First Grade

Ms. Tenecia Fears

Teaching is my third and best career. Teaching allows me to give students the gift of education.  A gift that is priceless. A gift that keeps on giving.  I have taught over a decade and look forward to teaching, learning and growing at Trip ES.

Ms. Jayana Flint

My name is Jayana Flint and I am excited to have the opportunity to teach and serve the growing minds of Trip Elementary. I graduated from Georgia State University with a major in Journalism and Marketing. Gwinnett County has rewarded me with many opportunities to serve students throughout its diverse clusters for more than five years. During this time I  made a positive, lasting impact on student academics and the lives I encountered.

 I look forward to building alliances with fellow teachers and families that nurture the minds of students and foster lifelong learners.

Ms. Angela Higgins

Hello! My name is Angela Higgins. I have been a part of the Trip family since 2014! I attended Gwinnett County Public Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I am so proud to teach in Gwinnett County! I have taught Pre-K, 3rd grade, and 1st grade. I believe that being a teacher is all about creating a positive and encouraging classroom where my kiddos love to have fun and grow. I aim to create a classroom community where myself, students, and parents are all a team. I love to have class meet-ups outside of school for ice cream or park play dates! I live in the Grayson community with my husband and our two daughters. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks, running races, playing with my girls, and reading books. I am excited for another awesome year at Trip!

Ms. Laeticia Ilunga

Bonjour ! I'm Mrs. Ilunga and I love being a part of the Trip family. I aim to be a lifelong learner, and I want to instill that love and desire to learn onto my students as well. I look forward to being your child's teacher this year. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Ms. Jennifer Jones

Trip friends...I am so glad to be a part of this wonderful school and community.  I have lived in Grayson for many years and have taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade.  I have three children and they are all a part of the Grayson Cluster schools. My family loves to visit Disney and we love all things Mickey Mouse.  We stay active with lacrosse and church activities.  I look forward to another wonderful year at Trip!

Ms. Zilha Junuzovic

My name is Zilha Junuzovic. I am so thankful to be a part of the Trip family! I am originally from Bosnia. I lived in Germany for 7 years before moving to the United States. I attended Gwinnett County Public Schools for both Middle and High School. I graduated from Georgia State University and taught first grade for four years in Tucker. I truly enjoy teaching first graders and I am so excited to begin our journey together. In my spare time, I enjoy crafting, traveling , and spending time with my family. I am looking forward to a great year at Trip!

Ms. Carlene Kowlessar

Hello, Trip Families!

My name is Carlene Kowlessar, and I am so thankful to be a part of the Trip Elementary family!

I truly enjoy helping young learners grow and discover a love for learning, and I am excited to begin this new journey with my first-grade students and their families.

In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, journaling, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and spending time with my husband, our two daughters, and our doodle, Baxter. 

As a family, we love traveling, exploring new places, and making lasting memories together.
I look forward to getting to know each of you and partnering with your family to make this a wonderful year at Trip!

Ms. Rebecca Lehoux

Hello! My name is Rebecca Lehoux and I have been in Education since 2003. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Art History from Florida State University and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston. I have taught in many places including Boston and Italy. 

I love to dance, paint, read, cook, hike, and do sports. I ran my first Spartan race in 2024 and am always on the lookout for a new adventure or creative skill! 
I am passionate about the art of teaching and am "in it for the kids!" I look forward to working with you and your children.

Ms. Ashley Lewis

Hello Rams! My name is Ashley Lewis! I grew up in Gwinnett County and graduated from a Gwinnett County High School. I then moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I stayed for 14 years. I received my bachelors in elementary education from Louisiana State University ( “Geaux Tigers” ) and received my masters in educational leadership from University of Louisiana Monroe. I have taught first through fifth grade and have found my passion in engaging students in developing a love for learning! My husband and I are raising two sweet boys, and we have a family dog, Zoey! I am very family oriented, and enjoy spending time with loved ones whenever I get the opportunity! My favorite vacation is Disney World tied with a Disney Cruise! I look forward to growing my Trip family as we learn and work together! 

Ms. Markelia McBride

Hi!  I’m Mrs. McBride.  Teaching is an absolute passion of mine!  I am looking forward to being your child’s teacher this year!  It’s going to be a year full of fun, learning, and lots of adventures.  I believe that we are partners in your child’s education, and I hope you will join me in making sure your child has a fabulous year!  When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters.

Ms. Allison Nobles

Ms. Dana Sims

Hi! My name is Dana McDowell Sims, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Trip Family! Teaching has been my passion ever since I was a little girl! I have been teaching at Trip since 2018 and have taught fifth-grade language arts and first-grade. As a teacher, I aim to create a positive learning environment where students can learn and have fun! I received my undergrad degree from Georgia Gwinnett College and have a master’s degree in Reading Instruction from the University of West Georgia. I love watching the Atlanta Braves and spending time with my family when I'm not teaching. Our dog, Lola, takes up most of my time and is the cutest dog ever! I look forward to meeting my students and am excited about the new school year!