Teacher Bios
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Holly Campbell
Click HERE for Campbell's Class Schedule - coming soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Holly Campbell and I can’t wait to be your child’s kindergarten teacher! This will be my fifth year teaching at Buford Elementary School and my 14th year of teaching. I spent three years teaching Georgia Pre-K and the rest have been wonderful years in kindergarten. I was born and raised down in Vidalia, Georgia and now live in Sugar Hill. I live here with my husband, Jared, and our upcoming kindergarten son, Jackson. Jackson has been coming to the daycare here at BES since he was a baby so it will be so special to have him here in kindergarten! When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and relaxing!
EDUCATION
Georgia Southern University – Early Childhood Education Georgia Southern University – Masters in Early Childhood Education |
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Kim Cheek
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[email protected] Hello, Buford families. My name is Kim Cheek, and I LOVE being a kindergarten teacher. This is my 10th year teaching kindergarten at Buford Elementary School. I have also taught fourth and second grades during my teaching career. My favorite thing about teaching kindergarten is the children! They have such enthusiasm for life and learning. My classroom is a bright and cheery place with music, laughter, and learning happening every day.
The other loves in my life are my children. I have twin boys who are freshmen at Buford High School. My daughter is a freshman at Georgia Tech this year. I feel fortunate that my children have attended Buford City Schools! GO WOLVES!
EDUCATION
University of Georgia - Early Childhood Education University of Georgia - Masters in Education |
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Kacy Claxton
Hi! My name is Kacy Claxton. I am so excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year!! I have been teaching kindergarten for 9 years and I am so excited to be back at it again. This is my 5th year teaching at Buford Elementary. I grew up in the Buford area and I am so blessed to be apart of the Buford school system. My husband, Andrew, and I have been married for 9 years. We have two little girls, Karsyn who is 8, and Harper who is 5. They both attend Buford as well and they are our pride and joy! If I am not at school, you will find me cheering on my girls at the softball fields or spending time with my family and friends. I am a sports girl and love watching baseball and football (Go Braves, Georgia Tech, and Falcons!). I am so excited to have your child this year! It is going to be a great year! Go Wolves!! EDUCATION Gainesville College - Early Education Endorsements - Reading & ESOL |
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Libby Cleveland
Click HERE for Cleveland's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] My name is Libby Cleveland. I am so excited to be starting year 8 at BES! I taught first grade in Barrow County for 7 years. I took a few years off to be a full-time mommy. While my boys were young, I also taught for 9 years in preschool before becoming part of the Buford family.
I have been married to my husband, Todd, for 25 years. We have two boys. Harrison is attending the University of Georgia, and Parks is a Junior at BHS. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends. I also love watching the Braves and Georgia football...GO DAWGS! In the spring, you will find me at the Buford Baseball fields watching Parks play for the Wolves. GO WOLVES!
I believe every child can be successful in a positive, encouraging, challenging, and loving environment. Kindergarten is so rewarding to teach, and I love teaching this age. I am so blessed to be teaching in the BEST school system in Georgia and being a part of the Buford family. I look forward to being your child’s teacher this year. It’s going to be an amazing, awesome, fabulous year!
EDUCATION
Emmanuel College - Early Childhood Education |
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Amanda Cochran
Click HERE for Cochran's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Amanda Cochran and I am excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year! I have had the privilege of teaching kindergarten at Buford since 1998. Teaching at this level is my passion! I love watching how the students grow, mature, and begin to read. I cannot imagine a job more rewarding. I was raised in the Buford area and still call it home with my husband Sterling, our amazing son Gavin and our sweet Westie named Eevee. I love spending time with my family, reading, and crafting. I am excited about the opportunity to grow with your child this year. Go wolves! EDUCATION Gainesville College and North Georgia College and State University - Early Childhood Education Piedmont College - Masters in Early Childhood Education |
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Camille Cowherd
Click HERE for Cowherd's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hello Buford families! My name is Camille Cowherd and I am SO excited to be teaching Kindergarten at my alma mater! As a Buford (K-12) graduate, I am so excited to be able to give back to such a wonderful school and community! This will be my second year teaching kindergarten and first year at Buford. I cannot wait to teach, inspire, grow, and most of all love on your sweet students!
When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading and exercise! My favorite form of exercise is walking my dog, Obi, downtown! There is nothing a little sunshine can't fix!
I am honored to be able to teach here at Buford and I am looking forward to such a fantastic year!
