Welcome Huskies!

My name is Dr. Ashley Johnessee and I am so proud to be the Principal at Haw Creek!  I began my teaching career at Settles Bridge Elementary as a Kindergarten paraprofessional before teaching both Kindergarten and Fifth Grade at Chestatee Elementary School. I then joined Lambert High School as a part of the English Department where I also served as an Assistant Administrator and Assistant Principal. A proud, double-dawg, I finished my Doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia and am a firm believer in the power of following open doors where they lead you. I am beyond excited to call Haw Creek my new home and to serve our community as principal. I am grateful for the encouragement and support of my husband, Chris and our daughter, Juliana (14). Maggie, my therapy dog, is also excited to join the #huskypack and we look forward to meeting our community! 

Hello Haw Creek Families!  The 2023 school year marks my seventeenth year in education.  Throughout those years, I have proudly served as an ELA teacher, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal.  Originally from Ohio, I graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor's degree in English, and later obtained my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University, and completed my Tier 1 Leadership from West Georgia University.  

As a mother of two boys, I am seeing first-hand the impact that our school system has in shaping them into kind, life-long learners. 

When not at school, my husband, our boys, and dogs are likely to be found at sporting events or boating on Lake Lanier.  

It is a privilege and honor to serve at Haw Creek, where we embody values and behaviors that create the conditions for success.  Sadie, my therapy dog, and I look forward to partnering with you to make this the best year yet!

Hello, Husky Families! I am Meg Begnaud (pronounced Beg-no) and I am thrilled to be starting my first year as the K-2 Administrator here at Haw Creek. I believe strongly in helping students, teachers, and families find the best in themselves through a quality educational experience. When we use our strengths to learn and grow, we can impact the world around us for the greater good. 

In my seventeen years as an educator, I have served as a classroom teacher for grades 6-11, Gifted Department Chair, Instructional Coach and most recently as an Educational Technology Coach and Assistant Administrator. My journey as a teacher has taken me across six school communities in both Gwinnett and Forsyth Counties. In Forsyth County Schools, specifically, I have served the Central community at Forsyth Central High School, the North community at Liberty Middle School, and now the South Community at Haw Creek. As a University of Georgia alum with a Bachelor’s and Masters’ Degree in English Education and a Tier 1 Leadership certification from the University of North Georgia, I am a lifelong learner. The power of education starts as students enter our schools and I am excited to build something great with the Haw Creek community. 

My husband, Will, and my daughter, Amelia, help me balance life outside of school. We are avid beach goers and love spending time together traveling, spending quality time with family, and cheering on our beloved Dawgs in Athens when we can. 

I look forward to building relationships with each of you this year and beyond! Go Huskies!

Hello Haw Creek Huskies!

My name is Traci Avery, and I am honored to be an Assistant Administrator at Haw Creek Elementary this school year. I am a graduate of Georgia Southern University where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Special Education. This marks my 20^th year in education. I began my teaching career in Cobb County Public Schools before coming to Forsyth County Schools in 2003. In my 20 years of education, I have served as middle school Special Education teacher, K-5 Special Education teacher, and Special Education Department Chair here at Haw Creek.

You can find my husband, Brett, our 19-year-old twins, and I at the lake, traveling, or at UGA football games cheering the Dawgs on when not at school!

I look forward to building relationships with our Haw Creek families this year to help provide the best possible education for our students!