Support Staff
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Deana Anderson
EIP/ESOL
Hello and welcome!
My name is Deana Anderson, and I’m proud to be entering my 28th year in education. Teaching has always been close to my heart — I was raised in a home full of educators, where the value of learning was instilled in me from a young age. My parents were not only my first teachers, but also my greatest role models, guiding me toward a path that has become my lifelong passion. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of teaching First Grade, Second Grade, Pre-K Special Education, Kindergarten and First Grade EIP and ESOL. Each role has given me a deeper appreciation for the growth and joy that young learners bring into the classroom. This year, I’m excited to continue working with our Kindergarten EIP and ESOL students. I truly love teaching little ones — there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the spark in a child’s eyes when they accomplish something they once thought was impossible. Helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning is what inspires me every single day. My greatest joy is my family. I’ve been married to my husband, Kent, for 39 years. We’re blessed with two amazing sons, their lovely wives (my daughters-in-loves), and five precious grandsons who light up our lives. When I’m not teaching or spending time with family, I enjoy traveling, attending church, shopping, walking, cheering on the Auburn Tigers and Atlanta Braves, and relaxing by the water at Lake Lanier.
It’s a joy and an honor to be part of this wonderful school and community. I’m looking forward to another great year of growth, discovery, and learning with our kindergarten students. Go Wolves! EDUCATION Troy University - Early Childhood Education Endorsements - ESOL & Pre-K Special Ed. |
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Emily Bryant
Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Emily Bryant, and I am so excited to be a part of Buford City Schools this year! I have a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University. I am so excited for this school year and to work with students to help support their ability to participate and succeed in their educational environments. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring new places, and finding a cozy spot to read a book.
EDUCATION
Georgia College and State University - Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science Brenau University - Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
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Brie Delgado
EIP/ESOL
My name is Gabrielle Delgado and I am excited to make even more memories at BES as an ESOL/EIP teacher! This is my 16th year teaching & working with Kindergarten students! I am passionate about instilling confidence and pride into our Kindergarten students, and consider it an honor to get to teach those students who are learning English! My Wonderful Husband and I have been married for 13 years and have seven-year-old Twin Daughters! We enjoy family time, serving at church, good food, and all things Disney! EDUCATION
Georgia State University- Bachelors in Early Childhood Education Georgia State University- Masters in Reading, Language, & Literacy University of Georgia- Specialists in Educational Technology |
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Lindsay Gettman
Pre-K Director
[email protected] Welcome to Buford Elementary! My name is Lindsay and I am thrilled to be your child's teacher! I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education with an emphasis on birth through age five and have been teaching for twelve years. I believe that everyone has the potential to grow and learn and I enjoy bringing those opportunities through engaging, play-based instruction. I can't wait to grow together!
When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband, Luke, and I have two kids, ages 5 and 3 who keep us plenty busy but when I can squeeze in a little "me" time, you can find me reading, doing puzzles, exercising, and cheering on the Dawgs. With a Tech graduate husband, I am looking forward to our family finally all cheering for the same team as we join the Buford community. Go Wolves!
EDUCATION
Coming Soon! |
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Tracy Gilmore
Interventionist
With over 30 years of experience in education, I’ve had the joy of combining my passion for teaching with a deep love for working with children. For 26 of those years, I served as a special education teacher—an experience that shaped and prepared me for my current role as an interventionist at Buford Elementary School. It is a true privilege to work alongside our exceptional Kindergarten team to ensure that every student receives the support they need to begin their educational journey with confidence and success. My teaching career has taken me from Georgia to California, but for the past 20 years, I’ve been honored to call Buford Elementary home. Serving the incredible students and families in our community continues to be the highlight of my career. There’s no place like BES—the BESt school in the world!
EDUCATION
Georgia State University – Bachelors of Social Work Georgia State University - Masters in Special Education Piedmont University – Specialist’s in Curriculum and Instruction University of West Georgia – Educational Leadership Gifted Endorsement Dyslexia Endorsement |
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Jana McCranie
EIP/ESOL
I have truly been blessed to live in Buford my entire life. Along with all of my family members, it’s with great pride to say that we are all Buford graduates.
I’ve had the most wonderful opportunity teaching all 31 years for Buford City Schools with all 31years at the BESt school ever-Buford Elementary. I have taught 1st and 2nd grades and currently teaching EIP and ESOL. I absolutely love my job and love teaching kindergarten students! The students bring so much joy to my everyday life. I have been married to my husband, Karl, for 26 years. We are blessed with 2 wonderful sons and a beautiful daughter-in-law. Our oldest son, Austin, is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and is married to his college sweetheart, Chapel. Our youngest son, Mason, graduated Georgia Southern University in May 2025 and he is currently attending Augusta University as a 1st year dental student. My time outside of school is spent running/walking, working out, spending time with my family, and enjoying lake life at Lake Hartwell. I hope these precious kindergarten students love school and love Buford as much as my family and I do. GO WOLVES!!! EDUCATION North Georgia - Early Childhood Education Piedmont College - Masters in Early Childhood Education Piedmont College - Specialists in Early Childhood Education & Teacher Leadership |
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My name is Cara Leigh Nash, and I am excited to serve our speech students this year at BES! I have been a speech-language pathologist for 15 years, and have worked in a variety of settings including elementary school, developmental preschool, early intervention, private practice, inpatient rehab, and acute care. I received both my Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga. I am certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and also hold a Georgia state SLP license. I have two wonderful teenagers, Hallie Kate (15) and Connor (13), and an adorable toddler, Madeline (2).
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the lake or beach, walking, reading, and cheering for the Atlanta Braves!
Early language development is my passion as an SLP, and I can't wait to get to know all of these precious kids and families!
EDUCATION
Coming Soon!
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Katie Rope
Media Specialist
Welcome! I’m Mrs. Rope, the Media Specialist at our school. This is my 15th year in education, and I’ve had the joy of teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and now serving in the media center. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology. I’m passionate about combining the worlds of reading and technology to create engaging, hands-on experiences for students. From STEM challenges to maker space adventures, I love designing lessons that inspire curiosity and creativity. Nothing makes me happier than seeing students excited to explore, learn, and check out new books! EDUCATION
Georgia College and State University - Early Childhood Education
Georgia Southern University - Masters in Instructional Technology
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Leslie Sheppard
Click HERE Sheppard's Class Schedule- Coming Soon
[email protected]
EDUCATION Michigan State University – Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education – with an endorsement in Emotional Impairments. Lincoln Memorial University – Education Specialist in Leadership and Administration |
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Julia Six
[email protected]
Speech Therapist I am so blessed to have spent 22 years working with children with disabilities, and this is my fifth year with Buford City Schools. I have a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University, and my Bachelor's studies were in Psychology at the University of West Florida. I am certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and also hold a Georgia state SLP certification. My previous work has been in Autism clinical research diagnostics and consulting at FSU, as well as early intervention, private, and hospital settings. My sweet daughter, Eva, attends Buford Middle School, and we have a King Charles Spaniel, Bear who is our sunshine. My work is my passion, and I’m elated to be able to serve our precious kiddos at BES!
EDUCATION
Florida State University - Masters in Communication Science and Disorders
University of West Florida - Bachelors in Psychology
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