- New Hope Elementary
- Meet the Teachers
Meet Our Teachers

Phone: Ext. 562255
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Andrea Baker
Hello, I'm Andrea Baker, and I can't wait to build a community together at New Hope!
I have a bachelor's of science degree in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching for more than 20 years. I worked in Gwinnett County for a few years, then helped open Sharon Elementary School here in Forsyth. For the past 16 years, I have taught at Vickery Creek where I was a kindergarten teacher.
I was born and raised in Massachusetts and upstate New York. My husband Todd and I have three children, a girl and twin boys. I LOVE crafting and playing around on technology to find fun and new things for my students.
I am so happy to meet all the new faces at New Hope, and I'm looking forward to this journey!

Phone: Ext. 562253
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Kimberly Engebretson
Hello, Nighthawks! My name is Kimberly Engebretson, and I'll be teaching Kindergarten.
I received my education degree from Texas A&M-Commerce in 2012. Last year, I taught kindergarten at Crow Leadership Academy in Arlington, TX.
I am originally from Texas! My family and I have just moved to the Cumming, GA area due to my husband's work. My husband Brad and I have two amazing kids, Auston (14) and Norah (6) and to complete our family, a chi-weenie named Bentley! I love spending time with my family; we enjoy being outside and golfing. When I find the time, I love to make crafts and read.
I am so excited about building relationships and being a part of the New Hope community!

Phone: Ext. 562248
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Laurel Godwin
Hello! My name is Laurel Godwin, and I'm so happy to be joining New Hope!
I am originally from Warner Robins, GA. I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia College and State University. I also have a master's degree in Reading Education from Kennesaw State University. I have most recently been teaching Kindergarten at Brookwood Elementary School.
I am married to my husband, Conner, and we have 2 labradors named Aubri and Laney. I am a HUGE Braves fan and have season tickets, so most of our summer and weekends are spent at Truist Park! I also love spending time with my family and friends or just cozying up with a new book or movie.
I can't wait to meet all our Nighthawks and work on becoming the best school community in Forsyth County!

Phone: Ext. 562245
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Ashley Payne
Hello, Nighthawks! My name is Ashley Payne, and I'll be one of the kindergarten teachers.
I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. I also have endorsements in Reading and Teacher Leadership. I'm was most recently a kindergarten teacher at Wilson Creek Elementary in Fulton County, where I taught for seven years.
I was born and raised in Winder, GA and lived in Buford briefly before moving to Cumming two years ago. I have a daughter, Ella (8) who dances at Cumming Dance Academy. Last year, I married my husband, Josh, who I’ve known since 3rd grade! We have two dogs, Tucker and Darla, and one cat, Stella. We LOVE to spend most of our time at the lake on our boat. When not on the lake, I enjoy listening to podcasts while walking or riding my bike.
I cannot wait to make memories with my new kindergarten family and build a community together at New Hope!

Phone: Ext. 562254
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Morgan Watson
Hello, Nighthawks! My name is Morgan Watson, and I'm excited to be one of the kindergarten teachers at New Hope!
I recently graduated from Lander University with a bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Read to Succeed endorsement. I completed my student teaching in kindergarten at Pinecrest Elementary in Greenwood, SC. One of my favorite ways to teach is by using read-alouds. I love children's literature and sharing the magic of reading with my students!
I am originally from Forsyth County, where I graduated from Forsyth Central in 2018. I have a french bulldog named Puff, whom I love dearly! I enjoy reading, traveling, trying new foods, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
I am most looking forward to the new community we will build at New Hope! I can't wait to start our fun adventure together as a school, and of course, cannot wait to meet my tiny Nighthawks!

