I am Becky Akins and I have been teaching for over 20 years. I received my Bachelor's degree from North Georgia College and State University. I have taught 4th grade, 2nd grade, and Kindergarten. I love working with children and watching them learn and grow. I am married to Mark and we have two wonderful boys. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Hi Mariners!  My name is Dara Blalock and I’m so excited to be a part of the Matt family again this year! This will be my 18th year teaching. I received my associate’s degree from Young Harris College and my bachelor and master’s degrees in early childhood education from the University of North Georgia. I love watching young minds grow!
My husband and I, along with our golden retriever, live in Forsyth County. I enjoy being outdoors, kayaking, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. I can’t wait to meet all of you!

I am excited to begin my 27th year teaching! I graduated from Ga Southern with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Education Leadership from Troy State University. I enjoy spending time with my husband David, and two children Grayson and Emma. We are going to have a fabulous year in 3rd grade!

This will be my 7th year to teach 3rd grade at Matt Elementary. I previously taught for 10 years, but then stayed home to raise my two boys! When I am not teaching my students, I love spending time with my family and friends, boating and camping!

My name is Hannah Howell, and this is my 3rd year teaching at Matt Elementary. This will be my first-year teaching 3rd grade at Matt. Outside of 3rd grade, I also have experience teaching kindergarten and tutoring reading online. I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education through the University of North Georgia. My passion for teaching reading has led me to continue my education by getting Orton Gillingham classroom teacher trained through the Swift School in Roswell. Outside of school I enjoy reading, hanging out at the lake, spending time with my husband Justin and our two fur babies Hailey and Hazel. 

I am super excited to begin my 22nd teaching!  I taught for twenty years at the same school in Kennesaw (Cobb County).  My family and I moved to Cumming three years ago to be close to my parents as well as the lake.  I love boating and riding the jet ski with my husband, Andy, and awesome kids, Justin and Hallie.  I am an avid swimmer, gardener, decorator, and love caring for my fish, turtles, and dog, Rocky.  I have taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades but have spent the most years teaching third grade.  It is an amazing age where students show so much growth and excitement towards learning.  I absolutely love teaching!!