Grayson Tech Staff
Jennifer Allen
Veterinary Science and Department Chair
Jennifer Allen is the Veterinary Science instructor at Grayson Tech. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician with industry experience specializing in small animal medicine and hospital management. Ms. Allen earned her associate's degree in Veterinary Technology at Gwinnett Technical College. She began her teaching career at Grayson Tech in 2014.
Deborah Avis
Language Arts
Deborah Avis is an embedded Language Arts instructor at Grayson Tech. She is a veteran teacher with 30 years of teaching experience specializing in Language Arts and Social Studies. Ms. Avis earned her bachelor’s degree in English education as well as her master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Georgia. In addition, she earned her specialist degree in teaching and learning from Piedmont College.
Amy Blankenship
Lobby Clerk
Amy Blankenship greets students and visitors at Grayson Tech as the receptionist. Previously, Amy worked at Grayson High as the front lobby clerk. Prior to that, she worked for a pre-Kindergarten program for five years. Away from work, Mrs. Blankenship enjoys spending time with her husband and three adult children.
Christy Conners
Commercial Photography
Christy Conners love for art and design began as a teenager growing up in the Northwest. Living in Seattle, she learned to appreciate nature and the beauty of the world. It was there that she learned about the various forms of art including dance, drama, music, and fine arts. Her family moved to Snellville when she was in the ninth grade. She was a competitive swimmer on the Brookwood team as well as Swim Atlanta. When she wasn't swimming she spent most of her time in her darkroom, learning photography from her father. Ms. Conners went on to pursue photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. After graduating she began working as a freelance designer. Using her strengths in photography and graphic design she also worked at a marketing company doing advertising. In the summers you could find her at the Hudgens Center for the arts teaching a variety of fine art classes. While working there, Ms. Conners discovered a love for teaching and began working as a substitute in Gwinnett County. Her first teaching position was at Hull Middle School back in 2005 and from there she moved to Grace Snell Middle. Ms. Conners is very excited to be at Grayson Tech this year teaching Commercial Photography. She's looking forward to sharing her love for art and design with her students while providing them the tools they need to succeed in the future.
Andre DeRamus
Music Industry/Production
Andre DeRamus has worked as the Music Industry/Production instructor at Grayson Technical Education Program for seven years. Andre manages clients in the entertainment field who are affiliated with Warner Records, Atlantic Records, BMG Music Publishing, and also serves as an A&R in the music publishing field. He is a two-time Grammy Nominee and the 2016 University of Chicago Most Outstanding Teacher recipient.
Wendy Dyer
Networking and Cloud Computing
Dr. Wendy Dyer is the Networking and Cloud Computing Instructor at Grayson Tech. Dr. Dyer is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor's of Education in Mathematics. She received her Master’s in Mathematics Education and her Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction from Piedmont College. She also received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University. Dr. Dyer taught a combination of mathematics, information technology, computer science & programming and game design over the course of her 20+ years at Grayson High School. She enjoys teaching computer science and serves as an advocate for equity in computer science. Her goal is to encourage all students to pursue their dreams in computer science and information technology.
Anthony Edwards
Cybersecurity
Anthony Edwards is the Cybersecurity Instructor at Grayson Tech. Mr. Edwards earned a Bachelors in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University and a Masters in Arts Teaching from the University of Georgia. He is currently working on his Doctor of Philosophy in Workforce Education at the University of Georgia. His industry background includes three Internet startups and working for a Fortune 1000 company. In addition to teaching in the United States, Mr. Edwards has taught in Tanzania in East Africa on a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program. His spare-time hobbies include astronomy and falconry.
Reta Elder
Counselor
Ms. Elder has been an educator for more than 20 years. Prior to becoming a School Counselor, she was an English teacher for 12 years during which time she was recognized as a STAR teacher and was the recipient of the Educator of Distinction Award by the National Society of High School Scholars. She has been a Workshop Facilitator for the Alabama College Association and for Lawson State College in the area of Adult Education. Ms. Elder holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from The University of Alabama, a Master’s Degree in English Education from The University of West Georgia, and an Ed.S in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. Ms. Elder is the mother of three and resides in Gwinnett County.
