Dr. Kristen Horton, Fellow

Continental Colony Elementary School

Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Kristen Vaughn Horton has served as the principal of Continental Colony Elementary School since 2017. During her principalship, she led the successful authorization process to become an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme School. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University in 2001, a Master of Education from Cambridge College in 2004, and a Doctor of Education from Argosy University Atlanta in 2009. She has been serving students, families, and educators since 2002 as a classroom teacher, math instructional coach, district level math facilitator, assistant principal, and principal.   Kristen has had the privilege to present to nationwide audiences at conferences including the National ESEA Conference, the SIBME Better Together Conference, the World Future Forum, and the Griffin RESA Leadership Conference. Kristen has participated in several professional leadership programs including The Harvard National Institute for Urban School Leaders and the Relay National Principal Academy Fellowship. Throughout her career, she has served as a mentor to aspiring leaders and provided district-wide professional development offerings for school-based leadership teams. Turnaround Leadership is her passion, and she is committed to ensuring every child has access to grade appropriate assignments, strong instruction, deep engagement, and teachers with high expectations, in every class – regardless of race, ethnicity, or any other part of their identity.

Natasha Evans, Ally

Instructional Coach

Continental Colony Elementary School

Atlanta, Georgia

Natasha Evans is currently the ELA Instructional Coach for Continental Colony Elementary. Since 2003 she has served as a classroom teacher, master teacher leader, and instructional coach. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University in 2003, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University in 2006. Natasha has the privilege of serving as her school’s Go Team chairperson. Along with other members, she ensures students receive what they need and bridge the gap between the school and the community. She has led and facilitated numerous professional development and provided support for teachers in their quest to increase student achievement and better meet the academic needs of their students. She believes that all students no matter their ethnicity, socio economic status, or educational background should have the opportunity to reach their full potential by having access to quality instruction daily.