Administration
Mrs. Lori Waddell
Principal
I began my career teaching in Savannah, Georgia and in North Carolina before joining the Forsyth County Schools family in 2007. Over the next decade, I had the opportunity to teach English and Social Studies at both South Forsyth and West Forsyth High Schools. In 2017, I moved into administration as an Assistant Administrator at North Forsyth High School, followed by serving as an Assistant Principal at East Forsyth High School, where I helped open the school in 2021. Most recently, I was an Assistant Principal at Lambert High School.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte, as well as an Educational Leadership Specialist degree from Valdosta State University. My husband, BJ, and I are proud graduates of Forsyth Central High School, and we’re raising our two daughters—Caroline (16) and Lulu (12)—in Forsyth County Schools as well.
Piney Grove is such a special place, and I can’t wait to get to know our students, families, and staff. I look forward to a fantastic year of learning, growing, and celebrating all that makes the Grizzlies great!
Mrs. Danielle Sherfey - Assistant Principal
Phone: 678-965-5010 Ext. 381020
Mrs. Danielle Sherfey
Assistant Principal
Greetings Grizzlies!
We are looking forward to a fantastic 2025-2026 school year!
My name is Danielle Sherfey, and I am proud to be serving the Piney Community as the 6th grade Assistant Principal! This will be my 16th year in education and my 7th year serving in a leadership role. I came to Forsyth County Schools from Fulton County in 2014. I have served as an 8th grade ELA teacher, Graduation Coach, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Administrator during my time at Lakeside and South Forsyth Middle School.
I have been a part of the Grizzly family as Assistant Principal for 4 years now and love working with our community! This will be my third year serving as the 6th grade Assistant Principal. In this role, I will be supporting our students in the transition to middle school as well as celebrating their growth and achievements throughout the year.
My educational background includes a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a major in English Language Arts and a minor in Science from Eastern Michigan University.
Outside of school, my husband, Chris, and I spend our time supporting and cheering on our children Brayden (15) and Aria (12) in their activities. As a family, we enjoy watching sports, traveling, and spending quality time together with our dog, Diggie.
I am looking forward to an amazing year of learning and growing together!
Dr. Melisa Marsh
Assistant Principal
My name is Dr. Melisa Marsh, and I am thrilled to return to Piney Grove Middle School as the 8th Grade Administrator for the 25–26 school year. I am entering my 22nd year in education. Before joining Forsyth County, I worked at the Cobb County District Central Office as the Supervisor of School Counseling, Advisement, and Crisis Response. Over the past two decades, I’ve served as a Georgia high school counselor and department chair, a counseling consultant, and a School Counseling and Advisement Consultant.
I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Personnel Services and my Specialist Degree in School Counseling from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). I also hold an Advanced Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a leadership certification from Kennesaw State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in School Psychology from Berry College.
I am a national speaker for the National Center for Youth Issues and the author of three books in the 15-Minute Focus series: Suicide: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention, Depression: Signs and Strategies for Counselors, Educators, and Parents, and Stress and Burnout in Education.
I live in the Atlanta Metro area with my husband, Alex, and our two pups, Memphis and Tallinn. Both Memphis and Tallinn are certified therapy dogs and join me at PGMS to support students and staff throughout the school year. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, yoga, cycling, running, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Mr. Ryan Cross
Assistant Administrator
My name is Ryan Cross and I am so excited to be joining the Piney Grove family this year! I am entering my 11th year as an educator and my 10th year in Forsyth County Schools. Prior to becoming an administrator, I spent 10 years in the classroom teaching all levels of middle school Science as well as 7th grade Social Studies at Liberty middle school. I also taught World Geography and World History at North Forsyth high school. I have served as department chair, and grade level chair, head coach of athletic teams (Cross Country and Track) and held many other leadership roles during my time as a teacher. As an Assistant Administrator, my goal is to support and build meaningful relationships with the students, teachers, parents, and community members of Piney Grove Middle School.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science, concentrating in Geoscience from Mississippi State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education from Mississippi State University, a Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University, and a Tier-1 Educational Leadership certification from the University of North Georgia.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife of 8 years, Courtney, is a nurse and works from home with our two golden retrievers Belle (8) and Willow (7). We love to travel, try new foods, attend sporting events and spend quality time together.
I am looking forward to an amazing year at the Grove!