Carlos Hooper
Audio Video Technology and Film
From the quiet streets of Ruleville, Mississippi to the bright lights of Hollywood sets, Mr. Hooper has spent a lifetime chasing stories—and helping others tell theirs. With over 20 years in the film industry and 15 years in the classroom, he brings a rare blend of real-world experience and educational passion to every lesson he teaches.
You might’ve seen his name roll by in films like O Brother, Where Art Thou? Found, An Actor Prepares, Fair Game, Heels, or Kemba just to name a few. But ask him what role he’s proudest of, and he’ll say “teacher.” Currently serving as the Film and Broadcast instructor at Grayson High School, Mr. Hooper leads one of the most dynamic AVTF programs in the state—where cameras roll, lights flash, and students become storytellers. Hooper has taught across the state: Henry County Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, last stop Berkmar High School.
A Shuler Award winner, Director of the Year, and Georgia Latino Film Association’s Advocator of the Year, many Film Festival winner. Mr. Hooper is more than a teacher—he’s a mentor, motivator, and master of the creative spark. Whether it’s a short film, a live broadcast, or a stage production, he challenges students to dream big, work hard, and find their unique voice behind the lens.
When he’s not on set or in the classroom, he’s at home cheering on his three greatest productions—his son and two daughters—alongside his wife. A firm believer that storytelling can change the world, Mr. Hooper sees every student not just as a learner, but as a future creator ready to leave their mark.
Lights, camera, learning—welcome to Mr. Hooper’s world.
Phillip Garrett
Culinary Arts
Phillip Garrett is the Culinary Arts instructor at Grayson Tech. An alumni of NCCU, he also attended Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. He later attended American InterContinental University where he received an MBA and M.ED. He comes with 25 years of experience in the culinary field. His interest came after experimenting on his parents with breakfast. He wants all of his students to know that good food makes for good conversation.
Michael Gary
Career Technical Instructor
Michael Gary is a Career Technical Instructor for Grayson Tech. Mr. Gary has also worked at Berkmar High School, and in Fulton and Walton County schools. He earned a Masters of Education from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University. Mr. Gary lives in Bogart, Georgia with his two daughters Grace and Miriam.
Shaylin Holley
Career Technical Instructor
Shaylin Holley is a Career Technical Instructor for Grayson Tech. He earned his BA degree in Political Science from Morgan State University and earned his Master of Teaching degree with a specialty in ML from the School for International Training Graduate Institute. He has a plethora of life and intercultural experiences - namely, living and teaching abroad in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region for over a decade as a Language Faculty Member and Coordinator of Instruction. He’s traveled extensively throughout the US and dozens of countries, making his way to the world’s prime meridian site in England, exploring rice and tea plantations in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, and visiting the world’s tallest skyscraper in Dubai. He currently serves as a mentor with the GCPS Community Mentor Program and volunteers as a youth football and basketball coach. He enjoys eating gelato and spicy Thai food.
Eddie Knox
Exercise Physiology
“Promoting safe and healthy communities one step at a time”
Eddie Knox moved to Gwinnett County shortly after attending college at Valdosta State University. He studied athletic training at Valdosta State University and proceeded to work in a diverse dynamic setting in Atlanta, Georgia. Passionate about sports medicine, he was given the opportunity to work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in year 2009. Shortly afterwards, in year 2010, Eddie moved to Gwinnett County and started working in the clinical setting as a certified athletic trainer. He began athletic training outreach through Gwinnett Medical Center Sports Medicine Program. Eddie has been actively working in the sports medicine field for eight years and has plans to continue the direction of sports medicine through interactive public health and athletic training services. Currently, he works with the Mountain View High School program and is actively involved in sports medicine daily activities as the Head Athletic Trainer. In addition, Eddie has completed his Master Degree of Public Health, with a focus in epidemiology from Benedictine University. He has interacted with the Georgia Department of Public Health, and piloted a injury prevention program for agencies in the state of georgia. With encouragement from health professionals alike, Eddie has continued to embrace new opportunities of development in the field of athletic training and sports medicine. These new opportunities include research and publication additions. In his free time, Eddie enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, recreational activities, and DIY projects.
