2025-26 School Governance Team Elections

Hi everybody. I'm Phoenix's Mom, Nicole. I'm super grateful to the moms, dads, abuelitas, teachers, front office staff and administrators that have made my baby girl and I feel at home here at Dunleith. Okay, so maybe she's not a baby anymore now that she is in 2nd grade and almost my height, but i'm gonna carry her like my baby for as long as I can without hurting my back! 

I feel like for the most part - we got a good thing going here at Dunleith. And for the days when things aren't so good and our babies come home frustrated, overwhelmed or just not like themselves, we should have a parent we can call, text or email to let them know what's up and see if they can help out. To talk things through and see what can be done to better the situation. We should have a safe space where we as parents, can share our ideas, thoughts and fears, knowing that how we feel and what we think is being used to help guide and inform our school's decision making. We should know that there's a parent working with our teachers and administrators, speaking up on our behalf, so that our babies get the best education and elementary school experience. I can be that parent. 

Within my 19 year professional career in business and technology, I'm most proud of the work I've done in my hometown. Creating a back to school drive sponsored by tech corporations for students to receive free book bags with required school supplies. Creating a pipeline for local private sector corporations to donate laptops and servers to public schools lacking STEM resources. Partnering with Computer Science 4 All leadership to connect with students in the classroom on the importance of STEM, for example by speaking on the importance of Ada Lovelace. I love creating access and opportunities for our community and solving problems collaboratively.  

Believing you will give me a chance to pour my heart and soul into helping create the best future for our babies here at Dunleith.

As a former Treasurer (2020-2021) and President (2021-2022) of the Dunleith PTA, I have had the honor of working alongside educators and families to support student success and community engagement. I’m a father, small business owner, and advocate for equity in education, with a professional background in finance and project management. I hold a B.S. in Finance and Mathematics, an MBA, and a Master’s in Cybersecurity, and have spent over 15 years leading cross-functional teams across the public and private sectors.

My nonprofit, EPPS Helps, is dedicated to creating opportunities for children through mentorship, literacy, and community support. I’ve remained committed to Dunleith’s mission and values, both as a parent and partner. My son is a current student here, and I want to continue using my experience and resources to ensure all students have the tools they need to thrive.

Serving on the School Governance Team would allow me to further contribute strategic insight, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive leadership that reflects the diverse voices of our school. I am passionate about helping our school grow stronger—academically, socially, and culturally.

My name is Abdelkarim Aboulaidi, and I currently work as an Assistant Bakery Manager. I bring with me not only professional experience in team leadership and organization, but also a strong background in community service. In my home country, I was actively involved in many associations focused on helping people, supporting local communities, and improving school environments. I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back and working together for the benefit of others—especially when it comes to education and supporting young people.

Being part of the governance team at my daughter’s school would be an opportunity for me to continue serving, to contribute my experience, and to help ensure that all children have the best environment to grow, learn, and succeed. important decisions that shape the school environment, which directly affects your child’s learning .
1_represent the parent community and ensure their concerns and ideas are heard by school leadership.
2_Being involved helps bridge the gap between families and educators, fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration.
3_chance to grow personally—developing leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
4_ shows my daughter and other children the importance of giving back, being engaged, and making a difference in our community.
5_help ensure the school remains transparent in its operations and is held accountable for its goals, policies, and resource use.

As a proud Marietta native and 2003 graduate of Marietta High School, I am deeply committed to the success of our students, teachers, and community. With 17 years of experience as both an elementary school teacher and administrator in Athens and Marietta, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that strong, inclusive, and well-supported schools can have on a child’s life.

In my current role as Endowment Director at the Marietta Schools Foundation, I work to support teachers, students, and families through various endowments and programs. My passion lies in advocating for all students—meeting them where they are, supporting their teachers, and working to remove barriers that stand in the way of meeting their full potential.

I believe our neighborhood schools are the heart of our community. By investing in them and supporting every student, regardless of background or circumstance, we build a stronger Marietta for everyone. If elected to the school governance team, I will bring experience, dedication, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of every child.

On a personal level, I’m invested in the success of Hickory Hills because I believe in the leadership and vision of the school. The staff at HH are such a treasure for our community and it would be an honor to be a part of the team that helps implement our strategic plan. On a professional level, I believe that my work as a business consultant would enable me to be a good asset to the team.

