Instructional Support Services

Our Mission

The mission of the Instructional Support Services Team is to strengthen instructional practice through professional learning and quality digital resources for teachers and school teams in the Hall County School District.

Who We Are

Instructional Support Specialists

The goal of Hall County Instructional Support Specialists is to build the capacity of literacy/instructional coaches and school-based instructional leaders to ensure every student receives rigorous, grade-level, standards-aligned, differentiated Tier I instruction through clear learning targets, frequent checks for understanding, and responsive teaching (Teach–Assess–Respond).

Instructional Support Specialists design and deliver high-quality professional learning and coaching support, in collaboration with school teams and district instructional support staff, to strengthen Tier I instruction and improve student outcomes.

Instructional Technology

Instructional Technology partners with each school’s Digital Learning Support (DLS) Team and instructional leaders to build capacity for the purposeful integration of technology into teaching and learning. This includes targeted professional learning, coaching and support, product training, and resources that connect digital tools with high-impact instructional practices, school improvement goals, and district priorities.

Through collaboration with school-based teams, Instructional Technology supports processes and practices that promote effective use of digital resources, strengthen instruction, and sustain innovative teaching and learning.

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Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS)/RTI

The Hall County School District (HCSS) is committed to supporting the growth and success of every student through the Georgia Multi-Tiered System of Supports (GaMTSS) framework. Designed to address the needs of the whole child, MTSS provides a proactive, prevention-focused approach that integrates high-quality, evidence-based instruction, targeted interventions, assessment, and progress monitoring across academics, behavior, and social-emotional well-being.

Through a collaborative, data-driven process, educators use multiple sources of data, including universal screening and ongoing progress monitoring, to identify student strengths and needs early and make informed instructional decisions. Support is provided through a continuum that includes Tier 1 high-quality core instruction for all students, Tier 2 targeted interventions for students needing additional support, and Tier 3 intensive, individualized interventions based on identified needs.

At its core, MTSS is more than an intervention process—it is a school improvement framework designed to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, build educator capacity, and create systems that respond effectively to the needs of all learners. Ultimately, GaMTSS supports our commitment to developing the whole child and ensuring that all Hall County students have the opportunity to reach their full potential through Character, Competency, and Rigor for All.

Meet the Team

Dr. Mandy Dale

Dr. Mandy Dale

(Director of Instructional Support)

Dr. Mandy Dale serves as the Director of Instructional Support Services for Hall County School District, where she leads districtwide efforts to strengthen instructional practices, develop leadership capacity, and support continuous improvement for students and educators.

Dr. Dale brings more than 20 years of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and district-level director. Prior to returning to Hall County, she served as Director of School Improvement and Assessment and the Director of Federal Programs for Banks County Schools. Her experience includes leading work in school improvement, MTSS, assessment and data analysis, professional learning, literacy, accreditation, and instructional leadership.

Dr. Dale earned her Doctorate of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from Liberty University. She also holds an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College, a Master of Education and Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University, and Tier I and Tier II Educational Leadership certification from the University of North Georgia.

Throughout her career, Dr. Dale has remained committed to servant leadership and building the capacity of others. She believes strong instructional systems are developed through relationships, collaboration, and intentionally investing in leaders, coaches, and teachers so they can positively impact every student.

Laney Park

Laney Park

(Instructional Technology Specialist)

Laney Park began her teaching career in 2009 and for 9 years she taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. She was a K-5 Content Specialist for 6 years, K-12 Digital Convergence Specialist for 2 years, and began the role of Instructional Technology Specialist in 2026. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia and an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Technology with K-12 Library Media certification from Valdosta State University. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an Instructional Technology focus.

Additionally, Laney holds Math, Reading, Gifted, Science, ESOL, and Coaching endorsements. In her current role, Laney strives to be a connection between the Technology department and the Teaching and Learning department to support teachers, instruction, and student achievement.

Kacie Landers

Kacie Landers

(K-5 Literacy Literacy Professional Learning Specialist)

Kacie began her educational career in 2002, working as a paraprofessional while completing her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Middle Grades Mathematics from the University of North Georgia, further strengthening her foundation in both literacy and mathematics.

Throughout her career, Kacie has pursued numerous opportunities for professional growth. She completed the Hall County Growing Administrative Leaders program and earned multiple endorsements, including Gifted, ESOL, and Coaching. She has also participated in specialized professional learning, such as Growing Readers Training and CLASE Instructional Conversation Training, to deepen her understanding of effective instructional practices.

Kacie is committed to strengthening literacy across the county by providing support that empowers teachers and helps students grow as confident readers and writers. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement that benefits both educators and the students they serve.

