Student Support

Ms. Espelosin has taught at Morningside Elementary since 2007. She lives in Brookhaven with her husband and two sons. Both of her children attended Morningside Elementary. They are now in high school in Brookhaven. She has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade, and Early Intervention at MES. This year she will continue supporting students as part of the EIP team.

Since Mr. Welsh started at Morningside in 2017, he has worked as a Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and Intervention Teacher. He lives in Druid Hills with his wife and two boys.

Hi! I’m Ms. Thomas, and I’m so excited to join the Morningside community. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Howard University and my master’s from Columbia University. Over the past 20 years, I’ve taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade, supported students in EIP, and served as both an Instructional Coach and a Turnaround Coach. I truly love helping students learn and grow at every stage. When I’m not at school, you’ll probably find me baking, crafting, or spending time with family and friends.

I've been teaching for over 20 years. During my teaching career, I've had the opportunity to work with children in grades K through 5. I strive to provide the students with an academic environment where they feel safe to express both their strengths and their weaknesses.

Hello! I'm Mrs. Hernandez (formerly Ms. Jurado) and this is my 8th year as an interrelated teacher. I graduated from Georgia State University in 2016 with a dual certification in General Education K-5 and Special Education K-12. I am also a fan of video games and helped coach Morningside's first ESPORTS club last year. I'm looking forward to helping our students thrive this upcoming school year. It is going to be a great one!

My name is Joanna Patrick. I received my elementary classroom teacher (k-5) certification and special education (k-12) certification from Georgia State University. I joined Morningside’s special education department in 2016, and absolutely fell in love with the Morningside community! As a special education teacher, I’m passionate about differentiation, neurodiversity, and universal designs for educational and social success.

Hello, thanks for stopping by my bio! It is an honor to teach and provide support for our special needs community. I began teaching at Morningside in 2008. Along with my special education certificate, I possess a reading endorsement (Georgia State University) and a middle grades language arts certification for general education students. I acquired a specialist degree from Piedmont College in 2012. It is my goal to allow students the opportunity to inform the instruction based on their individual data. I count it a pleasure to serve students and to provide them with alternate pathways of learning. Remember, a learning difference does not mean you cannot learn. It simply means find out how I learn!

I have been an educator for over 25 years, working with students in kindergarten through second grade and supporting young learners through the Early Intervention Program (EIP). I am currently a Master Teacher Leader, helping teachers and students grow and supporting strong instruction in classrooms.

Originally from South Carolina, I love working with children and making a difference in their lives. I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, Charles, our two children (ages 8 and 11), and our fun-loving Frenchie, who keeps the whole family busy.

I am starting my 30th year in education and my 21st year at Morningside! MES holds a very special place in my heart! I have taught Kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade. Currently, I am serving as the Readers are Leaders Instructional Coach at Morningside. I have 2 grown children and reside in Decatur.

Hi, I am Stephanie Felton, the STEAM Coach! I have worked at Morningside since 2017 and in education since 2002 with a wide range of roles in business education, technology, STEAM, and elementary education. I am excited about all the new STEAM initiatives we have been able to start at MES in the last couple of years and look forward to more in the future. I am supporting the Esports Club, the Ambassador Program, Tech Fair, Science Fair, the school Garden Project, and Maker Mornings. I have degrees from the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. My absolute favorite things are traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with my nieces and nephews. 

This is my third year as the professional school counselor here at Morningside Elementary School. I have been a school counselor for over 10 years and began my journey within the field of education in Dekalb County. Prior to entering the field of education I worked within the mental health field in multiple capacities with children and adults ranging in ages 8 to 64. I look forward to continuing to work with the students and families of the Morningside community and experiencing what the 2024-2025 school year has in store. You can find the counselor referral form linked in the "View Website" link to the right.

Mr. LaSalle is Morningside Elementary School’s full time school social worker. He has been practicing as a licensed social worker for 35 years and has worked in schools and colleges, mental health and family service agencies, and day treatment programs. He previously worked in the district as a clinical therapist as part of the Turnaround initiative at APS. He enjoys working with children and families and looks forward to the opportunity to meet you and support you in any way that he can. What is a school social worker? School social workers remove barriers that hinder student performance and support students’ thriving in schools. They are trained to provide services to students who face serious challenges to school success. Services provided include mental health wraparound support for children and families, resource and community referrals, teacher/staff training and consultation, crisis intervention and brief individual/group counseling, homeless education and support, and community involvement.

Hello! This is my fourth year as Morningside’s school psychologist and 15th year as an educator (two of which were as a special education teacher). Francis Lentz and Edward Shapiro once stated in a school psychology journal article that “school psychology lies in a philosophical commitment to maximize the effect of the educational system” for students. This quote summarizes for me the foundation and ultimately my approach to the field of school psychology. I strongly believe that all children have the capability to learn, and I love collaborating with school teams, families and students to make this possible. Looking forward to a great year!

Hello! My name is Sydney Metken and this is my sixth year at Morningside Elementary. I graduated from Indiana University and got my masters from Georgia State in 2019. I love watching my students grow and change during their tenure at Morningside. It's the best part of my job! In my free time, I am hanging with my husband, very busy almost 9-month daughter, and less busy (but equally demanding) basset mix. If you have any questions about speech services for your kiddo, reach out to our fabulous MTSS person, Brenda Hallman!

Welcome to the clinic. This is my 24th year here at Morningside, I feel blessed to be here. I love taking care of the Kiddos and staff. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I spend time with family and friends, our home is the host house for all holidays.

Michael Rawls is serving his seventh year as the school library media specialist, and 25th year in education. He is a former teacher in grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and an avid reader and lover of books. Mr. Rawls received his Master of Education in School Library Media from the University of West Georgia.