Administration
Principal
Chanté Williams Blackwell
With 28 years of dedicated service, Chanté Williams Blackwell stands as a passionate and experienced educational leader, committed to student achievement and community empowerment. A proud product of Atlanta Public Schools, she graduated from Frederick Douglass High School, setting the stage for her impactful career.
Chanté's academic background is robust, including a Bachelor of Science from Alabama A&M University, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. Her expertise is further bolstered by a Reading Endorsement.
Her professional journey began with 13 years as a teacher at Mary Lin Elementary. Chanté then transitioned into leadership, serving as an Assistant Principal across several schools: Springdale Park Elementary and G.A. Towns Elementary in Atlanta Public Schools, and Oak View Elementary and Rainbow Elementary in DeKalb County. Before taking on the principal role at Perkerson Elementary, she gained valuable district-level experience as an Assessment Administrator for DeKalb County Schools.
Chanté's commitment extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is a devoted mother of three and a proud grandmother, residing in and actively contributing to the Carver Cluster community. Her interests include reading, spending quality time with her family, supporting her family business, and working out.
Her guiding principle, "Empowering minds, elevating futures—one student, one lesson, one community at a time," perfectly reflects her deep-seated belief in the power of education to transform lives and uplift entire communities.
Assistant Principal
Dr. Shelawa Thrash
It is an honor to be a member of the Perkerson Wildcat Family as your Assistant Principal. I love my chosen career! It is an educational journey that keeps me living to learn and learning to live. By doing so, progress is always in view.
I have previously served as a Middle School Mathematics Teacher, Instructional Coach, Leadership Support Specialist and Assistant Principal. My profession enables me to collaborate with parents, community leaders and civic organizations who provide resources needed to promote student success.
I enjoy singing, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. My mother is a retired APS Media Specialist, and my brother is an educator on the college level. As a proud graduate of Atlanta Public Schools, I am committed to making our students at Perkerson Elementary a top priority. Our students are our future!
We believe. We can. We will.
Dr. Shalewa Thrash
Instructional Coaches
Arn St. Cyr, II
Hello, my name is Arn St. Cyr, II, and I am excited to serve the Wildcat family as the math and science instructional coach. I look forward to working with each of you as we strive to provide our students with the best quality math instruction.
I was born and raised in the city of Atlanta and am a proud product of Atlanta Public Schools. I attended Emory University for my undergraduate degree and Mercer University for my Master's degree in the Art of Teaching. After graduating, I began my teaching career in Atlanta Public Schools. Over the past 10 years, I have served as a teacher at Parkside and Fickett Elementary schools in multiple grade levels. I am currently working on my Ph.D. at the University of Georgia.
I love playing basketball, chess, traveling, and golfing with my wife. I am excited to work with everyone to ensure that all our students are successful.
Mr. St. Cyr
Dr. Sandrea Goree
It is both an honor and a joy to serve the Perkerson family as the Reading and Social Studies Instructional Coach. I look forward to collaborating as we work together to provide our students with the highest quality instruction.
I earned my Doctorate in Education from Brenau University and bring over 13 years of experience in education. Throughout my career, I’ve served in multiple roles, including classroom teacher, grade-level chair for eight years, master teacher leader, and now instructional coach.
Outside of education, I enjoy mentoring youth, traveling, and dancing. I am truly excited for the journey ahead and committed to supporting our students and staff in every way possible.