Administration

Dr. Molly McAuliffe- Principal

Dear Jackson Elementary families - 

I am proud and honored to have been named principal at Jackson Elementary as of April 1, 2026 and invite you to join me in this educational journey. I am excited to be part of the Jackson family and to return to the Peachtree Ridge cluster of schools (once a Lion, always a Lion!) and look forward to continuing the great work currently happening. 

I have been an educator in Gwinnett County Public Schools for twenty-three years (my entire career) and am passionate about providing children with high quality education. I began as a social studies teacher at Parkview High School in 2003. In 2009, I became the Internship Coordinator and Partnership Program chair at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics Science and Technology. In 2014, I graduated from the Aspiring Leader Program and began my school leadership journey as an Assistant Principal at Peachtree Ridge High School for three years before finally making it “home” to the elementary level. I served as an Assistant Principal at B.B. Harris Elementary in Duluth for three years. There, I found my passion for elementary students, families, and for supporting elementary educators. While a participant in the Aspiring Principal Program, in October 2020, I was named principal of Stripling Elementary School where I served as principal for five-plus years. I learned and grew as a leader and am ready to bring that experience to Jackson Elementary and return to the Peachtree Ridge cluster - One Ridge! 

I would love to share a brief amount about my personal life. I am married to Mike McAuliffe. We met working at a summer camp in north Georgia; it was at this camp that I figured out my calling was a career in education. We have two children – Max (first year at the University of Georgia) and Mason (sophomore in high school). They keep us busy and our hearts filled with laughter, love, and baseball. Please know, when working with our students at Jackson, I will always keep in mind the parent perspective, as I am also a parent. 

Elementary school is where we lay the foundation to prepare our students for college and future careers. I pledge to provide our students with the necessary resources to ensure their safety and academic success. Jackson is an amazing school with the best students and staff. You are the most important person in the education of your child. It is crucial that we work together to ensure his/her development socially, emotionally, and academically. Together we will improve and build upon the historical success of Jackson Elementary!   

With excitement,                         

Dr. Molly M. McAuliffe

Terrence Stover - Assistant Principal, 2nd & 4th Grade 

Hello! My name is Terrence Stover, and I am honored to serve as one of the Assistant Principals at Jackson Elementary. I am excited to continue being a part of the incredible Peachtree Ridge Cluster and the Jackson community.

Before joining the team at Jackson, I taught ESOL, Sheltered U.S. History, African American Studies, and Ethnic Studies at both Peachtree Ridge and South Gwinnett High School. I’ve also coached Varsity Football at both schools and proudly served as the Girls Flag Football Coach at Peachtree Ridge, helping student-athletes grow on and off the field.

I earned my teaching certification from Georgia Gwinnett College, my Master’s degree from Georgia Southern University, and my Specialist degree from the University of Alabama—Roll Tide! I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, also from Alabama.

I believe in the power of relationships, equity, and high expectations, and I’m committed to ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. I look forward to partnering with our amazing staff, families, and students this year. #OneRidge

Karen Dougherty - Assistant Principal, Kindergarten, Special Education IRR & Title I

Hi! I’m Karen Dougherty, and I’m proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Jackson Elementary. Jackson has been my home for 24 years—13 years as a classroom teacher and the past 11 as an assistant principal. I truly love our Jackson family and the Peachtree Ridge community! I am deeply committed to supporting students, staff, and families.

I have the privilege of supporting our kindergarten, special education, and Title I programs. Before stepping into administration, I taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, and K-5 math specials. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University (War Eagle!), a master’s in Elementary Math and Reading from Walden University, and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia.

I’m passionate about helping students grow in both academics and social-emotional. I believe in building strong connections with our families and the community as they are the heart of our work. My goal is to help create a positive school climate and foster strong relationships through communication and collaboration. Our family and community partnerships are what make our school such a special place for children to learn and thrive.

Tennille McDaniel - Assistant Principal, 1st & 5th Grade

I am Tennille McDaniel and it is an honor to be a Jackson Lion! I serve as the 1st and 5th grade assistant principal at Jackson Elementary where I enjoy supporting students, staff and families within the Peachtree Ridge community.

With more than 20 years in education, I served in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, instructional coach and county mathematics instructional specialist. I earned both a bachelor’s degree in science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Reading from Winthrop University. I also hold a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction with certification in Educational Leadership from Piedmont University.

My husband, Patrick McDaniel, and I are proud parents of two children, Patrick McDaniel II and Kendall McDaniel. Both are graduates of Gwinnett County Public Schools and are successfully pursuing their career aspirations.

As an educational leader, I believe that every child can learn, grow and achieve great things when provided with the right support, encouragement and opportunities. I am committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where every scholar is valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. By partnering closely with families, staff and the community, I strive to ensure that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Together, we can build meaningful partnerships that inspire lifelong learning and success for every scholar.

Lamieshea Smith- Assistant Principal, Adapted Curriculum Special Education & 3rd Grade

Hello! I am honored and excited to serve the students, families, and the Jackson Elementary community as an Assistant Principal. I am happy to join the Peachtree Ridge cluster and become one of the newest members of the “Lion” family.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of serving as a general education teacher, special education teacher, instructional coach and Assistant Principal. I earned my bachelor's degree from Hampton University, a Master's degree in Reading Education from Meredith College, and an Educational Leadership Tier I Certification from Columbus State University.

My greatest joy is spending time with my family. My husband, Troy, and I are blessed with two wonderful children. Our oldest son, Troy Jr., is attending Lake Forest College, and our youngest son, Elijah, is entering middle school. They keep us busy with their many activities, but it is the simple moments we share together that I cherish most.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to fostering academic excellence, creating positive and engaging learning environments, and supporting educators in their professional growth. I believe that every child can succeed when provided with high expectations, meaningful support, and a strong sense of belonging. I look forward to partnering with our students, staff, and families as we continue to build upon the tradition of excellence that makes Jackson Elementary such a special place to learn and grow.