Melissa Faklaris
Principal
To the Cheatham Hill Elementary Faculty and Staff,
I am honored to be joining the staff of Cheatham Hill as the Principal for the 2024-2025 school year. I have heard such wonderful things about the Cheatham Hill faculty and staff, and I look forward to meeting each of you very soon as we embark on a great journey together.
I, myself, am a product of the Cobb School System having grown up in Powder Springs attending Still, Pine Mountain, and McEachern. The land that Cheatham Hill sits on was farmland for my entire childhood, and to be returning to this area is a true blessing. I have served in the Cobb School District for 26 years. My career began as an English teacher, cheerleading coach, and softball coach at McEachern High School. I transferred to Kennesaw Mountain High School where I taught English and was the Head Cheerleading coach, until I took a job there as an administrator in 2005. I served as an Assistant Principal at Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb High Schools until 2010. In 2010, I was given the opportunity to move to Austell Elementary to begin my career as an Elementary Assistant Principal. I served the Austell community for 4 years, and then transferred to Frey Elementary, where I served as the Assistant Principal for 11 years. Now after 26 years, I couldn’t be happier than to be named as the next Principal of Cheatham Hill, a school known for excellence in leadership, teaching, and community.
I am blessed with the most amazing and supportive family. I have been married to my husband, Jason, for 25 years. Jason is an Assistant Principal at Allatoona High School. We have two wonderful daughters. Emma is 17 and will be a Senior at Allatoona, and Harper is 14 and will be a Freshman at Allatoona. We have 2 super cute basset hounds, Minnie and Jessie. We live in Kennesaw and are active members of NorthStar Church in Acworth. As a family we love to travel, cheer on the Georgia Bulldog, attend concerts and shows, and spend time at the lake with family and friends.
My educational mission is to lead with a servant heart where relationships come first, all kids are treasured, and exemplary education is non-negotiable.
My Core Values are
Respect, Empathy, Trust, and Communication are the pillars of positive relationships.
Every kid…Every day.
Laugh every day.
Show grace.
Love one another.
Above all else, be Kind š
I look forward to meeting each of you face to face!
Melissa Faklaris
Tina Stevens-Carty
Assistant Principal
I am incredibly excited to continue as the Assistant Principal at Cheatham Hill Elementary School. This will be my eighth year as an Assistant Principal, and I am honored for the opportunity to continue to work with the amazing students, staff, and parents in the Cheatham Hill Community.
I have worked in the Cobb School District for 17 years. My professional career in Cobb started in 2007 where I served as a Professional Counselor for 10 years. After attending the Cobb County Leadership Academy, I knew I wanted to serve in the capacity of an Assistant Principal.
I am originally from Bermuda, and married to my wonderful husband. This year, we will be celebrating our 30th year. We have one son and four grand children.
Cheatham Hill Elementary School is a wonderful school with a reputation for putting students first, which continues to make me a great fit for this school. I look forward to continuing to work with our community.
Dana Carlton
Assistant Principal
I am excited to be serving the Cheatham Hill community! As an Assistant Principal, I am looking forward to working with teachers and parents to help students have an amazing school year.
I am excited to begin my 29th year in education and help students learn and grow. I believe student success is when they meet challenges head on with confidence. I have a passion for helping others and want students to believe in themselves and see that they are can make a difference in their community
I attended Georgia Southern University for my undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education. I have taught at the elementary and middle school levels and served as a Lead Teacher and Area Lead Teacher. I obtained my Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees in Administration and Supervision from the University of West Georgia. I have had the privilege to serve as a middle and high school administrator in four Cobb County Schools.
I am truly blessed with an amazing husband Matt and two great kids, Kinsey and Zachary. I enjoy watching them play sports, reading, scrapbooking and hanging out with friends and family. I look forward to an amazing year at a school where all students succeed!
Lauren McKeon - Support and Services Administrator
