Melissa Faklaris
Principal
I am honored to be joining the staff of Cheatham Hill as the Principal for the 2024-2025 school year. I have heard such wonderful things about the Cheatham Hill faculty and staff, and I look forward to meeting each of you very soon as we embark on a great journey together.
I, myself, am a product of the Cobb School System having grown up in Powder Springs attending Still, Pine Mountain, and McEachern. The land that Cheatham Hill sits on was farmland for my entire childhood, and to be returning to this area is a true blessing. I have served in the Cobb School District for 26 years. My career began as an English teacher, cheerleading coach, and softball coach at McEachern High School. I transferred to Kennesaw Mountain High School where I taught English and was the Head Cheerleading coach, until I took a job there as an administrator in 2005. I served as an Assistant Principal at Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb High Schools until 2010. In 2010, I was given the opportunity to move to Austell Elementary to begin my career as an Elementary Assistant Principal. I served the Austell community for 4 years, and then transferred to Frey Elementary, where I served as the Assistant Principal for 11 years. Now after 26 years, I couldn’t be happier than to be named as the next Principal of Cheatham Hill, a school known for excellence in leadership, teaching, and community.
I am blessed with the most amazing and supportive family. I have been married to my husband, Jason, for 25 years. Jason is an Assistant Principal at Allatoona High School. We have two wonderful daughters. Emma is 17 and will be a Senior at Allatoona, and Harper is 14 and will be a Freshman at Allatoona. We have 2 super cute basset hounds, Minnie and Jessie. We live in Kennesaw and are active members of NorthStar Church in Acworth. As a family we love to travel, cheer on the Georgia Bulldog, attend concerts and shows, and spend time at the lake with family and friends.
My educational mission is to lead with a servant heart where relationships come first, all kids are treasured, and exemplary education is non-negotiable.
My Core Values are
Respect, Empathy, Trust, and Communication are the pillars of positive relationships.
Every kid…Every day.
Laugh every day.
Show grace.
Love one another.
Above all else, be Kind š
I look forward to meeting each of you face to face!
Melissa Faklaris
Tina Stevens-Carty
Assistant Principal
I am thrilled to continue serving as the Assistant Principal at Cheatham Hill Elementary School. As I begin my ninth year in this role, I remain deeply honored to work alongside the incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families that make up the Cheatham Hill community.
My journey in education began 18 years ago in the Cobb County School District. I started in 2007 as a Professional School Counselor, a role I held for a decade. After completing the Cobb County Leadership Academy, I felt inspired to expand my impact and pursue leadership as an Assistant Principal.
Cheatham Hill Elementary is a school known for its unwavering commitment to putting students first—a mission that aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to another year of collaboration, growth, and continued success with our school community.
Aunquize Perkins
Assistant Principal
It is with great excitement and honor to have the wonderful opportunity to serve as your new Assistant Principal! I am very passionate about creating experiences that can be remembered for a lifetime. Together, I believe we can achieve anything we put our minds to. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders at Cheatham Hill Elementary School. I have seventeen years of education experience. During those years, I have been fortunate to work in diverse capacities such as; 3rd grade teacher, 4th grade teacher, K-6th LD-R, 4th/5th Cross Categorical, 4th grade teacher, 4th grade team lead, 2nd grade interrelated teacher, PBIS Coach, and School Leadership Intern. My most recent assignment was Assistant Principal at Powder Springs Elementary School. Prior to relocating to Georgia in 2015, I taught six years in South Carolina.
My educational background includes a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M. Ed in Learning Disabilities from Francis Marion University, as well as an Ed. S in Educational Administration from South Carolina State University. I believe that each day is an opportunity for growth, and I am committed to being a lifelong learner.
In my spare time, I love to travel, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends! I’m looking forward to serving you and building relationships!
Lauren McKeon - Support and Services Administrator
