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Kindergarten

Ms. Shannon Blair

Hi, I’m Shannon Blair! By day, I’m a passionate kindergarten para whose absolute favorite part of the morning is receiving sweet hugs and love from my students—both current and past. Off the clock, I’m a proud wife, mom to a wonderfully blended family of four adult kids, and pet parent to two dogs (Little Miss & Blaze) and two cats (Bodhi & Big Man).

When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me embracing my inner geek girl—whether that’s cosplaying, catching the latest movie with my son, riding our Can-Am with my husband on weekends, or hunting for unique treasures while thrifting. A few of my favorite things? Foxes, cats, anything in black and pink, and a delicious bite of caramel or chocolate, and a tasty iced coffee. 

Ms. Shenika Brown

Hi Trip Families! My name is Shenika Brown. I am originally from Detroit, MI. I moved to Georgia in 2011. I live in Loganville with my husband and two children, Kimberley and Kai. We have six children in total, four of the six are grown and live on their own. 

I have had a passion to work with children since I was a teenager. I have worked with children from infant to middle school students during the course of my professional career.  I received my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Gwinnett Technical College, and my Bachelor's Degree in Birth-Five from Georgia State University. 

I look forward to teaching your future Rams! 

Ms. Nadine Bwanga

Bonjour!

My name is Nadine Bwanga, and I am very excited to be a part of the Trip family. I love children and I am passionate working with them. My career as an educator started at the Child Care Center where I worked with young children from infants to Pre-K for 6 years, and now I love being a part of Kindergarten team here at Trip. I graduated from Gwinnett Technical College with a degree in Early Childhood Development. 

My husband and I live in Grayson with our four wonderful children: Love, Peace, Phoebe and Wisdom. We love to serve in our local Church and traveling around the world. I look forward to a great year!!!

Ms. Casandra Davis

Bonjour, I'm excited to be working in Kindergarten DLI. I've been working for GCPS for over a decade. I have 3 Degrees with the highest level being a Masters. I'm married with two children. I have been apart of the Trip Family since 2014. I'm looking forward to supporting all of our students in their learning journey this year.

Ms. Nadine Bwanga

Bonjour!

My name is Nadine Bwanga, and I am very excited to be a part of the Trip family. I love children and I am passionate working with them. My career as an educator started at the Child Care Center where I worked with young children from infants to Pre-K for 6 years, and now I love being a part of Kindergarten team here at Trip. I graduated from Gwinnett Technical College with a degree in Early Childhood Development. 

My husband and I live in Grayson with our four wonderful children: Love, Peace, Phoebe and Wisdom. We love to serve in our local Church and traveling around the world. I look forward to a great year!!!

Ms. Patricia Frazer

Hi, I’m Patricia Frazer! Teaching has been my lifelong passion for over two decades. After making the move from Florida to Georgia, I’m excited to continue inspiring students in a new community. When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me planning my next travel adventure or spending time with the people I love most—my family.

Ms. Dominique Gachelin

Hello Trip Families! I am Dominique Gachelin and I live in Loganville with my family. I am a wife and a mother of 3 (2 boys and 1 girl).
We love going on vacation as a family, we love cooking and enjoy game nights, especially when the boys are all there since my cadet is in the Army.

I have a degree in Child Care Education and specialized in Children Psychology. Watching your kids grow is my satisfaction.

Can't wait to have your child this year!!!

Ms. Tonya Grant

Hello, My name is Tonya Grant.  I'm excited to be a part of the Kindergarten team at Trip Elementary School.

When my family and I moved to Georgia, I started substitute teaching in Gwinnett County and working part time at Camp Success Academy.  I enjoy helping teachers, students and staff reach their goals throughout the school year.  My goal is to ensure the students have a great learning experience Monday - Friday.  

I enjoy exercising and spending time helping my 5 year old grandson learn his sight words.  Also, I enjoy helping young children learn how to read, become life long learners and good citizens.  

Ms. Abigail Grizzle

Hello Trip Rams!

My name is Ms. Grizzle, and I’m so excited to be teaching kindergarten here at Trip! I graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I truly believe that kindergarten is where the love of learning begins.
When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time outside with my pup and relaxing at the lake on the weekends. Being in nature is one of my favorite ways to recharge, and I love bringing that peaceful, playful energy into our classroom.

I’m looking forward to a fun year of learning, growing, and making memories with my students. It’s going to be a fantastic year in kindergarten!

Ms. Sierra Hager

Hello! My name is Ms. Hager, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Trip Elementary family as a Kindergarten teacher. I’m passionate about helping young learners build confidence, develop a love for learning, and feel supported every step of the way. I come from a big, close-knit family, and I bring that same sense of care and connection into my classroom. I also have a few pets at home who keep me on my toes and bring lots of joy to my life. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching movies with my little brother. I’m so excited to grow alongside my students and be part of such a welcoming school community.

