I have been teaching for over 20 years, and Matt has been my home for over 10 years. I have spent the majority of my years teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. I received my undergraduate degree in education from McNeese State University in Louisiana. I earned my Master's degree from Piedmont College. I am also gifted certified. Every day is a new challenge that I embrace. I hope to make a difference in the life of each child that I have the privilege of teaching!

I am a graduate of Clemson University and have earned my master's degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. This is my 16th year at Matt Elementary. During my time at Matt Elementary I have taught in both 1st grade and second grade. Previously I taught 1st grade, Pre-K, Special Needs Pre-K, Kindergarten, and a Multi aged 1st-3rd class. Having taught in all those different levels, I have found my "home" in first grade. The children are extremely excited to learn which makes me excited to teach!

I am excited to begin my 9th year of teaching and my 8th year here at Matt (as a teacher). I was born and raised in Forsyth County, and I was lucky enough to be a student at Matt when it opened back in 2001. I have a wonderful husband, Josh, and two beautiful daughters, Ava and Harper. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education/ Special Education from the University of North Georgia in 2014. I returned to school and received a Master of Arts in Elementary Education degree from Piedmont University in 2021.  I love working with students and seeing them grow in their confidence throughout the school year. I am looking forward to another great year in 1st grade!

Hi, my name is Tara Mullen. This is my 13th year of teaching. I have been teaching first grade for 11 years now and love every minute of it! My favorite thing about teaching is that not only do I teach the kids, but they teach me new things every day! I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have a reading endorsement. My husband and I have been married for 9 years, and we have lived in Cumming since 2014. We have three kids, two boys and a little lady. In the fall, you can find me cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. Go Dawgs! I am looking forward to another fun year of teaching first grade!

I grew up in Forsyth County attending Sawnee Elementary, Otwell Middle School, and Forsyth Central High School. My dream as a little girl was to grow up to be a wife, mother, and a teacher. I went to North Georgia College after high school and received my teaching degree and Master's degree. I started teaching and then got married to my wonderful husband. We are the proud parents of 2 sons who also attended Matt. I am so blessed that my dreams came true, and I am looking forward to my 27th year of teaching in Forsyth County!

I am excited to be returning for another year in first grade at Matt Elementary! This will be my 17th year of teaching, and my 8^th year teaching first grade at Matt Elementary. I have previous experience teaching kindergarten and Pre-K. I earned both my Bachelors and Masters Degree (specializing in literacy) in Elementary Education from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). My husband and I have been married for 19 years, and we have lived in Cumming since February of 2007. My is a sophomore at North Forsyth High School, and my daughter is in 8^th grade at Liberty Middle School. Both of my kids went to Matt Elementary. I am thrilled to teach first grade again this year!

I have taught First Grade for over 15 years in Forsyth County! I love first graders! I received my BA in Elementary Education from Northeast Louisiana. I have been married for over 20 years to my sweet husband Michael, and we have two children, Joseph and Claire. We love living in Georgia and enjoy spending time together outdoors and going to sporting events. I feel that being able to teach children and share the love of learning with them is one of my greatest gifts. I am so grateful to be teaching at such a wonderful school in a beautiful community.