Faculty

Faculty

Meet Our Faculty!!

Ashley Allen Serrett, 3rd Grade

aserrett@arabcityschools.org

I grew up in the Arab area and graduated from Arab High School in 2003. In December of 2006, I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. I received my Master’s degree in Elementary Education in August 2008. I began teaching 3rd grade at Arab Elementary in January 2007. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am the varsity girls’ soccer team sponsor. I am married to Kevin Serrett, who teaches and coaches at Arab High School.

Sonja Beam, Music

sbeam@arabcityschools.org

Website

It’s great to have a career you love and I love teaching music. This year is the beginning of 33 years of teaching. I have taught music at Arab Elementary School for 21 years. Before coming to Arab, I was a high school and junior high school band director in Georgia and Alabama. I am a graduate of Troy State University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. I received a MS in music education from Jacksonville State University. My husband, David and I have one son, who is in his 2nd year of Dental School at UAB, a daughter-in-law, who teaches 3rd grade in Gardendale, Alabama, two dogs, and one cat. In my spare time, I enjoy playing my clarinet, reading, and working in my yard.

Brandon Byars, Technology

bbyars@arabcityschools.org

Website

Hi, my name is Brandon Byars. I was born and reared in Alabaster, Alabama. I am a 2002 graduate of Thompson High School. I graduated college from Auburn University in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. I am certified K-12 and I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Physical Education from the University of West Alabama. I coach varsity football and baseball at the high school.

Kevin Connell, Special Services

kconnell@arabcityschools.org

Website

Mr. Connell is a 1996 graduate of Arab High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Jacksonville State University in 2001. After college, he worked for JSU designing projects for students and training teachers. He joined the faculty at AES in 2005 and has taught 4th and 5th grades, technology, and gifted. Mr. Connell is a youth pastor at Life Gate Baptist Church. He is married to the former Heather McCurley of Boaz, and they have a new son, Elijah.

Cynthia Cox, 5th Grade

ccox@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Cynthia Cox. I grew up in Summit, Alabama, and graduated from J.B. Pennington High School in 1999. After that, I earned a BS in Elementary Education at the University of Alabama in 2003. I have a wonderful husband, Robert, and two children, Aidan and Brionna. Arab Elementary is truly a blessing. I enjoy working with the faculty, staff, and students. This school year, 2009-2010, is my sixth year teaching. I taught first grade for two years in North Carolina and sixth grade at Owens Cross Roads for one year. This is my third year at AES.

Wendi Ellis, Special Services

wellis@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Wendi Ellis. I graduated from Arab High School in 1990. I received my bachelor's and master's degree from Jacksonville State University. I teach 4th grade Special Education at Arab Elementary School. I have taught for 13 years. Eleven of those years have been for the Arab City School System. I spent two years teaching at The Spurwick School in New Hampshire. I have been married for 14 years to a wonderful husband. We have two beautiful children, Hunter and Jordan.

Kirsten Ferguson, 5th Grade

kferguson@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from Auburn University with a Public Relations Bachelor’s Degree in 1995. I worked at United Way of Marshall County until I decided to return to school to become a teacher. I received my Master’s Degree in Education in 2000. I began working at Arab Elementary as a third grade teacher in 2002. In 2003, I began teaching 5th grade Science and Social Studies, where I happily remain today. My husband, Mark, and I reside in Union Grove and have 3 wonderful children – Randi, Taylor, and Sydney.

Melissa Ferguson, Psychometrist

mferguson@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1991 with my bachelor’s degree in special education. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with my master’s degree in school psychometry in 2000. This is my 15th year with Arab City Schools. I have been married to Randy Ferguson since 1987. We have two wonderful children, Anna Beth & Drew. Anna Beth is a freshman at the University of North Alabama this year & Drew is a junior at Arab High School.

Lillian Garner, 5th Grade

lgarner@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Lillian Garner. I earned a BS and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. This is my 25th year teaching; I’ve taught in Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. My husband Keith is also in education. We have a son Quentin, who is truly a joy. Teaching is my passion, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Renee Gibson, 5th Grade

rgibson@arabcityschools.org

Website

Hi. My name is Renee Gibson. In 1989, I graduated from Arab High School, and later graduated from Athens State with a degree in Elementary Education. I then added an endorsement in Early Childhood two years later. In 2000, I graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Masters degree in Educational Administration. I have been teaching at Union Grove Elementary for the past 14 years, so this is my first year at Arab Elementary and I am excited and enthused to be a part of the Arab City Schools System. My husband, Roger, and I just celebrated our 20^th anniversary this summer and we have been blessed with two girls. Our oldest daughter, Courtney, is attending Birmingham Southern College and Anna Catherine is an 8^th grader at Arab Junior High.

