Forest Hill
Elementary School
Meet Our Administrators
Kendra Pickens, Principal
Mrs. Pickens is coming home as Principal of Forest Hill Elementary! After starting her career as a kindergarten and 4th-grade teacher in Shelby County Schools, Mrs. Pickens moved into administrative roles, serving as Assistant Principal at Farmington Elementary. Her journey also led her to Forest Hill in 2019, where she served as Assistant Principal for three years. At Forest Hill, Mrs. Pickens was more than just an assistant principal—she was a driving force behind the development of the school’s unique culture and traditions. Her leadership was key in establishing the very essence of what makes Forest Hill Elementary School so special. Whether it was fostering a positive school environment, celebrating student and staff achievements, or creating lasting traditions that built a strong sense of community, Mrs. Pickens’ impact was deeply felt. Most recently, Mrs. Pickens served as GMSD's Human Resources Supervisor where she assisted in revolutionizing teacher recruitment strategies. Forest Hill is happy to welcome Mrs. Pickens back home!
Christy Bennett, Assistant Principal
Christy Bennett joined Forest Hill Elementary as Assistant Principal in July of 2021. She has over 16 years of educational experience, most recently as an Instructional Math and Science Specialist in Desoto County Schools. Mrs. Bennett graduated from Germantown High School and is thrilled to be serving the FHES community in her hometown. She earned her Bachelors degree from the University of Memphis and her Masters and Education Specialist degrees from Union University. Mrs. Bennett is married to Michael and they are the proud "parents" of two Beagle sisters - Darcy and Stella. On the weekends, you'll find her proudly cheering on the Tigers and the Grizzlies!
Ellie Talley, Assistant Principal
Joining as Assistant Principal in 2022, Ellie Talley has served public elementary, middle, and high schools in the Memphis area since 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Mrs. Talley is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Talley has served as an Instructional Technology Coach at Houston High School and in various leadership roles throughout her tenure, including grade chair, department chair, PLC lead, diversity and inclusion coach, and teacher mentor. Mrs. Talley is married to Charlie and has two sons, one a proud graduate of Houston High and another enjoying his senior year at HHS. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and snuggling up with her two Boston Terriers, Polly and Pearl. Mrs. Talley is a proud product of Germantown schools and is excited to be a part of the Fox Family!
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