Meet our Faculty

Biography: Mary Abney has taught Kindergarten at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School since it opened in 2013. She has previously taught Kindergarten, first grade, second grade, fourth grade, and was the Title 1 Reading Interventionist. Mrs. Abney has 27 years of experience as a teacher in Walker County schools.

She is married to Shaw Abney. They have two children;Walker is a sophomore at GSW and William is an 8th grader at Saddle Ridge. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Georgia Southwestern University; Masters of Early Education, Berry College; Education Specialist in Leadership, Lincoln Memorial University

Biography: My name is Laura Belue, and I am truly thankful for the chance to teach your child. This is my thirteenth year teaching in Walker County and my ninth year teaching here at Saddle Ridge. My background is in both language arts and special eduction, and I also hold a gifted endorsement and an ESOL endorsement. I earned my masters degree from Kennesaw State University and my bachelors degree from Dalton State College.

I am passionate about helping my students become stronger readers and writers because I think it is through reading and writing that students can learn empathy, compassion for others, and begin to better understand the world around them and the important role they play in it!

When I'm not teaching, I'm spending time with my husband and my three young daughters, Kelley Jo, Elizabeth Rae, and Blakely Susanne. We love to cook together, to read books, and play outside in our back year. My Kelley Jo is a third grader at Saddle Ridge and loves all things art! My Elizabeth Rae has all the energy of a 3-year-old and is trying out dance class this year. My Blakely Sue is learning to walk and will be turning 1 in September. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Dalton State College: Masters of Middle Grades Language Arts, Kennesaw State University: ESOL Endorsement, Dalton State College: Gifted Endorsement, Northwest GA RESA

Biography: Mary has been an English teacher for 18 years. She taught at Tyner academy in Chattanooga for 3 years, Ridgeland High School for 10 years, and Saddle Ridge Middle for 5 years. She has sponsored many clubs, teams, and school events over her teaching career. In addition to teaching at Saddle Ridge, Mary is a volleyball coach at Ridgeland High School.

This summer Mary completed her Specialist Degree at Kennesaw State University. She is married to Trevor, who is a teacher (Central High School) and a coach. As a family, they love to travel in their RV and play with their 3 cats: Juno, Juicy, and Rue.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, Middle Tennessee State University; Masters of Curriculum and Instruction, Valdosta State University; Educational Specialist in Secondary English, Kennesaw State University

Biography: Monica Cannon is an experience educator in the Walker County Schools District. She has 7 years of educational experience in Walker County with five of those years at Saddle Ridge Elementary School. She has worked in kindergarten as a paraprofessional, as a virtual 4th and 5th grade teacher, and is not teaching 4th grade mathematics. 

She is currently attending Kennesaw State University to complete her Masters degree in Educational Technology. She is married to her highschool sweetheart, Chris. They have three children, Alexa, Grayson, and Jewells. Mrs. Cannon resides in Rock Spring Georgia and enjoys getting to know her students to encourage a love of learning. 

Education: Bachelors of Arts in Education, Western Governors University. 

Biography: This is my 11th year teaching Life Science and my second year teaching at Saddle Ridge. I grew up in LaFayette, and graduated from LHS in 2004. I received my undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education from Georgia Southern University. I received my Masters degree from Nova Southeastern University, and my Specialist Degree from Lincoln Memorial University. 

My wife, Whitney, teaches at Rock Spring Elementary. We have a beautiful daughter named AydaJoan. We also have three dogs named Scout, Ashford, and Georgia. 

Education: Bachelors Degree in Middle Grades Education, Georgia Southern University; Masters Degree, Nova Southeastern University; Specialist Degree, Lincoln Memorial University. 

Biography: Jennifer Cooke is a new educator in the Walker County School District. She recently completed her career change in the Spring of 2021, from healthcare to teacher. She is part of our 2nd grade team here at Saddle Ridge.