June Green, 3rd Grade

jgreen@arabcityschools.org

Website

I am a 1979 graduate of Arab High School. I received my BS and MA degrees in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama. I taught kindergarten in Vernon, Alabama for two years and then for the next ten years here in Arab. I taught 2nd grade for five years and have taught 3rd grade for ten years. I have two children, John David and Joe Cagle. I'm married to Gary Green and have two step-children, Hailey and Madison.

Bette Haden, 3rd Grade

bhaden@arabcityschools.org

Website

I was born in Waynesboro, Virginia, but I grew up in four Virginia cities: Waynesboro, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Richmond. I attended Longwood University and the University of Virginia, earning my BS degree in Elementary Education. I taught 16 years in Richmond before moving to Arab in 1986. (My husband Gill was transferred to Huntsville then.) I’ve been teaching at AES for 24 years. Gill and I have two wonderful children, Patrick and Dawn.

Maggie Hall, 3rd Grade

mhall@arabcityschools.org

Check out my Website !!

I grew up in Guntersville, AL and graduated from Guntersville High School in 1992. Following high school, I attended the University of Alabama and received my bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education in 1996. My master’s degree in elementary education is from the University of Alabama as well. I began teaching third grade at Arab Elementary School in 1997, and I am in my thirteenth year in that position. My husband, David, teaches at Arab High School and is a varsity football coach. We have been blessed with two sons, Harrison and John David.

Reda Hallman, Counselor

rhallman@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from Arab High School in 1970. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1973, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1978 and certification in Guidance and Counseling in 1991 from Jacksonville State University. I taught at Cherokee School in Guntersville for seven years from 1973-1980. After staying home a few years with my two sons, I began teaching at Arab Elementary School and became counselor in 1997. I have just completed 24 years with the system. My husband, John Hallman, is Transportation Supervisor for Arab City Schools. We now have two wonderful daughters-in-law and a terrific grandson, Kaleb.

Tammy Heflin, Special Services

theflin@arabcityschools.org

Website

Tammy Heflin is originally from the Arab area and graduated from Arab High School in 1979. She is a certified speech and language pathologist and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Auburn University and a Master of Education degree from Columbus College. She has a combined 25 years experience in clinical, hospital, and educational settings. She is married to Guy Heflin and has two sons, Sam and Jake.

Carrie Hill, 3rd Grade

chill@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from Arab High School in 1985. I received a BS degree in Elementary Education from Athens State in 1990 and a MA degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama in 1992. I taught first grade at Arab Primary School for eight years before taking some time off from teaching after moving to Anniston, Alabama. I returned to teaching in 2004 at Arab Elementary School where I have been teaching third grade since. My husband, David, and I have two children, Mary Ellen and Andrew.

Jennifer Hill, 3rd Grade

jhill@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Jennifer Hill. I have taught 3rd grade for four years. I graduated from Guntersville High School in 1996. I received my bachelors degree in 2006, from Athens State University, and I am currently working on my masters degree from the University of West Alabama. My husband, Jason, and I have three precious children, Jaylin, Jenna, and Jaxon.

Sheila Holland, 3rd Grade

sholland@arabcityschools.org

Website

I grew up in Albertville and graduated from Albertville High School. I received my bachelors degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Athens State University in 1992 and my Masters degree from Alabama A&M University in 1995. I have taught for 18 years, and I have taught in Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. I have taught 1st grade for 9 years (five of those at Arab Primary), 2nd grade for 3 years, one year of 6th,7th, & 8th grade language arts, and 5 years of third grade at Arab Elementary School, and I love teaching!!! I am married to Marty Holland who graduated from Arab High School, and we have a 14 year old son, Evan, who is a freshman in high school this year.

Kamesha Jones, Reading Specialist

kjones@arabcityschools.org

Website

My teaching career began in 1998. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Athens University and Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. Teaching reading has always been a passion for me. I taught 3rd grade for eight years. In 2004, I began extensive training in the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI). I presented for ARI for three consecutive summers and became Reading Coach for Arab Elementary in 2006, after success with ARI strategies in my 3rd grade classroom. October 2005, I married my wonderful husband, Jeremy Jones, and we have two children, Cory and Shelby.