I started teaching at MHS when my daughter turned 3 months. She was born a blue devil. She crawled the MHS halls, eventually walking, and now being reminded to use walking feet. I’ve watched her form relationships with the very kids I treasure. This leads me to my why. These kids are eventually going to walk our halls. I want to do everything I can to support them. A love for learning & collaboration with others are the skillsets I see in the dragons I have now. How do we continue build on the success HH has had? I have a strong math and curriculum & instruction background, which I believe is vital as HH continues to grow & shape the next generation. I have a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction. I have an Ed.S. in Advanced Educational Studies with a Concentration in Math. I am P-12 certified, have my ESOL, Gifted, & STEAM endorsements. I teach Honors, on-level, & ESOL courses. I am a 504 Facilitator. I am learning Spanish through a district course. This gives us tools in our toolbox to reach all families. I have presented at The Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference. I was a member of the Georgia Alternate Assessment 2.0 Math Test Design Committee for GaDOE and got the opportunity to collaborated with teachers across the state on designing blueprints, achievement level descriptors, and extended content standards for the GAA 2.0. I am a Professional Learning Committee chair and have been part of the math leadership team. I am also a Teacher Mentor for MHS staff. I have been honored to be a member of the School Improvement team for the ELC since my daughter went there, which gives me the opportunity to collaborate with members across the district on data & areas for improvement & has given me great experience. I have served as ASP supervisor. I have a passion for K-5. I would end on HH has changed our lives. What made us choose HH were the relationships, the tight family atmosphere, and a strong PTA. I would be honored to be a part of this amazing team.

My name is Albert McDaniel. This is my seventeenth year in education. I have taught in Marietta City Schools since 2017, and I am currently the media specialist/technology grade teacher at MCAA.

I wish to serve on the School Governance Team because I care deeply about the decisions that affect our students, teachers, and parents. I want to represent the voices of all families and community members and help continue the momentum of positive changes at Lockheed.

I hold a degree in Accounting and postgrad in Auditing. I have 2 kids at Lockheed, Sarah joins next year. A Samuel’s teacher said I have the qualities to support the school governance team.

ENGLISH:
 As a proud member of the Hispanic community and a native Spanish speaker, I bring cultural understanding and language accessibility to our school community. My background includes years of dedicated service in education and family engagement, with a strong passion for supporting and empowering students and families. I am committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. As a parent and advocate navigating the education system firsthand, I understand the importance of having diverse voices at the table. I would be honored to serve on the School Governance Team to ensure that all families, regardless of language or background, feel heard, valued, and involved in decision-making.
 I believe in the power of collaboration between schools and families and would be honored to share my perspective, experience, and passion to help shape the future of our school.

ESPAÑOL:
 Como orgullosa miembro de la comunidad hispana y hablante nativa de español, aporto una comprensión profunda de nuestra cultura y nuestro idioma a nuestra comunidad. Mi experiencia incluye años de servicio dedicados a la educación y a fomentar la participación de los padres, con una fuerte pasión por apoyar y empoderar a los estudiantes y sus familias. Estoy comprometida a promover un ambiente inclusivo y acogedor para todos. Como madre y aliada a las familias de los estudiantes he navegado el sistema educativo de primera mano, entiendo la importancia de tener diversas voces en la toma de decisiones. Me encantaría formar parte del Equipo de Gobierno Escolar para garantizar que todas las familias, sin importar su idioma o nacionalidad, se sientan escuchadas, valoradas e involucradas en el proceso.
 Creo profundamente en el poder de la colaboración entre escuelas y familias.Sería un honor compartir mi perspectiva, experiencia y pasión para ayudar a dar forma el futuro de nuestra escuela.

This is my second – and last – attempt at serving on the SRE SGT.  Both of my kids have attended SRE for their entire elementary careers and I love this school. 
I have served in various roles as a volunteer and in the PTA since joining the school in 2016.  
I am currently in the City of Marietta Citizens’ Government Academy and have previously served on the board of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta. I also attend Town Hall meetings and other community activities. I am willing to participate in the BOE public comment sections when appropriate. 
The 25-26 school year is a pivotal one for SRE. With a new principal and new paint there is a lot to do in terms of building a community around and within the school. Our community will also be electing a new Ward 6 BOE representative. Finally, in the next few years our school zone will be welcoming the residents of several large, new construction developments.
It is time to reset our pace and community norms. The SGT serves as a sounding board for the school’s activities – keeping the past, present, and future in mind. 
To this end, I advocate from a position of inclusion and representation. If you want a parent who will be visible and vocal about the activities of the SGT, that’s me. I know that I have benefited from others who shared their experiences with me and will do so for you. Although the SGT meetings are open, it is not practical for all parents to attend each session, so it is important that the members are engaged in the community around the school to keep the feedback loop open.
If you know me, it’s because I helped to recruit you for the PTA at open house events or welcomed you to another event. You may also know me from activities within the East Worthington and Class of 2029 Facebook groups. I’m super excited about the Class of 2033 and their final year at SRE while still laying the groundwork for our upcoming growth.

