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. Davetta Niemi - Assistant Administrator
I am thrilled to continue serving the Whitlow Elementary community in a new role this year as Assistant Administrator. This school year marks my 30th year in education. Throughout my career, I’ve had the joy of teaching for ten years in Arkansas and eight years in Texas, working in both general and special education. For the past eleven years, I’ve called Whitlow home, with the last four spent as an Instructional Coach supporting our incredible students, staff, and families.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Harding University. I later earned a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University, along with my Tier 1 Leadership Certification.
I have a deep passion for learning and a genuine love for students, which continues to fuel my work each day. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our three children, and four grandchildren. I also love reading, cooking, hiking, and traveling.
I am excited to begin this new chapter in leadership and look forward to another amazing year of growth, collaboration, and service at Whitlow!