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. Stacie Gerrells
Principal
Mr. Matt Cole
School Counselor
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 and his family love to spend time outdoors and enjoy traveling.
Mrs. Beth Forrester
Assistant Principal
Beth Forrester earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education and her master's degree in Early Childhood Education from North Georgia College, which is now the University of North Georgia. She has taught in the Lumpkin County School System for nineteen years. She and her family love living in Dahlonega!
Ms. Joy Tinney
School Improvement Specialist
Ms. Tinney received her undergraduate degree from Clemson University with a BS in Early Childhood Education. She later earned her Med in Special Education from the University of North Georgia, as well as her gifted endorsement and Tier 1 Leadership Certification. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Tinney has had the pleasure of teaching grades 1st-5th as well as serving as a gifted resource teacher. Ms. Tinney is the proud mom of three children and enjoys gardening, hiking, traveling, and playing with her dogs.
Mrs. Jessica Conner
Media Specialist
Mrs. Conner has always found great joy in teaching and is proud to be able to serve all the students and teachers at CES as the library media specialist. She aims to 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 dual Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Special Education, a Master's degree in ECE, as well as Reading and Gifted Endorsements, all from the University of North Georgia (formerly NGCSU). 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 LCES (now CES) in 2007 and taught in grades 1-4 for 15 years before becoming the media specialist in 2022. She and her husband have one delightful little girl.