As a former teacher and a dedicated parent, I am deeply committed to ensuring that my children and their peers receive a high-quality education that fosters growth, curiosity, and opportunity. My years in the classroom provided me with firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of education, from designing engaging lessons to addressing diverse student needs. This experience has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of curriculum development, classroom dynamics, and the importance of collaboration among educators, parents, and administrators.

Now, as a mother, I am motivated by a personal stake in the success of our school community. I want to contribute to a governance team that prioritizes academic excellence, equitable access to resources, and a supportive environment for all students. My background allows me to bridge the perspectives of educators and parents, ensuring decisions reflect both pedagogical expertise and the needs of families. I am particularly passionate about advocating for programs that nurture critical thinking, creativity, and inclusivity, while addressing practical concerns like resource allocation and teacher support.

Joining the School Governance Team would allow me to apply my experience and passion to shape policies that benefit our students and strengthen our school. I am eager to listen, analyze data-driven solutions, and work collaboratively to uphold a vision of education that prepares our children for a bright future. I believe my unique perspective as a former educator and engaged parent will be an asset in driving meaningful progress for our school community.

My name is Mandy Hall, and I’m the President and Owner of Top Tier Trees in Marietta. With a professional background in leading teams, cultivating strong culture, managing dynamic operations, and overseeing budgets, I’ve spent my career building systems that support long-term growth, accountability, and collaboration. I also serve on the boards of two nonprofit organizations here in Georgia, where I work closely with community leaders to advance missions that matter.

As a parent and advocate for education, I am deeply invested in the success of West Side Elementary—not just for my own child, but for every student who walks through its doors. I believe that every child deserves an environment where they are challenged academically, supported emotionally, and given every opportunity to thrive. That begins with strong, engaged leadership.

I’m running for School Governance Team because I want to contribute my time, experience, and passion to help shape the future of our school. I’m committed to supporting strategic planning, fostering open communication between families and school leadership, and ensuring that the decisions we make reflect the best interests of our students and teachers.

It would be an honor to serve West Side Elementary in this capacity. I’m ready to listen, collaborate, and lead on behalf of our children and community.

Every child deserves a school environment that nurtures their growth, safety, and potential. As a parent and healthcare professional, I am deeply committed to making that vision a reality through service on the School Governance Team.  

My professional background has equipped me with valuable skills in advocacy, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Working directly with families and multidisciplinary teams, I’ve learned how to listen carefully, balance diverse needs, and implement solutions that make a meaningful difference. These experiences will allow me to contribute meaningfully to discussions about academic excellence, student well-being, and school policies.  

What excites me most about serving on the SGT is the opportunity to strengthen partnerships between families, educators, and the community. I believe in transparent communication, data-informed decisions, and policies that create equitable opportunities for all students. Whether it’s supporting mental health resources, enhancing safety protocols, or fostering inclusive learning environments, I will bring both my professional expertise and parent perspective to every discussion.  

I would be honored to earn your vote and work alongside this team to ensure our school continues to be a place where every student can thrive. Together, we can build on our strengths and address challenges with creativity and compassion.

As a West Side parent with a daughter currently attending and a son who will soon follow, I am deeply invested in our school's success and its vital role in our Marietta community. I believe West Side is already a strong school, and I'm running for the School Governance Team because I want to work collaboratively with fellow parents, dedicated teachers, and school leadership to make it even better – ensuring every single student gets the foundation they need to thrive.

The elementary years are critical, shaping our children's futures. That's why I'm passionate about public education, a belief instilled by my own family of educators. A great school like West Side is the heart of a strong community, and I am committed to helping set a strategic direction that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

My professional experience, in software engineering, has taught me the importance of a flexible, collaborative approach to getting things done. I believe in using information wisely and making steady, step-by-step improvements focused directly on enhancing academic achievement and positive student outcomes. It's crucial that we refine programs effectively and ensure any new initiatives are both financially responsible and designed to make the biggest possible difference in our students' lives.

