Special Education

School Phone: (770) 887-7749

Taffiny Cherico

I am a Forsyth County native, and I graduated from North Forsyth High School. I attended the University of North Georgia and received a dual degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. I am currently working on getting my Masters degree from The University of Alabama. This will be my sixth year teaching at Cumming Elementary, and I absolutely love it here! When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my family, which consists of my husband, a little girl, a baby boy and a maltipoo. I am so excited for all the adventures that this school year is going to bring!

  ext. 740303

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Wendy Coile

This will be my 8th year at CES. I am originally from Ohio, but I have been living in Georgia for over 20 years. I have been teaching for over 19 years 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. This year will be my second year as an IRR teacher. I graduated from The Ohio State University and John Carroll University with a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I am married and have two children that are both in high school.

   ext. 740812

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Casey Goelz

Hello! This is my third year at Cumming Elementary. I am a graduate of Old Dominion University and prior to coming to Cumming Elementary, I taught Pre-Kindergarten for six years. I have also spent a year assisting with a skills-based autism class. My husband and I live in Forsyth County along with our 14-year-old twin boys. I love teaching and working with children! I am looking forward to another wonderful school year!

  ext. 740903

Carly Gordon

Hello Cougar Nation families! My name is Ms. Gordon and I am so excited to return to our amazing school for my second year of teaching! I know we will have a great year, with loads of learning and fun. I am also pursuing my Master's Degree from the University of North Georgia and am looking forward to implementing new teaching strategies. I am so excited to be working with you this year!

   ext. 740903

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Tonya Hanks

Hello, my name is Tonya Hanks. This is my 8th year teaching at Cumming Elementary. I graduated from the University of North Georgia with my Masters in Education and received my Educational Specialist degree from Piedmont College. My family is a very busy bunch! We love the outdoors and you will often find us hiking, spending time on the lake or playing sports. I look forward to another wonderful year with the fantastic students and staff at CES!!

 ext. 740903

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Casie Jennings

Hello, my name is Tonya Hanks. This is my 7th year teaching at Cumming Elementary. I graduated from the University of North Georgia with my Masters in Education and received my Educational Specialist degree from Piedmont College. My family is a very busy bunch! We love the outdoors and you will often find us hiking, spending time on the lake or playing sports. I look forward to another wonderful year with the fantastic students and staff at CES!!

  ext. 740303

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Mary Longoria

Hello, my name is Mary Longoria. This is my 5th year at Cumming Elementary. My husband and I moved to Georgia with our four children in June 2016 from San Antonio, Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on General Education, Special Education, and Kinesiology. I also have a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. I have been teaching for 22 years in various grade levels (Pre-K to young adults through age 22). I absolutely love being in Georgia and look forward to another great year working with the remarkable students that attend Cumming Elementary!

 ext. 740914

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Jenny McClain

I am beginning my 21st year as an elementary school educator! I have taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and Special Education. I received my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from UNG, and this summer I received my Specialist degree from Piedmont College in Curriculum and Instruction. I love Cumming Elementary and I am looking forward to an amazing school year!

 ext. 740537

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Samantha Morales

Hi, my name is Samantha Morales. I am 22 years old and have lived in Forsyth County my whole life. I love swimming, hiking, and spending time with my family, friends and pets. I graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2019 and did a few long term substitute positions for Cumming Elementary last year. I am so excited to become an official part of Cougar Nation and continue to contribute to the growth and learning of our students!

 ext. 740812

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Tami Rogers

Welcome to Cougar Nation! I am Ms. Rogers and I’m so excited about the 2020-2021 school year. I have been an elementary school teacher for 17 years and this is my fifth year at Cumming Elementary and I absolutely love it! I am thrilled to get to know my students and I am looking forward to a year of learning, fun, and exploration. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time at the lake fishing, paddle boarding, and going for boat rides.

 ext. 740812

 Email Ms. Rogers

Kathy Davies

 Parapro

I have been employed by Forsyth County Schools for over 20 years. I have been a classroom teacher, long-term substitute, and am currently working as a paraprofessional. I hold degrees from Reinhardt College, Tift College, and a Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia. I absolutely love working at Cumming Elementary, and believe it’s a fantastic place for children to grow and learn. I look forward to helping make this school year the best ever at CES.

 ext. 740423

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Mary Muliero

 Parapro

I am originally from Indiana. I am the 5th of 9 children. I have 2 children, Collin who is attending UGA and Aubrey attending UNG. During my free time I enjoy reading, trying new foods etc.

