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Ms. Lisa Rich, Principal
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Ms. Rich is a Cherokee County School District native. Her desire to lead in this esteemed
district comes from her experiences as a student and the love and care she received in the
hands of CCSD. Ms. Rich graduated high school right across the street at Etowah High School.
Ms. Rich received her Bachelor’s degree in education at Kennesaw State University, Master’s
degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Leadership from Berry College, and then finally a
Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction also from Berry College. Ms. Rich began her
career as a paraprofessional at E.T. Booth, the same place she attended middle school. She
quickly moved to a classroom special education teacher, and then an Instructional Lead
Strategist at Dean Rusk Middle school. She then moved into Assistant Principal role and both
Dean Rusk and Freedom Middle school. She feels honored and humbled to be the Principal
at Carmel Elementary. As she shared in her letter to parents, one of her favorite quotes is,
“Working hard for something we do not care about is called stress. Working hard for something
we believe in is called Passion.” Being an educator and an educational leader is her passion!
Ms. Rich enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Their three kids Bryce,
Ally, and Ansley always keep them busy with all their activities. Her family loves all things
Bulldawgs, Braves, and yes, even the Falcons!
“Everything I do is about the students in which we serve. I want to ensure that every
student has the same opportunities to achieve at high levels. I will strive to create a
culture where these beliefs are real and noticeable in every decision that is made , but
also, I want each student to be known, accepted, valued, and empowered to reach
their full potential.”
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Mrs. Lea Henderson, Assistant Principal
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Mrs. Lea Henderson is a Georgia girl, born and raised in Cobb County. Mrs. Henderson
began her teaching career 11 years ago, in Cobb County where she spent her last two
years serving as an academic coach, before transferring to Cherokee County in 2018.
She loved serving as an Academic Facilitator at Clark Creek and states that she is beyond
excited to join the Colt Family. She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood
Education from Kennesaw State University. GO OWLS! She continued on with KSU to
receive her master’s degree in Instructional Technology. After a short break, she continued
her learning through Berry College, to receive her specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership.
In addition to her degrees, Mrs. Henderson has various endorsements and certifications
including, Reading, ESOL, Gifted, and Instructional Coaching. Mrs. Henderson and her
husband Mitchell live in Cherokee County and their son Lexton attended both E.T. Booth,
and Etowah, starting his senior year next year. When she is not collaborating with teachers
and families, Mrs. Henderson loves to get outdoors and be active with her family.
“ I have heard so many amazing things about the Colts staff and families, and I can’t wait
to serve as the new Assistant Principal for Carmel Elementary.”
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Mrs. Dana Thompkins, Assistant Principal
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**Meet Mrs. Thompkins: Carmel Elementary's New Assistant Principal**
Mrs. Thompkins and her husband, Timothy, live in Fulton County. They have two daughters:
Jada, who lives in Nashville, TN, and Jersie, who attends the University of Kentucky. In her free time,
Mrs. Thompkins loves reading, watching football and basketball games, and spending quality time with
her family.
Mrs. Thompkins began her educational career in Fulton County in 2007 as a paraprofessional. By 2009, she
was a special education teacher, and in 2013, she became an Instructional Support Teacher. In 2021,
Mrs. Thompkins moved to Cherokee County, where she served as a Special Education Facilitator for
Avery, Macedonia, and Creekland. She is passionate about helping others and developing leadership skills
in students.
Originally from Maryland, Mrs. Thompkins earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Virginia State
University. She then pursued a career in education, earning a master's degree in special education and an
Educational Specialist K-12 Leadership degree from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, she obtained her
Tier 1 Leadership degree from the University of North Georgia and participated in the Superintendent’s
Leadership Academy for aspiring administrators. Mrs. Thompkins is committed to creating a supportive and
inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed.
“I am excited to join the Carmel Family and am honored to serve as the new Assistant Principal for
Carmel Elementary. Go, Colts!”
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