Hello, I'm Andrea Baker, and I can't wait to continue to build a community together at New Hope! 

I have a bachelor's of science degree in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching for many years. I have worked in several different states, in Gwinnett County for a few years, then helped open Sharon Elementary School here in Forsyth. I taught at Vickery Creek for several years where I was a kindergarten teacher. I continue to teach kindergarten here at New Hope.

I was born and raised in Massachusetts and upstate New York. My husband Todd and I have three children, a girl and twin boys. I LOVE crafting and playing around with technology to find fun and new things to teach students. 

I am so happy to meet all the new faces at New Hope, and I'm looking forward to this journey! 

Hello, Nighthawks! My name is Kimberly Engebretson, and I'll be teaching Kindergarten.

I received my education degree from Texas A&M-Commerce in 2012. I most recently taught kindergarten at Crow Leadership Academy in Arlington, TX.

I am originally from Texas! My family and I relocated to the Cumming, GA area due to my husband's work. My husband Brad and I have two amazing kids, Auston and Norah and to complete our family, a chi-weenie named Bentley! I love spending time with my family; we enjoy being outside and golfing. When I find the time, I love to make crafts and read.

I am so excited about building relationships and being a part of the New Hope community!

Hello! My name is Laurel Godwin, and I'm so happy to be teaching another year at New Hope!

I am originally from Warner Robins, GA, but have lived in Forsyth County since graduating college. I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia College and State University. I also have a master's degree in Reading Education from Kennesaw State University.

I am married to my husband, Conner, and we have 2 labradors named Aubri and Laney. I am a HUGE Braves fan! If I am not at Truist Park watching them play, I am spending time with my family and friends or just cozying up with a new book or movie.

I can't wait for another amazing year with our Nighthawks!

Hi! My name is Wendi Guthrie, and I am so excited to be part of the kindergarten team at New Hope.  I graduated from the University of North Georgia with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and started my teaching career in Forsyth County in 2001.

I am a Georgia native and have lived in Forsyth County for over twenty years.  I have three amazing daughters, three sweet grandkids, a dog, and a mischievous cat. Outside of school, I love reading, exploring new places, taking long walks, and spending time with my family. 

I can't wait to meet all of our new Nighthawks and their families. I'm looking forward to a year full of learning and fun!

Hello, Nighthawks! My name is Ashley Payne, and I am one of the kindergarten teachers at New Hope Elementary.

I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. I also have endorsements in Reading and Teacher Leadership. 

I was born and raised in Winder, GA and lived in Buford briefly before moving to Cumming in 2020. I have a daughter, Ella who dances at Cumming Dance Academy. My husband’s name is Josh and we have known each other since 3rd grade! We have three dogs, Tucker, Chubb, and Darla, and one cat, Stella. We LOVE to spend most of our time at the lake on our boat. When not on the lake, I enjoy listening to podcasts while walking or riding my bike. We are also HUGE UGA fans! GO DAWGS!

I cannot wait to make memories with our kindergarten families and build a community together at New Hope!

Hello, Nighthawks! My name is Morgan Watson, and I'm excited to be one of the kindergarten teachers at New Hope!

I recently graduated from Lander University with a bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Read to Succeed endorsement. I completed my student teaching in kindergarten at Pinecrest Elementary in Greenwood, SC. One of my favorite ways to teach is by using read-alouds. I love children's literature and sharing the magic of reading with my students!

I am originally from Forsyth County, where I graduated from Forsyth Central in 2018. I have a french bulldog named Puff, whom I love dearly! I enjoy reading, traveling, trying new foods, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

I am most looking forward to the new community we will build at New Hope! I can't wait to start our fun adventure together as a school, and of course, cannot wait to meet my tiny Nighthawks!

Hello, Nighthawks! I'm Rosemarie Castillo, and I will be a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant! Prior to joining New Hope, I used to work at Big Creek Elementary School.

I have a bachelor's degree in Nursing and worked as a nurse abroad until I found my passion in working with kids. I received my certification in Special Education and a Reading endorsement from Georgia State University. I am originally from the Philippines. My husband and I lived in Dunwoody before moving to Forsyth in 2006. We have two girls. Our eldest is a Junior at Alliance Academy and our youngest is a fourth-grader. We also have a Corgi named Hudson. We love taking beach trips, traveling, cooking, and eating with family and friends.  My love for cooking and trying different international cuisine stems from my fascination with gastronomy. I also like to listen to notable podcasts during road trips and watch different documentary genres.

I look forward to working alongside the many talented and committed educators in Forsyth county to enhance the learning experience of our Nighthawk students!

I am an Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten at New Hope.

I attended Shelby State College in Memphis, TN where my courses were focused on Early Childhood Education. I was a Pre - K and Kindergarten teacher at Little Creek Academy in Johns Creek from 2003-2021. 

I am originally from Lakeland, Florida and moved to Atlanta in 1996. My husband, Tom and I were married in 1997 and moved to Cumming in 1999. We have 3 adult children  who all attended Forsyth County Schools. My hobbies include cross stitching, scrapbooking, cake decorating, traveling, and spending time with my family and 2 dogs ( Rosie and Oaklee).

I love New Hope Elementary and the commitment the staff has to providing a fun, loving, and academic place for all kiddos to be.

Hello! My name is Amy Kraft, and I am an Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten.

I grew up in Alexandria, VA and moved to Georgia in 1996. I have a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Georgia State University but have spent more than 10 years teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten.

My husband, Bob, and I live in Cumming with our daughters, Izzy and Chloe. We also have two adorably rambunctious dogs!

I am so excited to help grow a new community of learners at New Hope. Go, Nighthawks!

Hello, I'm Susanne Marshall, and I am a part of the kindergarten team as an instructional assistant at New Hope.

I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Radford University. I have taught Pre-K, 3rd, and 4th grade. 

I am originally from Virginia, where I began my teaching career. My husband Matt and I relocated to Georgia where we have raised our three children, Bryce, Blake and Madison. We also have a Goldendoodle named Tucker.  I love spending time with family at the lake, relaxing at the beach, shopping, and cheering for the Braves. I am so excited to be a part of the Nighthawk community at New Hope!

Hello, I'm Catia Salehabadi, and I'll be joining the kindergarten team as an instructional assistant.

I have a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and an Associate Degree in Business and Management,

I grew up in Brazil. I speak Portuguese and English. I have been married for 22 years and I have two daughters in high school

I am looking forward to getting to know all the new staff and families at New Hope. I can't wait to help make NHES an amazing school!

Hi, Nighthawks! My name is Mia Williams, and I'll be an Instructional Assistant in kindergarten this year at New Hope.

I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and was a kindergarten assistant in Fulton County prior to starting my family. I have been a stay-at-home mom for 24 years and am excited to return to a job I love, in the county that educated my own children!

I grew up in a small town called Newton in southwest Georgia. My husband Marty and I met in college and moved to Cumming in 1995. We have 3 amazing children. I love traveling, boating on the lake, cooking, and reading.

I am so excited to be a part of opening a new school. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of the students and families!