- Kelly Mill Elementary
- Meet The Teachers
-
4th Grade Teachers
Meet our Outstanding 4th Grade Team!

Phone: 440382
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Katie Bailey
I’m Katie Bailey and I’m excited to be starting my second year at KME. This is my 13th year as an educator. I previously taught ESOL and this will be my 2nd year as the Spanish DLI teacher. Prior to teaching I received degrees in International Business and Spanish from the University of Tulsa and spent 10 years in the sales industry. I am a resident of Forsyth County and my husband and I have 4 kids ranging in age from 4 to 21 years old. My goal is to make sure my students love coming to school each day. I look forward to a great year and can't wait to meet all our fourth grade DLI students.

Phone: 440393
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Tara Brown
Welcome to Ms. Brown's 4th grade class! I am so excited to start my 10th year of teaching here at Kelly Mill. This is my 6th year teaching 4th grade, and I have also taught 2nd grade and 5th grade. My favorite subjects to teach are math and social studies.
I was born in New Jersey and moved to Georgia to attend college at Georgia Tech (go Jackets!!!). I received my teaching degree from the University of Phoenix. I live here in Cumming, GA with my 3 children Xavier, Kelli, and Kennedi. They are all former Colts, and we love being a part of this amazing community.

Phone: 440385
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Misty Burtz
I'm a passionate and dedicated educator with 26 fruitful years in the field, having spent the past 12 years molding young minds at Kelly Mill. My vast experience has been instrumental in helping students navigate the complexities of academia, and beyond.
My primary area of expertise lies in Mathematics, an endorsement that I hold in addition to a Gifted Endorsement. I believe in honing the unique abilities of every student, and my gifted endorsement allows me to effectively cater to those who exhibit exceptional promise. This dual skill set has been key in devising programs that stimulate, challenge, and ultimately bring the best out of each student.
Outside of my professional life, I am a proud parent to my wonderful girls. Our quality time together is a source of joy, grounding, and inspiration. My experiences with them continually inform and enrich my approach as an educator, underlining the importance of understanding and empathy in every interaction.
In the course of my teaching journey, I have learned that education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. I strive to adapt and mold my teaching style to best suit the needs of each individual learner, helping them discover not just academic excellence, but also their unique potential.
Through my years at Kelly Mill, I have been a part of our collective effort to cultivate an environment that values learning, mutual respect, and individual growth. I eagerly look forward to more years of learning, teaching, and growing together with the Kelly Mill community.

Phone: 440394
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Jennifer Howard
Hi! My name is Jennifer Howard. I have been teaching for 23 years. I first received by Bachelor’s Degree from Kennesaw State University. I then completed my Master’s at UNG and my Specialist’s Degree from Piedmont University. In my free time, I love to go to the beach, spend time with family and friends, and visit Disney World! I love cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats during basketball season! Go Big Blue! I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Phone: 440389
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Joy Eaton
My name is Joy Eaton and this is my 34th year of teaching. I have been a Kelly Mill teacher for 7 years and with Forsyth County for 22 years. I received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Teaching from Troy State University. I also have a math endorsement from the state of Georgia.
I have lived in Forsyth County for 30 years and my son attended Vickery Creek Elementary, Vickery Creek Middle and West Forsyth High School. I currently live in Dawson County closer to my son and daughter in law. I have two dogs named Max and Cashew.

Phone: 440381
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Danielle Kirkland
I am so thrilled to be at Kelly Mill. I received my Bachelor's in Middle Level Education from Clayton State University and my Master's and Gifted Endorsement from Kennesaw State University. My husband and I have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of four Kelly Mill Colts. We also have the best dog in the world, our golden doodle, Bucky-the Winter Solider. I now have the huge honor of teaching our DLI students. I am very passionate about this program and cannot wait to serve our students and families.

Phone: 440386
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Jeff Lopes
This is my 30th year in education. I have a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Early Childhood Education with a minor in Mathematics from Norfolk State University. I have an endorsement in Gifted Education and Math (k-8). I was born and raised on a small farm in Chesapeake, Virginia. I moved to Georgia in 2001, and taught in Gwinnett County for 16 years, before moving to Forsyth County 5 years ago. I have taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in elementary school, and 7th & 8th grade Math in middle school. My favorite grade is 4th !
I have 3 grown sons, Oryan (36) a Marine stationed in Hawaii with his wife and daughter. Another son, Morgan (35) who works in IT, and also lives in Hawaii with his wife and two daughters. My youngest son, Jordan (30) has his own Construction Company and lives with his wife and four children in Lilburn, GA. All my free time is spent with my grandkids. If I’m not in school or with my family, I’m either running, hiking, or floating in the lake.
I am excited to be finishing my teaching career at Kelly Mill. I’m looking forward to this year with my new students.