Administration

“Becoming a wonderful teacher, or a great or awesome teacher, is a lifetime affair. This is because good teaching is forever pursuing better teaching; it is always dynamic and in motion, always growing, learning, developing, searching for a better way.” ~ William Ayers

Dr. Awak altruistically believes that all students can learn and that it is our duty as educators to motivate and challenge students to attain their highest potential. This philosophy has driven her work as an educator for the last thirteen years.

Over her career, Dr. Awak has consistently impacted student achievement and broadened student post-secondary choices. At Douglass High School in 2014, she led the biology team to a 20-point increase in EOCT student proficiency and received Race to the Top Merit for her students' performance. In 2017, as the science instructional coach at Mays High School, she led the science team to achieve double-digit EOC gains in student performance, and in 2018, Dr. Awak was recognized as Support Person of the Year. As an assistant principal, her leadership was instrumental in Therrell High School's authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the Middle Years, Career-Related, and Diploma Programs. Her efforts resulted in one of every four seniors in the class of 2021 being IB Career-related Program graduates. Because of her leadership impact on student outcomes, Dr. Awak was honored as one of three finalists for the LEADS Assistant Principal of the Year Award in Atlanta Public Schools in 2021.

Before her career in secondary education, Dr. Awak earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Tulane University and her Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering from the University of California San Diego (UCSD). For her leadership inside and outside the lab, Dr. Awak was honored in 2010 as one of the top five engineering graduate students in the inaugural class of UCSD Siebel Scholars.

Dr. Awak is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, and a proud New Orleans Public School System product, graduating from the illustrious McDonogh 35 Senior High School. She is a loving wife, bonus mother, dutiful daughter, supportive big sister, and loyal friend.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” - William Arthur Ward

Ms. Bynum believes every student deserves a supportive environment that challenges them to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork, accountability, and perseverance, empowering stud

Ms. Bynum has 26 years of experience in education. She served one year at St. Jude H.S in Montgomery, AL, 15 years in Cobb County at Pebblebrook H.S, and the last 10 years in Fulton County at Riverwood H.S., where she served as a Health and Physical Education teacher, Dept. Chair, Head Volleyball Coach, Head Golf Coach, and Head and Asst. Basketball Coach. In 2012, she was named the Cobb County Schools "Health and Physical Education Teacher of the Year". During her coaching stint, she has won many awards and made numerous state playoff appearances including two-Final Four finishes, two-Elite 8 finishes, and three Sweet 16 appearances. During the four years that she coached at Riverwood H.S, she was named "Region Coach of the Year" four times, was Region Champs four times, and coached players that were named "Region Player of the Year" each year.

Ms. Bynum is an Alabama native. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from Alabama State University, a Master of Public Health degree from Argosy University, and a Specialist Degree and Leadership Certifications from the University of West Georgia. Ms. Bynum is the proud mother of Kaylah Jackson.

“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass

Mr. Ross is a dedicated and passionate educator who firmly believes that all students can learn when provided with appropriate opportunities. This core philosophy has guided his leadership and instructional practices throughout his career and continues to shape his work at Creekside High School.

Mr. Ross began his career in education with the Atlanta Public Schools, teaching fourth grade for six years at Tull Waters Elementary. His excellence in teaching was recognized when he was named Tull Waters’ “Teacher of the Year” for the 2000–01 school year. He later took on the role of math coordinator for Project GRAD Atlanta, where he continued to impact student achievement through targeted instructional leadership.

His leadership journey continued at Charles R. Drew Charter School—Atlanta Public Schools’ first charter school—where he served as assistant principal. He went on to serve in various administrative roles within Fulton County Schools, including assistant principal positions at Benjamin Banneker High School, Sandtown Middle School, and eventually Creekside High School, where he has been a key part of the school’s leadership team since 2015.

Mr. Ross holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Morehouse College, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.

A proud native of Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Ross is also a devoted father to two adult children, Justen and Jada. He is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he continues his commitment to service and mentorship.

