Knight Administration

Since the age of ten, Dr. Harrell had the dream of becoming a teacher. Many of her aunts were teachers and her grandfather was a principal. Playing “school” was one of her favorite childhood games. As a product of the Houston County School System, Dr. Harrell had excellent role models. After graduating from Warner Robins High School in 1984, she went to Middle Georgia College the first two years and then Georgia College and State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in 1989. Dr. Harrell's dream of becoming a teacher became reality when she was hired to teach third grade at Shirley Hills Elementary, her very own elementary school Alma Matter.

Dr. Harrell taught third grade for seven years and fourth grade for one year while going to school at night to further her education. She obtained my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood from Georgia Southwestern in 1995, Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia in 1998, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in 2006. During her years at Shirley Hills Elementary, She was named Teacher of the Year for the 1996-1997 school year, and was named a top ten finalist for Houston County’s Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Harrell am the proud mother of two sons, Brock and Bailey Harrell. Brock graduated from Warner Robins High School in 2013 and Bailey graduated in 2016. Brock is married to Ally Driggers and they have a beautiful daughter, Presley.

Mrs. Rooks grew up in rural Ohio and has wonderful memories of her elementary school teachers. She believes teachers have such an important responsibility in the life of a child. She graduated high school in Orlando, Florida in 1992. She then graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education in 1997. In addition, she earned a master's degree From Piedmont University in Elementary Education and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction From Piedmont University. 

Mrs. Rooks began teaching second grade in Houston County in 1997 at Pearl Stephens Elementary school. Through the years she has taught kindergarten, second, third, and fifth grades. She even taught fourth grade virtually during the pandemic.  Each grade level brings its own set of challenges and celebrations, and she finds enjoyment in each one. She was teacher of the year for Matt Arthur Elementary school in 2014-2015. 

Mrs. Rooks has been married for 26 years and has two grown boys, Caleb and Matthew. 

In high school, Mr. Parsons wanted to become a professional tuba player for the Chicago Symphony.  He pursued a music performance degree at Valdosta State.  During one of his classes where he had to observe band directors, his passion was born for influencing students for a love of music.   

After graduating from Valdosta State University, Mr. Parsons taught middle school and high school band for six years.  His career led him to become a youth and music pastor for 16 years.  He returned to the education field in 2014, where he became the music teacher at Hilltop Elementary School.

Since returning, Mr. Parsons completed his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University and  Education Specialist’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College.  

Mr. Parsons loves golf, snow skiing, and anything to do with THE FLORIDA GATORS!!!  He has been married to his sweetheart since 1995.  He is a proud dad to three incredible kids: Tyler, Hunter, and Annlei.