MOULTRIE, Ga. – Colquitt County’s school system announced three leadership changes Wednesday afternoon.
Mandy Kinsey has been named School Nutrition Director. Since her predecessor Monika Griner retired in October, she has been working temporarily.
The school system also announced two new principals: Dr. Gistacy Brown at Okapilco Elementary School and Kati Stephan at Doerun Elementary School.
All three will take on their new roles on July 1st.
“We are delighted to have Ms. Kinsey as the director of school nutrition,” said Superintendent Doug Howell. “She has an extensive knowledge of how this valuable program works, which is vital to our students and the community.”
Kinsey, who holds a BS in Family and Consumer Science from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Education in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University, began working in the Food Services division in 1999 as a student supervisor of food services at UGA Food Services. She has since been a family and consumer science teacher at Brooks County Middle School (2002-2004) and Lowndes County High School (2004-2006). She worked as a family nutritionist for the UGA Extension Service (2012-2017).
She joined Colquitt County in 2017 as the assistant to the school nutrition assistant at CA Gray Junior High School and became the school nutrition accountant for the system the following year. She held that position when she was asked to act as Griner’s provisional representative last October.
“I am excited for this opportunity,” said Kinsey, “and I look forward to continuing to make the school nutrition program an important part of the overall educational experience in Colquitt County.”
Kinsey and husband Kevin have two children, 15-year-old Wynn and 11-year-old Rynn.
Brown is currently the Assistant Principal at Okapilco Elementary.
“Dr. Brown brings a wealth of education, experience and vision to the role of school principal,” said Howell. “There is no doubt about her commitment to improving the lives of Okapilco Elementary students.”
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Albany State University, followed by a Master of Science in Curriculum, Teaching and Technology from Nova Southeastern University, a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern, and a degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University.
Brown was a preschool teacher at LaPetite Academy (2000-2001) and a first grade teacher at Mitchell County Primary (2001-2002) before moving to the Dougherty County School System. In Dougherty County, she was a first grade teacher (2002-2006), reading intervention specialist (2006-2010), early intervention specialist (2010-2013), and teaching coach (2013-2016).
She joined Okapilco Elementary as an academic trainer (2016-2018) before being promoted to deputy headmistress there (since 2018).
‘The meaning of life is to find your gift; The purpose of life is to give it away, ”said Brown. “It is with great honor that I accept God’s task of running the Okapilco Elementary School. I undertake to dedicate myself to the staff, students and parents.
“As an educator, I try to improve children’s lives academically, socially and emotionally,” she said. “In addition, I want to build trusting relationships with students, employees, parents and interest groups. The purpose of my life is not to be content with making myself happy – but to be important, productive, useful, and change the lives of others.
“I hope that we will continue to work together as a team to take this great school to higher heights. With a shared vision, I believe that our team can move mountains. I couldn’t have been hired to run better staff, ”she said.
Brown is with Dr. Earnest Brown Jr. is married and has three children, Kofi, Jordan and Peyton, and one grandchild, Jace.
Stephan started as a class teacher at Doerun Elementary School in 2007 and was promoted in 2015 assistant principal.
“Ms. Stephan, teacher and assistant principal at Doerun Elementary, is fully invested in the success of students, staff and the Doerun community,” said Howell. “I expect she will continue the rich tradition of excellence.”
She earned her Associate of Science degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, her Bachelor of Science in Education from Valdosta State University, a Master of Science in Education from Walden University, and an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University.
“Doerun School and Community has been my home since 2007,” said Stephan. “It is an honor to be named Headmaster of Doerun Elementary and to be entrusted with the management of this school. I look forward to working with students, staff, parents, and members of the community as we work towards excellence. ”
She is married to Eddie Stephan.
