HFE Administration

Bio

As the 2024-2025 school year begins, I am thrilled to celebrate my 30th year in education, with 27 of those years dedicated to the Fulton County School District and 14 right here at Heards Ferry Elementary. My career began as a curriculum support teacher, where I spent seven fulfilling years before being promoted to Assistant Principal. I am now entering my 7th year in this role and remain as passionate as ever about my work. Heards Ferry truly has my heart, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a wonderful staff, students, and community.

I have been happily married for 26 years and am proud to have a son who is starting his 3rd year at Georgia Tech. I’m also a devoted dog mom to two lively labs. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, taking my dogs on walks, and curling up with a good book.

 Michaela grew up in Wilmington, Massachusetts, and graduated from Salem State College with majors in elementary education and geography.  She received her M.S. Ed in Language and Literacy from Simmons College, and her Tier 1 Leadership Certification from Georgia State University. Additionally, Michaela holds ESOL, gifted, and teacher leader endorsements.

Michaela’s 11 out of 14 years in education have been served in Fulton County Schools. She has taught children in 1^st grade, 3^rd grade, 4^th grade, and 6^th grade as well as served in various leadership roles prior to becoming the Curriculum Support Teacher at Heards Ferry. She has experience in private, public, and Title 1 school settings. Michaela lives in East Cobb with her husband. Together, they have one child and two dogs. 

My name is Robin Vaughn-Dixon. I am the Instructional Support Teacher for Heards Ferry Elementary. This is my 21st year in the field of education. I began my career as an Interrelated Special Education Teacher in 2004. I received my bachelor's degree from Georgia State University, Teaching Certification from The University of Georgia, master's degree in Post-Secondary Education - Psychology from Troy University, and my education specialist degree in Early Childhood Education - Curriculum and Instruction from Brenau University. I was an Interrelated Resource Special Education Teacher for 13 years prior to moving into the Special Education Lead Teacher for Compliance role for the past 7 years in Rockdale County. 

I believe that when provided the opportunity and a nurturing environment, all students can learn to their fullest potential. I am grateful to be collaborating with such an amazing school and community and to support our teachers, administrators, students, and parents.

I am Mrs. A (Aronowitz) and I am thrilled to be the school counselor at Heards Ferry Elementary School.  My role at school is to provide guidance and support for HFE families and their children.  I have been a school counselor since 2010.  I spent seven years at Ocee Elementary before moving to Heards Ferry. 

I earned my B.S./B.A from Vanderbilt University where I majored in Psychology and Human & Organizational Development.  I then went on to earn my J.D. from Tulane University Law School.  After a decade in the corporate world, I went back to get a M.Ed. in School Counseling from Georgia State University. 

I grew up in Dallas, Texas (Go Cowboys!) and have lived in Atlanta for almost 25 years.  In my spare time I love traveling, reading, yoga and spending time with family and friends.  I have two (almost grown) children and live with my husband and fur baby.    

It’s hard to believe, but I am entering my 26th year of teaching and leading in an elementary school! My first career choice was in a similar field of non-profit management, until I realized my true passion was working with children. So, I went to Mercer University to attain my Masters in Elementary Education, and then went on to receive my Specialist in Education from Piedmont College. I’ve taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades as a classroom teacher, and then was a gifted instructor for 13 years. Today, I have my dream job of supporting teachers and students in the RTI (Response to Intervention) process, as well as coordinating our IB program at HFE!

I grew up on Lake Lanier, so being close to water, whether the lake, ocean, river or even a pool, will always be my favorite place to relax and unwind! My husband and I have one child (Coker) who attended HFE for six years but is now in 7th grade at Ridgeview Middle School. We have a precious little dog (Thumper) that is an 8-pound maltipoo, who happens to be my constant shadow! My hobbies mostly include the activities and sports my son is involved with, but I also love shopping and trying new restaurants with friends and family. We absolutely love living in Sandy Springs and being part of such a wonderful community.

I look forward to another exciting year at The Ferry, and seeing our eagles return to their nest for the 2024-2025 school year!

My name is Jennifer Hidock, and I am the K-5 Literacy Coach here at HFE. I started my career in Fulton County in 2001 and have teaching experience in K, 1, 3, 5, EIP, and this is my fourth year as Literacy Coach. My educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Miami of Ohio, and a Masters in Reading from Mercer University.  Outside of school I love spending time with family, friends, and my pets. My family includes my husband (Tommy), my daughter (Parker- 12) and my son (Tripp- 8) and of course our golden doodle Rooney, and our cat Foster. Life is busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Please reach out if there is anything I can do to support your child in the areas of reading or writing. I am very happy to help!

My name is Khaki Janusz and I serve as the Administrative Assistant (AA) at Heards Ferry. This is my 16th year in education where I’ve taught preschool, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. This is my 4th year as the AA at HFE. I am currently a doctoral student in the School Improvement program at the University of West Georgia. I also have my Educational Specialist degree from UWG, Master’s degree from Mercer University, and undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). When I’m not at school, I can be found exploring the city with my husband and three children.