Stacie Gerrells is a proud graduate of Lumpkin County High School. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of North Georgia. After several years in education, she obtained her Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. Mrs. Gerrells is the principal of Cottrell Elementary School.
Mrs. Conner has always found great joy in teaching and is incredibly proud to be able to give back to the school system and community in which she grew up. She loves serving all the students and teachers at Cottrell as the library media specialist and loves helping guide all students to success through collaborative literacy-based instruction, exploration stations, and experiences that cultivate a love of reading, creativity, and growth. After graduating from Lumpkin County High School in 2003, Mrs. Conner went on to earn a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Special Education, as well as reading and gifted endorsements, all from the University of North Georgia (formerly NGCSU). A lifelong learner, she is currently completing new coursework and additional certification in Media and Instructional Technology through the University of West Georgia. She began her teaching career at Cottrell in 2007 and has had the privilege of teaching and loving hundreds of learners in grades 1-4 since then. She and her husband have one delightful little girl.
Cindy is a fourth-generation Lumpkin County native and graduated from Lumpkin County High School in 1990. She attended North Georgia College and received a Bachelor Of Science in Early Childhood Education and then graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Masters from North Georgia College and State University. Her Educational Specialist degree was earned in 2007 from Lincoln Memorial University. Her past work experience includes twenty years as an Elementary Educator at Long Branch Elementary, an adjunct professor of Education at UNG, Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Director at Lumpkin County High School, School Improvement Specialist at LCHS, and School Improvement Specialist at LCMS. Today, Cindy is serving in her current position as Assistant Principal of Cottrell Elementary School.
Matt Cole is originally from Valdosta, GA and graduated from Valdosta High School in 1994. He attended Valdosta State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1998. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Alabama and received a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling in 2001. Mr. Cole returned to his hometown to work as a middle school counselor for Valdosta Middle School from 2001-2002. The mountains called and he found his way to beautiful Dahlonega in 2002. Mr. Cole is now in his 21st year as the school counselor at Cottrell Elementary School.
