Meet the Principal
Principal's Welcome
My name is Diona Brown, and I am very excited to serve as the MMS principal. Let me be the first to welcome you and your family to Marietta Middle School. We are so glad you have chosen to be a Blue Devil! As the principal, I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to every one of you. We are excited to have your student at MMS, and I know they will have a wonderful experience.
My passion for education began as a child watching my mother and grandmother teach and impact students' lives. As 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year at Northwestern Middle School in Fulton County, I know what it means to strive for excellence and to do the hard work needed for positive results. During my years at Park Street, we increased student achievement and enjoyed immense academic success and growth. Based on the 2020-2021 MAP results, we were the only elementary school to grow in every grade and content area (grades 2-5) from Fall to Spring. We also created exciting opportunities for our students, including summer learning internships for our 5th graders and a Dual Language Immersion program in the fall. Further, I was involved in designing and opening the new Park Street school building.
At Marietta Middle, we strive to create a learning environment where every student can engage in learning, discover new things, and excel academically and in life. We look forward to partnering and collaborating with you to ensure a successful school year. Our school is a place of learning, growth, and opportunity, and we aim to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for all. I am committed to fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
At MMS, we believe in the power of education to shape young minds and prepare them for a bright future. Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about imparting knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and nurturing a love for learning in every student. We are committed to providing a well-rounded education that focuses on academic excellence and promotes character development, creativity, and community engagement.
As the principal, my door is always open to listen to your ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Together, let us build a strong and vibrant learning community where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe. I thank you for entrusting your child's middle school education and enrichment to the team of administrators and educators at Marietta Middle School.
Your MMS Principal,
Diona Brown, Ed.S.
dionabrown@marietta-city.org
Meet the Administration Team
Welcome to Marietta Middle School
Administration Team Contacts
Mr. Anthony Booker
Scheduling Administrator
abooker@marietta-city.k12.ga.us
My name is Anthony Booker, and I am the 7th Grade Assistant Principal at Marietta Middle School. I am married with two children, and I have lived in Cobb County for more than 30 years. I earned my first degree from Georgia Tech, and my three education degrees are from Kennesaw State University. I have worked at Marietta Middle School since 2008 as a teacher, academic coach, and assistant principal. I have received an Outstanding Employee Award from Marietta City Schools, and I have awards from the Marietta Business Association, Kiwanis, and Kennesaw State University. My wife and I are foster parents, and we care deeply about helping the most vulnerable children in our community.
Dr. Velisa Caldwell
Assistant Administrator
Dr. Velisa Caldwell is presently the Special Education Administrator (K-5). She has served for 22 years in Marietta City Schools. Her leadership experience spans across grades K-8. After earning her B.A. in Psychology in 1992 from the University of West Georgia, Dr. Caldwell worked in a hospital setting serving adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties for five years. She entered Marietta City Schools in 1997 as a Special Education Teacher for students with Behavior Disorders. She has also served as the 8th-grade girls' basketball coach and 9th-grade girls’ volleyball coach. Dr. Caldwell earned a master's degree in Education from Central Michigan University in 1998, and in 2008 she received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Capella University. She values the role of mentors in her life and she has enjoyed mentoring other staff members to help them become the best they can be. Dr. Caldwell believes all students will be successful with perseverance and a nurturing environment.
Mrs. Celis Hartley Lewis
Assistant Administrator
chartley-lewis@marietta-city.k12.ga.us
Celis Hartley-Lewis has 22 years of secondary science teaching experience in grades seven through twelve. She previously served as the Marietta City Schools Science Coordinator and A.L. Burruss Elementary Assistant Principal. She holds a bachelor's in biology, a master's in curriculum instruction and assessment, and a specialist degree in education leadership. She has been married to Stan Lewis for 27 years and has two sons, Alex (MHS class of 2015) and Andrew (MHS class of 2025). Celis' vast K-12 experience helps our MMS students successfully transition to high school.
Dr. Jennifer Cotton
7th Grade Administrator
jcotton@marietta-city.k12.ga.us
My name is Dr. Jennifer Cotton, and I am honored to serve as an Assistant Principal at Marietta Middle School. I am excited to be part of a school community that is dedicated to supporting students, empowering teachers, and partnering with families to help every child succeed.
With 20 years of experience in education, I have had the opportunity to serve students in both middle and high schools. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, I began my teaching career in Jefferson Parish Schools, where I was honored to be named Teacher of the Year. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, department chair, instructional coach, Advanced Studies Coordinator, MTSS/504 Facilitator, and now Assistant Principal.
