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 has 25 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 9 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 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 your passport to success in this world." - Michael Render

Mrs. Troutman aims to prepare students with the necessary skills to confidently meet every opportunity and pursue dreams. She discovered her passion for education during a college internship with the Department of Juvenile Justice. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2006, she pursued a master's degree from Mercer University in Middle Grades Math Education. For 11 years, she taught math in both Clayton County Public Schools and Atlanta Public Schools, consistently achieving remarkable results. Her students' achievements on the CRCT state exams ranged between 86-93% pass rates. On the more rigorous GMAS state exam, at least 70% of her students passed each year. Mrs. Troutman was named Teacher of the Year in 2016 at Babb Middle School and a Teacher of the Year District Top Finalist in Clayton County. 

She earned a certificate in Project Management in 2016 from the University of Georgia and honed her ability to create systems that impact positive school outcomes. She was appointed to positions such as grade-level chair, PBIS Coach, Saturday and Summer School Administrator. For three years, she worked as an instructional coach for Bunche Middle School of Atlanta Public Schools, where she was chosen to lead the district's math enrichment Summer Program and train aspiring leaders. In 2022, she joined the staff of Creekside High School as a school improvement coach. During her first year, she supported the Algebra team of teachers, who helped 100% of students demonstrate growth on the GA Milestone EOC Algebra Assessment. She contributed to improvements in the area of CTAE and College and Career Initiatives. She was awarded Support Professional of the Year in 2023.

As a true Georgia girl, she enjoys music, traveling, reading, outdoor activities, and new adventures. Her most valued moments are times spent laughing and sharing the company of friends and family. 

“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

"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.

"Education must not simply teach work – it must teach life."
— W.E.B. Du Bois

Ms.Pauldo is driven by the belief that education should be a catalyst for equity, opportunity, and lifelong success. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of cultivating a safe, inclusive, and student-centered environment where every learner is supported not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

With a strong foundation in science, Ms. Pauldo began her career as a science teacher in the Bibb County School District, later becoming department chair and Head Cheer Coach. In 2022, she joined Atlanta Public Schools as an instructional coach, significantly improving student achievement and teacher development. Her leadership has extended across urban school districts, where she has mentored new teachers, led interdisciplinary planning, coordinated district-wide testing, and championed STEM education. As a recruitment ambassador and Campus-Based Lead Mentor, she has played a key role in shaping retention efforts.

Ms. Pauldo holds a Bachelors degree from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Georgia College & State University, and an Education Specialist from Berry College. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Georgia State University. A proud member of multiple professional organizations including the Georgia Science Teachers Association, where she has served as a District Director, furthering her commitment to science education.

Ms. Pauldo is from Macon, Georgia, where she is a graduate of Jones County High School. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, volunteering at church and shopping.

“We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Mr. Campbell is a transformative leader. His vision aligns with the Creekside High School Vision: For all students to learn to their fullest potential. He believes that every student can excel at Creekside High School and beyond. During his time as a leader at Creekside, he would like to promote positive change through big visions, inspiration and a call to action. Lastly, his focus will be to build and maintain connections with both students and staff alike.

Mr. Campbell began his journey in education at Sandy Springs Middle School in Fulton County Schools. During his time at Sandy Springs, he taught both 7th and 8th grade science. During this time, he collaborated with teachers to implement effective instructional strategies which led to an increase of content mastery by 42% on the 8th grade Science GMAS in the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, during his time at Sandy Springs, he was the 7th grade Department Chair and the PBIS coach. During his leadership as the PBIS Coach, the Office of Disciplinary Referrals decreased by 35% in comparison to Fall 2023. Lastly, during his leadership, Sandy Springs Middle School changed recognition status from ‘Emerging’ to ‘Operational.’

During his time at Sandy Springs, he was a finalist for Teacher of the Year in the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, he has received recognitions school-wide for innovative lessons, collaboration, reflectiveness, and leadership.

Mr. Campbell obtained his Bachelor of Education from Georgia State University. Additionally, he obtained his Master of Education from Thomas University in Curriculum and Instruction. He is currently working on his Tier-1 leadership at the University of West Georgia and has plans to start his Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership in the fall of 2025.