ASD

Ms. Mareen Brown

My name is Mareen Brown and I am pleased to be a part of the SPED department here at Trip Elementary, where I am currently serving as a paraprofessional with ASD level 3 grades 2-3. I received my Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services from Empire State College New York, where I lived before relocated to Lawrenceville, Georgia. I also bring to the table over 18 years of experience working with children and individuals with special needs. I started my career as a pre-K teacher and even though my career path has slightly shifted over the years, I have remained passionate about helping children learn and grow.

I look forward to supporting our students while working alongside lead teachers to help cultivate a culture of confidence and success among our students.

Ms. Yaricsa Davila

Ms. Adja Diakite

My name is Adja Mada Diakite. I was born in the Ivory Coast in West Africa, where I grew up and attended school. I also spent some years in France where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Management at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardennes. I moved to the United States in 2010. I am married and have 4 kids: 3 boys, Issa, Hakeem, and Malik, and 1 girl, Tenin. They all attend the DLI program here at Trip. I am very proud to be part of the ASD team and look forward to engaging with my students and supporting them through their learning journey.

Ms. Utrice George

Info Coming Soon

Ms. Amy Greene

Info Coming Soon

Mr. Reid Hawkins

Hello! My name is Reid Hawkins and I teach Special Education level 1. Outside of work I like to watch movies, go to the gym, and play with my cats.

Ms. Dorothy Jones

My name is Dorothy Jones and I love working with children. I have both a son and a daughter and truly enjoy being a grandmother! My daughter is a teacher and my son is a technician. I have worked for the U.S. Post Office and substitute taught for several years. The past few years I have enjoyed working as a paraprofessional and look forward to a great year!!

Ms. Shabeaka Kindell

Hello! My name is Shabeaka Kindell, I am excited to teach ASD level 4 grades K-5 here at Trip Elementary School. I am very dedicated,responsible, motivated, and passionate educator who promotes students engagement through active learning. This is my first year at Trip Elementary School. I recently relocated to Georgia from Brooklyn, New York with my lovely family. I earned my Bachelors in Liberal Studies from Medgar Evers college  and earned my Masters in Special Education from Long Island University both located in Brooklyn New York. I started my career as a paraprofessional working in the NYC Department of Education in an Elementary School for six years. My experiences as a paraprofessional has encouraged me to become a teacher. I taught in Middle School as a Special Education Math Teacher for three years. With 10 years of experience teaching children in general and special education in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School classrooms. I truly enjoy and love teaching and building meaningful relationships with my students and families! My mission as a teacher is to help children discover the joy of learning and to help each child develop a strong belief in their ability to achieve. I enjoy traveling, shopping, dancing,spending time with my lovely family, and music.

Can’t wait to start Our Journey Together at Trip Elementary !  Looking forward to an Amazing school year!

Ms. DeMona Long

Hello, my name is DeMona Long and I am a paraprofessional with the ASD level 3 program. I am married and the proud parent of a daughter who attends the University of Alabama "ROLL TIDE". I enjoy working with the students and watching their progress. I look forward to working with all of our Trip students!

Ms. Dani Mitchell

My name is Dani Mitchell and I love spending my days teaching and having fun in the classroom. I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Dual Bachelors' degree both in General Education along with Special Education. I have an amazing dog named Ollie who I spend most of my time away from school with. I love going out to eat with friends, shopping at Target, and spending time with my family.

Ms. Esther Ogunleye

Hi all! My name is Mrs. Esther Ogunleye and excited to be teaching ASD IV this year. I graduated from Liberty University; this is my first year with Trip Elementary School. I live in Gwinnett County with my husband and wonderful children. 

Ms. Avernel Petersen

Hi I am Avernel  Petersen and I'm from the beautiful Island of ST. Thomas USVI, I have 3 kids and 1 lovely grandbaby. I love adapting and Learning new things, also I'm a baseball mom and family oriented. I love to cook and spend time with my family.

Ms. Kiersten Ramsay

My name is Kiersten Ramsay, and I’m so excited to join the team as the 2nd/3rd Grade ASD III teacher. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University, my master’s from Grand Canyon University, and am pursuing my specialist degree from the University of West Georgia. I’m passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive classroom where every student can thrive. I have the cutest, energized jogging partner and fur baby KoKo. I love nature, fitness, and world traveling with my husband and loved ones. I look forward to working to support our students' success and am truly honored to be part of such a dedicated and caring team! 

Ms. Jocelyn Rushin

Hello Rams Family! My name is Jocelyn and I am born and raised in Georgia. I have two beautiful daughters , Riley and Kassidy, who are also apart of the Rams family with Riley at Grayson High and Kassidy at Bay Creek Middle. I love to travel, shop, and eat (a woman’s all time favorite things). Being a sports fan, I also love attending my daughter’s basketball and soccer games. The joy in my life also comes from being a life coach and mentoring teenagers. I have a passion for enriching the minds, hearts, and souls of children and I am so grateful to extend that love at Trip Elementary! 

Ms. Jacqueline Russell

Hello! My name is Jacqueline Russell. I am pleased to be a part of the Trip Elementary family. I have been in the field of education for 17 plus years. I am excited to be apart of the ASD department. I am a proud mom and passionate about creating a classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. I believe that by encouraging these skills, students will not only excel academically but also develop the necessary tools to navigate the challenges they may encounter in the future.

Through my dedication to education, I hope to inspire a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom and prepares students for success in all aspects of their lives.

Ms. Christian Todd

My name is Christian Todd, I am a Georgia native born and raised,  I am also a mom to twin boys that are both in the ASD program here in Gwinnett County. I am excited to start this school year in the level three ASD program here at Trip Elementary.

Ms. Randi Young

I started working in GCPS on the Elementary level in 2003. I am an ASD4 Paraprofessional, and have my Masters in Cross Categorial Special Education. I take great pride in being able to assist students who either learn differently, or simply need additional help with understanding, and accomplishing that which may be keeping them from meeting their maximum potential. My motto is, “it takes a village to raise a child”, and I consider it an honor and privilege to be a part of your children‘s village.