Andrew Kelley, Physical Education

akelley@arabcityschools.org

Website

I am a 1991 graduate of Arab High School. I received my teaching degree from Athens State University and a masters degree from the University of Alabama. I have been teaching and coaching for 11 years. Currently I am the 7th grade girls basketball coach. I am married to the former Kim McQuiston and have one son, Carter.

Kim Kelley, 5th Grade

kimkelley@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Kim Kelley. I graduated from Arab High School and received my degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University. I have been teaching in the Arab City School system for 19 years. I taught second grade at Arab Primary for the first five years of my career and have taught fifth grade science for the last 14 years. I have been married to my husband, Brett, for 17 years. We are blessed with two wonderful sons. Clint is in the 10th grade at Arab High School and Andy is in the 6th grade at Arab Junior High.

Carol King, 5th Grade

cking@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Carol King. I graduated from Arab High School in 1986. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Athens State and a Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama. I started teaching third grade at AES in 1993. I have taught fourth grade and I am currently teaching fifth grade reading and history. I am blessed with a wonderful husband and three terrific children.

Jennifer King, 4th Grade

jking@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Jennifer King, and I have lived in Arab all of my life. I graduated from Arab High School in 1993. I graduated from the University Alabama in 1998, and began teaching soon after that. My husband Ty and I married that following summer. We have two children, Kayleigh and Lawson. I taught third grade for nine years. I switched to fourth grade in 2007 to teach science and math.

Julie King, 3rd Grade

kingj@arabcityschools.org

Website

I grew up in Tallassee, Alabama and graduated from Tallassee High School in 1993. I received my BS in Finance from Troy University in 1997, and worked in the banking industry for several years before returning to school. I earned my Masters in Education from Auburn University in Montgomery and taught 6th and 7th grade in Tallassee for 4 years. My family and I moved to Arab in 2006 and I’ve been teaching 3rd grade at AES since then. My husband, Scott, has a landscaping business, and we have 2 precious children, Kaden and Madelynn. We are proud to call First Baptist Arab our church home. I am active in women’s ministry activities there and also teach 5th and 6th grade GA’s. Although we’ve only lived in Arab a short time, we were welcomed with open arms and have become quite at home here. I am very blessed to work in such a wonderful school system with people who truly care about each other and the children they teach. I am not a native, but the school spirit is contagious…GO KNIGHTS!!

Barbara Knighton, School Nurse

bknighton@arabcityschools.org

Website

Barbara Knighton, the elementary school nurse, moved to Arab 10 years ago from Dallas, TX. She grew up in Kansas and moved to Texas after graduating from nursing school. She worked in Dallas for 20 years—most of that time in the Emergency Department-- and for a plastic surgeon for 3 years. While in Dallas, she got a BS degree in Public Administration from UTD and married Hugh Knighton, a captain for Southwest Airlines. They have 2 boys—Trey and Jonathan, and decided to move here to Hugh’s hometown to raise their family. Barbara started filling in as the school nurse at the primary, elementary, and junior high and now works full time at the elementary school.

Kris Knytych, Special Services

kknytych@arabcityschools.org

Website

I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. I moved to Queen Creek, Arizona in 1987. There I received my Certificate in Physical Therapy from Pima Medical Institute at Tempe, Arizona. My family and I moved back to Alabama in 1991. I came to Arab after being told that this Community was very youth oriented. Arab did not disappoint! I have worked for Arab City Schools for 16+ years. I have three great sons: Eric, Jeremy and Will. I also have a wonderful grandson, Jax.

April Mann, Special Services

amann@arabcityschools.org

Website

I have been teaching for 19 years and this is my 7th year at Arab Elementary School. I graduated from Arab High School and attended Auburn University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I have a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. My husband, Phillip, and I both grew up in Arab and have lots of family in the area. We have been married for 20 years and have two boys, Chris and Cameron who are both very active in athletics! GO KNIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allen Matthews, Special Services

amatthews@arabcityschools.org

Website

Mr. Matthews is a graduate from St. Marys High School, St. Marys, West Virginia. He received a Bachelors degree at Athens State University in 2000. He is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He collaboratively teaches special education and is the director for the extended day/summer program. Mr. Matthews and his wife Addene have three children, Branda, Joshua, and Amanda along with three beautiful grand-daughters.

Amanda Maze, 4th Grade

amaze@arabcityschools.org

Website

Amanda Maze is a 1975 graduate of Arab High School. She has been teaching since 1978. She obtained her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. She has been married to Danny Maze for 31 years. They have two children, Danielle and Sam.

