Administration
Mrs. Dawn Bush
I am excited and incredibly honored to be returning for my third year as the Principal of Whitlow Elementary for the 2025-26 school year! I have been an educator in Forsyth County Schools for 26 years in a variety of teaching and administrative roles. My husband, John, is a fellow educator here in FCS, and both of our children are graduates of Forsyth Central High School. I hold a B.S. in English Education, an M.Ed. in Learning Disabilities, and an Ed.S. in Leadership. Our family has lived in the “Heart of Forsyth”/Central school cluster for many years, and I’m proud to live and work within this incredible community. Serving Whitlow Elementary as Principal is literally a dream come true, and I look forward to working together with staff, parents, and community members to provide a fun, yet challenging educational experience where all Whitlow students feel valued, successful, and love coming to school each day!
Mrs. Lindsey Richardson - Assistant Principal
My name is Lindsey Richardson, and I am thrilled to be part of the Whitlow community. Though this is my first year at Whitlow, everyone has made me feel right at home. I have been an educator in Forsyth County since 2004, and this marks my 21st year in education. Over the years, I have served in a variety of roles including general education teacher, special education teacher, department chair, quality work facilitator, and assistant principal, working with students from Kindergarten through Fifth grade.
I am passionate about reading, lifelong learning, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time with my dog. Above all, I cherish time with my family. My husband, Jay, and I have lived in Forsyth County since 2004 and are proud to call it home. We have three children: Caleb, a sophomore at Kennesaw State University; Kennedy, a high school senior; and Taylor, a high school sophomore. I look forward to an incredible first year at Whitlow and to building strong connections with the students, staff, and families in this wonderful community.
Mrs. Sally Johnson - Assistant Principal
My name is Sally Johnson, and I am excited to serve the students, staff, and families of the Whitlow Elementary community as Assistant Principal! I have worked in Forsyth County at Whitlow Elementary since we opened the doors in 2009. I have taught both general education and special education students in grades K-5 and served as an Early Intervention Program instructor, Instructional Coach, and Quality Work Facilitator. I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I received my Master's Degree in Reading, Language, and Literacy from Georgia State University. I attended Piedmont University where I obtained a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and my Tier 1 Leadership Certification. My husband Zac and I have two children- Harper and Hugh. You will often see me walking the halls with our dog Lola. She is a Bernedoodle and certified Therapy Dog. She loves coming to school and being a part of the Whitlow family! In my spare time you can find me at the lake, on the soccer field, or camping with family and friends. I am looking forward to another amazing year here at Whitlow Elementary!
Mrs. Ellen Therens- Assistant Administrator
My name is Ellen Therens and I am incredibly proud to be joining the Whitlow Wolfpack! This will be my 22nd year in education. Over the course of my career, I have taught 1st through 4th grades, 6th and 8th grades, EIP, served as team lead, and spent many years training teachers across the country. I am passionate about literacy and am a certified Reading Specialist. I graduated from Illinois State University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and obtained my Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I recently completed my Tier 1 Educational Leadership Certification at University of North Georgia.
I am originally from Illinois but have loved calling Georgia home for the past 7 years. I am married to my wonderful husband, Paul, and have 3 beautiful girls who also attend Forsyth County Schools - Harper, Madeline, and Hadley. When we are not at school, you can find us on the lake or attending dance competitions for all three girls! I am looking forward to an incredible year at Whitlow and connecting with this amazing community!