LWE Administration
Lake Windward Administration Team
Ms. Lauren Busing, Principal
Lauren Busing's journey in education began in Fulton County, where she was a teacher at Dolvin Elementary. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Jacksonville State University as a student-athlete and her degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Her career in education includes roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and most recently, as Assistant Principal at Cogburn Woods Elementary School.
Known for her collaborative approach and innovative mindset, Lauren has successfully led initiatives that enhance student engagement and academic achievement. Her leadership is driven by a passion for creating a nurturing and inclusive school culture where every child can thrive.
Ms. Busing’s vision for Lake Windward Elementary includes continuing to build on the school’s strong foundation while supporting teachers, parents, and students. She is dedicated to working closely with students, families, and staff to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed – Principal Busing is excited to be at Lake Windward where we learn and grow, lead and show!
Mrs. Cindy Bailey, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Bailey was the STEM CST at LWE for 10 years and a 4th grade teacher at LWE for 5 years. She started her career in Fulton County Schools in 2005 at Elkins Pointe Middle School as an 8th grade science teacher. Prior to moving to Georgia, she was a high school assistant principal and taught science in Pasco County Schools in Florida. However, she started her teaching career in Michigan where she taught middle school and high school science, math, health, PE, and coached volleyball for many years.
Born and raised in Detroit, MI., she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University. Later, she attended Georgia Southern University to earn her Education Specialist degree in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction.
Mrs. Bailey is married and has 4 children (3 girls and 1 boy) who have all graduated from Fulton County Schools. They are a house divided, 2 Georgia Dawgs and 2 Georgia Southern Eagles. She also been blessed with 2 beautiful grandchildren. One of her favorite things to do is spending free time with her growing family and friends. In addition, she enjoys reading, board/card games, traveling and sports.
Ms. Kelly O'Connor, CST (Science and Math/ Grades 3-5)
Ms. O’Connor grew up in Alpharetta, GA and will be starting her 10th year at Lake Windward Elementary School. 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 also coaches the LWE Science Olympiad team and helped lead the team to becoming the 2022 Georgia State Tournament Champions.
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. Anne McKown, CST (Humanities/ Grades K-2nd Grade)
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 8th 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. Lauree Lau, IST
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 26th year in Fulton County and 9th 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. Sabrina Hill, Counselor
Mrs. Hill is going in to her 12th 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 two year old 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. Janmarie Palermo, Literacy Coach
Mrs. Palermo is entering her 21st year with Fulton County Schools and her 17th 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.