She has been married to her husband, Daniel, since January 2007. They have two children, Sarah and Mason. Mrs. Cooke resides in Rock Spring and loves to support her students in all of their endeavors in school and outside of school.

Education: Bachelors of Science in Education, Western Governors University

Biography: Jessica Cotter is the 4th Grade Science and Social Studies teacher at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School this year. This is her fourth year in education. She has previously taught 2nd grade for three years at Saddle Ridge. She loves being a Mustang and takes so much pride in being a Saddle Ridge teacher. She graduated from Berry College in 2018 with an Early Childhood Education degree and an ESOL endorsement.  

She lives in LaFayette, Georgia and was raised in Walker County her whole life. She is a dog mom to a puppy named Lilly. When she is not at school, she spends a lot of time with her friends and family. She loves to go hiking, have picnics, and loves to travel. 

She loves the Saddle Ridge community and is proud to be a Mustang!

Education: Bachelors of Science in Education, Berry College

Biography: Mrs. Davenport is a Special Education Teacher in the Walker County Schools District. She has had the honor of working for Saddle Ridge as a substitute, a paraprofessional, and now a teacher. She is beginning her 6th year at Saddle Ridge and her 2nd year in 7th grade as an Inclusion Teacher. Mrs. Davenport has working in education for 8 years.

 She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and is currently working on a teaching certification with the GaTAPP program. She is married to her college sweetheart, Chris. They have two teenage children, Dawson and Jonah. Mrs. Davenport resides in Chickamauga and loves to support her students in all of their endeavors in school and outside of school.

She loves the Saddle Ridge community and is proud to be a Mustang!

Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Shorter College; Teacher Certification, GaTAPP

Biography:  Cathy Decker is beginning her 24th year in the Walker County School District. Her first 15 years were spent teaching Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts at LaFayette Middle School, while the most recent 8 years have been teaching Science at Saddle Ridge. 

She is married to Brian, who is also a middle school teacher. They have 2 boys, Elijah and Cayden, who attend school at Saddle Ridge. Mrs. Decker enjoys spending her summers traveling and camping all over the country. She also enjoys gardening and reading. 

Education: Bachelors of Science in Middle Grades Education, University of West Georgia; Masters of Instruction, Central Michigan University

Biography: Madison Edwards is a third year teacher in the Walker County Schools District. She teaches 5th grade Reading and ELA. This year she is excited to dive into teaching Science as well.

Madison is newly married and loves to camp in her free time with her husband and chocolate lab. This year she is excited to assist with the softball team and encourage the Lady Mustangs!

Education: Bachelors of Science in Education, Dalton State College

Biography: Deanna Green is the chorus and theatre teacher at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School and LaFayette Middle School. She obtained her Bachelor of Music with Choral Emphasis from Young Harris College in 2021. She is beginning her 1st year as a teacher. 

 Ms. Green recently became engaged and moved to the area with her fiance, Jory. They live in Ringgold with their two cats. She is from Blue Ridge, GA and is beyond excited to experience her first year teaching, motivating, and encouraging the students in Walker County. 

Education: Bachelors of Music Education with a Coral Emphasis, Young Harris College

Biography: Paige Hawkins is beginning her 16th year in education, and this will be her 4th year working in special education at Saddle Ridge. Mrs. Hawkins has experience working with grades K-8, but she has spent most of her career in Elementary Special Education. 

She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education (k-12) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has been married to Jason for 17 years, and they have a 6 year old son named Wyatt, who will be a first grader at Saddle Ridge this year. Mrs. Hawkins is a lover of the great outdoors and sports, and she enjoys helping with their small family business outside of school. Mrs. Hawkins is looking forward to a successful and fun-filled school year with all of the upcoming 4th grade students. 

Education: Masters of Early Childhood Education/Special Ed., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Biography: Jon Headrick began his teaching career in the Walker County Schools District. He has been blessed to begin his career at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School and has been there for 5 years. 

