- Settles Bridge Elementary
- Meet the Teachers
Phone: 260257
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Sarai Barnes
Welcome to 5th grade! I am so excited to be returning to SBE and starting out my 7th year in 5th grade. I graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University with a Bachelors, Masters, and Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education. I began my career in Cordele, GA where I was raised (my accent will confirm). Since then, I have taught at SBE and at Riddle Elementary in Dallas, Texas. I recently got married, and we live in Buford. I am so excited for this year, and can't wait to learn and grow together!
Phone: 260256
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Lesley Barrs
I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a teacher and help change the lives of young children. Teaching is my life and I love coming to work each morning knowing I am going to help students ignite their flame for learning.
I was born and raised in the great state of Texas and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Reading from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. In the years of teaching, I have taught 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Travis and we are blessed to have a wonderful daughter named Emma, and a German Shepherd named Piper. I look forward to this fantastic year of fun and adventures in learning!
Phone: 260252
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Tracey Gill
This is my 28th year teaching elementary school children. I taught kindergarten for 13 years here at SBE, third grade for two years, virtual first grade for one year, fourth grade for three years, and now excited to be in fifth grade! I graduated from Georgia College and State University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education in 1995, and I earned my Gifted Endorsement in 2015. I truly love and am passionate about the education of elementary school children. I look forward to a wonderful year together!
Phone: 260255
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Tiffany Henry
I am thrilled to be on the 5th grade team and part of the Settles Bridge family. Previous to joining SBE, I worked at Big Creek Elementary, in Forsyth County as a Special Education paraprofessional. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, going to Braves games, and spending time with my two nephews. I look forward to a wonderful school year, and I cannot wait to watch the students grow!
Phone: 260253
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Dr. Jerry Kelley
This is my 14th year at SBE, and I am excited to continue working on the fifth grade team. Previously I taught at Chestatee for 10 years, and middle school in California before moving to Georgia. I earned a Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Development as well as teaching certification from California State University, Fullerton. I achieved my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership, and Leadership endorsement/credentials from North Georgia University, where I also taught Masters level Reading Endorsement courses for 4 years. I earned a PhD in Educational Policy Analysis from GA State and am also endorsed in Reading, ESOL, Teacher Support Specialist, Online Teaching, Teacher Leadership, Gifted, and Special Education. I believe we are all learners throughout our lives and a love of learning is one of the greatest gifts we can share with our students/children.
Phone: 260251
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Lisa Kidd
I started my teaching career in Forsyth County in 1996, and I'm just as passionate about it today as I was the first year. I feel fortunate to have gained all of my teaching experience in such a top notch, progressive educational system. I am a firm believer in teaching the whole child and forming relationships with my students so that I am able to help them grow to their fullest potential.
After graduating from KSU in 1995, I began teaching at Daves Creek Elementary and have been at Settles Bridge since 1999, our school's inaugural year. I have taught both 4th and 5th grades during my time as an educator, and I have my gifted education certification as well as over two decades of experience with co-teaching. I love seeing the growth in kids as they transition from elementary to middle school students, and working with kids to prepare them for this big change brings my joy.
In my personal life, I am the mother of two adult kids, a daughter who is 22 and son who is 20. They are SBE, RMS, and LHS alumni, so I've experienced our amazing school system both as a teacher and parent. I live in our wonderful community with my husband of 28 years.
I am looking forward to another great year at SBE!
Phone: 260254
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Michaela Roopnarine
I am ecstatic to continue teaching fifth grade at Settles Bridge Elementary! I earned my Bachelors and M.Ed in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where I had the privilege to tap into my love of mindful educational practices in a variety of learning environments. I believe fifth graders are some of the best people and I’m thankful that I get to spend my time with phenomenal students every day. When I am not at school, I’m usually cheering on the Atlanta Braves, adding to my indoor plant collection, or whipping up some new coffee drinks. I cannot wait for a stupendous year of growth and learning. It may not be easy, but I love encouraging my students to push their limits. There’s no greater joy than seeing students persevere and shoot for the moon!