Meet our fantastic administration team!
Donna Bertram, Principal
Email our Principal: Donna.Bertram@cherokeek12.net
I would like to introduce myself as Holly Springs Elementary STEM Academy school principal. I have worked in Cherokee County as a teacher, an academic coach, and assistant principal. I have three children who attended Cherokee County Schools and am grateful for the exceptional education they received because of teachers like you. I am a lifelong leaner and love books. My philosophy of education is that each child is a unique individual and with the appropriate strategies all students can learn to his/her potential.
As demands and complexities of teaching children increase, it becomes more evident that we all need to work together to insure that our children reach their potential. I believe that all of us – the school and the community – must work together in an extended family environment to insure the best education for our children.
Dr. Jessica Porter, Assistant Principal
Email our Assistant Principal: Jessica.Porter@cherokeek12.net
Jessica Porter has resided in Woodstock for over 20 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Kennesaw State University in Early Childhood Education, Gifted Endorsement and Teacher Support Specialist from North Georgia RESA, Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University, Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Educational Doctorate in Executive Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. Her experiences working with children, include teaching positions at Woodstock Elementary School, Woodstock Middle School, and Curriculum Department have been powerful, positive and gratifying experiences. She has also been a Science Olympiad Coach, Special Education Department Head, RTI Coordinator, Reading Specialist, School Webpage Designer, and School Improvement Plan Chair prior to becoming an Assistant Principal at Holly Springs Elementary STEM Academy.
Having the opportunity to be an educator is very rewarding. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, learning, crafting, and traveling. She looks forward to another amazing year with all stakeholders at Holly Springs Elementary STEM Academy.
Rachel Wasserman
Rachel Wasserman
Email our Assistant Principal: rachel.wasserman@cherokeek12.net
Meet HSES’ new assistant principal Ms. Rachel Wasserman! This is her 14th year in education and her 5th as an assistant principal. Her teaching experience includes teaching 2nd grade at Free Home Elementary School and 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades at Woodstock Elementary School. Born in Kentucky, she grew up in Roswell, GA and attended Centennial High School. Ms. Wasserman earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Reinhardt University. She has also obtained a master’s and specialist’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership for Learning respectively from Kennesaw State University. She is currently working on her doctorate of Leadership through Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. Ms. Wasserman feels strongly that learning should be fun and engaging! She is looking forward to serving the Wildcats!
Ms. Wasserman has two dogs, Baxter and Analina who are both rescues. She enjoys traveling, reading, and taking her Jeep to the mountains. Her favorite quote is, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a sing step. ~ Lao-tuz
Welcome to HSES Ms. Wasserman!