Mr. Headrick serves in Special Education as an inclusion teacher for the 3rd grade. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!). He is currently serving as the golf coach for the Mustangs. He is married to his beautiful wife, April. Mr. Headrick resides in Rock Spring and loves to support his students in all of their endeavors. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Georgia

Biography: Curt Hitchens is an experienced educator in the Walker County School District. He has worked at Fairyland Elementary and had the honor of opening Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle in the fall of 2013. He is beginning his 17th year as a teacher.

Mr. Hitchens holds an Education Specialist degree in Technology in Education from Lesley University. He is married to Casi and has two kids, Alena and Calvin. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business, Shorter University; Masters of Business Education, University of West GA; Education Specialist, Lesley University

Biography: My name is Shanna Hudson and I am a new 3rd Grade teacher at Saddle Ridge. I am so excited to meet each one of my new students! My husband and I have four children, and three of them will be at Saddle Ridge this year.

I received my Bachelors in Sociology from Covenant College and then went on for my Masters of Education from Berry College. I love traveling with my family, baking, and gardening. I think Saddle Ridge is the best school and I am so glad to get to work here!

Education: Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Covenant College; Masters of Education, Berry College

Biography: Wendy Ingram is an experienced administrator in the Walker County Schools District. She had the honor of opening Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle School in the fall of 2013 as its principal. She is beginning her 9th year as the principal.

Mrs. Ingram has served as an Assistant Principal, Instructional Specialist, 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Director and WCS teacher in her 27 years of experience. 

She holds an Educational Specialists degree in Educational Supervision and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. She is married to her college sweetheart, Keith. They have two adult children, Will and Wesley. Mrs. Ingram resides in LaFayette and loves to support her students in all of their endeavors in school and outside of school.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Georgia Southern University; Masters of Middle Grades Education, Berry College; Educational Specialists, Lincoln Memorial University

Biography: Jordan Leigh has been teaching special education in a variety of grades in elementary and middle school for 6 years, all at Saddle Ridge. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Dalton State College in 2015, and his Master's Degree in Education from Valdosta State University in 2019. He also has been coaching Track & Field for 6 years at Saddle Ridge. Mr. Leigh also started the Cross Country Program at Saddle Ridge and has been coaching it for 4 years. 

Mr. Leigh is married to his college sweetheart, Katie. They have two boys Lincoln (4), and Logan (5 months). They have 2 dogs, Rey and Oliver. Mr. Leigh loves to read and watch fantasy and sci-fi books/shows in his spare time, as well as travel and eat Mexican food and Hibachi!

Education: Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education, Dalton State College; Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University

Biography: Melissa Lemons has been the Media Specialist at Saddle Ridge for seven years. This is her 27th year in education in Walker County. 

Mrs. Lemons is married to Jay Lemons who is the Physical Education teacher at Gilbert Elementary. They have two children who both attend LaFayette High School; Andrew is a senior and Erin is a sophomore.

Education: Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, University of Alabama; Masters of Elementary Education, Berry College; Masters in Leadership, University of West Georgia; Masters in Media, University of West Georgia; Specialists Degree in Instructional Technology, University of West Georgia

Biography: Ashton Little is the new Young Farmer Advisor in Walker County. Both her and her husband Paul of been active members of Walker County Young Farmers for the past four years. Ashton is alwyas looking for ways to further her eduction and grow as a teacher. In May 2010, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education. She completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Accomplished Teaching from Columbus State University in December 2013, and received her Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Valdosta State University in December 2017. She has been teaching Agriculture Education for eleven years, spending the past four years at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Rock Spring. Ashton has experience teaching agriculture to students ranging from grades Pre-K to 12th grade. Throughout her career, she has also taught and served as an FFA advisor for Gilmer and Cherokee Counties. 

