Dr. Grant Rivera– Principal RiveraG@fultonschools.org
Dr. Grant Rivera joins Westlake high school as a former principal from Cobb County, Georgia. He is honored to serve as the principal at Westlake, and he and his wife are grateful for the warm welcome they have received from students, staff, and families.
Dr. Rivera received a B.S. degree in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University and an M.A. degree in Learning Disabilities from the University of Alabama. He holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama, with an emphasis in School Law. He has been associated with numerous professional development activities in the area of school law, school law enforcement officer research, special education law, and family engagement. He has also served as an adjunct professor of Educational Law at the State University of West Georgia.
When he is not in the hallways of Westlake, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family and is an avid Northwestern Wildcats football fan.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Total School Operations
2. School Improvement
3. School Budget
4. School-Community Relations
5. Student Discipline Appeals
Mr. Jerome Stevenson – Assistant Principal stevenson@fultonschools.org
Mr. Jerome Stevenson is a native of Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania . He is a proud graduate of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Mr. Stevenson completed his graduate work at Clark Atlanta University earning a Masters Degree in School Guidance and Counseling from the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. He also holds a Specialist in Education Degree (Ed. S.) from the State University of West Georgia. He also completed his certification in School Administration and Leadership from the West Georgia University .
Mr. Stevenson has 13 years experience in the Fulton County School system. He served as a school counselor at Westlake High School from 1997 through 2005. In this capacity he coordinated and supervised student testing and also developed a comprehensive mentoring program. Most recently Mr. Stevenson served at Creekside High School from 2005 to 2009 spearheading the Creekside College Club and serving on the Georgia Tech High School admissions advisory board.
Mr. Stevenson has spent his adult life aiding the academic, social, emotional and professional development of our young people. He volunteers in youth athletics in the community. Mr. Stevenson interests include Jazz Studies and African American History. He is the proud parent of Evan and Miles Stevenson.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Departmental Administrator - Social Studies, JROTC, Media Center
2. Ninth Grade Discipline
3. Transportation/Bus Coordinator
4. Student Parking
5. Medical Clinic
Katherine Conner– Curriculum Assistant Principal connerk@fultonschools.org
Katherine Conner has been in the field of education for 14 years. She has a Bachelors in Modern Language from Florida State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia. Her favorite quote is " Nothing will work unless you do"
(Maya Angelou).
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Departmental Administrator - Counseling, World Languages, Fine Arts
2. 12th Grade Discipline - Student Last Name M-Z
3. Curriculum Assistant Principal - Student Schedules
4. Extracurricular Clubs and Activities
5. Fundraisers
Mr. Hollis F. Bethea III– Assistant Principal bethea@fultonschools.org
Mr. Hollis F. Bethea, III is a native of Waycross, Georgia. He is a graduate of Albany State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics. Mr. Bethea completed his Add-On in Middle Grades Education at the University of West Georgia. He completed his graduate work at Cambridge College earning a Master of Education degree in School Administration. Also, Mr. Bethea holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.
Mr. Bethea began his career in Fulton County Schools in 1994 as an in-school suspension school assistant and an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Westlake High School. He became a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Oak Knoll Elementary while continuing on the Westlake coaching staff. Later, Mr. Bethea became an Administrative Assistant and the Varsity Basketball Head Coach at Benjamin Banneker High School. In 2006, Mr. Bethea was promoted to Assistant Principal at Sandtown Middle School. His career path became truly circular as he returned to Westlake in the summer of 2011.
Outside of education, Mr. Bethea is an avid sports fan. Once a collegiate athlete, he enjoys playing basketball, golf, and watching football. Additionally, he loves spending time with his family and friends.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Departmental Administrator - Math, PE
2. 10th Grade Administrator
3. Administrator over the Athletic Program
4. Safety and Security Plan
5. Facility - Reservations and Online Calendar
Igola Richardson - Dean Of Students richardsoni@fultonschools.org
Igola Richardson has been a member of the Westlake instructional staff for 16 years. She began at Westlake in 1995 and has served as 9th -12th Grade ELA classroom instructor, 9th Grade Team Leader, ELA Department Chairperson, Dean of Effective Instruction, Administrative Assistant, SLC Site Coordinator, Starting Strong Facilitator, and National Board Certification Facilitator, and Staff Development Coordinator. Igola graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s of Arts in English/Secondary Education and earned her Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University. She is currently in the dissertation phase at the University of West Georgia where she is pursuing a doctorate of School Improvement. Igola was Westlake Teacher of the Year for 2000-2001, is Nationally Board Certified, and has received numerous awards and honors for her contribution to education.
Igola is a native of Newnan Georgia and the proud mother of a recent Howard Graduate. Igola also serves as an Associate Minister, Single Ministry Teacher, and Drama Co-Director at her local church.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Eleventh Grade Discipline Administrator
2. AP Administrator
3. Grant Writing Coordinator
4. Smaller Learning Communities Site Coordinator
5. 504 Coordinator
6. Curriculum and Instruction Committee Administrator
7. New Teacher Support Administrator