My name is Mareen Brown and I am pleased to be a part of the SPED department here at Trip Elementary, where I am currently serving as a paraprofessional with ASD level 3 grades 2-3. I received my Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services from Empire State College New York, where I lived before relocated to Lawrenceville, Georgia. I also bring to the table over 18 years of experience working with children and individuals with special needs. I started my career as a pre-K teacher and even though my career path has slightly shifted over the years, I have remained passionate about helping children learn and grow.

I look forward to supporting our students while working alongside lead teachers to help cultivate a culture of confidence and success among our students.

My name is Adja Mada Diakite. I was born in the Ivory Coast in West Africa, where I grew up and attended school. I also spent some years in France where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Management at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardennes. I moved to the United States in 2010. I am married and have 4 kids: 3 boys, Issa, Hakeem, and Malik, and 1 girl, Tenin. They all attend the DLI program here at Trip. I am very proud to be part of the ASD team and look forward to engaging with my students and supporting them through their learning journey.

Hello! My name is Chasity Dotson, and I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Sped department and the PBIS Coach at Trip Elementary. 
I am the proud mother of two young men and the wife of a wonderful husband! I love traveling, spending time with my family and friends, and watching baseball (Braves) and basketball (Lakers) games.

I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education. I’ve been working in education for over 20 years, and I have loved every minute of it! My passion is meeting students where they are by building meaningful relationships and helping them grow academically and socially. 

Hello! My name is Katherine Hargette. I am excited to teach ASD-3 kindergarten and first grade. I have experience working in ASD-1, ASD-2, and ASD-4 classrooms. My teaching approach is based on enjoyment, relatability, repetition, and kindness. I am a hands-on teacher and I enjoy engaging with my students. My heart is in teaching, and I truly enjoy working with the younger grade levels. I find meaning and purpose in what I do. I plan on pushing my students to make strides to success and to help them have a passion for learning.

My name is Dorothy Jones and I love working with children. I have both a son and a daughter and truly enjoy being a grandmother! My daughter is a teacher and my son is a technician. I have worked for the U.S. Post Office and substitute taught for several years. The past few years I have enjoyed working as a paraprofessional and look forward to a great year!!

Hello! My name is Shabeaka Kindell, I am excited to teach ASD level 3 grades 4 and 5 here at Trip Elementary School. I am very dedicated,responsible, motivated, and passionate educator who promotes students engagement through active learning. This is my first year at Trip Elementary School. I recently relocated to Georgia from Brooklyn, New York with my lovely family. I earned my Bachelors in Liberal Studies from Medgar Evers college  and earned my Masters in Special Education from Long Island University both located in Brooklyn New York. I started my career as a paraprofessional working in the NYC Department of Education in an Elementary School for six years. My experiences as a paraprofessional has encouraged me to become a teacher. I taught in Middle School as a Special Education Math Teacher for three years. With 10 years of experience teaching children in general and special education in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School classrooms. I truly enjoy and love teaching and building meaningful relationships with my students and families! My mission as a teacher is to help children discover the joy of learning and to help each child develop a strong belief in their ability to achieve. I enjoy traveling, shopping, dancing,spending time with my lovely family, and music.

Can’t wait to start Our Journey Together at Trip Elementary !  Looking forward to an Amazing school year!

Hello! My name is Katina Loethen, and I am extremely excited to be teaching ASD Level III grades second through third this school year. I moved to Gwinnett County in 2014 with my husband and two daughters and have been a part of the Trip Family in various forms over the years.
My goal is to create an engaging learning environment that will provide my students with the tools they will need to be successful academically, socially, and personally. I look forward to working with each of you to ensure your child not only meet but exceed their goals this year.

Hello, my name is DeMona Long and I am a paraprofessional with the ASD level 3 program. I am married and the proud parent of a daughter who attends the University of Alabama "ROLL TIDE". I enjoy working with the students and watching their progress. I look forward to working with all of our Trip students!

Hi all! My name is Mrs. Esther Ogunleye and excited ot be teaching ASD IV this year. I graduated from Liberty University; this is my first year with Trip Elementary School. I live in Gwinnett County with my husband and wonderful children. 

Hello! My name is Jacqueline Russell. I am pleased to be a part of the Trip Elementary family. I have been in the field of education for 17 plus years. I am excited to be apart of the ASD department. I am a proud mom and passionate about creating a classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. I believe that by encouraging these skills, students will not only excel academically but also develop the necessary tools to navigate the challenges they may encounter in the future.

Through my dedication to education, I hope to inspire a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom and prepares students for success in all aspects of their lives.

My name is Christian Todd, I am a Georgia native born and raised,  I am also a mom to twin boys that are both in the ASD program here in Gwinnett County. I am excited to start this school year in the level three ASD program here at Trip Elementary.

Born and raised in New York City, I received my Bachelor’s degree at Bernard M. Baruch College in New York, NY. I obtained my Master’s degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University of Virginia and began my teaching career in 1997 in Virginia Beach, VA. In 2014, my very supportive husband, Robert, along with our three incredible children, Robyn, Nia and AJ, relocated to Lawrenceville, Georgia. I enjoy interior decorating, family dinners, and developing and teaching Sunday school lessons. It is an honor to work in a school that operates in a culture of excellence and prepares our students for a bright future. I am truly blessed to serve in the Trip community and look forward to an awesome school year!