Ashton is originally from Upson County where she grew up on her family's farm. She now resides in Whitfield County with her husband, who is also an Agriculture Education teacher. Ashton and Paul have an eight-month-old daughter named Prestyn. Ashton loves going on adventures and spending time with her family. She also enjoys running, gardening, and working on projects around her house. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, University of Georgia; Masters of Education Curriculum & Instruction in Accomplished Teaching, Columbus State University; Educational Specialist in Teaching and Leadership, Valdosta State University

Biography: Casey Magnusson has been an educator in Walker County Schools for 24 years. He began his career at Naomi Elementary teaching music and as an assistant band director at LaFayette High School. Mr. Magnusson went on to teach band at LaFayette Middle and at Saddle Ridge for 18 years. He has also taught chorus, elementary music, and study skills at Saddle Ridge.

Mr. Magnusson graduated from Berry College with a Bachelors of Music degree. His wife Selena works for Georgia Northwestern Technical College and lives in Chickamauga. 

Education: Bachelor of Music, Berry College

Biography: Marty Martin is an experienced teacher in the Walker County School District. I have been at Saddle Ridge School since it opened in 2013. This will be my 23rd year in education, and my 9th year at Saddle Ridge. While at Saddle Ridge, I have worked in the 4th and 5th grades, but most of my teaching career has been in Science Education. This year I will be teaching Language Arts in the 4th grade.

I grew up in Chickamauga, Georgia and attended Georgia Southwestern University and graduated from the University of Georgia with both undergrad and graduate degrees. I have been married to my husband, Brent for 21 years, and we have two sons. Ross will be a senior this year at LHS and Andrew will be an 8th grader at SR this year! We also have a very special dog named Spots, who has been a part of our family for 10 years. Outside of school, my family can often be found on athletic fields. My boys love sports and play football, baseball, and soccer. I cannot wait to meet our 4th graders, and I look forward to a successful and fun-filled year! Go Mustangs! 

Education: Bachelors of Science in Geology & Physics, Georgia Southwestern University; Masters of Science, University of Georgia

Biography: Susan McCary has spent the past 25 years teaching children in the Walker County School District. The majority of her time has been in kindergarten and first grade where she developed a passion for foundational learning in the areas of reading and writing. She is beginning her 26th year in education and will serve as a writing teacher and interventionist at Saddle Ridge Elementary School.

Ms. McCary currently holds an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College. She lives in LaFayette and is the mother of 4 children, Jase (24), Addison (21), Halle (18), and George (13). Her greatest joy is being with her children and spending time with her extended family. Susan also enjoys playing tennis, running, and being by the water (poolside, lakeside, or beachside) whenever possible.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Samford University; Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration, University of West Georgia; Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction, Piedmont College

Biography: Charlsie Moore is an experienced educator in the Walker County Schools District. She had the honor of teaching at Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle in the special education department. She is beginning her 6th year as a special educator at Saddle Ridge. 

Mrs. Moore has served as a paraprofessional, interventionist, classroom teacher, and special education teacher in her 17 years of experience. 

She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeremy. They have two adult children, Kyle and Emma. Mrs. Moore resides in LaFayette and loves to camp with her family. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Georgia Southern University

Biography: Melinda Newby is an experienced mathematics teacher in the Walker County School District. She has been teaching as an 8th grade teacher at Saddle Ridge since 2014. She is beginning her 15th year in the classroom. She has taught Pre-K, 6th grade math special education, and 8th grade math. 

She holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University. She is currently enrolled at Georgia Southern University where she will graduated in December 2021 with her Educational Specialist in Middle Grades Mathematics. In addtion to her degrees, she also holds her gifted certification as well as her ESOL endorsement. She is married to Jackie and the two will be celebrating 20 years together in May, 2022. She has two adult stepsons, Chase and Christian. She also has one son of her own. He is currently in 3rd grade and attends Saddle Ridge Elementary. The final member of her family is a 3-year old german shepherd mix named Garnett. Mrs. Newby resides in Chickamauga and loves and supports her students for a lifetime.

Education: Bachelor of in Education, Dalton State College; Masters of Curriculum & Instruction, Central Michigan University; Education Specialist, Georgia Southern University. 

