor at all grade levels K-12, school counseling consultant for the Georgia Department of Education and as a supervisor of school counselors. She is enjoying her work bringing I CARE Cat Lessons to Kindergarten students so they can learn the skills and competencies to help them be effective communicators who can solve problems in a peaceful manner. In addition to her school job, Susan is also working as a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Atlanta Area Psychological Associates in Marietta and Acworth. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling.
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Ms. Marcia McComas - Interrelated Resource
Second graders got off to a great start this year! We are busy learning procedures for the classroom, hallway, lunch and playground. We are emphasizing TAME lines. Ask your child what a TAME line looks like. In math, we are learning about place value concepts with two and three digit numbers. In reading, we are learning about good reading habits. Some of these are: reading daily, reading just-right books, thinking about what we read, and remembering what we read. In writing, we are learning writerly habits. We know that writers write daily, they write about what they know, and they share and learn from each other. We look forward to building on the children’s skills as they progress through the year. |
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Ms. Emma Mitchell - Interrelated Resource
I have been employed in the Cobb County School System since 1992. From 1992-2000, I was at H.A.V.E.N Academy as a paraprofessional. I was selected to participated in the 1st Special Education Cohort for the county in collaboration with Georgia State University. I have been teaching since 2000 in Cobb County. Previous to employment with Cobb County, I was employed at the Illinois Center for Autism, Fairview Heights, Illinois. I earned my undergraduate degree from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Also, I am certified in Early Childhood Education. I am married and have a son and daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, shopping, and reading.
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Mrs. Jennifer Ogorzaly - Early Intervention Program (EIP)
I have been teaching EIP off and on for 6 years. I have also taught Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades during my 12 years of teaching. I have my BS degree from Kennesaw State University and I am married with 3 children.
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Mr. Richard Oria - Physical Education
This is my 18th year teaching PE. I taught 4 1/2 years in San Antonio, TX., 1/2 year in Clayton County, GA, and 13 years in Cobb County. This is my 4th year at Hayes. I have degrees from Illinois State University, B.S. 1992, The University of Alabama, M.S. 2005 and Lincoln Memorial University, Ed.S 2009. My wife's name is Jennifer and we have two boys, Jos 17 and Ryne 8. |
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Mrs. Missy Owen - Guidance Counselor - Intermediate
I entered the field of education in 1981 with a Bachelor of Music ed degree and a Master's of Early Childhood Education. I taught 1st grade for 8 years. Music ed in an emotionally disturbed home for boys and re-certified at the Master's level in Counseling in 1989. I attended the University of GA and then graduated from the University of WGA. I have been counseling at Hayes since 1993. I was Kennesaw Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1989 and Region 3 Elementary Counselor of the Year in GA in 1997.
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Ms. Jana Phillips - Special Education
I have been teaching Special Needs Preschool for five years now. I received my bachelors from the University of West Georgia in Special Education. After teaching for two years I decided to go back and get my masters. So now I have a master in Instructional Technology from Troy University. A few things that I enjoy are traveling, spending time with friends and family, and reading a book. I have a three year old niece named Julianna. She makes my day every time that I get to see her. I love my job!! I could not imagine doing anything else, but teaching these wonderful children. |
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Mrs. Melissa Pline - English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
My name is Melissa Pline, and I'm excited about another great year at Hayes! The 2009-2010 school year will be my third year as an ESOL teacher and my seventh here at Hayes Elementary. Previous to my work in the ESOL department, I was a classroom teacher for fifth and second grades. I graduated with a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University, and I earned a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University. I also have endorsement in ESOL. My husband, Gabriel, and I have a two year old daughter named Grace, and our second child is due in January. |
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Mrs. Becky Ransom - Early Intervention Program (EIP)
I have been teaching in Cobb County for 19 years. I have taught Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades, but I have been working with EIP for the past 5 years . I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Child and Family Development with an additional degree in Early Childhood Education. I just recently completed my Reading Endorsement. In 2006 I had the honor of being Hayes Teacher of the Year. I live in Marietta with my husband Scott. I have two children Meredith 27 and Tyler 23. I enjoy reading, antiquing and family time.
