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My name is Diona Brown, and I am very excited to serve as the MMS principal. Let me be the first to welcome you and your family to Marietta Middle School. We are so glad you have chosen to be a Blue Devil! As the principal, I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to every one of you. We are excited to have your student at MMS, and I know they will have a wonderful experience.
My passion for education began as a child watching my mother and grandmother teach and impact students' lives. As 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year at Northwestern Middle School in Fulton County, I know what it means to strive for excellence and to do the hard work needed for positive results. During my years at Park Street, we increased student achievement and enjoyed immense academic success and growth. Based on the 2020-2021 MAP results, we were the only elementary school to grow in every grade and content area (grades 2-5) from Fall to Spring. We also created exciting opportunities for our students, including summer learning internships for our 5th graders and a Dual Language Immersion program in the fall. Further, I was involved in designing and opening the new Park Street school building.
At Marietta Middle, we strive to create a learning environment where every student can engage in learning, discover new things, and excel academically and in life. We look forward to partnering and collaborating with you to ensure a successful school year. Our school is a place of learning, growth, and opportunity, and we aim to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for all. I am committed to fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
At MMS, we believe in the power of education to shape young minds and prepare them for a bright future. Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about imparting knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and nurturing a love for learning in every student. We are committed to providing a well-rounded education that focuses on academic excellence and promotes character development, creativity, and community engagement.
As the principal, my door is always open to listen to your ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Together, let us build a strong and vibrant learning community where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe. I thank you for entrusting your child's middle school education and enrichment to the team of administrators and educators at Marietta Middle School.
Your MMS Principal,
Diona Brown, Ed.S.
dionabrown@marietta-city.org
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Mr. Anthony Booker
7th Grade Administrator
abooker@marietta-city.k12.ga.usMy name is Anthony Booker, and I am the 7th Grade Assistant Principal at Marietta Middle School. I am married with two children, and I have lived in Cobb County for more than 30 years. I earned my first degree from Georgia Tech, and my three education degrees are from Kennesaw State University. I have worked at Marietta Middle School since 2008 as a teacher, academic coach, and assistant principal. I have received an Outstanding Employee Award from Marietta City Schools, and I have awards from the Marietta Business Association, Kiwanis, and Kennesaw State University. My wife and I are foster parents, and we care deeply about helping the most vulnerable children in our community.
Dr. Velisa Caldwell
Assistant AdministratorDr. Velisa Caldwell is presently the Special Education Administrator (K-5). She has served for 22 years in Marietta City Schools. Her leadership experience spans across grades K-8. After earning her B.A. in Psychology in 1992 from the University of West Georgia, Dr. Caldwell worked in a hospital setting serving adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties for five years. Shel entered Marietta City Schools in 1997 as a Special Education Teacher for students with Behavior Disorders. She has also served as the 8th-grade girls' basketball coach and 9th-grade girls’ volleyball coach. Dr. Caldwell earned a master's degree in Education from Central Michigan University in 1998, and in 2008 she received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Capella University. She values the role of mentors in her life and she has enjoyed mentoring PSE staff members to help them become the best they can be. Dr. Caldwell believes all students will be successful with perseverance and a nurturing environment.
Mrs. Celis Hartley Lewis
8th Grade Administrator
chartley-lewis@marietta-city.k12.ga.usCelis Hartley-Lewis has 22yrs of secondary science teaching experience ranging from 7th to 12th grade. She previously served as district Science Coordinator as well as the Assistant Principal at Burruss elementary. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, as well as a Specialist Degree in Education Leadership. She has been married to Stan Lewis for 27yrs and has two sons, Alex (MHS class of 2015) and Andrew (MHS class of 2025). Celis brings her vast K-12 experience to help our MMS students successfully transition to high school.
Mrs. Julie O'Meara
Assistant Principal
jomeara@marietta-city.k12.ga.usJulie O’Meara has 28 years of experience in public education as an administrator, and formerly as a school counselor, working at elementary, middle, and high schools in Marietta and Cobb County. In addition, she served as the Program Specialist for Dual Enrollment at the Georgia Department of Education. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University, an add-on Certificate in School Counseling from the University of West Georgia, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified School Counselor. Prior to working in education, Mrs. O’Meara had her own private practice and worked in various psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals. She has also taught Psychology and Sociology as an adjunct professor for Mercer University. Mrs. O’Meara has been married for 37 years and is the proud mother of two sons and grandmother of two little girls. She enjoys reading, HGTV, walking her sweet dog Kai, and traveling with her husband.
Ms. Mary Thurman
Scheduling Administrator
mthurman@marietta-city.k12.ga.usMary Thurman has been a middle school educator for 22 years. She began her career as a middle school mathematics teacher, teaching classes from 7th Grade Math to Honors Geometry at the eighth grade level. During this time she served in several school-level leadership positions as well as district committees which supported the rollout and curriculum development for the Georgia Performance Standards of Mathematics. In addition, she served on the Teacher Advisory Council for State Superintendent Kathy Cox. In 2008, Ms. Thurman was recognized as Marietta Middle School’s Teacher of the Year! She transitioned into the role of School Improvement Specialist and IB MYP Coordinator in 2014 before becoming Assistant Principal at MMS in 2016. Ms. Thurman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from University of Tennessee, a Master’s Degree in Secondary Instruction from University of Tennessee, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University.
Ms. Heather Welch
School Improvement Specialist
hwelch@marietta-city.k12.ga.usMs. Welch has been an educator for 25 years. She served as a Classroom Teacher in East Cobb, Marietta, and Roswell prior to being promoted to Curriculum Support Teacher Specialist in Alpharetta. She is a two-time teacher of the year and believes in reflection, data and continuous growth. She also has experience creating and facilitating professional development at the school & district level. Ms. Welch has delivered adult professional development in all subject areas as well as technology integration, Science of Reading and instructional strategies.
Ms. Welch received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (PK-5) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration (K-12) from Kennesaw State University. Ms. Welch is also a lifetime certified Teacher Support Specialist. Ms. Welch has an adult son, Nick, and a Shih Tzu puppy named Clover that she loves to play with and spoil. Ms. Welch was influenced and mentored at a young age by many educators, but especially her mother, who served as an educator and administrator in multiple public and private schools and districts.