Biography: This year will be Mrs. Parker’s tenth year teaching, and her seventh year in third grade. She has  also taught fourth grade as a departmentalized reading and writing teacher. She absolutely loves teaching third grade. It was her favorite grade in school and the reason she wanted to be a teacher! It is Mrs. Parker’s mission to instill a love of learning in all of her students.

Mrs. Parker grew up in Duluth, GA but moved to the Chattanooga area in 2012 to complete her student teaching. After graduating from Berry College in 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education she spent six years teaching in Hamilton County. In 2018 she made the move to Saddle Ridge and feels truly blessed to be a part of the SR family!

She is married to her wonderful husband Derek who is also a teacher at Saddle Ridge. They have one little boy named Luke who is a year and a half. He is the light of their lives. They also have a very energetic dog named Brooks who has quickly become Luke’s best friend.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Berry College

Biography: Katie Parnell is an experienced educator in the Walker County Schools District.  She started teaching third grade at Cherokee Ridge in 2001. In 2002, she began teaching first grade. Mrs. Parnell moved to Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle School in fall of 2013.  She is beginning her 21st  year in education.

Mrs. Parnell is married to her husband, Shawn. They have one daughter, Libby Kate. They reside in LaFayette. Mrs. Parnell loves first grade and working with small children. Mrs. Parnell takes very personally the responsibility of teaching children to read. She has very high expectations for her students and enjoys seeing them succeed.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Development; Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Biography: Rick Penland is a special education teacher in the Walker County Schools District.   He has been married to his wife, Kendra,  for 15 years. They have four children (Anabelle - 12, Owen - 9, Olivia - 7, and Aaron - 5). He received his Bachelors in Secondary English Education from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Masters of Education in Special Education at Carson-Newman University. He taught seven years in the Hamilton County school system and two years at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. This will be his sixth year teaching at Saddle Ridge.

Biography: Jamie Peppers is an experienced educator in the Walker County Schools District. She will begin her 9th year in her teaching career.

She has been a paraprofessional in Kindergarten for four years, a second grade teacher for 3 years, and a first grade teacher for one year. This will be her fourth year in second grade. She is an assistant manager for the Saddle Ridge Football team. Go Mustangs!  She is currently enrolled in Georgia Southern University working towards her Specialist degree in Elementary Education.

She is married to Hank Peppers, who teaches and coaches basketball at LaFayette High School. They have two young kids, Cali and Luke. Jamie resides in LaFayette and loves to support her students in all of their endeavors in school and outside of school.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Western Governors University; Masters of Elementary Education, Georgia Southern University

Biography: Amy Phillips is the elementary gifted teacher in the Kaleidoscope classroom and Saddle Ridge’s Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) coach. This year begins her 24th year serving the students of Walker County. She believes that experiences, over the past twenty-three years, have taught her that teaching is more than an academic endeavor.  Teaching is about caring and building relationships with others.  It is about love: love for students, colleagues; community and education. Mrs. Phillips has taught first grade, third grade, and is in her 9th year as the elementary, K-5, gifted teacher. She has a heart for students and the Saddle Ridge community and works hard to support learning opportunities.

Mrs. Phillips holds an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University and is Elementary, Gifted, and Level 1 Google Certified.  She is a teacher leader, problem solver, and creative thinker. She resides with her IT savvy husband, Kurt, and 9-year old son, Keatley, who is a Saddle Ridge fourth grader.  Saddle Ridge is her “home away from home” and the classroom is one of her happy places.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary School Learning P-8, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Masters of Elementary Education, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Education Specialist, Lincoln Memorial University

Biography: Cheryl Puckett is an experienced Sign Language Interpreter. She has had the honor of interpreting for Walker County Schools since 2009. She currently holds the National Interpreter Certification and the Ed:K-12 recognition with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. She has been an educational interpreter for 21 years, but also serves the Deaf community in other settings.

