ASD

Ms. Aissatou Bah

Teaching letters, numbers, kindness, taking turns, patience and why glue sticks are not lip balm. Every day is an adventure!

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. Amanda Honson

I’m Amanda, and I’m really excited to be back supporting our ASD 1 students this year! My first year as a para showed me that this work is truly my calling, and I feel deeply connected to the purpose behind what I get to do every day. My personal goals for this academic year are to help our students develop foundational regulation skills, strengthen engagement and connection, practice clear and purposeful communication, and grow in independence and self‑agency as they settle into our routines. It is my privilege to help support their growth and to celebrate every bit of progress — even the smallest steps — toward their individual goals. We're honored to be your partners in your student’s education and to support your children as they grow, learn, and shine this year!

Mr. Reid Hawkins

My name is Reid Hawkins! I have a master's degree in Special Education and am an ASD level 1 Special Education Teacher. Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym, watching movies, spending time with my friends, and playing 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. Germaine Kabangu

Hello my New Trip family,

My name is Germaine Kabangu. I was born and grew in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I received a Bachelor Degree of Science  in Teaching English as a Second Language.

I joined the GCPS Team in 2023 and I am so excited  to be part  of the Trip Elementary Family.

In my spare time, I participate in church activities, read the Bible, and listen to online church sermons.

I look forward to working with each of you to better support our ASD students in their everyday needs.
Let my God bless you all!

Ms. Shabeaka Kindell

Hello! My name is Shabeaka Kindell, and I am excited to teach ASD Level 4, grades K-5, here at Trip Elementary School. I am a very dedicated, responsible, motivated, and passionate educator who promotes student engagement through active learning. This is my fourth year at Trip Elementary School. I recently relocated to Georgia from Brooklyn, New York, with my lovely family in 2022. I earned my Bachelor's in Liberal Studies from Medgar Evers College in 2018. Later earned my Master's in Special Education from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, in 2020. I started my career as a paraprofessional working in the NYC Department of Education in an Elementary School for six years. My experience 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 over 10 years of experience teaching children in general and special education in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School classrooms. I truly enjoy 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 listening to music.

Looking forward to an Amazing school year!

Ms. Jane Njoroge

My name is Jane Njoroge. I  was born in Kenya.  I am married and have 5 daughters and one son. My son is autistic but he is a blessing to the family. I am excited to join the Trip elementary family. I have worked with Gwinnett public school Special Education for 11 years. I received my Associate in Early childhood education at Gwinnett Technical College. I received my bachelor of special education and elementary science from Grand Canyon University. I am looking forward to join the team.I am ready to support our students.

Ms. Esther Ogunleye

Hi everyone! My name is Mrs. Esther Ogunleye, and I am thrilled to be teaching ASD III this year! This is my fourth year at Trip Elementary School. I hold a bachelor's degree from Liberty University and a master's degree in special education from Valdosta State University. My family and I live right here in Gwinnett County, and I look forward to a wonderful year ahead with your 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.

Jaylin Raffaeli

Hi! I am a ASD Level 1 Paraprofessional for 2nd Grade. I have been working in Special Education for 3 years. I am very excited to work with the Special Education Team this year at Trip Elementary! Some fun facts about me are: I LOVE the color pink! I was born in Brooklynn, New York and I was raised in Pennsylvania. My husband is a Firefighter for Gwinnett. My favorite hobby is to dance, I was part of a professional youth dance company for 10 years.

Ms. Kiersten Ramsay

Hi, I am Kiersten Ramsay, I teach ASD 3. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University, my master’s from Grand Canyon University, and 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. Maria Shuler

Mrs. Kerri Singley

Ms. Naomi Thomas

Greetings everyone! My name is Naomi Thomas. I have heard so many positive things about Trip Elementary and I am looking forward to joining the team as an IRR teacher for the 4th grade. While I started out on my journey to becoming a teacher as a paraprofessional in elementary school, I have spent the past four years at Alcovy High teaching 9-11th grade. I am so excited to be returning to elementary school and I can't wait to see what this year brings as I build new and meaningful relationships with my students, parents and staff.

 I have been married to my wonderful husband for 19 years and we have two children ages 13 and 6.

 When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my family and friends. We enjoy traveling 🧳 , cooking 🥘 , volunteering and playing games together.

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. Leslie Wyatt

My name is Leslie Wyatt and I am happy to be joining Trip's special education team. I started working in special education as a paraprofessional and moved into teaching. I begun my teaching career as an early childhood special education (Pre-K) teacher in an ASD setting. I earned my master's degree in 2025 but I'm always looking for new learning opportunities and ways to grow. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my 4 pets and doing various crafts. I also love paddle boarding with friends and doing group movie viewings. 

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.