Jane Loudermilk
Sports Medicine
Jane Loudermilk is the Sports Medicine instructor at Grayson Tech. She graduated from Samford University in 2008 with a degree in education and minor in Biology. After graduation she taught at a small private school in Birmingham, Alabama while getting a master's degree in education. Jane and her family moved from Alabama to Cincinnati, Ohio where she worked with a special education program, coached varsity volleyball and her husband was an athletic director. Upon moving to Georgia she was hired to teach Physical Education and Health at Shiloh Middle School. After leaving Shiloh, she taught at Norton Elementary school. Then moved to Mountain View High School to teach Health and Physical Education while coaching with the varsity volleyball team. For the last two years Jane has been working at 180 Sports Performance where she trained all levels of athletes in sport performance and return to play rehab. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children.
Cassandra Mingo
Entrepreneurship
Cassandra Mingo is the Entrepreneurial Pathway instructor at Grayson Tech. Ms. Mingo is a graduate of Grand Canyon University where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Business Education and a Masters in Sociology with an emphasis in Education. She is a Microsoft Certified Educator and a Microsoft Office Specialist in MS Word and MS PowerPoint. Ms. Mingo has studied abroad in England where she explored the educational landscape in comparing British and US education practices in the areas of culture, curriculum, classroom, leadership, and community. Her goal is to prepare students to be critical thinkers within and positive contributors to the social climate of their communities; as well as be globally competitive in a 21st-century society. When not spending amazing moments with family and friends, Ms. Mingo can be found connecting with nature in the North Georgia Mountains.
Demetria Parker
Administrative Clerk
Demetria Parker is a native of Georgia and lives with her family in Grayson. Mrs. Parker graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems from Prairie View A & M University in Texas. Prior to working at Gwinnett County Schools, she worked as a System Technical Associate and Web Developer with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services. Mrs. Parker mostly enjoys family time with her husband and five daughters.
Tabitha Potter
Horticulture and Forest Science
Mrs. Potter was born and raised in Gwinnett County and has spent all but one of her years teaching in Gwinnett Public Schools. She earned her Bachelors of science degree from University of Georgia and her Masters in education from Walden University. She has taught several life science classes including Biology, Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Forensics, Microbiology, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science. Following her passion for the environment and her love of hands-on learning, she recently moved into teaching agriculture classes and sponsoring FFA. Her goal is pass on her love of learning and her love of the environment to the next generation. When not teaching, she loves to spend time with her husband and two amazing kids. They love hiking, camping, and board games.
Victoria Powell
Language Arts
Victoria Powell is an Embedded Language Arts instructor at the Grayson Technical Education Program and at Grayson High School. She is a teacher with 27 years of experience in English Language Arts, specializing in writing, humanities, and course team development. Ms. Powell began her teaching career in New York and continued in Georgia in 2000. Her studies at Hamilton College and subsequent universities encouraged her enthusiasm for Language Arts and her admiration of students.
Al Ragin
Graphic Design
Mr. Al Ragin is the Graphic Design program instructor for Grayson Tech. He is originally from Columbus, GA. He obtained a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts from Columbus State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. He has been a Graphic Design instructor for 10 years. His wife is also in education, and they have two children, a daughter in 5th grade and a son in 12th grade.
Joy Thompson
Language Arts
Joy Thompson is an embedded Language Arts instructor at Grayson Tech. She has taught Language Arts in elementary, middle, and high school. Mrs. Thompson’s passion for writing grew from her creative writing experiences at the university level. As a result, she takes great joy in helping students improve their voice and writing style. Her goal is to prepare students for not only post-secondary education, but life-long career communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Richard Trinkwalder
Law and Justice
After 23 years in law enforcement at the local and state level, Mr. Trinkwalder comes to Grayson Tech to expose students to the Law and Justice career field. During his career Mr. Trinkwalder was a supervisor in patrol operations and a criminal investigator for cases involving anything from petty theft to homicide. The last six years was spent investigating auto related crimes for the Georgia Department of Revenue where he was appointed to the board of a national organization, as well as several auto crime related committees for other national organizations. Mr. Trinkwalder is also an adjunct instructor at Lanier Tech for the Criminal Justice Program. Mr. Trinkwalder attended Gwinnett Tech, University of Alabama, Columbia College, and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Psychology at Liberty University. When not having a great time with his wife and two teenage daughters, Mr. Trinkwalder enjoys golf, fishing, CrossFit, and is the head coach of JV Baseball for Grayson High School.
