I am a non traditional teacher. I had grandchildren before I started teaching. I was born and raised in Lumpkin County and came through the school system. This is my 3rd year teaching and my first as a lead classroom teacher. I am teaching in the room I had science in when I was in Mera Turner's (Ferguson) middle school science class. I received my BS in Middle Grades Math and Science from UNG and I am currently working on my masters there. I am also an assistant coach for the high school softball and middle school baseball teams.
Meet Our Science Faculty
Mrs. Meagan Gossett
6th Grade Earth Science Teacher & Science Dept Head
Mrs. Gossett is originally from Johns Creek, GA. She attended the University of North Georgia and earned her Bachelor's of Science in Middle Grades Math & Science. Mrs. Gossett is in her fifth year of teaching Earth Science, her first year serving as the Science Department Head and is currently pursuing her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction through UNG. She is married to her husband, Alex, and they love to travel!
Mrs. Christine Ann Isola Wilbanks
7th Grade Life Science/Grade Level Chair
Christine Wilbanks was born and raised on Long Island, New York and after graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Communications, she served in the U.S Army as an officer in the Quartermaster Corps, and was honorably discharged. She then sought a career in management of claims, sales and underwriting in the insurance industry with both a Fortune 100 and Fortune 50 company where she completed her Masters in Organizational Management. After the birth of her son, Ethan, a junior at LCHS and proud Band of Gold member, she chose to leave the industry and go back to her original career goal to be a teacher preferably in middle school. Mrs. Wilbanks then completed her Post-Baccalaureate at The University of North Georgia, while also working in marketing at UNG’s Department of Continuing Education and in 2018 earned her Ed.S in Curriculum and Instruction at Piedmont University. Today Mrs. Wilbanks joyfully teaches 7th grade life science and, on many weekends, is a “Citizen Scientist” in her volunteer role at Project Chimps, a sanctuary for chimpanzees retired from medical research.
Mrs. Laura S. Wilson
Teacher
Laura Wilson is from the hills of Pikeville, Kentucky and attended Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky where she earned her Bachelor of Science. Mrs. Wilson is starting her fourth year serving the Lumpkin County School System, the first two years serving as a sixth through eighth grade paraprofessional and later beginning her career as an Earth Science teacher. Mrs. Wilson also has the pleasure of coaching the Lumpkin County Middle School girls basketball teams.
Ms. Melissa Foley
8th Grade Science Teacher
Melissa Foley has lived in Dahlonega for over 20 years. She received a bachelor's degree in French in 2011 but returned to UNG to get a second bachelor's in Middle Grades education with a focus in science and language arts. Ms. Foley is currently in the process of pursuing her masters degree in curriculum and instruction also at the University of North Georgia. Ms. Foley has a passion for science education and is very excited to be one of the 8th grade Physical Science teachers at Lumpkin County Middle School.
Mrs. Meredith Powell
7th Grade Science Teacher
Meredith Powell is a new resident of Lumpkin County. She and her husband recently moved from Cartersville, GA after accepting positions in the Lumpkin County School System. Meredith is a 7th grade science teacher at Lumpkin County Middle School. Following high school, she received a Bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education from Kennesaw State University. After teaching for three years, Meredith went on to earn a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Last December, she graduated from Valdosta State University with an Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership along with an ESOL endorsement. Meredith is excited to be a part of the Lumpkin County community!
Christopher J. Phillips
6th Grade Middle School Science Teacher
Chris Phillips is originally from Savannah, GA, but has lived in the North Georgia area for more than 35 years. Chris has been married to his wife Brandy 22 years. Together they have two daughters who both attend the University of North Georgia. Chris obtained his Certification in Middle Grades Science from Brenau University and has been in education for 15 years. Chris also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Construction from Southern Polytechnic State University and worked in the diverse field of construction and land development before he began his teaching career.
Mrs. Stephanie Pisto
8th Grade Physical Science Teacher
Mrs. Stephanie Pisto graduated from the University of New England with a Major in Biology and a Minor in Environmental Science. In her science career, her focus was on marine biology, and she was employed by a marine mammal rescue facility that focused on the rehabilitation of marine mammals, research, and educating the public. Over the years her career continued in the science field and now has transitioned into education. Mrs. Pisto is currently working on her Master's in Science Education for grades six through twelve.
Ms. Suzanne Davis
Teacher
Ms. Davis grew up in Lumpkin County and graduated LCHS in 1982. She went to both UGA and North Georgia College (University of North Georgia) and graduated in 1987. She has taught for 30 years. She currently teaches 7th grade Science.