Melissa McClendon, 5th Grade

mmcclendon@arabcityschools.org

Website

Melissa Moon McClendon is a lifetime resident of Arab. She is a 1987 graduate of Arab High School. She attended Jacksonville State University and graduated in 1991 with a dual bachelors degree in early childhood and elementary education. In 1995, Mrs. McClendon received a master's degree from the University of Alabama. She began teaching in the Arab City School system in December of 1991. Mrs. McClendon has previously taught Title I reading, third grade, and fourth grade. Since 2008, she has taught fifth grade math and history. Melissa is married to Alan McClendon and they have been blessed with two children, Connor and Cameron.

Diane Moon, 4th Grade

dmoon@arabcityschools.org

Website

I was born in Seoul, Korea. As a military brat, I moved around a lot as a young kid. My dad finally retired, and we moved to Huntsville, Alabama. What a culture shock! Graduating in a class of 500 students was overwhelming. However, it prepared me for my next big move. I went to Auburn University (WAR EAGLE) for my undergraduate and the University of Alabama for my graduate degree in Elementary Education. I got my first teaching job at Arab Elementary School as a third grade teacher in 2000. Then in 2007, I moved up to fourth grade to teach reading and language. We have lived in Arab for the past nine years, which is the longest I have ever lived in one place. This is my home. My husband, Hong, and I have also been blessed with 2 boys, Noah and Seth.

Dee Morrow, 4th Grade

dmorrow@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Dee Morrow. I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and lived there until 1983, at which time my family moved to Bayville, New Jersey. I graduated from Toms River High School East in 1990. In the summer of 1991, I relocated in Alabama. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management of Technology from Athens State University in 1995. I completed my Master’s in Elementary Education in 2000 from Alabama A & M University. I began teaching at Arab Elementary School in 2003. I have taught technology, third and fourth grades here at AES. My husband, David, and I live in Union Grove and we have two very active children --- Lane and Lynsey.

Cynthia Pate, 4th Grade

cpate@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Cynthia Pate. I graduated from Auburn University in 1979 with a degree in Marketing and Accounting. My master's degree is from Georgia Southwestern University in Mathematics and Science. I have been teaching since 1988 in Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama. I had the honor of being Teacher of the Year for the Primary and Elementary schools in 2005-2006. I was also the Teacher of the Year for Marshall County Soil Conservation District in 2003. I graduated from Arab High School in 1975 as salutatorian for my class.

Heather Phillips, 4th Grade

hphillips@arabcityschools.org

Website

I grew up in the Arab area and graduated from Arab High School in 2002. I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Athens State University in 2006, and I am currently working on my master’s degree from the University of West Alabama. I started teaching at Arab Elementary in 2006, in which I taught in the technology lab. In 2007, I moved into a fourth grade classroom and I have been there ever since. I love my job! It is truly a blessing to work with children everyday.

Jessica Quillin, 3rd Grade

jquillin@arabcityschools.org

Website

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Karen Roy, Special Services

kroy@arabcityschools.org

Website

I am beginning my 23rd year of teaching Special Education. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama in Mobile (where I met Billy Roy) and I completed my Masters degree at Jacksonville State University. I married Billy Roy and we have three daughters, Jill, Emily, and Meredith.

Samantha Smith, 4th Grade

ssmith@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Samantha Smith. I graduated from Arab High School and received my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I have been teaching in the Arab City School system since 1990. I currently teach 4^th reading , language, and Alabama History. I have been married to my husband, Rodney, for 19 years. We have two wonderful daughters, Darby and Shelby.

Emily Stapler, Physical Education

estapler@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from Arab in 2000 and went on to the University of North Alabama to complete a degree in Physical Education. I taught for three years at West Elementary in Cullman before coming to Arab. In 2009, I finished my master’s degree from Jacksonville State University in Physical Education. My husband and I have two daughters, Julie and Jill. I am also the Cross Country and Track coach for Arab. I am enthusiastic about teaching skills and incorporating healthy eating and active living into physical education classes.

Kristy Thomas, Special Services

kthomas@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from Arab High School in 1985. I began teaching in Arab in 1989 after graduating from UAH. I received my Masters degree from the University of Alabama in 1992. While in Arab I have served in many different positions. I have taught the following grades first, third, fourth, fifth, and I was the Reading Coach prior to taking my current position as Title I teacher. I have been married to my husband Mike for 22 years and we have two children, Payton and Livie.

