May 9, 2023
Fulton County Schools would like to say "welcome" to our newly-hired principals and administrative staff. We also offer our "congratulations" to existing employees that move into these positions as well. We are proud to present our newest team members here and on our FCS Social Media.
Karin Alhadeff
Principal, Vickery Mill Elementary School
Karin Alhadeff began her teaching career while a student at Emory University. With a strong passion for helping students with different needs, she was hired for her first job teaching preschool and pre-kindergarten to those with and without Autism. At the Autism Center, Mrs. Alhadeff was able to use early intervention methods to assist her students’ future schools in creating Individualized Education Plans that would assist them in their least restrictive environment in kindergarten. She continued her education earning a Bachelor in the Arts and Master in the Arts of Teaching from Emory University.
Mrs. Alhadeff then joined the Fulton County Schools Team at Ridgeview Charter Middle School, a Title 1 School in Sandy Springs. She served Ridgeview in many different capacities. She began as a 6th grade social studies teacher in the co-taught setting where she earned the title of Teacher of the Year in 2014. She then became a Grade Level Chair and soon thereafter an Assistant Administrator. With literacy guiding instruction, Mrs. Alhadeff helped to create a literacy block where students and teachers were able to focus on remediation and enrichment. As the International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Mrs. Alhadeff helped teachers to devise lessons that were interdisciplinary, included differentiation, and both students and teacher analyzing data. During her time in this role, Mrs. Alhadeff attended Mercer University to earn her Specialist in Educational Leadership.
In 2016, Mrs. Alhadeff was honored to be promoted to Assistant Principal at Sweet Apple Elementary in Roswell. Over the last seven years, Mrs. Alhadeff has creatively worked with teachers to implement plans to help all students to find success. She worked diligently to put strategies in place in all classrooms to foster a positive learning environment through PBIS.
Mrs. Alhadeff has an uncompromising belief that all students can learn when given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused education team, and an encouraging community. She is committed to fostering an environment where all stakeholders feel supported, challenged, and valued. The amazing students, dedicated teachers and staff, and caring community have made Vickery Mill an incredible place and Mrs. Alhadeff is excited to work with this team.
Mrs. Alhadeff is married to Andy Alhadeff who also works in Fulton County Schools. They have two children, Hayley, who is seven and Brady, who is four. They recently moved to Roswell and are excited to truly become part of the Roswell Family.
Brian Keefer
Executive Director, Professional Learning
Brian Keefer's professional journey has included experiences in Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, and Georgia. Over the course of his 23-years in public education, he has served as an Elementary Teacher, Special Education Teacher in all grades K-12, Alternative School Teacher, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, Co-Principal, and Principal.
He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. He went on to earn an Education Specialist Degree from Georgia Southern University in Educational Leadership with an ESOL Endorsement, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. He is passionate about professional learning and leadership development, having completed his doctoral research in creating quality professional learning opportunities for educational leaders.
Brian represents Georgia's Elementary Principals as its National Association of Elementary School Principals State Representative. He previously served as the President of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals and was recognized as the Georgia Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year in 2021. During his tenure as Principal in Henry County Schools, he earned district recognitions of Title I Principal of the Year and Innovative School of the Year.
His favorite hobbies are running, hiking, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and 2 sons.
Cheryl Parker
Principal, Heritage Elementary School
Cheryl Parker is a proud native of Troy, Alabama, and began her teaching career as a middle school math teacher with Atlanta Public Schools in 2004. In 2007, she became an inaugural teacher at Atlanta Public Schools’ newly designed gender school, Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She was selected as the schools’ first teacher of the year and then the 2008-2009 district-wide middle school teacher of the year. Ms. Parker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Spelman College and her Master and Education Specialist degrees in Educational Leadership from Argosy University.
Ms. Parker joined The Main Street Academy, a Fulton County public charter school, in 2012, serving as an assistant principal. In 2015, she became the principal through an extremely rigorous selection process, serving for six years. Ms. Parker rejoined Atlanta Public Schools as an interim program director and program manager in 2021.
Ms. Parker firmly believes that a thriving school community is built and sustained through setting outcomes-driven goals, creating a culture of value, voice, and high expectations, leading with a sense of urgency, and promoting collaboration, creativity, and innovation amongst all stakeholders. She has a passion for creating and exposing students to learning opportunities beyond the school walls.
Ms. Parker is elated to join the Heritage Elementary School family. She looks forward to working alongside teachers, staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders to continue creating a school of excellence – a school our kids deserve.
Ms. Parker is a sports fanatic of every game. She has been an Atlanta Falcons season ticket holder since 2002. She also enjoys listening to all genres of music and travels to New York annually to experience a Broadway show. She is now pursing her childhood dream of learning to play the piano.