Ms. Rachael Lalor

Hi Trip Families! My name is Rachael Lalor, and I am so excited to be joining the Kindergarten Team! I earned my B.S. from UGA (Go Dawgs!) and am currently pursuing my M.A.T. at UWG. My goal is to create a classroom where students feel encouraged to learn, grow, and become confident, independent learners while still creating fun silly memories together! :)

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hiking, relaxing at the pool, and spending time with my partner Trey and my dog, Jinx. Spending time outdoors helps me feel calm, focused, and refreshed, and I hope to bring that same peaceful and thoughtful atmosphere into my classroom to help students feel comfortable, and ready to learn each day.

I’m excited to grow alongside my students and build meaningful relationships and memories within such a caring and welcoming school community. Go Rams!

Ms. Christie Lubanski

This is my 28th year in education.  Looking forward to another great year.

Ms. Madison Menchan

Hi! My name is Madison Menchan and I graduated from the best HBCU, Albany State University -Home of the Golden RAMS with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I am so excited to continue my tradition of being a RAM here at Trip Elementary School! I enjoy painting, working out and spending time with my only child/puppy Luna in my free time!

My purpose as an educator is to create a safe space for all children to grow and reach their full potential. I’m looking forward to fostering life-long learners who are excited to dream big and be valuable members in our community! It starts with us!

Let's get ready to learn and grow together!

Ms. Kiauna Nelson

Hello Trip Family! I’m excited to be part of the Trip  family as a Kindergarten teacher. After earning my master’s degree, I continued my education and earned my Specialist degree in Education. I am passionate about creating a supportive classroom where students feel valued and excited to learn. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, photography, & all things nature. I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Ms. Sharon Nurse

Hello Trip Family!

My name is Sharon Nurse, and I am originally from Brooklyn, New York. My husband, three daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter, and I, moved to Georgia in 2014.

My journey with the Trip family began in 2015 when my youngest daughter started 1st grade, and she is now a senior at Grayson High School! Over the years, I have had the pleasure of serving Trip in many different roles, including Assistant to two former PTA Presidents, Room Parent, Grade Chair for Room Parents, Ice Cream Lady, Cafeteria Monitor, Substitute Custodian, Clinic Worker during the 2021-2022 school year, and now Kindergarten Lead Paraprofessional.

One of the highlights of my journey at Trip was being honored as the 2025-2026 Support Staff of the Year, a recognition that means so much to me because of how much I truly love serving our students, families, and school community.

I am super excited to partner with you and your student this year! Together, we can help each child grow, learn, build confidence, and reach their next big milestone in their educational journey.

I look forward to an amazing year with our Trip family!

Ms. Pam Roberts

Hello Ram Families,

My name is Pam Roberts, and I am so excited to be a kindergarten teacher here at Trip Elementary School. I have been involved with Trip Elementary School since the doors opened in 2008. I first became part of the Trip community as a parent volunteer while my three children attended school here. Later, I served on the PTA Board, working closely with the principal, staff, and families. From there, I became a substitute teacher before earning my teaching certification through the Metro RESA GaTAPP program and joining the staff as a classroom teacher. My goal as a teacher is to create a love of learning for our youngest Rams.

When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering on the Braves. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with learning, growth, and fun. As always, It is a GREAT DAY to be a RAM! 

Ms. Mari Torres

I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus. I am from Puerto Rico. I speak Spanish. I moved to Georgia in 2017. I have two children who attended Trip Elementary School. My daughter will be a senior at Grayson High School during the 2026–2027 school year. My son will be in seventh grade at Bay Creek Middle School.
I enjoy watching TV, walking, shopping, and spending time with my husband and children.

Ms. Krista Truesdell

My name is Krista Truesdell, a passionate and dedicated kindergarten teacher who believes in nurturing young minds through creativity, curiosity, and kindness. In my classroom, learning is hands-on, joyful, and tailored to support each child's unique growth. I enjoy spending time with my family outside of school. I have three beautiful daughters and two sweet dogs. I look forward to working with your child this year! 

Ms. Isabella Young

Hello Trip Rams! 
 
My name is Isabella Young and I am so excited to be teaching kindergarten. I graduated from Georgia Gwinnett college in 2021 with a degree in early childhood education. My passion is teaching kindergarten because it is the foundation of success for the rest of their school career.
When I am not teaching, you can find me at home with my husband Cameron, and three boys, Bryson, Benji, and Bo. When I am not at work, you'll probably find me at a baseball park watching my boys.
 
I look forward to learning and growing with you this year!