She currently lives in Ringgold, Georgia with her husband, Ron and two spoiled dogs Hippie and Henry. She loves gardening, quilting, fast cars and loud motorcycles.

Biography: Mrs. Suzanne  Queen is an experienced special education teacher in the Walker County School District.   She is beginning her 18th year in Walker County and her 3rd year at Saddle Ridge.

Suzanne has been married to Gerald for 28 years. Their son Braden is a senior at LaFayette High School. They are the bereaved parents of Jordan Queen.  The Queen family resides in LaFayette and loves to support students in the community with eyeglasses provided Thru Jordan's Eyes. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with family, attending LaFayette First United Methodist church, and traveling. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Liberty University.

Biography: Jordan Ramey is beginning his 8th year of teaching, all of which have been at Saddle Ridge. Mr. Ramey has coached Quiz Bowl, Vex Robotics, and Golf in the past. He enjoys reading books, taking photographs, camping, and hiking.

Mr. Ramey also serves on the Board of Directors for the Walker County Educators Federal Credit Union. He is married to Kyley Ramey, who teaches at LaFayette High School. He holds an Education Specialist degree in Secondary English Education from Kennesaw State University. He and his wife live in LaFayette.

 Mr. Ramey is always ready for the next adventure! Go Mustangs!!!

Biography: Courtney Rider is an experienced teacher in the Walker County Schools District. She is a 5th grade Math and Social Studies teacher at Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle School. Mrs. Rider has been teaching for 15 years.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Middle Tennessee State University. She also has obtained her Math Endorsement on her professional Georgia teaching certificate.  She is married to her husband, Erik.  They have three children, Lylah, Dax, and Hunt.  Mrs. Rider resides in Chickamauga and loves to support her students and community.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Tennessee State University; Math Endorsement

Biography: Lisa Roerdink has been a teacher at LaFayette Middle School teaching ELA for 12 years and at Saddle Ridge teaching physical science for 7 years. She is earning her masters in science education with a STEM certification from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. 

She has been married to her husband Jeff for 19 years and has two children, Kayla (20) and Jude (12)

Biography: Kaleena Scoggins is an experienced teacher in the Walker County Schools District.  She has taught at Saddle Ridge since it opened in 2013.  Prior to that she taught at LaFayette Academy from 2005-20013.

She holds an Educational Specialist degree in Math Education from Kennesaw State University.  She has been married to her husband, Jason, for 12 years.  They have three children, Evan (20), John David (3), and Novalee (2).  Mrs. Scoggins loves to hike, travel, and spend time with her family.  She also has a black belt!

Biography: Amanda Tanner is an experienced educator in the Walker County Schools District. She is beginning her 5th year as an educator in Walker County. 

Mrs. Tanner has been a Pre-K educator in the Hamilton County school system and she has taught Kindergarten, first grade and second grade in Walker County. She will begin her 11th year in her teaching career. 

She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education and Special Education in all subject areas through 12th grade.  She is happily married to Scott.  They have two small children, Brantley and Elise.  Mrs. Tanner resides in Ringgold and loves to support her students in all of their endeavors in school and outside of school.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
 

Biography: Mr. Underwood is in his seventh year as a teacher in the Walker County Schools District.  He joined Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle School in fall of 2015 as the 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher.
He is currently serving as the Head Men’s Tennis Coach at LaFayette HIgh School.

Mr. Underwood is a LaFayette naitive and a graduate of LaFayette High School. He holds an Educational Specialist degree in Secondary Social Studies from Kennesaw State University. He enjoys time spent outdoors and with family, and he also loves the opportunity to be a part of his students growing into successful young adults.   

Go Mustangs!

(and Go Dawgs!!)

Biography: Joey Varnell is an elementary education teacher for the Walker County School District.  He has been at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School for two years now. He is beginning his 3rd year teaching. Mr. Varnell has served as a First Grade Teacher, a Virtual Teacher for both Kindergarten and First Grade and now a Kindergarten Teacher in his 3 years of experience.