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Ms. Kathleen Rejent - Target
I’m so happy to be starting my second year at Hayes as a part-time gifted teacher. After having taught for over thirty years in Cobb County middle schools, I couldn’t face full-time retirement. Now my Tuesdays and Thursdays are spent with my wonderful Hayes students. I’m constantly using my Master’s in Education from Kennesaw State University and my Educational Specialist from Valdosta State University as I plan, develop, and implement standards- based lessons that are stimulating, creative, and fun. I’m married and have one grown son. In my spare time, I like to play bridge, read, and workout. |
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Mrs. Jennifer Richardson - Guidance Counselor
I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a double major in Elementary and Special Education. I taught Special Education at Tritt Elementary School for one year before deciding to go back to graduate school. I graduated from Georgia State University in 1998 with my Master's in School Counseling and have been a counselor at Hayes Elementary School ever since. This summer I graduated with my Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.
I am engaged and very excited to get married this fall to Joe. I love to visit my family including my adorable identical twin nephews. I also love to hang out with my friends, travel and exercise.
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Ms. Barbara Robinson - Hearing Impaired |
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Ms. Cathy Spencer - Media Center Paraprofessional
I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia where I attended St. Gertrude High School and Virginia Commonwealth University. Go Rams!! This is my third year at Hayes, but my first year in the Media Center. I am happily married and have four children, one son- in- law, one absolutely adored granddaughter, two dogs, two cockatiels, one cat and one beta fish called Slarty Bartfast . My favorite moments are holding my granddaughter, Lilly, reading a good book and listening to the Braves on the radio with my husband. |
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Ms. Kristi Stephens - Special Education Paraeducator
This is my eighth year in Special Education at Hayes. I have been active many years in most of the after school activities such as Girl Scouts, Chess Club, Art Club and Chorus. I’m certified to assist as the clinic nurse and have also been a textbook coordinator. I love the Hayes Family and have enjoyed being here for so long. My daughter is twelve and is attending Pine Mountain Middle School. My goals are to finish my degree though the W.A.I.T. Program ( Working parents into teaching ) and continue to stay in Primary Education. |
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Mrs. Margo Swierenga - Technology
Hello! My name is Margo Swierenga. This is my eleventh year working in education. I have worked as a media specialist, kindergarten teacher, and am very happy to be starting my fourth year as the technology teacher here at Hayes Elementary. I earned my teaching degree from Western Michigan University and my library and information science degree from Wayne State University. I am married to Jim. We have a one year old daughter named Mary Frances, as well as a dog named "Z". I enjoy tennis, reading, scrapbooking, water and being outside.
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Ms. Marcia Tipton - Psychologist
It is my privilege to be serving as the school psychologist for Hayes Primary and Intermediate Schools for my fourth year. I have been a school psychologist for many years, working with students of all ages. I have also worked at a developmental and genetic center and in the private setting, with clients ranging in age from infants to adults. What I love most about my job is the opportunity to meet interesting people and help students develop their unique potential.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, reading, and learning new things. Currently, I am studying Spanish. My husband and I especially enjoy visiting our daughter, who lives in South Carolina and our son, who lives in Tennessee. |
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Ms. Angela Whitehead - Early Intervention Program (EIP) / Academic Coach
My name is Angela Whitehead and I have been a resident of Georgia for 10 years. This is my 12th year in the education field. My journey began as I graduated from Hampon University in Hampton, VA. I taught special education in VA for 2 years. I then moved to Georgia and continued in special education at Mabry Middle School (Cobb County), and then Park Street Elementary (Marietta City Schools). I then returned to Cobb and taught at Acworth Elementary for 5 years. I became an Area Leader Teacher in 2007 and am now an Academic Coach and EIP teacher at Hayes Elementary. I am married and have two children ages 8 and 6. |
