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.

Greetings! My name is Ms. Ellison. This October I'll be entering my 18th year in education. I am a true Atlanta native, born a Grady baby. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Leadership. Throughout my career in education, I have supported students from early ages through high school with the exception of middle school, in numerous capacities. Most recently, I taught fourth grade last year which was my second-year teaching at Morningside Elementary School. As of this school year I will be the new K-2 Reading and Math Support Teacher! Outside of work I am the blessed mother of a highschooler, attending Midtown High School (Grady High). My hobbies include bike riding, HITT workouts, running (sprint and 5K's only), singing and binge watching anything with drama, adventure or humor. My greatest passion outside of parenting is teaching. I have an enormous desire to support students in reaching past their potential.

"Success isn't about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives."
• Michelle Obama

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.

My name is Bibiana Jurado Hernandez. This year (26-27) will mark my 10 year teaching anniversary! I graduated in 2016 from Georgia State University with a degree in elementary education and a dual certification in special education. This summer I have completed my master's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in literacy (once again at GSU). I also have the honor of co-coaching Morningside Elementary's ESPORTS team! 

I am lucky enough to get to tie together my love of reading and writing as well as my love of video games in my work here at MES. I'm looking forward to an amazing year!

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!

As the EELT at Morningside Elementary, I provide leadership in the development and implementation of high-quality special education services that support student success. I also serve as the school’s MTSS and Section 504 lead, partnering with teachers, administrators, and families to promote effective problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and equitable access to instruction and supports. I am committed to fostering collaborative practices that empower educators and help every student reach their full potential.

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.

I am entering my 27th year as an educator, working with students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade, and supporting young learners through the Early Intervention Program (EIP).

I enjoy working with children and making a positive impact in their lives. I reside in South Fulton with my fiancé, Charles, our two children (ages 9 and 12), and our fun-loving Frenchie, who keeps the whole family busy.

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!

Hi! My name is Chloe Fowler. I was born and raised here in Atlanta, Georgia. I graduated from Lakeside High School and then attended Georgia College & State University, where I earned my BSN in nursing and met my husband, Ryan. We reside in Adair Park next to the Beltline. Some of my favorite activities include bike adventures with friends, eating at local favorites like Little Tart or El Tesoro, and learning a new craft. I worked at Northside Hospital for the last three years and am so excited to join the MES family!

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.