EDUCATION University of North Georgia - Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education with a Reading Endorsement |
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Shannon Davis
Click HERE for Davis' Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Shannon Davis. I am excited to be your child's teacher this year! This is my 1st year teaching at Buford Elementary School. Prior to coming to Buford Elementary, I taught for 11 years in the Autism Program Grades K-3 in Gwinnett County Public Schools and most recently I taught for 5 years in the Autism Program Grades K-3 in Forsyth County Schools. My husband Kyle is a 4th Grade Teacher in Gwinnett County, and we have a kitty, Chloe. My passion is advocating for my students, empowering them, teaching them empathy and kindness, and teaching them accountability for their actions and choices. My goal is creating a positive and loving learning environment where my students learn how to be independent, successful individuals in all aspects of their lives. Watching my students succeed is one of my greatest blessings! I am looking forward to an amazing school year!
In my free time I enjoy exercising/working out; spending time with my husband, family, and friends; and cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Auburn Tigers, and the Tennessee Titans!
EDUCATION Auburn University - Bachelor's Degree in Special Education K-12 Auburn University- Master's Degree in Autism and Emotional Behavior Disorders
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Amanda Douglas
Click HERE for Douglas' Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hello! My name is Amanda Douglas and I am so excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year. This is my fifth year at Buford Elementary. This is my favorite grade to teach and I have both international and local teaching experience. I live in Buford with my husband and son, Chase. Chase is a rising 6th grader at Buford Middle School. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, traveling, and watching Alabama football. We absolutely love being a part of this school district and are proud to be Buford Wolves!
EDUCATION Georgia State University - Early Childhood Education |
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Becky Dudish
Click HERE for Dudish's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Becky Dudish and I am so excited to be your child's Kindergarten teacher this year at Buford Elementary! This is my 20th year teaching, most of those as a Kindergarten teacher! My husband, Tony and I have been married for 21 years and we have four children: Hudson-17, Walker-16, Finley-14, and Sawyer-12 (and the sweetest Goldendoodle named Bella). When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, crafting, and learning how to make new things! I am looking forward to a great school year and go Wolves!
EDUCATION Emmanuel College-Early Childhood Education
Walden University-Master's in Reading and Literacy
ESOL endorsement
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Valerie Farrar
Click HERE for Farrar's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! I enjoyed working at Gwinnett County Public Schools for 10 years before receiving the opportunity to join the Buford Elementary family. I am really excited to call BES home since 2015. A few of my favorite things include spending time with my husband, Casey, and our daughter, Savannah. I enjoy traveling, crocheting, reading, camping, being outdoors, sports, Diet Dr. Pepper, Reese's, peanut M&M’s, Kit-Kats, dark chocolate, and Christmas ornaments. :-) I am excited about our upcoming school year! I believe that each child is a special treasure that will bloom with confidence and love in our classroom. I believe in a loving and positive, yet strict environment where students will know that they are safe, loved, and encouraged inside and outside of the classroom. I am so excited to meet you and the opportunity to pass along my love of learning to your child!
EDUCATION Piedmont College - Business Administration Mercer University - Masters in Early Childhood Education Endorsement - Gifted |
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Hollie Fuller
Click HERE for Fuller's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten at this very school! I am honored to share a smiling face and a warm heart each day with your child. As a BUFORD (K-12th grade) Alumni, I absolutely LOVE Buford City Schools! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my son, Eli Thomas, my husband Austin, family, and fishing! It is a privilege to teach your child here at the B.E.S.t elementary school.
EDUCATION
University of North Georgia - Early Childhood Education Piedmont College- Masters in Early Childhood Education Endorsements - Reading, ESOL, & Gifted |
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Tracy Gilmore
For the past 28 years, I have pursued my passion for education with my love for children. I have pursued extensive continuing education in the field of dyslexia, and am currently working on my Dyslexia Endorsement Certification. I have taught grades K-12 in the field of special education, however, it has been the highlight of my career to serve my students and
their families at the BESt school in the world, Buford Elementary, for the past 18 years! EDUCATION Georgia State University – Bachelors of Social Work
Georgia State University - Masters in Special Education Piedmont University – Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction University of West Georgia – Educational Leadership Gifted Endorsed
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Kerri Griffin
Click HERE for Griffin's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I absolutely LOVE teaching Kindergarten here at Buford Elementary School! It's such a magical place of learning & growth, and we are going to have the most fabulous year together as a classroom family! This will be my 20th year teaching Kindergarten! My husband, Derek, and I have been married for 19 years and we live in Buford with our three sons, Jack (14), Reed (10), & Luke (4). All three boys attend Buford City Schools & we are proud to be Wolves! We love spending time together with friends & family at the boys’ Buford football & baseball games, and of course cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs! We also love traveling & going on new adventures.
