Hi, my name is Olivia Currie, and I'll be on the second grade team at New Hope!

I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a master's in Curriculum and Instruction. 

I grew up in Cumming and graduated from Forsyth Central High School. I love to spend time at the beach or lake with friends and family any chance I get! I love to travel, hike, and read!

I'm looking forward to building relationships with students and families and creating an amazing community of Nighthawks!

Hi, my name is Shelby Pearl and I'll be teaching 2nd grade at New Hope!

I graduated from Reinhardt University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Reading endorsement. I also have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate. I taught 1st grade for 3 years at Reedley International School in Manila, Philippines. Prior to that, I taught English to 6th graders in a public school in a province of the Philippines as a member of the U.S. Peace Corps. I did my student teaching in 2016 in 2nd grade and absolutely loved it!

I was born in Lexington, KY (Go Wildcats!) but grew up in different parts of Georgia. I am the oldest of 4 girls, and I am very close with my sisters. I just moved back to the U.S. after living in the Philippines for a few years. My husband Garvo and I are thrilled to be here in Cumming! I love being outdoors, hiking, traveling, and am currently learning about gardening. I also love all things Disney and go every chance I get.

As I was most recently teaching virtually, I am so excited to be back in the classroom with students in person! I am looking forward to starting a new year together with my class as the first Nighthawks!

Hi, I'm Jennifer Poitevint and I am so proud to be a Nighthawk!

I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. I also have endorsements in Reading and Math. I am most proud of earning my master's degree in Early Childhood Education through Piedmont University, all while raising 2 children and working full time. 

I grew up in Suwanee, GA and played volleyball into college. My husband, Tait, and I live in Sugar Hill, and we have 2 girls, Ellie and Sadie. I love to spend time with my family, watch sports, go hiking, and work out. My husband coaches softball and baseball, so we like to go cheer on his team as well!

I am looking forward to meeting my new students this year!

Hi, I'm Mandy Schmadl, and I'll be teaching 2nd grade at New Hope!

I attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I'm certified in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in ESOL.  
I'm originally from Houston, and I'm married to my best friend, Mike. We have two amazing children, Caden and Owen. We have two naughty little dogs, Olivia and Ellie. I enjoy traveling, hiking and watching my boys play sports!

I look forward to meeting my future Nighthawks!

Hello, Nighthawks! My name is Emma Thomason, and I am a 2nd grade teacher.
I earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Early Childhood Education both from Furman University. I am also endorsed in ESOL and Gifted. I have experience teaching kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grades.

My husband, Nick, and I have two kids; Reid and Lilly Cate. In addition, we have a golden retriever named Bogey. In my free time, I like to shop and spend time with my friends.

I am looking forward to meeting my new students and building a strong new community of learners.

Hello, Nighthawks! I'm Carey Upchurch, and I'll be teaching 2nd grade at New Hope!

I have my bachelor's of science in Psychology from Vanderbilt University and my master's in Education from Washington University. I also have my Gifted endorsement. I have experience teaching kindergarten and second grade.

I grew up in St. Louis, MO, where my parents still live. I moved to Atlanta and started teaching here more than 25 years ago after graduating from college. I have two children, Courson and Caitlin, who are in college and high school, and we have one cat named Corby. I enjoy exploring the north Georgia mountains as well as running and walking on the Greenway. I love spending time with my family whenever I can!

I am looking forward to creating new friendships and real connections here at New Hope!

Hi, I'm Ally Welch, and I'll be teaching our 2nd grade Nighthawks!

I was born in Wisconsin but moved south really young. I grew up going to Forsyth County schools and graduated from South Forsyth High. I continued my athletic and educational pursuits at Mercer University where I earned a bachelor's degree in Childhood Education. Last year, I taught 2nd grade at Midway Elementary.

I still live here in Forsyth County, and I share my home with a few dogs and my pet snake. I enjoy being outside, playing sports and eating good food!

I look forward to meeting new people at New Hope. I value getting to know others, their different backgrounds and their experiences. I can't wait to be a Nighthawk!