My desire to serve on the SGT comes from this commitment to our community and a belief that leadership is about service. It means listening to diverse perspectives, rolling up our sleeves together, and dedicating our energy to the common good – especially the education and well-being of our children. My history of volunteering with service based organizations reinforces this dedication.

I ask for your support to bring this collaborative spirit, practical approach, and commitment to service to the West Side School Governance Team. Let's work together to build an even brighter future for our students and our school.

I’m a girl-dad of four and someone who cares deeply about the kind of environment our kids grow up in. I lead a large organization where implementing strategy, fostering healthy culture, and developing people are part of my everyday work. I’ve learned how to think long-term, build strong teams, and meet people where they are—and I believe those same skills can help support the important work happening at Westside.

I’m passionate about the health and future of the next generation and I believe strong schools are essential—not just for my own children, but for every child in our community. That’s why I want to serve. I want to listen, learn, and contribute wherever I can to support our school in meaningful and practical ways. And while moms are often the heroes of school involvement (rightfully so!), I’d love to help model what it looks like for dads to show up, get involved, and lead too.

As a proud Marietta native and 2003 graduate of Marietta High School, I am deeply committed to the success of our students, teachers, and community. With 17 years of experience as both an elementary school teacher and administrator in Athens and Marietta, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that strong, inclusive, and well-supported schools can have on a child’s life.

In my current role as Endowment Director at the Marietta Schools Foundation, I work to support teachers, students, and families through various endowments and programs. My passion lies in advocating for all students—meeting them where they are, supporting their teachers, and working to remove barriers that stand in the way of meeting their full potential.

I believe our neighborhood schools are the heart of our community. By investing in them and supporting every student, regardless of background or circumstance, we build a stronger Marietta for everyone. If elected to the school governance team, I will bring experience, dedication, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of every child.

I have proudly served as PTA President and Vice President at MCAA, managed social media for the AL Burruss PTA Board, and will soon serve as the incoming PTA President. My background in parent leadership has given me valuable experience in building strong school communities, fostering communication, and advocating for students and staff. Education is deeply rooted in my family—my husband, father-in-law, brother, and aunt are all educators or administrators—so I understand the importance of collaboration and thoughtful decision-making in supporting student success. Through my involvement, I’ve gained a deep respect for the dedication of our teachers, administrators, and families. I am eager to continue that support by serving on the School Governance Team. I believe my experience, passion, and commitment to Marietta City Schools make me a strong candidate to help ensure the best outcomes for all students.

My name is Laura Aikens and I am a parent of three students in the MCS district at West Side and Marietta Middle School.  My oldest was at MSGA last year and I came to appreciate the unique opportunity that this school provides for our students as they transition from elementary to middle school and all come together as Blue Devils for the first time.  While they are only at the school for one year, the administration and staff pours into them and prepares them to make a smooth transition to middle school.  I would be honored to serve on SGT and help continue the important work of preparing our students for this year of growth at MSGA.

My masters degree is in environmental education and I previously worked for the City of Roswell as an Environmental Education Specialist with K-12 students teaching environmental education and as the Education Director for the Captain Planet Foundation.  As a parent I have served as the West Side PTA Co-President and as a mentor at Hickory Hills.  I care deeply about ensuring all students are given access to the best education and opportunities and it would be an honor to serve on MSGA's SGT next year.  Thank you for your consideration.

As an engineer with over a decade of experience in the energy and technology sectors, I have built a career focused on solving real-world problems through innovation and collaboration. In parallel with my professional work, I have spent several years volunteering in various STEM outreach programs, working with students from elementary to high school to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in their abilities.

I am passionate about empowering youth by exposing them to the countless career opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. Through mentorship and hands-on projects, I help students make the connection between what they are learning today and how it can be applied to create meaningful change. Whether it’s helping students see how math underpins new technologies or how science drives solutions to global challenges, I believe early exposure is key to unlocking potential.

As a parent and advocate for education, I am eager to serve on the School Governance Team to bring a practical, forward-thinking perspective that prioritizes student engagement, academic excellence, and community collaboration. I am committed to working with fellow parents, educators, and administrators to support policies and programs that enhance learning experiences and prepare students for success both in school and in life.

My name is Kaitlynn Washington and I am a teacher at Hickory Hills Elementary. I have worked in Marietta City Schools for 8 years now teaching both kindergarten and first grade. I have also taught in a neighboring school district prior to coming to MCS. My bachelors degree is in early childhood education and I have a masters degree in curriculum and instruction. I also have other endorsements on my certificate as well. 

