ELA Department Teachers
Ms. Pederson
Greetings River Trail students and parents, this is my second year with RTMS. I hail all the way from California. I have a degree in Journalism and the one thing I truly believe is vital to education, is that one never stops learning. I have been married to my husband Luke for 20 years and we have two boys, Josh 17, and James 6. The students and I will be getting to know each other through stories, discussions, collaborations. For now, my biggest values in life include my faith and my biggest joy in life is my family.
Ms. Jenkins
Mrs. Tracy Jenkins teaches 8th grade English Language Arts. Over her years of teaching, she has loved to see students begin to understand how their words can impact their world for change. She has specialized in Gifted instruction, ESOL, and Reading Intervention. The absolute passion of her life is her family, who keep her inspired every day. With college-aged children, she and her husband enjoy filling their empty nest time with travel, nature, and sports.
Ms. Dooley-Smith
Kassie Dooley-Smith earned a Master's in education and Bachelor of Arts in Classical and Mediterranean Studies from Vanderbilt University. She comes from a long line of teachers and has a sister currently attending Oglethorpe University! She strives to create an environment in which all students can grow and succeed. When not at school, she devours books, loves on her dachshund Kewpie, and bakes all types of bread and cookies.
Ms. Knuth
This is my 20th year teaching at RTMS.I love being an RTMS Wolf.
I have 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 4 little grandchildren. I enjoy walking, playing pickleball, doing jigsaw puzzles, and having play time with Jack, Jase, Harper, and Emma.
Ms. Colburn
This is Lindsay's second year at River Trail but her seventeenth year teaching in Fulton County. She was Taylor Road Middle School’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. In the spring of 2018, she was named Middle School Special Education teacher of the year by the Johns Creek Civitan Club. In 2016, she received the Enable Special Education Teacher finalist award for the state of Georgia. She serves as one of the Howling Times advisors at River Trail. She is active in the community as an assistant coach on the Jr. Cougar cross-country and JV Cougar boys soccer teams. She also serves on Tapestry Charter School's board as an academic advisor.
Ms. Phillips
Hello, River Trail families! I’m Ms. Amanda Phillips, and I teach 8th grade ELA. This is my fourth-year teaching English and my first year here at River Trail. In 2007 I earned my BA in Sociology, and after some reflection, I discovered a passion for education and went on to complete a Master’s in Teaching.
I’ve been married to my husband for twenty-three years, and we have five sons who keep life full and fun. As a family, we enjoy watching movies and eating delicious food. When I’m not teaching or hanging out with my family, I can be found quilting or reading. I’m looking forward to a year filled with learning, connection, and growth.