Administration

Principal

Melissa St. Joy

Ms. St. Joy comes to Emma Hutchinson Elementary School with leadership, coaching, and teaching background. Before joining Hutchinson Elementary, Ms. St. Joy worked as an Assistant Principal, Teacher Quality Coordinator, Model Teacher Leader, and Instructional Coach within the Atlanta Public System. She has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade in Atlanta Public Schools, Dekalb County Schools, and Los Angeles Unified School District. Ms. St. Joy has been committed to education for the last 23 years.

Ms. St. Joy was born in Queens, NY, and grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and earned a Master’s Degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. After leaving Los Angeles, she received an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, which she completed in 2008.

Ms. St. Joy is a trustworthy professional who believes all children can learn, and every child deserves a high-quality education. Ms. St. Joy continually seeks to instill a love of learning in every child she interacts with and hopes to push all learners to be their best!

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree, Psychology - Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
Master's Degree Elementary Education - Loyola Marymount University
Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Leadership - Nova Southeastern University
Gifted Endorsement, Reading Endorsement

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Shaleece Long

Shaleece Long has spent 9 years in the educational profession. Mrs. Long holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Special Education, both from Georgia State University, and an Educational Specialist in Leadership from Berry College.

Mrs. Long joined Atlanta Public Schools in 2019 as a classroom teacher at Hutchinson Elementary School where she developed and led a school-wide series of professional development on effective writing instruction and was named Teacher of the Year in her first year. Upon which she advanced as a semifinalist in the district-wide Teaching in Excellence Selection Process. Since then, she was selected and completed the district's Aspiring Assistant Principals Program and Resident Advisor for Relay Graduate School of Education.

Currently, she serves as the assistant principal of Hutchinson Elementary.

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology - Georgia State University
Master's Degree, Special Education - Georgia State University
Educational Specialist, Leadership - Berry College

Counselor

Dr. Nashetta Rowell

My name is Dr. Nashetta Rowell and I am excited and honored to serve as Emma Hutchinson’s school counselor. I am a native of Alabama and journeyed to Atlanta to attend Spelman College after high school. At Spelman, I majored in elementary education. I continued my educational journey at Troy State University where I earned a master’s in counseling and psychology. I also hold an educational specialist and doctorate degree in school counseling from Argosy University Sarasota.

An educator is an individual born with a true desire to help and teach others. I began my teaching career here in Atlanta Public Schools in 1996. I have had the pleasure of teaching and counseling students in Atlanta Public Schools for 29 years. I posses a caring spirit, a true passion in working with students of all ages, and a dedicated attitude to continue to learn and provide innovative ways to help students and educators. My ultimate goal and overall objective in education is that I have a positive impact in students’ lives and develop life-long learners. I look forward to a great, productive, and successful school year!

mail: nrowell@atlanta.k12.ga.us

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree - Spelman College
Master's Degree, Counseling and Psychology - Troy State University
Doctorate Degree, School Counseling - Argosy University Sarasota

Instructional Coach

Ms. Amber Mack

Ms. Amber Mack brings a wealth of experience to Hutchinson Elementary, with over 15 years of teaching in kindergarten through 2^nd grade in Atlanta Public Schools, including three years abroad in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Her background also includes specialized endorsements in reading, instructional coaching, and dyslexia. She is deeply committed to advancing literacy and supporting both students and educators in reaching their highest potential. Ms. Mack was honored to be named Teacher of the Year, a reflection of her dedication to student growth and excellence in education.

Born and raised in metro Atlanta, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Spelman College, a Master of Arts in Teaching-Elementary Education from Mercer University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia.

Ms. Mack’s educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and equipped with the tools to thrive inside and outside of the classroom.

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts, Economics - Spelman College
Master of Arts, Teaching - Elementary Education - Mercer University
Educational Specialist degree, Early Childhood Education - University of West Georgia.

ELA Instructional Coach

Ms. Lalita Waites

Lalita Waites brings a deep commitment to student success and literacy development. With 25 years of experience in education, she has served in diverse roles such as Instructional Coach, RTI Coordinator, Literacy Specialist, Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Preschool Diagnostician.

Her focus on empowering educators and students has contributed to a culture of growth and stronger outcomes for students and educators. Lalita believes that building strong literacy skills is key to unlocking students’ potential and long-term achievement. She believes that when students develop strong literacy abilities, they are better prepared for academic success and for future opportunities in life.

She holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Administration & Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) from the University of Georgia.

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Science Degree, Education (B.S.Ed.) - University of Georgia
Master's Degree, Education (M.Ed.) – University of Georgia
Educational Specialist’s Degree, Educational Administration & Supervision (Ed.S.) – Lincoln Memorial University
Dyslexia Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, SP ED Preschool Endorsement

Math Instructional Coach

Mark Whatley

Mr. Mark Whatley brings 19 years of dedicated service with Atlanta Public Schools to his role as the Mathematics Instructional Coach at Hutchinson Elementary. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he is proud to give back to the community that shaped him by supporting high-quality, equitable math instruction that empowers all learners.

Mr. Whatley holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Georgia State University, and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University. Throughout his career, he has taught 2nd through 5th grades and served in a variety of leadership roles, including Teacher Mentor, Mathematics Interventionist, and EIP Mathematics Teacher.

Rooted in a belief in the transformative power of education, Mr. Whatley’s philosophy centers on the conviction that all students—regardless of background—are capable of deep mathematical understanding when provided with meaningful access, support, and challenge. He is committed to fostering a collaborative, reflective, and data-driven school culture where teachers are empowered and students are consistently engaged and affirmed.

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor’s Degree, Early Childhood Education - Georgia State University
Master’s Degree, Curriculum and Instruction – Central Michigan University
Mathematics Endorsement

Special Education Lead Teacher

Akithia Atkinson

Akithia Atkinson is a dedicated Special Education Lead Teacher with 19 years of experience in education. She is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Throughout her career, Ms. Atkinson has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional excellence, collaboration, and advocacy for students with diverse learning needs. Her leadership, expertise in Specially Designed Instruction, and focus on student growth continue to inspire both her colleagues and the students she serves.