Administration

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

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

Ashlei Holmes currently serves as the ELA Instructional Coach at Hutchinson Elementary School, where she supports literacy instruction and student achievement. 

Ms. Holmes brings more than a decade of educational leadership experience, having served as Assistant Principal at both KIPP Vision Academy and KIPP Vision Primary School, as well as Teacher Leader and Grade-Level Chair within KIPP Metro Atlanta and DeKalb County Schools. Throughout her career, she has led instructional initiatives that produced measurable gains in student proficiency, closed achievement gaps across student groups, and developed the instructional capacity of novice and veteran educators alike.

Ms. Holmes approaches her work with energy and purpose, inspiring others through creative problem-solving, unwavering reliability, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning, while drawing on wisdom and a sense of higher meaning to guide and support collective growth within the school community.

Degrees

• Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership (in progress), University of West Georgia
• Master of Education, Early Childhood Education, Mercer University, 2013
• Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education, Clark Atlanta University, 2011

Certifications & Endorsements

• Tier I Educational Leadership Certification, University of West Georgia
• Georgia Educator Clear-Renewable Certificate — Early Childhood Education (P-5), Level 5, Type T
• ESOL Endorsement
• Science of Reading Certification (Lexia LETRS for Education, 2023)

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

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.

Dr. Dustin Hines is the Second Grade Intervention Specialist at Hutchinson Elementary, bringing over a decade of experience teaching 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade to his work supporting targeted literacy and math intervention, data-driven instruction, and MTSS practices. He holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership & Strategic Change from Lipscomb University, an M.Ed. in Reading Education from Vanderbilt University, and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University. Across his career in Tennessee and Georgia, Dr. Hines has built a reputation for aligning instructional teams, designing effective small-group interventions, and translating complex data into clear action for teachers and families alike. He is passionate about the Science of Reading, adult learning, and using technology to make strong instruction accessible to every classroom, with long-term aspirations to serve as a college or university president. Outside of school, he's a photographer and snare drummer.

Degrees

• Ed.D., Organizational Leadership & Strategic Change — Lipscomb University
• M.Ed., Reading Education — Vanderbilt University
• B.S., Elementary Education — Tennessee State University

Certifications & Endorsements

• Educational Leadership – Tier I 
• Math Endorsement (Metro RESA) 
• Interventionist Endorsement (Metro RESA) 
• REAP: Reading is Essential for All People – Structured Literacy K-5

Ms. Parks is the 3rd Grade Interventionist at Hutchinson Elementary School with 19 years of experience in education. She has served students as an MTSS/504 Specialist and has taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades in both Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Public Schools. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping every student reach their full potential through targeted instruction, data-driven interventions, and strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Ms. Parks is passionate about ensuring all students receive the support they need to become confident, successful learners. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Georgia Southern University and her Master's Degree from Walden University. She is also the proud Co-Coach of the Tigerettes Dance Team, where she helps foster confidence, discipline, and teamwork, through the performing arts. Ms. Parks believes all students can succeed when provided with intentional support, high expectations, and meaningful relationships.

Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Georgia Southern University
Master of Arts in Elementary Education - Walden University

Certifications

Georgia Tier I Educational Leadership Certification
Reading Endorsement
Teacher Support & Coaching Endorsement
Coaching Endorsement
Gifted In-Field Certification

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.