Kristen Brooks was named as the next principal of Shirley Hills Elementary School during the Houston County Board of Education meeting held on March 14, 2023. Brooks will begin this role on June 1.
Brooks currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Northside Elementary and Eagle Springs Elementary. She began her teaching career at Lindsey Elementary School in 2006 as a third-grade teacher. She has served as a second through fifth grade teacher, science curriculum writer, cheerleading coach at Northside High and Warner Robins Middle, and ESOL teacher. She also served as an Assistant Principal at Lindsey Elementary School.
“It is truly a blessing to have been given the opportunity to serve as Principal at Shirley Hills Elementary School. I would like to thank to Dr. Scott and the Board of Education for believing in me to lead and serve this school community,” said Brooks. “To the staff, students, parents and community, I look forward to fostering positive relationships and ensuring that all of our Mighty Mustangs continue to learn at high levels.”
Brooks received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Fort Valley State University. She also holds a Master of Education in Instructional Technology, a Specialist in Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University. Additionally, she holds Gifted, Math, and Science Endorsements through Middle Georgia RESA.
Mrs. Brooks and her husband, Antwan, have two children, Kaelyn and Antwan (AJ).
Matthew DeWitt is originally from along the shores of Lake Erie near Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Saint Edward High School in 1992. From there he received an athletic scholarship to play football at Ohio University. While there Matt graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education (minor in Spanish). After teaching in Ohio for one year, Matt moved to Naples, Florida where he taught fourth grade and first grade for a total of five years.
He has been resident of Houston County since 2006 with his wife and two children. Matt taught fifth grade at Eagle Springs Elementary for seven years. In 2008 he was chosen as the Eagle Springs Elementary Teacher of the Year. In addition, he was also a 2008 recipient of the Channel 13WMAZ “My Teacher is Tops” award. During his time at Eagle Springs, he also earned his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Argosy University.
In 2013, he was selected as Assistant Principal of Discipline at both Russell Elementary and Shirley Hills Elementary. He considers it an honor and privilege to be serving and working with the staff, students, and parents of Shirley Hills Elementary.
Charlotte Dunlap was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia. She attended Shorter College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Specialists in Educational Leadership form Columbus State University.
Mrs. Dunlap has been an educator for 27 years. She joined the Houston County team in 1998. Prior to becoming an administrator, she served in the following capacities: Teacher in Kindergarten, 1st , and 2nd Grades, EIP Reading Specialist for Grade 3-5, and Literacy/Instructional Coach. She holds both Reading and Gifted endorsements. In 2015, she was named Assistant Principal for Instruction at Shirley Hills Elementary. She is a proud Mustang!
Mrs. Dunlap is married to LaDavid Dunlap, Air Force Retiree. They have two children and three grandchildren.
