Hi there! My last name is pronounced "ZAR-ee," but most people just call me “Mr. Z.” This is my first year at Chesney Elementary School and I am so excited to be here working with students and teachers in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. I have a bachelor’s degree in Education and taught Theatre Arts for four years (three of them in Gwinnett County Public Schools). I later went on to complete my master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Georgia in 2015 and I returned to GCPS.

I am married and have one dog; we plan to have more in the future. It should be noted that I am also very good friends with a certain spotted mascot by the name of Sparky, but we are rarely seen together.

Hello! My name is Lizzy Wingate and I am the counselor for third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade at Chesney Elementary School. I am thrilled to serve Chesney as a school counselor and make sure students continue to achieve excellence and success! I have been a school counselor for five years. I graduated from the University of Georgia with both a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2013. I continued my education at UGA and received a master's degree in School Counseling in 2015. In May 2019, I completed my specialist’s degree in School Counseling at Valdosta State University.

When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling, exercising, and spending time with family and friends!