 ext. 740423

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Laura Miranda

 DHH Pre K- 1st

Hi! This is my 30th year teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing and it is my love! I have taught at several schools in GA and FL, but Cumming Elementary is by far the best school! I have degrees in Education for DHH and Elementary Education with PREK Special Needs, ESOL and Reading endorsements added. I love teaching and fostering a love for learning and self in my students. I live with my husband and 3 daughters in Cumming, where we love to go camping, hiking and watching Marvel movies together! I'm looking forward to another wonderful year of learning and growing

  ext. 740203

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Marilouise Tozier

DHH Pre K-1st Para

I have been married for 23 years and am mom to 4 children. My children are boy/girl twins who are 21, a 17 year old daughter and a 14 year old son. We have four cats and a bearded dragon. This is my 8th year as a DHH Para at Cumming Elementary.

  ext. 740203

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Andrea Helms

DHH 2nd-5th Teacher

This will be my 14th year of teaching and my 8th year at CES! I have a B.S. degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and a M.A in Deaf Education from Valdosta State University. I am married and have one daughter, Abby, who is in 5th grade here at CES. When I am not teaching, I enjoy working out, watching Auburn football, hiking, biking and going on adventures with my family. I am looking forward to another great year of teaching and helping our students realize their potential! War Eagle!

   ext. 740808

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Kimberly Hamby

DHH 2nd-5th Para

This is my fifth year as a Paraprofessional. I went Georgia Perimeter College and studied Sign Language and Interpreter Training. I have been married 39 years. I have three children and five grandchildren.

  ext. 740808

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Allison Jones

SID/PID Teacher

This is my fourth year teaching & I'm so excited to continue serving as the SID/PID teacher here in Cougar Nation! I have a B.S. in Early Childhood/Special Education (P-5) from the University of North Georgia & this past summer I received my M.Ed. in Special Education Adapted Curriculum with an Autism endorsement from Georgia Southern University. I love what I do and I am extremely passionate about serving my students & their families in this population! If there is ever anything I can do to help you inside or outside of the classroom, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm looking forward to another incredible year together!!

   ext. 740204

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Heather Caltrider

SID/PID Para

This is my third year at Cumming Elementary School as a SID/PID Paraprofessional. I have a Bachelor’s in Child and Family Development as well as a National Certification in Pharmacy Technician. I have 2 daughters: Halle, 16 and Katie, 11. We have been a resident of Cumming for 3 years

 ext. 740204

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Cindy Redd

SID/PID Para

I am very excited to be at Cumming Elementary! This is my 4th  year here and I love serving our students! I truly believe we can make a difference in the lives of these children. I am married to Stan and have 3 sons who all attended Cumming Elementary (Malcolm, Austin and Jameson). I have lived in this community for 41 years!

  ext. 740204

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Clara Waldmann

SBA Teacher

My name is Clara Waldmann and this is my third year teaching Skills Based Autism at Cumming Elementary! I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Special Education. I am currently working on a Master's degree in Special Education with an endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder at Georgia Southern University. I am looking forward to a fun year! Elementary School. This is going to be a fantastic school year!

 ext. 740214

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Cyndi Bridgewater

SBA Para

I have a Masters in Elementary Reading and Literacy. I previously taught in Douglas County for 13 years. I am married and have 4 children who are all students in Forsyth County Schools. This is my second year at Cumming and I couldn’t be more excited!

 ext 740214

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Sherry Lopez

MID Teacher

Hi! My name is Sherry Lopez and this will be my tenth year at Cumming Elementary. I have a Masters Degree from Valdosta State University in the area of special education. I recently obtained my Reading Endorsement and look forward to helping students who struggle in the area of reading and writing. I am challenged by helping students develop strategies which will enable them to succeed academically and socially. I am looking forward to another successful, productive, and fun year at Cumming Elementary!

ext 740912

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Susan Brady

MID Teacher

I am Susan Brady. This is my ninth year as an educator, and my first year as a Special Education teacher. I’ve had experience at the middle grades, preschool, and elementary levels. I have a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and Art, Master of Education degree with a focus in middle grades, Reading endorsement, Adapted Special Education certification, General Special Education certification, and Early Childhood certification. My husband and I have two teenage girls, and I enjoy spending time with them, traveling, and being outdoors. I enjoy seeing students overcoming obstacles and enjoying success! I am looking forward to a great year with Cumming family!

 ext 740103

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Manjit Erdey

MID Para

This is my third year as a paraprofessional at Cumming Elementary School. I have bachelor of science degrees in mathematics and computer science from Southern Illinois University. Formerly, I worked as an IT professional for eleven years for telecommunications companies. My husband and I live in Forsyth county with our 15 and 17 year old sons. We love traveling, hiking, biking and camping. I am excited to be a part of Cumming Elementary family, and look forward to an amazing school year!

 ext 740103

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Alicia Kemptner

MID Para

My name is Alicia Kemptner. I have worked at Cumming Elementary for 17 years. I will be working with fifth grade this year and I am excited about what this year will bring.

