Meet Susan Gowin
We're so glad to have you in Roswell. How did you land here?
My husband and I decided to move back to Georgia (from Virginia) just prior to our oldest daughter starting kindergarten. When we first moved here, I got a job as a Georgia Pre-K teacher in a private facility. However, I missed teaching in public school, so once my youngest was ready for kindergarten, I applied for a teaching position with Fulton County Schools. I was fortunate to be offered a position at River Eves in January of 2021. I started as an EIP (Early Intervention Program) teacher. I have had the pleasure of being a fifth-grade teacher, RTI specialist, literacy coach, and assistant principal. I choose to stay here because of the school community’s unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring our students receive the best possible education.
How do you get to know your staff?
I look for opportunities to ask questions and take the time to listen to their answers. As a staff, we plan social events outside of school and I make every effort to attend as many as I can. I spend most of my time at these events listening and asking questions. Another great strategy I use is to share about my personal life, which makes staff feel more comfortable sharing their personal stories. Of course, it is also fun to play quick “getting to know you” games at staff meetings.
I am looking forward to building upon the well-established traditions and high expectations that already define River Eves Elementary School. My goal for the upcoming year is to continue to build a climate of care, trust, belonging, and respect, not only for our students, but also for our staff and community members.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married for 21 years to my husband, Chris Gowin, who is a product of Fulton County Schools. He owns a car restoration business in Cherokee County. I have three children. Lena, my oldest, attends Georgia Southern. Olivia is headed to Ole Miss in the fall. Bryan, my youngest, is a rising junior at Milton High School. All three love to play soccer, so I spend much of my free time cheering them on at games. We have two dogs, Stella, a mixed rescue; and Miley, a chocolate lab. Because my husband and son love all animals, we also have two sheep, two goats, and several chickens.
Meet Karin Alhadeff
Tell us about your career path leading to Roswell.
My husband’s family is Roswell through and through. My mother-in-law attended Roswell High School and taught for 30 years at Milton High School. I began my Fulton County teaching career at Ridgeview Charter Middle School in Sandy Springs. There I taught sixth grade humanities and then became the assistant administrator in charge of International Baccalaureate, Intervention Services, and Section 504. I was fortunate to be selected as the Sweet Apple assistant principal in 2016 and held that position for seven years. I am excited to be named the principal at Vickery Mill Elementary, so we can become even more part of the strong Roswell community.
Staff is family. How do you nurture community?
It is important to build relationships as quickly as possible. I currently have optional meetings for my staff to come to meet with me one on one. During these meetings I ask them: What is working well? What do you hold near and dear to your heart? Why is Vickery Mill the best place to learn and work? What do you wish you were able to do? What do we need to reevaluate? What are your goals and aspirations? How can I help you? I then am able to complete a needs assessment to find action steps. I also believe in providing team-building activities and culture events for staff. An example of this is creating a committee that hosts events once a month. These are fun events that staff can choose to attend such as a "bloom bar" to make their own bouquet, a "soup crock pot bar" for all staff to participate in recipes, and Zumba classes. Strong connections are made by getting to know staff as people outside of their classrooms.
Vickery Mill is a tight-knit small community. This coming year, I look forward to continuing to grow the school community connection with more school events where families can participate. Families can expect to see me throughout the building and working in the classroom with their students.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to Andy Alhadeff, a Fulton County school counselor at Northview High School in Johns Creek. We have a daughter, Hayley, who is seven and a son, Brady, who is 4. Both attend Sweet Apple Elementary and will be in 2nd grade and Pre-Kindergarten. We have one dog, Molly and two cats, Lucy and Jude.
I also believe in providing team-building activities and culture events for staff. An example of this is creating a committee that hosts events once a month. These are fun events that staff can choose to attend such as a Bloom Bar to make their own bouquet, a Soup Crock Pot Bar for all staff to participate in recipes, and Zumba Classes. Strong connections are made by getting to know staff as people outside of their classrooms.