EDUCATION
Toccoa Falls College-Bachelors in Early Childhood Education The University of Georgia- Masters in Early Childhood Education
The University of Georgia- Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education
Endorsements-ESOL
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Lori Hogle
Click HERE for Neal's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] My name is Lori Hogle and I live in Flowery Branch with my husband Grant and my 2 golden retrievers, Maizen and Blue. We have three children, Natalie (25), Gabrielle (22), and Zach (18). I also have a new son-in-law Luke and a grand puppy, Nash! I enjoy exercising, crafting, spending time outdoors camping and playing on the lake! This will be my 31st year teaching and my 22nd year here at Buford Elementary School. I am so eager to spend this year learning and growing with your child!
EDUCATION
Western Michigan University - Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
University of N. Georgia - Masters in Special EducationPiedmont University - Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction |
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Lindy Holton
Click HERE for Holton's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] This is my tenth year teaching at BES! I previously taught third grade for six years with Gwinnett County Public Schools. I am truly honored and blessed to be a part of our community, our school system, and BES- Believing in the Excellence of Students! My husband Bobby and I, along with our family, reside in Hoschton, GA. Bobby is a former firefighter and currently works as a home inspector. We have four beautiful children: Mackenzie, Makayla, Tucker, and Maci. They keep us extremely busy with all of their sports and activities! We also enjoy spending as much time as we can at the lake and at the beach! =) My family and teaching children are my passion! I am so excited to teach your children this year! My family and I are SO very proud and blessed to be a part of the Buford family! Go Wolves!
EDUCATION
Georgia State University - Psychology Brenau - Masters Early Childhood Education Brenau - Education Specialist Early Childhood Education Endorsements - Gifted |
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Violeta Jaramillo
Click HERE for Jaramillo's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hello! My name is Violeta Jaramillo and I am so excited to be your child's Kindergarten teacher this year! As a Buford Alumna, I am so happy to be back in the school system that encouraged me to become an educator. Buford City Schools has always provided me with positive experiences that I hope to create with your child.
I have a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education and special education. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, Wilson, and my toddler, Allison. I also love watching movies, painting, and trying out different cooking recipes. I cannot wait to meet you and your child. I know that we will have the best year ever!
EDUCATION
University of North Georgia - Early Childhood Education and Special Education
Endorsements - Reading
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Laura Kell
Click HERE for Kell's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I am entering my 32nd year of teaching and all have been at Buford Elementary! I am a Buford alum and am blessed to work at Buford Elementary. I am looking forward to this year being the BESt and getting to know a new group of students and parents. My experience as a homeroom teacher includes teaching K, 1st, and 2nd grade. I also spent ten years as a special area math teacher and 3 as an EIP teacher. My husband, Lawrence, and I have been married for 30 years. We have two sons, Preston and
Landon. I enjoy going to the beach, reading, watching movies, and playing games. I bleed red and black- GO DAWGS! EDUCATION University of Georgia - BS in Early Childhood Education University of Georgia - Masters in Early Childhood Education Lincoln Memorial University - Specialist in Administration and Supervision Endorsements - ESOL |
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Kathy King
Click HERE for King's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Kathy King. I have been teaching kindergarten at Buford Elementary for the past 13 years. I taught kindergarten for 6 years in Gwinnett County before having my children. I was so fortunate to be able to stay home with my boys for 10 years.
I always knew that I wanted to teach kindergarten from a very early age. I would set up my stuffed animals and younger brother as my classroom. My dream certainly came true!! I have been married to my high-school sweetheart, Kevin, for 29 years. We have two wonderful boys. Taylor is a Senior at Georgia Southern University and Jackson is a junior at UGA. I am looking forward to us working together to make this a successful school year. Please feel free to contact me, should you have any questions/concerns regarding your child’s kindergarten experience. Welcome to the Buford Family!!! GO WOLVES!! EDUCATION
West Georgia College - Early Childhood Education |
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Kelly Manders
Click HERE for Manders' Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I am excited to start my sixth year at Buford Elementary School teaching kindergarten and I am thrilled to be your child’s kindergarten teacher! After a career in business, I decided to make a change to education, and every day I am so thankful that I took a leap of faith to become a teacher. Before coming to the BESt school, I previously taught 2nd grade at Dunwoody Elementary and spent two years teaching 4 and 5-year-old children at a private preschool. I grew up in Athens, Georgia, and married Brandon Manders. We love UGA and Athens – Go Dawgs! Buford has been our home for over 20 years, and we feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school and community. Brandon is Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at BMS. We have 2 daughters: Emma who attends Georgia College & State University and Lila who is in 8th grade at BMS. As a family, we enjoy attending UGA football games, going to concerts, traveling, and we love the beach! My goal is to provide a fun and engaging classroom where every student is valued and loved for who they are. It is going to be a fabulous year in Mrs. Manders’ classroom! Go Wolves!
