Specialized Instruction Teachers

Phone: 562150

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Hailey Arnold

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 😊

Phone: 562158

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Taylor Gravitt

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.

Phone: 562258

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Alexandra Jones

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.  I have taught specialized instruction in both Connecticut and Georgia. My goal is to create a safe learning environment where my students can learn, explore, and of course, have fun!

I am originally from Suwanee, GA and graduated from North Gwinnett High school. My husband, Trevor, and I love golfing, going to the lake, the beach, Braves games, Disney World, and spending time with our 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!

Phone: 562157

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dana Morales

My name is Dana Morales and I am so excited to join the Nighthawks this year! I have been in education for 10 years and have experience teaching both general education and special education. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and hold a Master's Degree in Elementary Education/Special Education granted from Rutgers University.  My family and I recently moved to Georgia from New Jersey and are loving our new home in Cumming.  I am married with three children and love spending quality time with them, exploring new places, and cooking!  I am looking forward to an amazing year at New Hope!

Phone: 562263

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Katie Page

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! 

Phone: 562155

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Beth Sanders

My name is Beth Sanders and I have been teaching since 2008. I have taught Kindergarten, Special Education, English for speakers of other languages, and middle school math. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University, and Master's and Specialist's degrees from the University of North Georgia.
I live in Cumming with my husband. We enjoy visiting with our three married children and their families.
I love teaching and learning and I am glad to be part of the Nighthawk family.

 


Specialized Instruction Instructional Assistants

Phone: 562158

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Tanima Agarwal

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.

Phone: 562158

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Melissa Brasfield

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!  

Phone: 562155

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Melissa Depuydt

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. 

Phone: 562258

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Kubra Dogan

Phone: 562265

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Meena Ramanathan

I started my career as a Forsyth County substitute teacher in 2021. Then worked at New Hope as a long-term sub in an SBA class. I learned how to work with kids and support them academically. I learned to be patient while working with SBA kids.

Phone: 562150

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Kathryn Shope

Hello! My name is Kathryn Shope and I am excited to be an Instruction Assistant at New Hope.
 
I grew up in a military family and have lived in North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. My husband, Daniel, and I live in South Forsyth with our kids, Everett and Fallon. We also have 2 bernedoodles, Fritz and Jack. My family loves to go camping even if it is just a tent in our back yard. I also enjoy spending time in my vegetable garden.
 
I have a degree in Dental Assisting from Lanier Tech. After being a stay-at-home mom for 9 years, I starting substitute teaching when my youngest started school. That experience opened my eyes and heart to teaching!
 
I cant wait to build relationships and be a part of the New Hope community!