About Us

Welcome to the Bruin Nation!

As the saying goes, “There’s no place like home.” I began my career here at Northwest in 2002, teaching language arts for 15 years before moving into administration. This community has become like family to me—filled with kind, honorable people who work hard and support one another. Walking these halls, surrounded by Bruin pride in blue and orange, always feels like home.

I continue to be inspired by the heart and spirit of our students, staff, and families. As a mom of two daughters, I know how important a strong education is to opening doors and shaping the future. I also believe every student should know they are seen, valued, and supported. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through one of our many specialized programs, we are committed to helping each student grow into the very best version of themselves. When we ask for their best, we will give them our best in return.

With so many events, games, and opportunities to gather, I hope we’ll cross paths throughout the year. Let’s continue to share ideas, cheer on our Bruins, and support the young adults who will shape tomorrow. It truly takes all of us.

If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out—call 706-516-2200 or email me at mandie.jones@wcsga.net. I may not always have the fix, but I’ll always listen.

Here’s to another amazing year together!
—Mandie Jones

#bruinpride

drew.bragg@wcsga.net

I am honored, and blessed, to serve as the Curriculum Assistant Principal at Northwest Whitfield High School, the school I proudly graduated from in 2004. Returning to NHS is especially meaningful to me, as this community and school played such an important role in shaping who I am today.

This year marks my 17th year in education. I began my career as a classroom teacher, where I spent 8 years working directly with students and building a strong foundation for my leadership. Over the past 8 years working as an assistant principal and principal, I have had the privilege of supporting both students and teachers in new and impactful ways. Countless individuals have supported, and poured into, me during my career, and I cherish the opportunity to do that for others.

My wife, Samantha, and I make our home here in the community with our two young children, and we appreciate the family-friendly environment at NHS. As both an educator and a parent, I believe deeply that every student should be given the opportunity to pursue their goals and passions, and that schools must provide the support necessary for them to thrive.

Northwest Whitfield High School is more than just where I work; it is my alma mater, my community, and a place I hold close to my heart. Our community is filled with good people, and I look forward to working alongside both familiar faces and those I have not yet met as we continue the proud tradition of excellence at NHS!

anthony.crossen@wcsga.net

I am honored to be back home to serve as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Northwest Whitfield High School. I walked the halls as a student at NHS from August of 1989 until my graduation in May of 1993. My position at NHS is especially meaningful to me, as this community and school played such an important role in shaping who I am today.

This year is my 20th year in education with all of them being served in Whitfield County Schools. I began my career as a 4th grade teacher. I then spent the next 14 years teaching in middle school and high school. For the past 5 years I have worked as an assistant principal and now an athletic director. I have had the privilege of supporting students, teachers, and coaches in different capacities. Numerous individuals have supported my journey in education, and I have cherished the opportunity that I have been given to do the same for others.

To say that my family is full of Bruins is an understatement. My wife Mandy started her career at Northwest as a social studies teacher. She taught at NHS for 20 plus years before leaving to become an Instructional Coach. I have two older children that graduated from Northwest in 2016 and 2019. My youngest is now a sophomore at Northwest. We are a family that bleeds blue and orange!

Northwest Whitfield High School is more than just a job. It is my alma mater, my home away from home, and a place I hold close to my heart. When students graduate from Northwest there is a special bond of pride that will always bring them back. Northwest is a great place for current students and families to carry on the pride and traditions that former Bruins started fifty years ago. That is why the old saying goes, “Once a Bruin, always a Bruin.”

laurie.grant@wcsga.net

Whitfield County School has been my home for the past 20 years. I served seven of those years as a teacher and ten as an administrator at the elementary level before moving to high school for the past three years. I have had the privilege of watching my Eastside students graduate the past 3 years at Southeast and now have the honor of seeing all my Pleasant Grove babies at Northwest now as young adults. I am looking forward to reconnecting with the families and students I have not seen in a while and meeting everyone new to me. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Bruin Nation family, helping to foster and nurture our students to succeed.

Not only do I have two precious bonus children, but I am also a “Mimi” to three precious grandchildren. Fostering a loving, nurturing environment where my grandchildren can grow, learn, succeed, spread their wings, and have fun while doing it is a priority at home and in the lives of the families and students I am privileged to work with.

I look forward to a collaborative relationship with our families as we work together nurturing the growth of all our learners in a positive environment as they move on to the next path and chapter in their lives.