Jessica Thompson, Special Services

jthompson@arabcityschools.org

Website

Hello! I am Jessica Thompson. I grew up in Valhermoso Springs. I attended Cotaco School and graduated from Brewer High School in 2004. In December 2004, I received my undergraduate degree from the University of West Alabama in Special Education K-12 and I am also highly qualified in Elementary Education. During college, I was a member of the women's basketball team. During my collegiate career, I scored over 1,000 points and also hold the Division I & II record for most three pointers in a game with 12. I am currently teaching 3rd grade Special Education at Arab Elementary. In addition to teaching, I am coaching the 7th grade girls basketball team.

Stephanie Williams, Library Media Specialist

swilliams@arabcityschools.org

Website

As a library media specialist, I am surrounded by two things I love...books and children. I am a native Arabian Knight and love teaching in this school system. I am a graduate of Athens State University and received my master's degree in library media from Jacksonville State University. During my teaching career, I have served as a media specialist at both Arab High School and Arab Junior High School. For the past three years, I taught 7th and 8th grade English at Arab Junior High School. I have been happily married for 11 years and have two beautiful daughters. I also teach Sunday school, serve as our church librarian, and am involved in community ministry activities. It is with much excitement I begin this new chapter in my library career at Arab Elementary School.

Wendy Wright, 4th Grade

wwright@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Wendy Wright. I teach math and science in fourth grade at Arab Elementary. I taught at Arab Primary School for 11 years where I taught kindergarten for 1 year, first grade for 9 years, and second grade for 1 year. I went to school at Snead State and transferred to Athens State University where I received my degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. My husband is Dale. He works at Hyco Alabama as an Engineer. I have two girls, Christian and Laura Catherine. When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with my family.

Angie Wynn, 5th Grade

awynn@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from J.B. Pennington High School and received my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I moved to Arab in 1992 and began working at Arab Elementary as a teaching assistant. I taught 3rd and 4th grades before assuming my current position as a 5th grade math teacher. My husband, Thurmon, and I have two children, Kyle and Haley.

Office Staff

Regina Bowling

rbowling@arabcityschools.org

Website

I moved to Arab at age ten and graduated from Arab High School. I worked in the banking industry and was the bookkeeper and secretary for my husband, David, until our first son was born. After becoming a "stay at home mom" for several years, I was a substitute in the school system for seven years before being hired at Arab Elementary. I have worked at AES for 13 years. I have two sons and daughters-in-law, Jacob and Jennifer, and Daniel and Niki, and one grandson, Charlie.

Sonya Wallace

swallace@arabcityschools.org

Website

I graduated from J.B.Pennington High School in 1992. I worked in banking for five years. I was then blessed to become a stay at home mom. After my youngest son started preschool, I started to work at Arab Elementary School in 2004. I have two boys, Tristan and Tyler. Tristan is in the 7th grade at Arab Jr. High School and Tyler is in the 3rd grade at Arab Elementary School.

Aides

Sally Dunn, Library Assistant

sdunn@arabcityschools.org

Website

Patricia Harbuck

pharbuck@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Patricia Harbuck. I am a Special Education teaching assistant at AES. I graduated from Tanner High School in Limestone County and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Snead State. I have truly been blessed to be a part of the AES Team. My husband, Bill, and I are blessed with seven children and twelve grandchildren. Lu, Chad, and Jon Ray (three of our children) are graduates of AHS. Cody, Laura Beth, and Lane (three of our grandchildren) are currently attending the Arab School System.

Cindy Harper

charper@arabcityschools.org

Website

Rochelle Thomas

rthomas@arabcityschools.org

Website

My name is Rochelle Thomas. I graduated from Lee High School in Huntsville, AL. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of West Alabama in Elementary/Early Childhood Education. I played softball and ran cross country while attending the University of West Alabama. I also worked for the Livingston Fire Department as a first responder/student firefighter for two years where I received training as an emergency medical technician. This is my first year at Arab Elementary School. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am the assistant coach for the cross country and varsity softball team. I reside in Huntsville, AL and have a beautiful black lab, Charley. I enjoy the outdoors and traveling.

Sharron Reeves

sreeves@arabcityschools.org

Website

Lunchroom Staff

Len Certain

Christy Edwards, Manager

aeslunch@arabcityschools.org

Ginger Harwood

Debra Hyatt

Tina Isom

Angie Tedder

Custodial Staff

William Baker

Tammy Harper