He is currently working on earning his Masters Degree from West Georgia University with plans to graduate in the Spring of 2023.  He is married to another teacher, Maddie, whom he met while working on his Education Degree. We do not have any children but have plans for them in the future. Mr. Varnell loves preparing and educating the young minds of the future and is always seeking for more ways to grow in the field of education

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Dalton State University; Masters of Elementary Education, West Georgia University.

Biography: Sam Walthall is starting her sixth year of teaching in the Walker County Schools District.  Mrs. Walthall has previously served as a Special Education teacher and a Fourth/Fifth Grade Math teacher.  This is her fourth year teaching Sixth Grade Math.  Mrs. Walthall is also the Head Coach of the Lady Mustangs softball team.

She went to UTC, where she played centerfield for the Lady Mocs softball team. She holds an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership from Valdosta State. Mrs. Walthall and her husband, Barrett, reside in Chattanooga and cheer for the Mocs at as many sporting events as they can attend.  Mrs. Walthall loves to support her students and her softball team.  She wishes to push them to be the best person they can be in the classroom and on the field

Biography: I feel beyond blessed to be embarking on my second year at Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle School.  I am certified to teach K-8.  Last year I was blessed to work with the amazing elementary staff as a Kindergarten teacher.  This year I am extremely excited and just as fortunate to work alongside the middle school staff. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a versatile employee so that I am able to work with such a wide range of ages and abilities.

I am a proud mother to a smart and beautiful daughter who attended Saddle Ridge throughout all of her middle school years.  She is now in the honors program as a freshman at Lafayette High.  I look forward to this upcoming school year.  It’s an honor to be part of your  children’s education and to make a difference in their lives.

Biography: Stacie Wilson is an experienced teacher in special education in the Walker County Schools District.  She previously taught at LaFayette High School in a variety of settings, and has been with Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle School since 2015. She is beginning her 15th year as a special education teacher.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Arts in Teaching, Special Education from Valdosta State University.  She is married to her life long love, Brandon.  They have four children, Julia, Brady, Bentley, and Briley.  Mrs. Wilson resides in LaFayette and loves to be on their farm with her family.  She loves to see her students supported and successful in all areas of their lives.

Biography: Tony Wolfe is an experienced educator in the Walker County Schools District.  He has been at Saddle Ridge since it’s opening in 2013.  He is beginning his 16th year as an educator, having spent the first seven years at LaFayette Sixth Grade Academy.  

He holds an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.  He is married to Kelly.  They have two children Hannah and Jacob

Biography: Kelley Woods is an experienced special education teacher.  She had the honor of being the first Early Intervention Pre-K teacher at Saddle Ridge Elementary from the fall of 2014 through 2019.  She has been the First Grade Inclusion teacher for the last 2 years.  Mrs. Woods enjoys children and seeing them grow in their knowledge, and develop a  love of learning.  

 She is married to her husband of 22 years, Kerry.  They have 3 children, Carter, Judson, and Meghan.  Mrs. Woods resides in Walker County. She loves to support and serve her community.

Education: Associates in Early Childhood Education, Georgia Northwestern Technical College; Bachelors in Special Education, Western Governors University

Biography: Rebekah claims East Tennessee as home, specifically Maryville, Tennessee where her family’s farm stretches over 500 acres in Blount County. From Rebekah’s earliest days, she has admired her grandfather for his work ethic, and his commitment to their family farm. Through his actions, he has taught Rebekah that nothing is worth owning if you have not first worked for it. This ethos has prevailed throughout Rebekah’s own career in education and the life that she has cultivated from it.

Rebekah is a graduate from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Agriculture Leadership, Education, and Communications. She has spent her career thus far serving and teaching high and middle school agriculture in Georgia, Tennessee, and Arizona and at the university level at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She has a passion for this industry; but above that, Rebekah has a passion for people and a love for communications, education, and programming, she looks at life as an adventure full of opportunities to make positive differences!