Skip To Main Content

Administration

Meet our Administrators for the 2026-2027 School Year

Principal
Mrs. Amanda Blackwell
Amanda Blackwell, Principal

My name is Amanda Blackwell, and I am truly honored and excited to join the Ball Ground STEM Academy family as principal.

I was born and raised in the Buffington community of Cherokee County, where I attended Buffington Elementary School. My family later moved to Pickens County, where I completed middle and high school. After graduation, I attended Reinhardt University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Throughout my career, I have continued to expand my education by earning middle grades certifications, Gifted and ESOL endorsements, and Special Education certifications. I also earned a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University, as well as a leadership from Piedmont University. I am currently pursuing my doctorate at Piedmont University.

Over the past 23 years in education, I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of meaningful roles. I began my career in Gordon County as a self-contained EIP teacher before returning to Cherokee County the following year to teach at Clayton Elementary School, where I spent 11 wonderful years. In 2018, I transferred to Teasley Middle School, where I taught across multiple grade levels as a Special Education teacher before transitioning to 6th grade ELA. Most recently, I served as assistant principal at E.T. Booth Middle School for three years and at Creekland Middle School for one year. Throughout my career, I have always sought opportunities to support, encourage, and invest in both students and colleagues, and I look forward to continuing that work as principal of Ball Ground STEM Academy.

My husband, Cole, and I live in Waleska, Georgia, with our three children: Mac, Lauren, and Knox. Mac attends the University of North Georgia and serves in the Army National Guard. Lauren is a student at Reinhardt University, and Knox attends Cherokee High School. As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors, playing sports, and traveling to Tennessee to kayak and camp along the Conasauga River.

  
 

 

    

 

Assistant Principal
Lauren Roach
Photo of Mrs. Roach Assistant Principal

Hi, I’m Lauren Roach, and I am proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Ball Ground STEM Academy. For the past five years, I have had the privilege of supporting the incredible students, staff, and families that make BGSA such a special place. Before becoming an administrator, I served as a special education teacher and facilitator, experiences that strengthened my belief that every child can thrive when given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. I believe in leading through relationships, teamwork, and service, and I am passionate about building a school culture where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. It is truly an honor to be part of the BGSA family.

Assistant Principal
Amanda Stewart
Amanda Stewart Assistant Principal

My name is Amanda Stewart, and I am excited to join the team at Ball Ground STEM Academy as assistant principal. I was born and raised in Pickens County and graduated from Pickens High School before continuing my education at Reinhardt University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I later earned a Master’s degree in Brain-Based Learning from Nova Southeastern University and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. I also hold Special Education certifications and an ESOL endorsement.

For the past 21 years, I have had the privilege of serving students and families in Cherokee County. I began my teaching career at Hasty Elementary School, where I taught first and second grade for three years. I later taught second through fourth grade at Canton Elementary School for ten years and spent six years at R.M. Moore Elementary teaching second through fifth grade, as a classroom and special education teacher. Most recently, I have served as a Special Education Facilitator for Teasley Middle School and Sixes Elementary School. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about building strong relationships, investing in students, and supporting teachers in every aspect so they can best serve their students. I look forward to continuing this work at Ball Ground STEM Academy.

My husband, Nick, and I live in Jasper on our small family farm. We have two boys, Isaiah (and his wife Caroline),  and Turner who will be attending Teasley Middle School this fall. As a family, we enjoy spending time together on our farm, visiting Walt Disney World, and going on cruises together.