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.