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8th Grade Teacher Biographies

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Krissie Albertson

Math

Mrs. Krissie Albertson teaches our high school math courses in 8th grade. Raised in Cobb County, Mrs. Albertson attended Mabry MS and Lassiter HS but graduated from Pope High School. Mrs. Albertson has a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Math Education (grades 7-12) from Auburn University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from West Georgia, and a Specialist’s degree in Instructional Technology from West Georgia. She recently completed her 31st year of teaching having begun her career in 1994 at Dickerson Middle School and transferring to Mabry in 2004. Mrs. Albertson was named Teacher of the Year at Dickerson in 1999 and again at Mabry in 2013. Mrs. Albertson married her husband, Michael, in 1996. They have two children: Katie and Max.


Corinne Battani

French and Social Studies

Mrs. Battani teaches 8th grade high school French and 8th grade Georgia Studies.  Ms. Battani graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelor's Degree in French in 2006.  She then continued her education at the University of Georgia and earned a Master's Degree in French literature in 2008.  This is Ms. Battani's 17th year teaching, and her 4th year at Mabry.  Ms. Battani loves sharing French language and culture with her students and loves helping her Social Studies students learn more about the great state of Georgia, too! She is the mom of a kindergartener, and a 6th grader!


Cynthia Blevins

Language Arts

Ms. Cynthia Blevins teaches 8th grade language arts. She has been teacher in Cobb County since 2001 and taught at Daniell Middle School for 8 years where she was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2008 before transferring to Mabry. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English with a minor in writing from Illinois State University and developed a career in advertising and corporate work before returning to The University of Tennessee where she received her Master’s of Science Degree in Education. In addition, she received her Education Specialist Degree from Thomas University. In Ms. Blevins’ classroom, students will be challenged to step out of their comfort zones, explore their creativity and analytical skills, and express their ideas through writing in a safe but inspiring learning environment. She enjoys working with students and helping them reach their potential as thinkers and writers.


Leslie Harris

Math and Social Studies

Born in Alabama (Roll Tide), Mrs. Harris came to Atlanta after graduating high school in Auburn, AL.  She attended Kennesaw State University to complete her Middle Grades teaching degree in Math and Social Studies.  Mrs. Harris completed her master’s degree in Middle Grades Education from Thomas University and then her Ed. S from Augusta University.  Teaching for over 20 years in Georgia; she has taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grades Math and Social Studies.  She has two children who attend Cobb County Schools, both middle schoolers now. Mrs. Harris has been married for 24 years and currently has two dogs, Ava and Magic!


Amy Howell

Specialized Instruction

Mrs. Howell teaches 8th grade math. She was born and raised in Marietta and graduated from Pope High School. She attended the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Interrelated Special Education. She later earned her master's degree in special education from Kennesaw State University.

Mrs. Howell began her teaching career at Daniell Middle School in 2005. She transferred to Mabry Middle School in 2011 and has loved teaching in the same community where she grew up.

Mrs. Howell is married and has two children, Parker and Jordan. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, decorating, going to the beach, and spending time with her friends and family.


Eve Israel

Language Arts and Reading

Ms. Eve Israel teaches 8th grade Language Arts and Reading. She began teaching in Cobb County in 1996.  Ms. Israel has bachelor’s degrees in Sociology from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and in Foreign Language Education from Kennesaw State University. Both her Master’s (KSU) and Specialist’s (Berry College) degrees were earned in Educational Administration. Outside of school, Ms. Israel's passions include spending time with her partner, Tom, and her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters. She loves reading, traveling, animals, cooking, sports, and volunteering for Special Olympic gymnastics.   Ms. Israel's inspiration is her mother, herself an educator for over 50 years. Her mother's zest for life, her cooking prowess, her love of learning, and her enthusiasm in the classroom are models that Ms. Israel aspires to create in her own life. Little known about Mrs. Israel is that she is a relative of the late Larry Fine of the original Three Stooges!


Daniela Martucci

Specialized Instruction

Mrs. Daniela Martucci teaches 8th grade ELA, Science, and Social Studies. She was raised in Marietta, went to Mabry and graduated from Lassiter. Mrs. Martucci received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and her Specialist degree from Kennesaw State University. She began teaching at Mabry in 2011. Mrs. Martucci is married and has two children, Henri and Stella. She enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.


Leigh Mickalonis

Science

Mrs. Leigh Mickalonis started teaching at Mabry in August 2008. After four years teaching 6th grade science and social studies, she moved to 8th grade to teach physical science. Mrs. Mickalonis earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (GO TARHEELS!). While in college, Ms. Mickalonis completed internships at the Center for Food and Nutrition Policy at Georgetown University and WSB-TV in Atlanta. After graduating, she worked in public relations for several years before answering the call to teach. She received her Master of Arts in Middle Grades Science and Social Studies from Emory University. Mrs. Mickalonis was Mabry's 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year.


Cassandra Pennisi

Spanish

Ms. Pennisi is Mabry’s 8th grade Spanish teacher. She is from Pennsylvania but has lived in Puerto Rico and Italy. Her experiences living abroad have changed her life. Her husband and daughter were both born in Italy, which leads them to speak English, Spanish and Italian at home. She graduated from West Chester University with a BA degree in Spanish and then earned a Master's in Education from the University of Phoenix. She is also Gifted Certified. Mrs. Pennisi sponsors the Culture Club and International Night. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to teach your children to become globally confident and to show her excitement toward the Spanish language and culture. 


Angela Phillips 

Language Arts

Mrs. Phillips has been teaching middle school reading and ELA since 2014. She is a career changer who went to school with the intent of becoming a social worker. After a brief stint in the field of social work, she quickly decided that the best way she could positively impact her community would be to teach reading and writing skills; so, she made the switch to education! She has an MA in Middle Grades Education from Piedmont University as well as endorsements in reading, ESOL, and gifted education. She is married and has three children. She loves to read, camp, and hike!


Brian Pulse

Science

Brian Pulse teaches 8th grade science at Mabry. Please check back soon for more information on this valued member of our Mabry team!


Jane Rosser

Social Studies

Born in North Carolina, Ms. Rosser came to Atlanta after graduating with a double major BS in Psychology and Sociology from Presbyterian College in South Carolina. She attended Mercer University to complete the Middle Grades teaching certification. Ms. Rosser completed her Master’s Degree in International Affairs from the University of North Georgia. Teaching for over 27 years in Georgia; she has taught 8th grade AC and On-level Social Studies, 7th grade AC and On-level Social Studies, Reading, Science and AVID. She has three children; all Mabry Middle School alumni. Ms. Rosser has been married for over 37 years and currently has two Black Labradors, Scout and Sadie and two adorable cats, Peanut and Pickles!


Thomas Urban

Math and Science

Please check back for more information regarding this valued member of our Mabry team!