Mrs. Shelley Shillcutt was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Wesleyan College where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She received her Master of Science in Post Secondary Education from Troy University and her Specialist in Education from Columbus State University. As a part of the Houston County School District, she has served as a second grade teacher, third grade teacher, fifth grade teacher, literacy coach, and EIP reading teacher. In 2018, she was selected as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Kings Chapel Elementary School.
She is married to Steven Shillcutt, and together they have five children. Mrs. Shillcutt is excited to serve the KCES community.
Kalesia McKnight, Assistant Principal of Instruction
Mrs. Kalesia McKnight grew up in Lanett, Alabama. She attended Troy University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She received her Master's degree in School Counseling and her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. This is Mrs. McKnight’s 9th year in education. She has taught kindergarten, first, and second grade. She has spent her last few years in education as a School Counselor. This year, Mrs. McKnight will serve as our new Assistant Principal of Instruction.
Mrs. McKnight is married to Jon McKnight, and together they have three children. She enjoys traveling, shopping, watching college football (WAR EAGLE!) and spending time with her family. Mrs. McKnight is excited to start her new role. She is committed to creating a nurturing environment that promotes student achievement in and outside of the classroom.
Dr. Engracia Barnes, Assistant Principal of Discipline
Dr. Engracia Bautista Barnes was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in White Plains, New York. She attended Binghamton University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Rhetoric. She later attended Georgia College and State University and received both her Master of Arts in Teaching and Specialist in Educational Leadership. Most recently she earned her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University.
In 2008, she started her teaching career with the Houston County School District. Since then, she has served as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher, middle grades Reading Intervention teacher, and Academic Coach. In 2021, she was selected as the Assistant Principal for Houston Virtual. Beginning July 2024, she will also serve as the new Assistant Principal of Discipline for Kings Chapel Elementary School. Dr. Barnes is honored to join and serve the KCES community.
She is married to Michael Barnes, and together they have three children, Michael, Greyson, and Catalina. Dr. Barnes enjoys reading, running, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