When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three children. I also enjoy working out, traveling, and cheering on my favorite teams, the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers.
I look forward to building relationships with our students, families, and staff as we continue the tradition of excellence at Marietta Middle School. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child's educational journey. I am excited for a wonderful school year!
Mr. Brandon McIntosh
8th Grade Administrator
bmcintosh@marietta-city.k12.ga.us
Brandon McIntosh has 10 years of experience in education. Mr. McIntosh obtained a Bachelor’s degree at Barry University in Miami Shores, FL, a Master’s degree at North Central College in Naperville, IL, and an Educational Leadership certification from the University of Georgia. Mr. McIntosh, a Fort Lauderdale native, began his journey as an educator at J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs, FL, where he taught World History and World Geography. Mr. McIntosh also served as Assistant Football Coach and Head Flag Football Coach. Mr. McIntosh relocated to the Atlanta metro area in 2017, where he taught Economics and American Government at Westlake High School.
In 2019, Mr. McIntosh began teaching at Stone Mountain High School where he led the Economics PLC and served as Social Studies Department Chair. While at Stone Mountain, Mr. McIntosh was also Assistant Football Coach and Head Golf Coach. Mr. McIntosh joins us from Centennial High School in Roswell, GA where he first served as an AVID Coordinator and American Government teacher. His most recent roles at Centennial were Assistant Administrator and Assistant Athletic Director. As Assistant Administrator, Mr. McIntosh led and supported many areas of focus earning him a finalist nomination for 2024 Professional of the Year.
When he's not at school, Mr. McIntosh enjoys spending time with his family. He cherishes every moment with his wife of 9 years, DeAnna, and their energetic 3-year-old son, Zylan. He also finds joy in watching sports and exploring new places through travel. Mr. McIntosh's passion is to foster positive, impactful relationships with students, staff and families to drive academic achievement.
Ms. Mardy Schicker
Assistant Administrator
mschicker@marietta-city.k12.ga.us
Hello, my name is Mardy Schicker. I am proud and honored to join the Marietta Middle School team as an administrator and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator. As I begin my 30th year with Marietta City Schools, I am excited to continue serving the students and families of this wonderful community.
Throughout my career with Marietta City Schools, I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles. Most recently, I was a fifth-grade teacher and assistant principal at Sawyer Road Elementary School. Prior to that, I worked as a teacher and instructional coach at Park Street Elementary School. I am proud to be a Marietta Blue Devil and deeply committed to supporting student success.
Education has always been an important part of my life. I come from a family of educators, and some of my earliest memories involve listening to my grandmother, mother, and other family members passionately discuss their students and the impact of education. Those experiences helped shape my own educational philosophy, which strongly aligns with the principles of the International Baccalaureate. I am excited to help Marietta Middle School students continue their IB journey by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Originally from Howell, Michigan, I earned my undergraduate degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. Shortly after graduation, I moved to Marietta, intending to stay for just one year. However, I quickly fell in love with the community and have proudly called Marietta home ever since. I later continued my education through postgraduate studies at Kennesaw State University.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am the proud mother of a 16-year-old son and have two rescue dogs. We enjoy hiking, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends in our neighborhood. I am a U of M fan, so in addition to cheering “Go Big Blue” and sporting blue, silver and white for Marietta, you may also hear me cheering “M, Go Blue” in my maize and blue.
I look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff as we continue to build upon the strong tradition of excellence at Marietta Middle School.
Ms. Heather Welch
School Improvement Administrator
hwelch@marietta-city.k12.ga.us
Ms. Welch has been an educator for 25 years. She served as a Classroom Teacher in East Cobb, Marietta, and Roswell prior to being promoted to Curriculum Support Teacher Specialist in Alpharetta. She is a two-time teacher of the year and believes in reflection, data and continuous growth. She also has experience creating and facilitating professional development at the school & district level. Ms. Welch has delivered adult professional development in all subject areas as well as technology integration, Science of Reading and instructional strategies.
Ms. Welch received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (PK-5) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration (K-12) from Kennesaw State University. Ms. Welch is also a lifetime certified Teacher Support Specialist. Ms. Welch has an adult son, Nick, and a Shih Tzu puppy named Clover that she loves to play with and spoil. Ms. Welch was influenced and mentored at a young age by many educators, but especially her mother, who served as an educator and administrator in multiple public and private schools and districts.