Team Teachers

Tonja Reid

  • 28 years experience

  • Morgan County High School graduate, University of Georgia (Undergraduate, Master's), Piedmont (Specialist)

  • married with two children: Trey (10th grade), Alyce (4th grade)

  • has many pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, deer

  • enjoys spending time with family, reading, cooking, traveling and going to hunting competitions

  • Interesting Fact- I was named Teacher of the Year at a previous school!

  • Fun Fact- I wanted to go to racing school and become a professional race car driver!

Karrah Howell

  • 15 years experience

  • Georgia State University (Undergraduate), University of West Georgia (Master's (graduate in May of 2021))

  • married with three children: Noah (9th grade), Avery Kate (5th grade), Parker (1st grade)

  • has one dog

  • enjoys reading, spending time with family, shopping, singing, cheering on the Auburn Tigers during football season ;)

  • Interesting Fact- I can play 4 instruments: piano, clarinet, violin, bassoon.

  • Fun Fact- I met the writer Maya Angelou at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta!

Amanda Straw

  • 12 years experience

  • Mercer University (Undergraduate and Master's), Georgia College and State University (Specialist (graduate in May 2021!))

  • married with two children: Matthew (27 years old), Miranda (9th grade)

  • has two grandchildren: Riley (3 years old), Kiera (4 months old)

  • has one dog and two cats

  • enjoys video games, reading, spending time with family

  • Interesting Fact-

  • Fun Fact- I used to ride motorcycles!


Amy Cossio

  • 9 years experience

  • University of Georgia (Undergraduate), Piedmont College (Master's), Georgia College and State University (Specialist (graduate in May of 2021))

  • married with two children: Nola (4 years old), Emma (1 year old)

  • has two dogs

  • likes to do Crossfit and riding her Peloton bike

  • Interesting Fact- I have traveled to 10 countries!

  • Fun Fact- I was in a commercial in 3rd grade!

Morgan Rice

  • 5 years experience

  • Columbus State University (Undergraduate), Walden University (Master's)

  • married with two children: Waylon (2 years old), Hutch (7 months old)

  • has one dog

  • enjoys cooking, spending time with family

  • Interesting Fact- I played softball all four years at CSU!

  • Fun Fact- I love to make customized clothing and decor!


  • Sherry Davis

  • 25 years of experience

  • Newton County High School graduate, University of GA ( Bachelor's) Piedmont (Master's)

  • Married with 4 daughters (Tammy, Kanesha, Ashley, and Makayla)

  • No pets, but do have cows

  • Enjoy reading, card games, outdoor activity, and spending time with familyct

  • Interesting Fact - Lived in CA for 5 years and experienced a small Earthquake!

  • Fun Fact - I love cookies (any kind)



Shelly Hilsman

  • 7 years of experience

  • Morgan County High School graduate

  • married for 15 years with two children: Ryleigh (7th grade), Ryder (5th grade)

  • has one dog, three cats, and a BUNCH of cows

  • enjoys reading, spending time with family, being outside, & loves all sports,

  • Interesting Fact- I'm the middle school softball coach.

  • Fun Fact- I won 2 state championships in HS!

Kelly Whitlock



Cheryl Efird

  • Has taught 24 years (21 have been in Morgan County)

  • Coral Springs High School (Florida), Stetson University (Florida- Undergraduate), North Georgia College (Master's), University of Georgia (Specialist)

  • Has three wonderful boys: Tyler (25) has a cool job where he sails the oceans, Colin (23) College student, Jack (18) College Freshman

  • Teaches ELA

  • Favorite activities: Yoga, reading, going to the beach, long walks with my sister, fun times with family and friends, and teaching!

  • Interesting fact- I am an Army Brat!

  • Fun Fact- I am in an exercise video!

Lindsay Peaster

  • 17.5 years

  • Southland Academy High School, University of Georgia (Bachelor's), Georgia State University (Master's), University of Georgia (Ph.D. in Special Education)

  • Married to a wonderful husband, Todd, for 18 years

  • Two fun, sport-loving sons, Harrison (15) and Grant (11)

  • Teaches ELA

  • Favorite activities: Spending time with my family, watching my boys play sports, date nights with my husband, exercising, reading, cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs, traveling and eating!

  • Interesting Fact: I have lived in 18 houses!

  • Fun Fact-I have written a book.