Hello Trip Family,

I am absolutely elated to become a part of the RAMS family! This is my 23rd year in education, 18 of which have been in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Prior to that, I was in the United States Army. Over the past years, I have taught kindergarten through fifth and up. I have literally taught all the grades. I am a lifelong learner who is passionate about teaching and learning. My aim is to inspire, motivate, encourage, love, and nurture. My goal is to develop knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes of each and every child that I teach.

I have a Bachelors degree in Political Science, a Masters degree in Reading and Literacy, a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Tier 1 Certification in Leadership. I am gifted certified and ESOL endorsed.

I look forward to building relationships with all my students and families. I truly hope to work alongside the awesome First Grade Team of teachers as we inspire, motivate, encourage, love, and nurture young minds. Go First Grade!!!!

Hello! My name is Angela Higgins. I have been a part of the Trip family since 2014! I attended Gwinnett County Public Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I am so proud to teach in Gwinnett County! I have taught Pre-K, 3rd grade, and 1st grade. I believe that being a teacher is all about creating a positive and encouraging classroom where my kiddos love to have fun and grow. I try to create a classroom community where myself, students, and parents are all a team. I love to have class meet-ups outside of school for ice cream dates or park play dates! I live in the Grayson community with my husband and our two daughters. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family outside, going on walks,  playing with my girls, and watching tv. I am excited for another awesome year at Trip!

Bonjour ! I'm Mrs. Ilunga and I love being a part of the Trip family. I aim to be a lifelong learner, and I want to instill that love and desire to learn onto my students as well. I look forward to being your child's teacher this year. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Hi! My name is Jessica Jarvis and I love being a part of the Trip Elementary family! Anyone who knows me, knows that I have had a passion for teaching my entire life, and I can truly say I am living my dream! I grew up attending and graduated from Gwinnett County schools myself, and earned my BS in early childhood education with ESOL and reading endorsements from Georgia Gwinnett College. Outside of school I love spending time outdoors with my husband, and two sweet baby girls, Tatumn and Indy. I look forward to an amazing year with the Trip Elementary family!

Trip friends...I am so glad to be a part of this wonderful school and community.  I have lived in Grayson for many years and have taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade.  I have three children and they are all a part of the Grayson Cluster schools. My family loves to visit Disney and we love all things Mickey Mouse.  We stay active with football, cheerleading, lacrosse and church activities.  I look forward to another wonderful year at Trip!

My name is Zilha Junuzovic. I am so thankful to be a part of the Trip family! I am originally from Bosnia. I lived in Germany for 7 years before moving to the United States. I attended Gwinnett County Public Schools for both Middle and High School. I graduated from Georgia State University and taught first grade for four years in Tucker. I truly enjoy teaching first graders and I am so excited to begin our journey together. In my spare time, I enjoy crafting, traveling , and spending time with my family. I am looking forward to a great year at Trip!

Hi!  I’m Mrs. McBride.  Teaching is an absolute passion of mine!  I am looking forward to being your child’s teacher this year!  It’s going to be a year full of fun, learning, and lots of adventures.  I believe that we are partners in your child’s education, and I hope you will join me in making sure your child has a fabulous year!  When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters.

Hi! My name is Dana McDowell Sims, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Trip Family! Teaching has been my passion ever since I was a little girl! I have been teaching at Trip since 2018 and have taught fifth-grade language arts and first-grade. As a teacher, I aim to create a positive learning environment where students can learn and have fun! I received my undergrad degree from Georgia Gwinnett College and have a master’s degree in Reading Instruction from the University of West Georgia. I love watching the Atlanta Braves and spending time with my family when I'm not teaching. Our dog, Lola, takes up most of my time and is the cutest dog ever! I look forward to meeting my students and am excited about the new school year!