Hi! My name is Hailey Arnold and I am a specialized instruction teacher here at New Hope.

I graduated from the University of North Georgia with a bachelor's of Science in Elementary and Special Education. I am now a New Hope Nighthawk, just like I was a UNG Nighthawk. Teaching special education is my passion. I strive to help those with exceptionalities and be an advocate for them!

I am originally from Forsyth County, and even got the opportunity to complete my student teaching experience at the same elementary school that I went to when I was little! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. We love to watch the Georgia games during football season and go out hiking when the weather is warm. My family and I love to spend time by the pool and play card games!

Working at New Hope is the best! I can’t wait to meet all my students and their families for many years to come 😊

Hello, my name is Taylor Gravitt. I'll be teaching a Specialized Instruction class this year.

I graduated from the University of North Georgia with a bachelor's of Science in Elementary and Special Education. Teaching special education is my jam!

I was born and raised in Flowery Branch. I have a wonderful husband and we have a spoiled dachshund named Daisy. I love kayaking, walking, Chickfila, and iced coffee.

I cannot wait to grow, thrive, and build a strong community here at New Hope.

Hi, Nighthawks! I'm Alexandra Jones, and I'll be teaching Specialized Instruction.

I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from the University of South Carolina. This is my third-year teaching K-2 Special Education!

I am originally from Suwanee, GA and graduated from North Gwinnett High school. I lived in New Canaan, Connecticut for a year and moved back to Georgia last July. My fiancé, Trevor, and I are getting married this September! We love golfing, going to the lake, the beach, Braves games, Disney World, and spending time with our 3-year-old rescue puppy, Ellie.

I am looking forward to another year of teaching at New Hope and working with the amazing staff and students. I am grateful to be a part of the Nighthawk family and can't wait to get started! It’s going to be a great year!

I am thrilled to be joining the New Hope Elementary Family! I started teaching in 2015 while receiving my Masters from Reinhardt University. I am a Cherokee County Native and started my teaching journey there as a High School Self-Contained Teacher. After taking a break from teaching, I am excited to be returning to the classroom and excited about this adventure in a new county and with a new age group. Teaching is a calling, a place that you are meant to be and you are providing a safe and caring environment for little minds to grow and learn. I look forward to serving at New Hope and cannot wait to meet all of the wonderful children! 

I am excited to join the Specialized Instruction team at New Hope. I look forward to working with the amazing staff and students. I grew up in Macon, GA and graduated from Stratford High School. I have my bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. I hold Master’s and Specialist’s degrees from the University of North Georgia. I taught English to speakers of other languages for fifteen years in Hall County. In my leisure time, I enjoy being with my family and friends. I like to cook, read, walk, and watch my favorite sports teams.

It’s going to be a great year!  I am grateful to be a part of the Nighthawk family and can't wait to get started!

Hello, Nighthawks! I'm Tanima Agarwal, and I'll be one of the Instructional Assistants at New Hope!

I have a bachelor’s degree in Commerce. I have more than 8 years of experience working with children of various ages. Most recently, I have been working as an instructional assistant at Sweetwater Middle School in Gwinnett County.

I'm originally from India, but have lived in the U.S. for the last 16 years. My husband works as an IT professional, and I have a 15-year-old son. I love cooking, gardening, listening to music and spending time with my beautiful family.

I am most looking forward to meeting students and parents, as well as faculty members and building relationships with each of you.

Hello! I’m Melissa Brasfield, and I’m happy to be a part of the SI team at New Hope. 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Child Development from Florida State University and I moved to the Atlanta area in 2002 where I fell in love with Georgia as my new home. After working in finance since 2000,  I became a stay-at-home mom when blessed with my amazing twins in 2016. In 2020 I began subbing at my twins' preschool and then taught full-time there for two years. I married my husband in 2022 and was further blessed with 3 more incredible kids to make us a family of 7! After moving to Cumming, I began subbing at New Hope and  knew I wanted to be part of the Nighthawk family full-time.  

In my free time, I love spending time with my family, cooking, running, gardening and traveling.

I am looking forward to hopefully inspiring a love for learning and helping our students reach their full potential while reminding them to share their own special light with the world!  

I started teaching in 1998 in Fullerton, CA at Orangethorpe Elementary where I was a Kindergarten teacher. In 2002, I took a leave of absence just before having my second son. I remained at home throughout my children's school years. 2023 is the year to make my comeback into the world of teaching as an instructional assistant. I'm looking forward to making connections with the students, staff, and parents. 

Hello, Nighthawks! I'm Swetapadma Pattanayak, but people call me Lucy. I'll be an Instructional Assistant at New Hope!

I have my master's degree in Home Science, and I've worked recently as a paraprofessional in 1st and 2nd grades at Chattahoochee Elementary School. I have worked with elementary students for 7 years. I love to work with children and be a part of their growth.

I am originally from India. I have lived in the United States for 13 years. My husband works in IT consulting. We have two boys who are 12 and 8. In my spare time, I enjoy doing arts and crafts.

I am so excited to work with new people at New Hope, and contribute to the community where I am living. Let's go, Nighthawks!