 ext 740103

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Kelly Hiller

Pre-K

I am excited to begin my 26th year teaching in Forsyth County, at Cumming Elementary! I hold a B.S. Degree from Kennesaw State College. I am certified in Special Education, General Education and I hold an ESOL Endorsement. I have previously taught 17 years in Kindergarten, 2 years in Second Grade, and this will be my 7th year in Special Needs Pre-K. I have a 21-year-old daughter, Alex, and an 18-year-old son, Blake. The highlight of my summer was marrying my wonderful husband, Dave!

 ext 740113

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Gina Holzclaw

Pre-K Para

I grew up in Forsyth County and graduated from The University of North Ga. with a degree in Early Childhood Education.I was a Kindergarten teacher at Mashburn Elem, Pre K teacher at Concord Baptist Preschool, Special Needs Pre K Paraprofessional at Mashburn Elem and hope to retire one day as Pre K Paraprofessional here at Cumming Elementary School. I’ve been married for 29 years and have 2 sons. My youngest is working to get a Biology degree and Teaching certificate at The University of North Georgia and my oldest just finished Dental School and will be working as a General Dentist in Albany Ga.

 ext 740113

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Karen Greco

I am very excited to begin my 10th year in Forsyth County Schools as a speech therapist. I truly enjoy working with the students and families at Cumming Elementary! This school is like my second home. When I am not at work, I can be found spending time with my husband and our dog. We recently moved to the Dawsonville area and look forward to exploring our new city.

  ext. 740431

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Lindsay Holmes

Hello! My name is Lindsey Holmes and I am so excited to begin my 3rd year as an SLP here at Cumming Elementary, where I attended school as a little girl! I received my Bachelors of Science in Communication Disorders, as well as my Masters in Communication Disorders from Auburn University- War Eagle! I love cooking, reading, being outdoors, watching football, collecting antiques, and spending time with my husband Jonathon, our dog Duke, and our cat Bella. I am looking forward to another awesome year here at CES!

Kathy Lyons

This is my 12th year at Cumming Elementary and my 23rd year working in Forsyth County. CES is the best school and we are all glad to be working here! My husband and I celebrated our 34rd anniversary in June. We have 2 daughters who both graduated from South Forsyth High Sc

   ext. 740427

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Michaeline May

My name is Michaeline May. I have been a speech/language pathologist for 24 years. I graduated with my B.S. from the University of Illinois and my M.A. from Indiana University. I am married to my husband, Tim, and we have 3 children, 2 cats, and 2 dogs. We moved to Georgia from Wisconsin in 2004. I look forward to working with the students and families at Cumming Elementary School this year.

  ext. 740

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Laura McCormack

I love working with students' communication skills at Cumming Elementary! I have served at CES for 18 years and in the field of speech and language for 30 years. I earned a dual bachelor's degree in Deaf Education and Elementary Education from Flagler College and a Master's degree in Speech/Language Pathology from Penn State. I also obtained an Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. My husband teaches science at Denmark High School and we have three children, all CES graduates!

   ext. 740666

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Wendy McGinnis

I work with students to improve communication skills. This is my 6th year at CES and I have been working in schools for 15 years. I have a B.A. in Communication and a M.Ed. In Communication Sciences and Disorders, both from Georgia State University. I have been married to Jeremy for 22 years. We have 3 children and 2 dogs. When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to another great year at Cumming Elementary!

Wendy Maehr

I absolutely love my job! As a Sign Language Interpreter, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with students in various of grades. I have worked in Forsyth County at various schools since 1999. At each school, I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach a sign language class after school for students interested in learning to sign. On a personal note, I married a wonderful man last year (Sept 2019). We have two very sweet fur-babies (Cooper & Daisy).

  ext. 740304

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Regina Crespo

My name is Regina Crespo. I am a sign language interpreter. I am a Georiga native, born and raised. I love the Georgia Bulldawgs! I bleed red and black!!! Gooooooo Dawgs!!! Sec' em!!! I have 3 children, 26 yr. old twins (boy and girl) and 9 yr. boy. I have 3 grandchildren. I have been interpreting for 25 years and absolutely love what I do.

  ext. 740

Sarah Davenport

Bio Coming Soon!

   ext. 740304

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Kaitlin Swenson

My name is Kaitlin Swenson, and I am a Sign Language Interpreter. This is my third year in Forsyth County and my second year at Cumming Elementary. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language and English Interpreting at Valdosta State University. I am excited to be back at Cumming Elementary School this year!

ext. 740304

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Amanda Tate

Hello! This will be my 12th year as an interpreter and my 3rd year here at CES. I love the family environment here at Cumming. I received my Bachelors in Interpreting from Valdosta State University. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog Zoey and spending time with family.

 ext. 740