Indian Knoll Elementary
With over 25 years of experience in education, Mrs. Erica Morrie brings a deep passion for student success and a commitment to building a nurturing, inclusive school community. She began her career as a classroom teacher and served in various roles before becoming a principal. She taught at Woodstock Elementary School, before being promoted to the Assistant Principal role at Carmel Elementary School, and then completed four years as a Principal at Mountain Road Elementary School. Mrs. Morrie looks forward to bringing her skills and experience to Indian Knoll and remaining a part of the Sequoyah Innovation Zone.
Mrs. Morrie believes that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving school. She is dedicated to fostering a positive school culture where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Her leadership is guided by the belief that all children can achieve greatness when given the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities.
Under her leadership, Indian Knoll Elementary School focuses on academic excellence, building a positive culture, and meaningful family engagement. She works closely with teachers, staff, and families to ensure every student receives a high-quality, well-rounded education.
When she’s not at school, Mrs. Morrie enjoys cruising, shopping, and spending time with her family. She has two daughters who are Cherokee natives and have both been products of the Cherokee District School System. Mrs. Morrie loves working in the community where she lives to be a part of the evolving growth and progress of a future-forward Cherokee!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Erica Morrie
I’m a proud Indian Knoll Firebird!
My name is Jennifer Landry, and I’m the assistant principal for grades 3-5, car rider area traffic mover, Special Education Administrator, 504 Administrator/Chairperson, and the After-School Program (ASP) Coordinator. I’m pleased to say that I simply love it here!
I am not a native Georgian, but I got here as quickly as I could! I was born in Mississippi, but I grew up just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana in Slidell. We moved back to Mississippi when I was in high school. Already living in Mississippi was the chief reason I attended and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in December of 1994. If I had still lived in Louisiana, I would have done my best to obtain a degree from Louisiana State University. Although I didn’t attend LSU, don’t be surprised to see me supporting my tigers by wearing my purple and gold!!
I’ve been an educator for 30+ years, and I consider myself a learner among learners. Of those years, I taught for 10 years in grades 5-8, and in three different states – Mississippi, Texas, and Georgia. Although I taught all subjects, I primarily taught science. I have also been an administrator in CCSD for 20 years. I have served as an administrator at Carmel ES, Johnston ES, Mountain Road ES, and now, I’m at home at Indian Knoll ES.
In my free time, I delight in spending time with my family. I have two kids of my own, bonus kids including a precious daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and two of the most beautiful granddaughters – Caroline will be a first grader in the fall SY25/26, and Hayden is only 2, so she’s in daycare. My son, Jacob “Jake”, works in the fire protection and safety industry, where he travels all over the southeast, my daughter-in-law, Macy, is a teacher at Hickory Flat Elementary here in Cherokee County. My daughter, Alexandra “Ali”, is a stylist and makeup artist at Studio 5 in downtown Canton, but she and my son-in-law, Christian, live in Ringgold. Christian is on a production team at Miller Industries near Chattanooga where he builds 18-wheeler tow trucks.
We are a family of dog lovers! I have a 6-year-old mini-Dachshund, Dotty Mae, my daughter has two Corgis, Rosie and Lily, and my son and his wife have my other two granddogs, a Yorkie, named Bentley, and a Golden Retriever, named Scout. Not only do I love spending time with my family, but I also love spending time with my dog and granddogs.
If I’m not with my family or with our dogs, you’ll most likely find me reading a book on my Kindle, in the kitchen cooking up yumminess or creating delicious recipes, at festivals where I might be selling some of the things I create or cook, or at competitions where I might be trying to win a prize for my cooking. I also love painting and crafting (wreaths, signs, jewelry, etc.)
Of all the things I take pleasure in, touching the lives of children, their families, and teachers is where I find the greatest joy. I’m pleased to be able to serve CCSD as an administrator, but most of all, I’m pleased to serve the community of children, parents, and teachers of Indian Knoll ES. I’m looking forward to another FANTASTIC year!!
Tessie Lauer - Assistant Principal EMAIL
My name is Tessie Lauer, and I am incredibly excited and honored to introduce myself as the new assistant principal at Indian Knoll Elementary. I will be supporting grades K-2, EIP/ESOL, 504 administrator, and bus transportation.
I have 12 years of experience in education and have previously served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. I believe that schools thrive when relationships, high expectations, and collaboration are at the heart of the work. I’ve spent majority of my career in Gwinnett County Schools before having the privilege of moving to Cherokee County School District this year.
I believe in leading with empathy, listening with intent, and celebrating successes along the way. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia Southern University. Go Eagles! I earned my specialist’s degree at Valdosta State University and my leadership certification from the University of West Georgia. I believe in being a lifelong learner and strive to model that in all that I do.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, cheering on the Braves, and traveling. My husband, Michael, and I have two daughters, ages 5 and 2. We are also expecting twin girls this fall!
As I settle into this new role at Indian Knoll Elementary, I look forward to getting to know each of you and serving this community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by anytime. My door is open, and I truly value partnership, collaboration, and open communication.
I’m excited for the year ahead and all we’ll accomplish together!