Phone: Ext. 562258
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Angela Wilson
Hello, there! My name is Angela Wilson, and I am so excited about our new Nighthawk family!
I received my undergraduate degree from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania with a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education. I also hold a master's degree in School Leadership from Wilmington University. I most recently taught Kindergarten at Whitlow Elementary.
I was born in Delaware and grew up in and around the area. I moved down here 11 years ago to escape the cold winters. My husband and I have two girls in 7th and 9th grades. We also have two dogs, Bailey and Spartan as well as two cats, Sir Whiskers and Bella. I love being outside on the Greenway or in my yard, and my family loves going to the Outer Banks, NC.
I am really looking forward to meeting all our future Nighthawks!
Meet Our Instructional Assistants

Phone: Ext. 562254
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Rosemarie Castillo
Hello, Nighthawks! I'm Rosemarie Castillo, and I will be a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant! Prior to joining New Hope, I used to work at Big Creek Elementary School.
I have a bachelor's degree in Nursing and worked as a nurse abroad until I found my passion in working with kids. I received my certification in Special Education and a Reading endorsement from Georgia State University. I am originally from the Philippines. My husband and I lived in Dunwoody before moving to Forsyth in 2006. We have two girls. Our eldest is a Junior at Alliance Academy and our youngest is a fourth-grader. We also have a Corgi named Hudson. We love taking beach trips, traveling, cooking, and eating with family and friends. My love for cooking and trying different international cuisine stems from my fascination with gastronomy. I also like to listen to notable podcasts during road trips and watch different documentary genres.
I look forward to working alongside the many talented and committed educators in Forsyth county to enhance the learning experience of our Nighthawk students!

Phone: Ext. 562248
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Angela Flint
Hello, my name is Angela Flint! I'll be an Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten at New Hope.
I attended Shelby State College in Memphis, TN where I completed courses in Early Childhood Education. I was a Pre - K and Kindergarten teacher at Little Creek Academy in Johns Creek from 2003-2021. After "retiring" from teaching, I volunteered in my daughter's kindergarten classroom. That's when I knew my heart was pulling me back to teaching.
I am originally from Lakeland, FL and moved to Atlanta in 1996. My husband Tom and I have been married for 25 years, and we have 3 children (23, 21,16) who all attended Forsyth County Schools. My hobbies include cross stitching, scrapbooking, cake decorating, traveling, and spending time with my family.
I am looking forward to starting a new school with opportunities to create common goals and new friendships.

Phone: Ext. 562255
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Amy Kraft
Hello, I'm Amy Kraft, and I'll be an Instructional Assistant in kindergarten this year!
I have a bachelor's degree in marketing from Georgia State University. Most recently, I've taught pre-school at John's Creek Baptist Church.
I grew up in Alexandria, VA. I've been married to Bob for 16 years, and we have two daughters (who attend Big Creek Elementary and Denmark HS). We also have two rambunctious dogs!
I am so excited to help grow a new community of learners at New Hope. Go, Nighthawks!

Phone: Ext. 562245
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Susanne Marshall
Hello, I'm Susanne Marshall, and I'll be joining the kindergarten team as an instructional assistant this year at New Hope.
I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Radford University. I have most recently been a pre-school teacher. I've also had experience teaching 3rd and 4th grade.
I am originally from Virginia where I began my teaching career. My family and I have have lived in Georgia for 14 years. My husband Matt and I have three children, Bryce (18) Blake (15) and Madison (8). We also have a Goldendoodle named Tucker whom we adore. I love spending time with family at the lake, relaxing at the beach, shopping and cheering for the Braves.
I am so excited to meet our Nighthawks and be a part of building a community at New Hope.

Phone: Ext. 562253
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Catia Salehabadi
Hello, I'm Catia Salehabadi, and I'll be joining the kindergarten team as an instructional assistant.
I have a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and an Associate Degree in Business and Management,
I grew up in Brazil. I speak Portuguese and English. I have been married for 22 years and I have two daughters in high school
I am looking forward to getting to know all the new staff and families at New Hope. I can't wait to help make NHES an amazing school!

Phone: Ext. 562258
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mia Williams
Hi, Nighthawks! My name is Mia Williams, and I'll be an Instructional Assistant in kindergarten this year at New Hope.
I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and was a kindergarten assistant in Fulton County prior to starting my family. I have been a stay-at-home mom for 24 years and am excited to return to a job I love, in the county that educated my own children!
I grew up in a small town called Newton in southwest Georgia. My husband Marty and I met in college and moved to Cumming in 1995. We have 3 amazing children. I love traveling, boating on the lake, cooking, and reading.
I am so excited to be a part of opening a new school. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of the students and families!