Dr. Jennifer Anthony-Young

Principal

I’m Dr. Jennifer M. Anthony-Young, and I am honored to serve as the principal of Griffin Middle School. With over a decade of experience in school leadership, I bring a deep passion for empowering both students and educators. My journey in education has been rooted in a student-first mindset, and I’m proud to have led schools to new heights in academic achievement, innovation, and school culture.

I believe in building strong partnerships with families and creating a school environment where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to lead boldly. As someone who has traveled to over 40 countries, I bring a global perspective and a genuine appreciation for cultural diversity to everything I do.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, followed by a Master’s of Education from Brenau University. I then went on to receive both my Educational Specialist and Doctorate of Education degrees from Liberty University. Each step in my educational journey has strengthened my belief in lifelong learning and my commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for all students.

My leadership is grounded in the belief that success is achieved through innovation, collaboration, education, and celebration—pillars I’m honored to bring to the Griffin Wildcat family.

Mia Beasley

Assistant Principal 6th Grade

Hello! My name is Mia Beasley, and I am proud to serve as the 6th Grade Administrator at Griffin Middle School. I have had the pleasure of serving the wonderful Smyrna community for over ten years. I am honored to partner with our staff, students, and families to support student success.

I am originally from Tennessee, where I began my teaching career. I hold both my undergraduate and master’s degrees from Tennessee Technological University, and I earned my Specialist in Education from Walden University. Throughout my teaching career, I had the opportunity to work in various settings, subject areas, and grade levels. I am a strong believer in lifelong learning and the enriching connections that can be made across different curricula. 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two beautiful daughters. I love soaking up family time, but during naptime, you can often find me unwinding with a good audiobook! I am eager to continue serving our wonderful Wildcat community!

Nneka Butler

Assistant Principal 7th Grade

Hello, I’m Nneka Butler.

I am proud to begin Year 29 in the Cobb County School District! Throughout my career, I have served in many different roles and have had the opportunity to work at a total of four schools. I’ve taught at every level—from SNPK to high school seniors—with the majority of my time spent in special education. In that field, I’ve served as a teacher, lead teacher, and Student Support Services Administrator (SSA).

In addition, I’ve held roles such as SLI (school leadership intern), and I currently serve as an Assistant Principal. I bring nine years of administrative experience to my current position, and I’m excited to continue growing as an educational leader.

I am proud to be a Griffin Wildcat and to serve over 7th grade. I look forward to another amazing year at Griffin, where we lead boldly and roar loudly!

Outside of school, I’m the proud mother of two college students. I enjoy crafting, spending time with my dog, and traveling with my husband.

Let’s make it a great year!

— Nneka Butler

Donald Holmes

Assistant Principal

Hello Griffin! My name is Mr. Holmes, and I am delighted to return to serve the Griffin community again for another promising year as the eighth grade Assistant Principal for the 2025-2026 academic school year.

I have served proudly in the Cobb County School System with multiple years of experience at the high and middle school level as an Assistant Principal. Before serving as an A.P., I started my career off with CCSD as a substitute teacher before becoming a special education paraprofessional. After one year of serving as a para, I earned my wings and became an emotional behavior disorder (EBD) classroom teacher at Floyd Middle School. Shortly after serving at Floyd in this capacity, I was informed my services were needed at the high school level where I team taught economics and government classes.

Serving in special education taught me patience and made me a better classroom teacher and a football coach at North Cobb High School where we were undefeated during my last year of coaching. So, as you can see, I have served in many different capacities, and I bring teaching, coaching, mentorship, and multiple years of administrative service to the job every day to serve and support.

In my spare time, you will find me spending time together with my son, working on becoming a scratch golfer, or lifting weights. I look forward to continuing on this journey of supporting and serving at Griffin Middle School.

Marcus Griffin

Special Student Services Administrator

Greetings, Wildcats Families,  

Welcome to Griffin Middle School!

My name is Marcus Griffin, and I am your Support Services Administrator.  This year marks the start of my 25th year in education, and I am thrilled to serve students, teachers, and parents for the 2025-2026 school year. In the poem, our deepest fear, Williamson pinned the words, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?"  So, with this quote in mind, I encourage all of us to focus on learning, growing, and inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves each day. 

Aside from being a supportive educator, I am the proud dad of two young men (Devin and Miguel).  In addition, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Thomas University, as well as a Master's and Specialist degrees in Special Education from Walden University.  Currently, I am pursuing a doctorate in special education from Walden University.  Lastly, in my spare time, you can catch me supporting basketball games for Auburn University, Georgia Tech as well as the Atlanta Hawks—I LOVE BASKETBALL!!!

LET'S HAVE AN AMAZING SCHOOL YEAR LIFTING EACH OTHER HIGHER!!