LWE Administration

Ms. O’Connor grew up in Alpharetta, GA and will be starting her 11^th year at Lake Windward Elementary School. This year, we are happy to welcome her as our Assistant Principal. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Furman University. She also has her Talented and Gifted endorsement.

Ms. O’Connor taught fourth grade math and science for eight years and was a fourth-grade team lead for seven years. She served as the Curriculum Support Teacher and Science Olympiad Coach at Lake Windward prior to becoming Assistant Principal.

In her spare time, Ms. O’Connor loves watching sports, especially the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves, spending time with friends and family, and enjoys staying active with her dog Aiken. 

Ms. McKown is from Marietta, GA.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. She also has elementary math and reading endorsements.  She taught fourth grade in Nicholson, GA.  She then moved to Lake Windward where she taught fifth and third grade. 

Ms. McKown is currently beginning her 8^th year as a Curriculum Support Teacher at Lake Windward.  Ms. McKown loves being in this position as it affords her the opportunity to work closely with students, families, and teachers to ensure students are best supported in their journey to learn and grow, lead and show.

In her spare time, Ms. McKown enjoys cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, reading, and spending time with friends and family. 

Ms. Lau is an Atlanta born and raised Georgia peach.  She graduated from St. Pius X High School, Valdosta State University, and Georgia State University.  She started with Fulton County Schools in 1999 as a general education high school teacher.  Since then, Ms. Lau has also taught at the former alternative middle/high school where she officially became certified in special education.  She was the Crossroads Second Chance North Teacher of the Year in 2011 and in 2012, was named the enAble of Georgia’s Teacher of the Year.  She was also the Lake Windward Professional of the Year in 2017. 

Ms. Lau has been an IST since 2013, serving in several different schools over the years.  The 2024-2025 school year will be her 26^th year in Fulton County and 9^th year at Lake Windward.  Ms. Lau feels she has found her home at Lake Windward where she has an amazing administrative team as well as a strong and resilient team of teachers, paraprofessionals, and service providers who support each other and our exceptional gator students.  

Ms. Lau has an adult daughter who went to elementary school in Fulton County and shares a love of working with children.  When she is not at work, she loves sports, especially all Atlanta sports, win or lose.  She is a student advocate, a team leader, and a dedicated IST.

Mrs. Hill is going in to her 12^th year as a School Counselor at Lake Windward Elementary.  Mrs. Hill has her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in School Counseling.  Her passion is working with students and families.  Mrs. Hill feels extremely lucky to be part of such a strong community of teachers, administrators, and families. She is thankful to continue to have the opportunity to work with you and your child. 

 Mrs. Hill is married and has a son.  In her spare time, she enjoys cheering on the University of Georgia Dawgs, being with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and traveling around the world.

Mrs. Palermo is entering her 22nd year with Fulton County Schools and her 18th year as an LWE Gator. She has taught language arts across multiple grade levels – first, third, fifth, and sixth – and served as the team lead for fifth grade before venturing into middle school. During her tenure at Taylor Road, she instructed eighth-grade language arts, including TAG. She assumed the role of content chair for the department, coached the Academic Bowl team and sponsored several clubs. After her time at Taylor Road, she circled back to LWE, this time as the Literacy Coach.

Before joining Fulton County Schools, Ms. Palermo's teaching experience encompassed first and second grade in Massachusetts, preschool in Indiana, Pre-K in Texas, and Kindergarten in Georgia. Originally from Boston, MA, she pursued her education at Northeastern University and Bridgewater State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She is also TAG endorsed and Orton-Gillingham trained. Ms. Palermo recently earned her Masters of Science in Education with a specialization in Reading from Arkansas State University, as well as a Dyslexia endorsement.

 Mrs. Palermo is happily married and the proud parent of three children and three grandchildren. All her children have successfully graduated from Chattahoochee High School and have embraced teaching as their chosen careers. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading and spending lots of time with her family both locally and out of state.

Ms. Fraser brings more than 20 years of experience in Fulton County Schools and a passion for helping students discover the joy and power of mathematics. She began her educational journey in Ohio, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum, Technology, and Instruction from Kent State University.

 Ms. Fraser has taught students from Pre-K through fifth grade and has continued to grow her expertise through the Fulton County Coach Pathway and Math Endorsement Program. Her love for teaching, coaching, and supporting mathematical thinking led her to Lake Windward, where she serves as the Math Instructional Coach.

In addition to supporting teachers and students in mathematics, Ms. Fraser leads learning experiences in the STEM Lab, where she develops engaging lessons for students and collaborates with parent volunteers to bring STEM learning to life. She also extends her passion for science and innovation beyond the school day as coach of the Science Olympiad Team.

When she's not at school, Ms. Fraser enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog. As a local resident, you might even spot her around the neighborhood. In her free time, she loves reading, exploring new places, and cheering on THE Ohio State Buckeyes.