EDUCATION
University of Georgia - Bachelors of Business Administration University of Georgia - Masters of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education Endorsement - Reading Endorsement - Gifted |
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Kryslyn Moore
Click HERE for Dillard's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! I am so excited to be teaching your child this year! I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2019, go dawgs! Previously, I taught Kindergarten for 2 years in Gwinnett County. I fell in love with teaching when I was in the Education Pathway class at Buford High School. I missed the Buford community so much that I had to come back to Buford City Schools! This will be my 3rd year teaching Kindergarten at Buford Elementary School.
I recently got engaged to my fiancé in July 2022. We are so excited and are planning our wedding. We recently welcomed our first child, Lailah, in September of 2022. We are enjoying the new life as new parents! When I am not teaching you can usually find me helping the Buford High School gymnastics team as their assistant coach. I also love watching movies, watching sports (gymnastics and football), and spending time with family. I can’t wait to be your child’s teacher this year! Go wolves!
EDUCATION University of Georgia - Early Childhood Education Endorsements - ESOL
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Lynn Perkins
Click HERE for Perkins' Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] My name is Lynn Perkins and I am so excited to be teaching your child this year. I have taught kindergarten at Buford Elementary School for 26 years. I have been married to Daren Perkins for 27 years and we have three children. Tyler, Dalton, and Abbi. We enjoy watching sports together and going to the beach. I look forward to spending each day with your child and promise to treat and care for them like they are my own. I look forward to a great school year. Go Wolves!
EDUCATION
Georgia Southwestern - Early Childhood Education Piedmont College - Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Piedmont College - Specialists in Curriculum and Instruction |
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Catherine Roach
Click HERE for Roach's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] This will be my 18th year teaching with Buford City Schools. I taught 15 years in 1st grade and this will be my 3rd year teaching kindergarten. I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia. Additionally, I earned my Masters Degree in Early Childhood from The University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!) and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. I have endorsements in Reading and ESOL. I enjoy spending time with my husband Dustin, daughters Hannah Rae, Brynn, Andi, my bonus son Ty, and our Goldendoodle Doc. We spend our days at dance or on the baseball field. We love being outdoors and being active. I look forward to partnering with you to make your child’s kindergarten year fun, exciting, and successful. EDUCATION
University of West Georgia - Early Childhood Education University of Georgia - Masters in Early Childhood Education Piedmont University - Specialists in Curriculum and Instruction Endorsements - Reading and ESOL
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Leslie Sheppard
Click HERE Sheppard's Class Schedule with Mrs. Claxton - 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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Leanne Tarleton
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[email protected] I have wanted to be a teacher since I was six years old. I can't think of doing anything else. I absolutely love spending the day with 5 and 6-year-olds. Every single day brings something different! My favorite day of the school year is when I look around our room and every single child is reading independently. It is an amazing sight! Every day in kindergarten brings unexpected joy and learning. The growth children make in this year is amazing! I love teaching and am so thankful I am at BES.
My family is my greatest blessing. I am married to Bryan and we have two sons, Connor and Cole. Both are Buford "lifetimers" and still love Buford!! Connor is married to Madison and thankfully, they live right near us. Cole is a senior at North Georgia and is majoring in middle grades education. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with them. We enjoy sports, games, and anything outside. If I am not with them, I enjoy shopping, reading, and cooking.
EDUCATION West Georgia College - Early Education University of Georgia - Masters in Education Endorsements - Reading |
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Melanie Watson
Click HERE for Watson's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I am thrilled to be your child’s teacher this year! This is my 14th year of teaching and Kindergarten is my passion. It is the most exciting, magical age. You will be amazed by what your child accomplishes this year! My husband Brian and I have been happily married for 27 years and have been blessed with 3 children. Noah (23) is at UGA, Abbey (20) is working and traveling, and Caleb is in 10th grade at Buford High. When I’m not teaching, I love to read, watch college football, go to the lake, work in my yard, and camp. I am looking forward to an amazing school year and will love your child as if they were my own. Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns. It is my goal to partner with you to help your child reach their full potential as well as develop a love of learning!
EDUCATION
University of Georgia - Early Childhood Education - Go Dawgs!!! |