Special Education Staff Award Winners Honored By Cherokee Schools

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — The Cherokee County School District is celebrating four of its special education team members.

Four members of the department of special education received its top annual honors during the annual Special Education Staff of the Year Awards ceremony.

They include:

Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist of the Year Amy Peart

Peart joined Cherokee Schools from Cobb County Schools in 2015. She provides occupational therapy services to students with fine motor and sensory needs and has served students at schools including Carmel Elementary, Boston Elementary, and Woodstock Middle.

"She consistently provides amazing therapy and classroom support in multiple schools and environments," a colleague shared. "Above all, she cares greatly for all students and demonstrates that in all she does."

School Psychologist of the Year Laura Killen

Killen has served the district for 11 years, with seven of those years as school psychologist. She has worked with students and teachers at Dean Rusk Middle, Holly Springs Elementary STEM Academy, Macedonia Elementary, Mountain Road Elementary and Woodstock Middle, and additionally has acted as the Innovation Zone psychologist contact for the Creekview Zone for the past two years.

"She truly cares for each student and the parents and teachers working to help and support them," a colleague said. "She is generous with her time and a great collaborator."

Special Education Facilitator of the Year Kortney Dempsey

Dempsey began her education career in 2006 with the district. She taught special education students for eight years at Woodstock High School, where she also served as the head softball coach. For the past eight years, she has served as a special education facilitator to support students and teachers at numerous schools, including Tippens Education Center where she earned its 2020-21 Support Staff Employee of the Year Award. Dempsey will work as a Cherokee Schools' special education lead facilitator starting next school year.

"She is knowledgeable, professional, and models a meeting well even in difficult situations," a colleague said. "She is someone who I strive to be like in my job."

Speech Language Pathologist of the Year Stacy Irwin

Irwin, who started her career with Cherokee Schools in 1999 but later relocated, rejoined the district in 2016 when her family returned to the community. She has provided speech language services to students with communication needs at Liberty Elementary, Teasley Middle and Cherokee High. Irwin also provides coaching and mentoring to colleagues in her role as speech language pathologist mentor.

"She is a fabulous mentor and works so hard. She always makes us feel supported, loved, and encouraged," a colleague said. "She always keeps us organized and never fails to check in with all of us."

“We know that our students overcome obstacles and make progress thanks to the dedication and care of these honorees and their fellow special education colleagues,” Superintendent Brian Hightower said. “We’re so proud of you and grateful for all you do to support our students and their families. Congratulations!”

Each winner received an engraved plaque and a $200 Visa gift card from Credit Union of Georgia, a school district partner. The School Board and Hightower will honor the winners with a virtual recognition during the School Board’s June meeting.