Camp Creek: Specials Newsletter

What are Specials?

Specials are taught by specific, specialized teachers to give children a more rounded education in different areas. It helps students find hidden talents and passions. Our goal is to enrich the AKS and expose your child to new experiences.

In this issue:

Scroll down to meet ALL of our amazing SPECIAL AREA teachers.

PE

My name is Matt Mathews. I am going to be your child’s Physical Education teacher this year. This is my 28th year teaching. I have a Physical Education/Health Degree from Columbus State University and a Master’s and Specialist’s degree from Piedmont College in Curriculum and Instruction.

My wife, Lisa, and I live in Gwinnett County. We have two children. We are big UGA fans…GO DAWGS!

PE

My name is Joel Tarpley and I will be your child's Physical Education teacher this year. This is my 22nd year at Camp Creek Elementary where I have taught both Health and Physical Education. I attended the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where I received my undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education. I also received my Master's and Specialist degree from the University of Georgia in Educational Administration and Policy.

My wife and I live in Lilburn with our four children.

Health

My name is Ms. Parks, and I’m excited to be your child’s Health teacher this year! This is my 7th year in education. I look forward to educating students, in hopes of empowering them to adopt and maintain healthy behavior practices!

Art

My name is Mr. Mazzatta, and I am humbled and honored to begin my 21st year at Camp Creek Elementary School. I truly look forward to continuing a legacy of guiding our students through the exciting and wonderful world of Art!

Science

My name is Tracy Staker and I am thrilled to be the Science specials teacher this year. This year will be my 21st year of teaching and my fourth year at Camp Creek. I received a B.S. in Biology from the College of Charleston in South Carolina, then I moved across the country to San Diego, California. I worked for an environmental consulting firm for several years when I decided to go back to school to get my teaching certificate from San Diego State University. I then moved to the Atlanta area and completed my Master's degree in Elementary Reading and Math from Walden University. In 2019, I received my Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State. I am also gifted certified and ESL endorsed.

I live in Lilburn with my two children who are both students in the Parkview cluster. I enjoy spending time outdoors and practicing yoga in my free time. I am looking forward to a great year of having fun and getting our hands dirty (while learning Science of course!)

Music

My name is Dr. Jennifer Gebczyk, and I teach the General Music special. I have a Bachelor degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!), a Master's degree in Music Education from Auburn University, an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Education from Boston University. This is my 26th year teaching music, and my 8th year here at Camp Creek Elementary School.

I live in Lilburn with my husband and two of my three children. My oldest child is a hair stylist, and my youngest two children are students in the Parkview cluster. I also have a special fur baby mutt named Lola. 🐾

Math

Hi, my name is Ms. Murphy. Your child will be with me in math specials this year. In math specials (Math Lab), we practice and develop our fluency in mathematics using cooperative activities, manipulatives, and game play.

I have taught at Camp Creek since 2005, as both a 5th grade classroom teacher and specialist. Prior to teaching in Gwinnett, I taught 5th grade in Connecticut.

I enjoy reading, puzzles, cooking, paddle-boarding, golf, and any opportunity to be outside. I look forward to a great 2026-2027 school year.

Spanish

Hola. I am Dr. Jennifer Haynes. This is my 10th year as the Spanish Specials teacher at Camp Creek. I am originally from Virginia, but moved to Oaxaca, Mexico after graduating from William and Mary. I was married there, and my three teenage children were born there. After thirteen years in Mexico, we moved to Georgia. I have continued on with a Master´s in ESOL, a Specialist´s degree in Special Education, and my doctoral degree is in Second Language Acquisition. I love learning about cultures all over the world and traveling and experiencing life around the world. One of my favorite things about teaching the Spanish special is getting to know all of the kids and learning about their customs and cultures.

Computer Science

My name is Candy Norcini. I am going to be your child’s Computer Science teacher this year. This is my 30th year teaching. I have an Elementary & Middle School Education Degree (PreK-8th) from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University. I am also gifted certified and ESL endorsed.

My husband, Larry, and I live in Lilburn. We have 2 boys, Anthony, who is an Integration Manager in Winder, GA and Alex, is a 5th grade ELA teacher in Orlando, Fl.

I’m a HUGE University of Michigan fan…GO BLUE!

Social Studies

My name is Susan Coffee, and I will be your child’s S.S. Specials teacher this year! This is my 30th year teaching students, and I have been at Camp Creek since 2005! I have an Elementary Education degree from Auburn University, a Master’s degree in Middle Grades from Georgia State, an Educational Specialist Degree from Lincoln Memorial, and am gifted certified.

I am married to Kent, a middle school teacher, and live in the Parkview cluster. I have two amazing girls, Emily (a SS teacher in Huntsville, Alabama) and Elizabeth (Social Media Director for Coldwell Banker in Warner Robins, Georgia), and have two fur babies. I am a big Auburn fan, love to read, shop, watch movies, and travel.

*The photo was taken at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France!

Media Center

Hello, my name is Jennifer Quirk. Students will visit the library once per specials cycle and exchange their book then. I look forward to a great year in the library!

I am a proud mom of two amazing boys. My oldest son is in 7th grade and my youngest son is in 5th grade. This is my 4th year at Camp Creek Elementary, my 20th year as a school librarian, and my 25th year working in schools. I am originally from Connecticut and my boys, and I currently live in Lawrenceville.