Meet Your NGRESA Literacy Team

Kelli Bishop Thomas is an experienced and dedicated educator with a career spanning over two decades, marked by a deep commitment to student well-being and effective instructional practices. 

Kelli's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia, a Master of Arts and Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 Leadership certifications from the University of North Georgia. She is also a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, demonstrating her commitment to supporting students. 

Before joining North GA RESA, Kelli served as the District Behavior Support Coordinator at Murray County School District. This role significantly expanded her expertise in supporting students with disabilities and implementing effective support strategies to improve overall student well-being. Prior to this, she was an Instructional Coach for Murray County Schools from July 2017 to June 2022. In this capacity, she provided professional development and instructional leadership, guiding teachers in understanding standards, curriculum, assessments, and best practices.  

Kelli began her career as a teacher in Murray County Schools in August 2005, teaching Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and EIP (Early Intervention Program) for grades K-6 until July 2017. During this time, she actively participated in professional learning initiatives, conducted data analysis, and served on various influential committees, including the State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council.  

Kelli is genuinely excited about Georgia's Literacy Coaching initiative and eager to contribute her expertise to help teachers and students achieve their literacy goals.  

Contact: kelli.thomas@ngresa.org 

With 20 years of experience in education, Hillary has dedicated her career to advancing instructional excellence, building educator capacity, and supporting systems that improve outcomes for all learners.

Hillary's educational journey began in the elementary classroom, where she taught multiple grade levels and content areas in grades K–5 while serving students across a variety of instructional and service models. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to serve as an Instructional Technology and Academic Coach, RTI Coordinator, Title I Coordinator, Assistant Principal, & Principal. These diverse experiences have deepened Hillary's commitment to collaborative leadership, evidence-based practices, and partnering with educators to create meaningful learning experiences for students.

Beyond her professional work, Hillary is a proud wife and mother. Her son, Walker, brings a lot of joy and adventure to their family. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors—whether at a swim meet, playing in a river, fishing, or taking their Bronco on the trails. When they have the opportunity to travel, you will often find them at their favorite destination, Disney World- where the magic never gets old!

Hillary looks forward to collaborating with educators and leaders throughout the NGRESA district to support and strengthen literacy practices, empower instructional leadership, and ensure every learner has the opportunity to be successful.

Contact: hillary.mullinax@ngresa.org 

Bethany LeMoyne combines nearly 30 years of teaching and leadership experience with an enduring passion for literacy and student success. She is passionate about strengthening literacy instruction to ensure every child becomes a confident, successful reader. Before joining North GA RESA as a Let’s Read Georgia coach, Bethany worked with schools and districts across Georgia and nationally to build educator effectiveness systems, design professional learning experiences, and lead large-scale instructional improvement initiatives.

She began her career as a teacher, college instructor, literacy specialist, and district leader, later serving at the Georgia Department of Education supporting the statewide rollout of teacher and leader effectiveness systems. Bethany also worked as Chief Learning Officer at Insight Education Group, partnering with state departments and districts nationwide to advance literacy, coaching, and leadership development efforts. Most recently, she founded Collectively Coaches, a professional network designed to provide practical and energizing support for instructional coaches.

Bethany holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Education and a master’s degree in Reading Education from SUNY Geneseo, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She is excited to partner with teachers, leaders, and communities in North Georgia to help all students thrive.

Contact: bethany.lemoyne@ngresa.org 

Chris White brings over 30 years of experience in education to her role as a Let's Read Georgia literacy coach serving North Georgia RESA. With a deep-rooted passion for literacy and relationship-building, Chris spent 20 years in the classroom teaching third through fifth grade students, where she cultivated a love for reading and learning in hundreds of young students.

For over a decade, Chris has served as a literacy coach supporting teachers and students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Her work has focused on strengthening instructional practices, fostering collaboration, and empowering educators to build confident, capable readers.

Chris believes that meaningful connections are at the heart of impactful education. Among her proudest accomplishments are the lasting relationships she has built with the students she taught and the educators she has mentored throughout her career.

Now as part of the Let's Read, Georgia initiative, Chris is excited to continue that work—building new connections, supporting teachers, and helping communities grow stronger through literacy.

Contact: christine.white@ngresa.org