Pam Blackwell

Pam Blackwell

(K-5 Math Instructional Support Specialist)

Pam began her teaching career in 2006 and has served students and teachers in a variety of roles, including special education teacher, homeroom teacher, gifted teacher, and instructional coach. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Georgia, along with endorsements in Reading, Gifted Education, ESOL, and Instructional Coaching.

In her current role as the district’s K–5 Math Professional Learning Specialist, Pam partners with schools and grade-level teams to strengthen Tier 1 mathematics instruction. She supports teachers in deepening their understanding of mathematics standards, using student thinking to guide instructional decisions, and designing learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners. Her work emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, application, and productive disposition.

Pam is passionate about creating mathematics classrooms where students reason, make connections, communicate their thinking, and develop confidence as mathematicians.

Dr. Courtney Peck

Dr. Courtney Peck

(Instructional Support Specialist: 6-8 ELA)

Dr. Courtney Peck is an Instructional Support Specialist with Hall County Schools, where she supports Tier I instruction through professional learning, instructional coaching, and curriculum leadership. A former middle grades ELA teacher and Content Specialist, she has led curriculum development and literacy initiatives at both the district and state levels.

Courtney contributed to the implementation of Georgia’s new K-12 ELA Standards through the Craft Lab with the Georgia Department of Education and serves as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education at Brenau University.

She earned her Bachelor‘s degree in Middle Grades Education from North Georgia College & State University and her Master’s, Specialist, and Doctorate degrees in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. Courtney is passionate about building educator capacity, strengthening instructional practice, and improving outcomes for all learners.

Delana Crandall

Delana Crandall

(6-8 Math Instructional Support Specialist)

Delana graduated with honors from North Georgia College & State University in 2012 and later earned a master‘s degree in Mathematics and Science Education. She dedicated 13 years to Davis Middle School, where she taught mathematics and served as the school’s Response to Intervention (RTI) Coordinator.

Delana is married to the love of her life, Jared, and together they are the proud parents of two precious children, Luke (8) and Kenslee Joy (5).

Delana is excited for the opportunity to serve the district by supporting teachers to build instructional capacity, and helping educators succeed so that all students can achieve their highest potential.

Dr. Emily Lott

Dr. Emily Lott

(9-12 ELA Instructional Support Specialist)

Dr. Emily Lott serves as the 9-12 ELA Instructional Support Specialist for Hall County Schools, where she supports curriculum, assessment, professional learning, and instructional improvement across secondary ELA programs. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, department coach and chair, assessment writer and editor, and content specialist.

Dr. Lott earned a bachelor‘s degree in Literature and Language and completed a year of study at the University of Oxford as a Student-in-Residence, participating in the university’s renowned tutorial system. She later earned a doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University.

In her current role, Dr. Lott partners with teachers, instructional leaders, and school teams to bridge research and practice in ways that strengthen teaching and learning.

Beyond her work in Hall County, Dr. Lott regularly collaborates with the Georgia Department of Education to support English Language Arts educators across the state and serves in consultant and professional learning roles with the College Board, supporting educators and students across the country and around the world. Through each of these experiences, Dr. Lott remains committed to building educator capacity, strengthening instruction, and creating meaningful learning opportunities for all students.

Kim Keough

Kim Keough

(9-12 Math Instructional Support Specialist)

Kim has been an educator since 2007. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from the University of Georgia and is certified to teach mathematics grades 4th-12th. She also holds a gifted endorsement. Throughout her career, Kim has taught mathematics at both the middle and high school levels. She spent 14 years teaching high school mathematics and served as a math department chair for 5 of those years. Her teaching experience includes Algebra, Algebra Strategies, Geometry, Geometry Strategies, Accelerated Algebra, Accelerated Geometry, and Accelerated Precalculus.

Prior to her current role, Kim taught 8th grade mathematics, Accelerated Algebra, Algebra and Enhanced Algebra: Concepts and Connections to middle school students at North Hall Middle School.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kim is married to her husband, Chad, a firefighter/medic. Together they have two children, Tucker and Ava. As the 9-12 Math Instructional Support Specialist, she is passionate about supporting teachers and helping them provide high-quality Tier 1 instruction that ensures all students have access to meaningful learning opportunities.

Mindy Watkins

Mindy Watkins

(MTSS/RTI District Lead)

With nearly three decades in education starting in 1998, Mindy’s passion has always been meeting students where they are and providing the exact level of support they deserve to thrive in the future. Over her career, she has had the privilege of serving four metro Atlanta school districts in a wide variety of roles, from classroom teacher to district leader.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Middle Grades Math and Science from Brenau University, a certification in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia, and an Education Specialist degree from Georgia Southwestern State University. She also holds endorsements in ESOL and K-5 Mathematics.

