Fifth Grade

Dr. Maxine Amritt

Hello Trip Family,

I am absolutely elated to be part of the RAMS family! This is my 24th year in education, 19 of which have been in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Prior to that, I was in the United States Army. Over the past years, I have taught kindergarten through fifth and up. I have literally taught all the grades. I am a lifelong learner who is passionate about teaching and learning. My aim is to inspire, motivate, encourage, love, and nurture. My goal is to develop the knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes of each and every child that I teach.

I have a Bachelors degree in Political Science, a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy, a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Tier 1 Certification in Leadership. I am gifted certified and ESOL endorsed.

I look forward to building relationships with all my students and families. I truly hope to work alongside the awesome Fifth Grade Team of teachers as we inspire, motivate, encourage, love, and nurture young minds. 

Ms. Courtney Dinan

Ms. Felicia Forman

Greetings RAM Family! My name is Felicia Forman and I'm excited to be a part of the family and supporting your children. I'm a passionate educator with 20+ years of teaching experience. I've been an educator in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and abroad in addition to teaching here in Georgia.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy long walks, hiking, yoga, music, and so much more. The great outdoor is where my heart lives.
My goal is to foster creativity, encourage exploration, increase knowledge, and build positive relationships throughout the year. 
Here's to an Amazing year!

Chinese Proverb:
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

Ms. Sarah Hardison

Hello, I’m Sarah Hardison, and I graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I am super excited to teach fifth grade this year at Trip! My favorite subject is math, especially algebra, and I love teaching and learning anything math-related.

Outside of the classroom, I love traveling to the beach and the mountains. I am also a huge Georgia Bulldogs football fan — GO DAWGS!!!

Ms. Karen Miles

Ms. Andrea Myers-DeRamus

Hello RAMily! My name is Andrea Myers-DeRamus, and I am from a small growing town outside of Montgomery, AL called Prattville.  This will be my 17th year as an educator, and my fourth-year teaching in Gwinnett County (and the state of GA), but I am SUPER excited to do what I love, TEACHING!  I have 3 sons and 2 daughters. I have a Collaborative Education Degree (K-6) from Auburn University at Montgomery.  I am also Gifted Endorsed and currently working on my Computer Science endorsement this school year.  My goal is to allow all of my students to feel and become confident mathematicians, scientists, and historians because learning new things should be fun and exciting!  I look forward to having an awesome school year!

Ms. Stephanie Porter

Hello! My name is Stephanie Porter, and I am originally from the beautiful island of Jamaica. Above all, I am a proud mother of four, a devoted wife, and a committed Christian whose life is grounded in faith, prayer, and service.

My academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a Master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Elementary Education from Mercer University. Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of serving educators and students in Gwinnett County. I hold endorsements in Gifted Education, ESOL, and Instructional Coaching, and I am currently completing my endorsement in Computer Science to bring modern digital literacy into the classroom.

Beyond teaching, I am deeply committed to advocacy and professional leadership. I serve as a Cluster Leader with the Gwinnett County Association of Educators (GCAE) and am an active member of the National Education Association (NEA) Leaders for Just Schools, where I advocate for equity, justice, and excellence in education.

Outside of the classroom, I cherish spending quality time with my family, listening to music, leading Bible study, engaging in educational research, and exploring new places through travel.

Ms. Iyshaa Robertson

Hello, my name is Iyshaa Robertson and I’m excited to be added to the  Trip RAMily! It’s awesome to be able to teach in my community at a school in which my children attended! I’m from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and I’ve been in Georgia for over 25 years. I guess you could say I’ve earned my peach!  I love my family and college football! BOOMER SOONER! When I grow up, I hope to work in the fashion industry and be an actress!  GO RAMS!

Ms. Morgan Sewell

Hi! I am excited to be joining Trip Elementary as a 5th-grade teacher. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Georgia College & State University and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction there as well. I have a passion for both teaching and learning, and I love helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, and knowledge. I look forward to an amazing year with my students and their families!

Ms. Audrey Shim

Hello Rams Family! My name is Audrey Shim, and I am honored to be teaching 5th grade at Trip Elementary. I grew up in Gwinnett County, and it's been a dream of mine to work in the same county where I was once a student. I graduated from the University of Georgia, obtaining my Bachelor's, Master's, and gifted endorsement in Elementary Education. It's an honor to have the opportunity to teach the young minds of our generation and give them the nutrients they need to grow. I have a passion for helping students grow both academically and personally, and I look forward to creating a positive, supportive classroom where every child feels valued and encouraged to do their best. I'm so excited to start the upcoming school year and create memorable relationships with other educators and bond with my students! Go Rams!

Ms. Maygean Smith

Hello RAMily! I’m Ms. Smith, and I’m so excited to be teaching fifth grade reading and writing this year. I’ve spent the last seven years teaching middle school, primarily seventh and eighth grade, and I’m thrilled about this new chapter in elementary education.

I’m originally from Southwest Georgia and a proud graduate of Albany State University. Teaching has always been my passion, and I love helping students find confidence and joy through reading and writing.

My family is also deeply connected to Gwinnett County Public Schools. My sister, mother, and younger brother all work or attend school within the district. When I’m not in the classroom, I’m spending time with my family and my two dog babies, Biscuit and Oakley, who definitely keep life fun.

I’m grateful to be staying in the Grayson Cluster and can’t wait to continue doing great things with our school community!

Ms. Kimberly Stith

Hello, My name is Kimberly Stith, I have my Masters in Elementary Education and love seeing children grow in their learning.

I've got a large family that consists of an amazing hubby, who between us have 6 kids, with one on the way in October, as well as 2 grandchildren. We love doing things as a family. We love exploring our 12 acres and raising our chickens and mini pigs and goats. I was born in Georgia but grew up in NY until I graduated and moved to Germany. I moved back to Georgia in 2009, and have been back home ever since.

Ms. Nicole Tendon

Ms. Gina Walker

Hello, my name is Gina Walker. I was born in Budapest, Hungary and grew up in Jamaica! I think that’s why I love traveling and trying new foods so much. I have a Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I love reading and making reading fun for my students. My husband and I have two very active daughters, who keep us busy with their activities. I am looking forward to a great school year!! Go RAMS!