Contact Dr. Lori Etheridge
Hi, Johnston family! My name is Dr. Lori Etheridge, and I am so happy to be a Johnston Jaguar! I am a native of North Carolina, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte I recently earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. After moving to Georgia, I earned a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from Piedmont College, an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Berry College. I also have my Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Over the years, I have enjoyed a wide range of career experiences, including time as a general education teacher in North Carolina. After moving to Georgia, I spent several years as a special education teacher at Liberty Elementary followed by seven years in school administration. I served as the assistant principal of Mountain Road Elementary for five years and most recently served as an assistant principal at Boston Elementary.
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to travel and spend time outdoors! I have two wonderful children named Luke and Claire who both graduated from Cherokee County Schools. Claire is currently working on a school counseling degree, and Luke has his own business.
I look forward to working with each member of the Johnston community to build relationships, foster an engaging learning environment, and support student growth. Johnston’s mission is to support students in becoming lifelong learners and problem solvers who set challenging goals, persevere, and dream big, and I am excited to support that mission!
Contact Mrs. Lord
It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as the Assistant Principal at Johnston Elementary School! This is my seventeenth year in education, all of which have been in Cherokee County School District. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from University of West Georgia and later received my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University.
I began my career at Woodstock Elementary School as a special education and second grade teacher. I then taught first grade and third grade math at Avery Elementary School before serving as Avery’s Instructional Lead Strategist for the past two years.
Originally from Michigan, I moved to Georgia with my family in 1998 and received my sixth grade through high school education as a student in the Cherokee County School District where I graduated from Etowah High School.
My husband, Blake, and I live in Canton with our three wonderful daughters, Emery (14), Blakely (11) and Finley (8). As a family, we stay busy with a variety of activities including cheerleading, basketball, and tennis, as well as enjoying our free time together with movie and game nights.
I am extremely excited to become a Jaguar! I sincerely look forward to serving and partnering with the students, staff, and entire Johnston community.
Mrs. Karen Wells is an experienced educator with 23 years in elementary education, serving students across kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and fourth and fifth grade ESOL classrooms. Throughout her career, she has taught in three states, including nine years in the Cherokee County School District and four years in Fulton County, nine years in Florida, and one year in Michigan.
Upon joining the Cherokee County School District, Mrs. Wells taught ESOL and first grade at Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy. Most recently, she spent the past five years serving as an Instructional Lead Strategist at RM Moore Elementary School STEM Academy, supporting teachers and students through instructional leadership, curriculum implementation, and data-informed practices that promote academic growth and achievement.
Mrs. Wells earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University in 2002, a Master’s degree in Reading from University of South Florida St. Petersburg in 2008, an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University in 2020, and a Tier I Educational Leadership Certification from Piedmont University in 2022. She also holds endorsements in ESOL, Gifted, and Coaching. Her dedication to furthering her education reflects her commitment to excellence in teaching and her belief in continuous personal and professional growth.
Passionate about student success, Mrs. Wells is dedicated to creating engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity, collaboration, and a love of learning. She believes in empowering students to become critical thinkers, effective problem-solvers, and lifelong learners.
Outside of school, she enjoys camping, exploring unfamiliar places, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their four dogs. She also loves spending time with friends and family. Her love of adventure, meaningful relationships, and lifelong learning reflects both her personal and professional approach to life.
Mrs. Wells is excited to join the Johnston Elementary School family and looks forward to supporting students, staff, and families as they work together to build a strong and thriving school community.