Administration
| Dr. Michelle Gillham, Principal | Michelle.Gillham@cobbk12.org |
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As someone who was raised in Cobb County and is now raising my own family here, I understand the pride people feel in their school communities—and I already see that same sense of purpose at Mount Bethel. I’m honored to join a school known for academic excellence, engaged families, and a dedicated staff. I look forward to learning the traditions that make Mount Bethel special, building strong relationships, and supporting continued growth for every child. Go, Buccaneers! With ten years of classroom teaching experience and ten years as an assistant principal, I’m thrilled to step into this new leadership role as principal of Mount Bethel. It’s a privilege to serve a school community so clearly dedicated to student growth and success. I earned my Bachelor's degree in child and Family Development and Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia, followed by a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University and a Specialist degree from Berry College. I completed my doctoral degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at the University of West Georgia in December 2025. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Matt, and our two children, Owen and Evan. We love camping, attending church, and hanging out with our dog, Dakota. I also enjoy paddleboarding to unwind and recharge. Our daughter Evan is in middle school and active in visual arts and musical theatre. Our son Owen recently graduated from Allatoona High School and is now serving in the United States Navy. For vacations, you’ll find us hiking in national parks, relaxing on the beach, or cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. | |
| Alexa Dean, Assistant Principal (2, 3, 4) | Alexa.Dean@cobbk12.org |
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Hello Mount Bethel Family, I’m so excited to begin another amazing year as an Assistant Principal at Mount Bethel Elementary! As I enter my third year here, I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this special MBES community. Each day, I’m reminded of the heart, dedication, and commitment to excellence that make this school so exceptional. I am a proud graduate of Pope High School, where I played soccer and lacrosse, and realized my passion for working with young students. After high school, I continued my soccer career, and earned my degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. I later completed my master’s degree in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University, and I’m currently finishing my specialist degree in Educational Leadership at the University of West Georgia. I’ve grown into a life-long learner, motivated by the younger version of myself who struggled through school. I use my experience as a student to help ensure all our kiddos get an educational experience that meets their differing needs. And my experience as an athlete, from a young age all the way through college, has engrained in me a mindset of collaboration, teamwork, perseverance, and grit. I carry these qualities into all that I do as I serve this community. I have recently passed one of my sons off to Hightower Trail Middle School, and I enjoy my time with my younger son here at Mount Bethel in second grade. My husband, boys, and I are avid Braves fans, love visiting new minor league baseball stadiums, and we go out of our way on every road trip to visit every National Park Unit and National Historical site we can! Raising well-rounded boys to become good humans will always remain a priority in my family. I’m proud to work alongside the best administrative team around, as we are all committed to the success of every student, staff member, and family here at MBES. I look forward to another great year of learning, growing, and celebrating together! | |
| Marlo Williams, Assistant Principal (K, 1, 5) | Marlo.WilliamsJr@cobbk12.org |
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| Hello, Mount Bethel Family! I am so excited to be joining the Mount Bethel community! I am originally from LaGrange, Georgia, and moved to Cobb County to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Kennesaw State University. After graduation, I went on to spend the past decade teaching 4th and 5th grade at Dowell Elementary School, a place well known for its arts integration in the classroom and one that helped shape me as an educator. During my time at Dowell, I earned my master’s degree from Georgia State University (the real GSU!) in Elementary Education with a focus in Mathematics and Gifted and Talented Students, and later my specialist degree from Georgia College and State University in Teacher Leadership. Outside of school, I love spending time with my girls, Naomi (5 years old) and Nadia (11 months), who keep me on my toes every single day! You might also spot me at the park or hiking trail with my dog Charlo, a 6-year-old Goldendoodle who is always ready for an adventure. Mount Bethel is a loving, caring, and tight-knit community, and I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of it! I am fired up! Ready to learn and ready to lead the Buccaneer way! Can’t wait to meet you all! Marlo Williams | |