I am interested in serving on SGT so that I can be a voice of teachers and students at our school. I am excited to be able to share with stakeholders about the learning taking place at Hickory Hills.

With 26 years of experience as an educator, including my current position in Marietta City Schools and previous roles in Fayette (KY), DeKalb, Cobb, and Fulton County schools—primarily in Title I settings—I have dedicated my career to ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. Education is more than just my profession; it is my passion, and I know firsthand the transformative power of education, as it has made a profound difference in my own life.

I hold a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and have attended Kentucky State University, the University of Kentucky, Walden University, and Lincoln Memorial University. This academic background, combined with my extensive classroom experience, has provided me with a solid foundation in best practices for creating meaningful learning experiences and fostering student success.

I am deeply committed to supporting our school’s mission to provide an inclusive, supportive, and academically rigorous environment for all students. I believe that strong collaboration among families, educators, and the community is key to cultivating a school culture where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

With a firm belief in equity, transparency, and open communication, I am eager to bring a thoughtful, solution-oriented perspective to the School Governance Team. I am especially passionate about contributing to decisions that impact not only academic achievement but also school climate and continuous improvement.

By serving on this team, I aim to be a dedicated advocate for students and families, ensuring that diverse perspectives are reflected in our school’s policies and practices. I welcome the opportunity to take on this responsibility and partner with others who share my dedication to student success and community engagement.

I am proud to serve the students and families of Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) as a 6th grade sheltered ESOL English Language Arts and Reading teacher, helping students with little to no English proficiency build strong literacy foundations. I am passionate about structured literacy and its power to help all students, especially English learners, develop the skills they need for long-term success.

This year, I was honored to be recognized as MSGA’s 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year. I also had the privilege of representing our school and district as a speaker at the Kennesaw State University ESOL Conference, where I shared best practices for structured literacy in English learner classrooms. Throughout my time at MSGA, I have worked closely with teachers and families to design lessons and supports that meet the diverse needs of our learners.

I would be honored to serve on the School Governance Team to help strengthen communication, collaboration, and decision-making at MSGA. I am committed to advocating for students, supporting families, and helping MSGA and the entire Marietta community continue to grow and succeed.

As a dedicated special education teacher and active member of our school community, I bring a strong commitment to collaboration, transparency, and student success. I have 16 years of experience as a special education teacher, and I also have 5–7 years of experience as a leader in our special education department. In addition, I worked in the community as a boxing coach and trainer.
I’ve developed skills in strategic planning, effective communication, and problem-solving that I believe can support the ongoing growth and excellence of our school.

I have volunteered in various capacities over the years—from classroom assistance to event coordination—and have seen firsthand the positive impact of strong partnerships between families, educators, and administrators. I believe that every child deserves a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment, and I’m passionate about ensuring our policies and practices reflect those values.

Serving on the School Governance Team is an opportunity to contribute more deeply to the decision-making process and help shape the direction of our school. I aim to be a thoughtful listener and a strong advocate for all students, families, and staff, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and respected.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I would be honored to represent our school community and work toward continuous improvement and shared success.

I am passionate about education and committed to supporting the success of all students at Marietta Middle School. With a background rooted in active school involvement, I bring both experience and a collaborative mindset to the table. I have previously served on a school council team, where I participated in discussions that helped shape policies and enhance the learning environment. This role taught me the importance of strong communication between families, educators, and administrators, and it deepened my understanding of how governance can positively impact student outcomes.

I wish to serve on the School Governance Team because I believe in being an engaged partner in our school community. I want to help ensure that every student at Marietta Middle receives a high-quality education in a supportive, inclusive, and well-resourced environment. I am committed to listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, and students, and to working together to make thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect the needs and values of our school.

I am interested in the opportunity to be part of the School Governance Team. I’m currently in my fourth year of teaching and my first year at Marietta City Schools, where I teach 7th grade ESOL Reading Connections. Even though I’ve only been here a short time, this school and district already feel like home, and somewhere that I could see myself growing in my career for a long time.

My current role gives me the chance to work with students from all different backgrounds who are building their English language skills. It’s taught me to advocate for equity, meet students where they are, and help them see what they’re capable of.

I love working with others and believe that real progress happens when we collaborate, listen, and find solutions together. I’m always looking for ways to get more involved and contribute beyond my classroom, and joining SGT feels like the perfect next step. I care deeply about this community, and I’d be proud to represent both our teachers and our students as we continue making MMS, and our district as a whole, an amazing place to learn and grow.