First Grade

Ms. Octavia Culbreth

Hello, I am Octavia Culbreth-Griffin. I am a mother to a young adult son. I also have three bonus children. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher from a very early age. As a child, playing school was one of my favorite things to do. I graduated from Gordon State with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. I obtained a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Thomas University. I love traveling and sightseeing. We will have an amazing school year. 

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 try 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 dates 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 outside, going on walks,  playing with my girls, and watching tv. 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. Rebecca Lehoux

Hello! My name is Rebecca Lehoux and I have been education since 2003. Working with children is a true joy. I have been a teacher in many places, including Georgia, South Carolina, Massachusetts, and Italy. Along with my husband and daughter, I am thrilled to call Gwinnett County home! 
My many hobbies include dance, art, books, cooking, hiking and sports. I ran my first Spartan race in 2024 and did a hip hop and ballet performance on the Gas South stage! I love to learn new things and am always on the lookout for a new adventure or creative skill.

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!