 “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X

Dr. Leonard firmly believes that all students can learn and deserve to experience success throughout their educational journey. He is committed to motivating, challenging, engaging, and providing students with meaningful opportunities to reach their highest potential. This philosophy has guided his work as an educator and leader for more than twenty years.

Throughout his career, Dr. Leonard has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, student advocacy, and instructional leadership. While serving in Hampton City Schools and the Douglas County School System, he led strategic school improvement initiatives that increased College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) scores, reduced student discipline infractions, and improved student attendance. His results-driven leadership has consistently enhanced student outcomes and strengthened school performance.

Dr. Leonard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morehouse College, a Master of Arts in Special Education from Hampton University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University. In addition, he is a proud Gates Millennium Scholar, a distinction awarded to outstanding student leaders committed to academic excellence and service.

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Leonard is a proud product of the Muscogee County School District. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a devoted husband, father, son, uncle, brother, and friend. He enjoys sports, mentoring young people, and creating lasting memories with family and friends.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

Ashleigh Buist is excited to join Creekside High School as an Assistant Principal, bringing a passion for whole-child education and a commitment to academic excellence.

She began her career at Pebblebrook High School before advancing her leadership skills at Tri-Cities High School. As a Geometry teacher, Ashleigh led initiatives to boost student performance, achieving the highest Geometry scores in the school for four consecutive years. Her dedication to instructional excellence led to a promotion as a School Improvement Coach, a role she held for six years. In this role, she facilitated professional development and coaching cycles of support and empowered teachers with innovative, research-based strategies to enhance instruction.

Most recently, Ashleigh played a key role in developing and implementing Fulton County Schools' new math curriculum aligned with the latest Georgia State Math Standards. Her steadfast efforts to support teachers in improving their instructional efficacy contributed to significant gains, resulting in a 19.5% increase in Algebra Concepts and Connections Milestones scores during the 2023-2024 school year.

Beyond her instructional leadership, Ashleigh has served as a graduation coordinator, senior sponsor, and a member of the school’s testing and Title I teams.

Ashleigh holds a B.S. in Math Education, an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology, and a Tier 1 Leadership Certificate.

Outside of education, she enjoys baking and often shares her delicious creations with colleagues. She also enjoys caring for her bunny, Snow, who adds a touch of joy to her busy life.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." —
Nelson Mandela

Mr. Simon is passionate about changing the trajectory of students' lives. Believing that education extends beyond books and classrooms, where teachers act as role models, and mentors. Recently, he served as the Response to Intervention educator, providing direct behavioral support to both students and staff.

Elijah has held various leadership roles throughout his educational career that allowed him to collaborate with leaders across the district and implement frameworks that had a positive impact throughout the district. During his years as an educator at Woodland Middle School, he served as the Connections Department Chair and simultaneously as the District Pathway Lead for Middle School Business, promoting programs and supporting curriculum development across the district.

Committed to education, Elijah has been recognized through several accolades. As PBIS Coach, he was instrumental in elevating Woodland Middle School's PBIS model to a distinguished level. His role in the Extended Instructional Leadership Team involved contributing to the school's vision and daily operations.

Elijah holds a Master of Education Leadership from the University of West Georgia. He also possesses a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Alabama A&M University. Recently, he obtained an MTSS Endorsement.

An Atlanta native, Elijah currently resides in McDonough, Georgia, with his wife Te-Ann and their children Sean and Gabrielle.  He is committed to fitness, community and balances his professional responsibilities with a fulfilling life, dedicated to continuous learning and personal development.

“Every man has two educators: 'that which is given to him, and the other that which he gives himself.” Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Dean Freeman has dedicated over 20 years to the field of urban education, shaping the academic experiences of students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her excellence in teaching, earning the Teacher of the Year award in 2011 and the American Families Excellence in Teaching Award in 2012. Her expertise in research-based teaching strategies in the English classroom has been acknowledged by the United States Department of Education.

A proud graduate of Georgia State University, Dean Freeman holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and a Master’s of Urban Teacher Leadership. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dean Freeman is a devoted mother of two and grandmother to seven, and her love for youth remains at the heart of her mission. As a committed South Fulton community member, she is dedicated to advancing the educational and social growth of all students