Outside of her work in education, she lives in Braselton with her husband. She loves spending quality time with her granddaughter and keeping up with her household—which is lovingly (and completely) ruled by her three French bulldogs!

Matt Yeary

Matt Yeary

(MTSS/RTI Specialist)

Matt serves as the MTSS/RTI Specialist for Hall County Schools, where he supports Tiers 2 and 3 interventions for academics, speech, behavior, and language acquisition. Matt supports the first of its kind, language MTSS support, known as the Language Acquisition Path (LAP). Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, ESOL teacher, instructional coach, bilingual diagnostician, and now as a district-level specialist.

Matt earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from Gainesville State College in 2012. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Valdosta State University. In 2023, Matt earned his Tier 1 Educational Leadership Certification.

He has also completed the Hall County Growing Administrative Leaders program and the Growing Teacher Leaders Program, and earned multiple endorsements, including ESOL and Reading. He has also participated in specialized professional learning such as the CLASE Instructional Conversation Training. He is currently pursuing an advanced degree in School Improvement.

Matt’s passion is helping educators see the strengths and potential of language learners while creating the supports and opportunities students need to acquire English with targeted, appropriate intervention, so that they have an equitable opportunity to experience success.

Tara Mauldin

Tara Mauldin

(GO MTSS Specialist)

Tara serves as a GO MTSS Specialist, supporting the district in the effective implementation of the GO MTSS platform and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) processes. She provides professional learning and training to district and school teams, helping educators build confidence and consistency in using the GO MTSS platform to support student needs.

She works alongside the district team to implement MTSS processes with fidelity, providing ongoing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure practices are aligned with established expectations. Through training, collaboration, and continuous support, she helps the district effectively use the GO MTSS platform to strengthen their systems and create consistent, data-informed support for students.

Tara earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University. She later earned her Tier 1 Educational Leadership Certification from the University of West Georgia. Tara also completed the Aspiring Principals Academy program and obtained an ESOL endorsement.

Kent Townley

Kent Townley

(MTSS/RTI Specialist for Secondary Schools)

Kent Townley is in his 32nd year in education and is currently serving as an MTSS/RTI Specialist for Secondary Schools. His career includes 8 years teaching high school science and 23 years as a school administrator, providing him with extensive experience in both classroom instruction and educational leadership.

Kent earned his bachelor‘s and master’s degrees in Wildlife Conservation and Ornithology from Louisiana Tech University and his Educational Specialist degree in Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. He is passionate about partnering with teachers to develop effective supports for struggling learners, helping ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Amber Etris

Amber Etris

(Administrative Assistant for Instructional Support Services)

Amber Etris serves as the Administrative Assistant for Instructional Support Services with Hall County Schools and is currently in her 21st year with the district. Throughout her career, she has supported school communities in a variety of roles, beginning at Sugar Hill Elementary School. She later helped open Cherokee Bluff High School before serving as the school secretary at North Hall Middle School, where she built meaningful relationships with staff, students, families, and the community.

Amber brings a wealth of experience, a heart for service, and a strong commitment to supporting educators to her role at the district office. In her role at the district office, she enjoys supporting educators and contributing to the work that makes a difference in classrooms across Hall County. She believes that strong relationships and open communication are at the heart of a successful school system.

Outside of work, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Craig, and their two children, Emma and Eyen. She can often be found at the baseball field cheering on her son and enjoying time with family and friends.

Connect With Us!

HCSD Digital Follow 526 228

Twitter account for the HCSD Instructional Technology Team, part of the Instructional Support Services/Teaching and Learning Department.

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Contact us

Mandy Dale (Director of Instructional Support)  mandy.dale@hallco.org

Laney Park (Instructional Technology Specialist)  laney.park@hallco.org

Kacie Landers (K-5 Literacy Instructional Support Specialist)  kacie.landers@hallco.org

Pam Blackwell (K-5 Math Instructional Support Specialist)  pamela.blackwell@hallco.org

Courtney Peck (6-8 ELA Instructional Support Specialist)  courtney.peck@hallco.org

Delana Crandall (6-8 Math Instructional Support Specialist)  delana.crandall@hallco.org

Emily Lott (9-12 ELA Instructional Support Specialist)  emily.lott@hallco.org

Kim Keough (9-12 Math Instructional Support Specialist)  kim.keough@hallco.org

Mindy Watkins (MTSS/RTI District Lead) mindy.watkins@hallco.org

Matt Yeary (MTSS/RTI Specialist) matt.yeary@hallco.org

Tara Mauldin (GO MTSS Specialist) tara.mauldin@hallco.org

Kent Townley (MTSS/RTI Specialist for Secondary Schools) kent.townley@hallco.org

Amber Etris (Administrative Assistant for Instructional Support Services) amber.etris@hallco.org

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