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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

 I am Ms. Dinan one of the fifth-grade teachers.  I have been teaching for several years now in GCPS as both an ELA and Multi Subject teacher. I am originally from Massachusetts but found my way to Georgia after living in eight other states.
 
 Prior to teaching Gwinnett County, I taught Middle School ELA in California and worked as a Behavioral Interventionist in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  I came to education after working in finance for close to a decade. I found a passion for education after taking time off to work as Outdoor Educator for Outward Bound and returned to school to earn my Masters of Education.  
 
In my free time I like to be outdoors as much as possible, travel as well as spend time with my husband and family. I come from a very large family (I have five siblings and 11 nieces and nephews) that I am very close with.  I am looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growing and creating new memories!

Ms. Sarah Hardison

Hello, I'm Sarah Hardison and I graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with Bachelor of Science in Education. I am super excited to start teaching fifth grade this year at Trip! My favorite subject is math, specifically algebra, I love teaching and learning anything math related. I love to travel to the beach and the mountains. I am also a huge UGA fan. GO DAWGS!!!

Ms. Cheyenne Hoelscher

Hello, I am Cheyenne Hoelscher and I graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with my undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I have recently also received my Master's degree in Instructional Technology in Education. Some endorsements that I have as well include a Read, ESOL, and Gifted endorsement. I look forward to continuing to teach Language Arts in 5th grade this year with an amazing team! 

When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my wonderful husband and two dogs. We spend time outside, traveling, and supporting the Georgia Bulldogs.

Ms. Katie Laseter

Hi there! 
My name is Katie Laseter. Teaching is my JAM. I love what I do and I feel lucky to be able to support kiddos on their academic journeys each year. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Georgia. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from UNG.

Ms. Karen Miles

Greetings Rams Family!


My name is Karen Miles and I'm excited to join Trip's Fifth Grade Team. I moved to Georgia from Chicago, IL in 2017. During my time in Chicago, I taught multiple grade levels, 2nd thru 8th, served as an AP, and also taught at the collegiate level. In Georgia, I've spent four years teaching 4th grade in Dekalb County before coming to GCPS as a 5th grade teacher in 2021.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Governors State University. I am truly a life long learner and hope to spark that desire in all of my students.

My greatest job has been that of mom!  I have three daughters, one grown, talented artist with her own family in Chicago, and twin scholar athletes who graduated as Rams from Grayson H.S. in 2024. I enjoy attending their collegiate sporting events and being an empty nester! 

Let's go Rams!

Ms. Andrea Myers

Hello Ram Family! My name is Andrea Myers, and I am from a small growing town outside of Montgomery, AL called Prattville.  This will be my 15th year as an educator, and my second-year teaching in Gwinnett County (and the state of GA), but I am SUPER excited to do what I love, TEACHING!  I have 2 sons, Kamran (attending college) and Korbin (Trip). I have a Collaborative Education Degree (K-6) from Auburn University at Montgomery.  My goal is to allow all of my students to feel and become confident mathematicians and scientists 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. I am a proud mother of 4, a devoted wife, a devoted Christian, and passionate about serving the Lord through prayer and service.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University, and a specialist degree from Mercer University. Over the past four years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in Gwinnett County. I currently hold gifted, ESOL, and coaching endorsements, and I am working toward my computer science endorsement.

I am also a proud member of the NEA Leaders for Just Schools, where I continue to grow as an advocate for equity and excellence in education. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, leading Bible studies, researching and traveling.

Ms. Audrey Shim

Hello Rams Family! My name is Audrey Shim, and I am thrilled to begin my teaching journey here 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, 1 biological daughter and 5 stepchildren (2 daughters and 3 sons) 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

My name is Nicole Tendon. I am originally from France where I studied International Business. Thanks to my studies' language requirement, I am fluent in English and Spanish. I love being able to speak different languages, so I enjoy teaching this knowledge to others. I have been teaching for 20+ years with 12 years in Dual Language Immersion. 
 
My number one passion is being a mother to my 13-year old son, Johann. He is a Gwinnett County School student. My other passion is soccer: I LOVE watching it, playing it, coaching it and am an official soccer referee. My favorite soccer team is actually a British team from the English Premier League called Arsenal.
 
Teaching has been my favorite profession, and it will remain it as long as there are children to teach! 

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!