Mrs. Pickens, a seasoned educator and administrator, brings over 15 years of professional experience in education, including pivotal roles within GMSD and Shelby County Schools.
After starting her career as a kindergarten and 4th-grade teacher in Shelby County Schools, Mrs. Pickens quickly moved into administrative roles, serving as Assistant Principal at Farmington. 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, in her position as Human Resources Supervisor, Mrs. Pickens assisted in revolutionizing GMSD’s teacher recruitment strategies. Her national volunteer role as a Vice President of the Phi Mu sorority provided her with invaluable insight into college-level recruitment, helping to attract top-tier recent graduates to the district. Her marketing efforts in human resources also ensured that GMSD remained competitive, drawing in talent of all ages and experience levels. "Kendra was an unstoppable force in the HR department," said Assistant Superintendent Elissa Stratton. "Her ability to reimagine recruitment and marketing for human resources has had a lasting impact, bringing the best and brightest to our district. We will miss her dearly in HR, but I have no doubt that her leadership will continue to elevate Forest Hill Elementary."
Reflecting on her new role, Mrs. Pickens shared, "From the very beginning, I have been so proud to be a Fox. We began this adventure together five years ago, and I’m excited to continue the work we started."
As part of her unique tradition, Mrs. Pickens marks each school year with symbols of traditional wedding anniversaries—a practice that exemplifies her sharp wit and passion for the job. "This year marks our sixth year together [the Forest Hill Family], symbolized by iron. Iron represents strength and durability, just like us. It has a magnetic pull, much like the one I felt when I left Forest Hill. But no matter where I went, something kept pulling me back to this place and these people."
Outgoing Principal Mr. Percoski expressed his confidence in Mrs. Pickens’ ability to lead the school. "Forest Hill is a special place, and I’m so proud of everything that we accomplished with Mrs. Pickens' and then after she left. She was instrumental in getting FHES up and running and I can't wait to see where she is able to take this school in the future. I cannot think of a better person to continue the work currently being done. Her compassionate, student-centered approach is exactly what the Foxes deserve in a leader. I know the faculty and staff, students, and parents will be so excited that she's back."
Mrs. Pickens’ professional achievements have been widely recognized. She was the recipient of the GMC STAR Award at Forest Hill in 2020 and named Teacher of the Year at Southwind Elementary in 2013. In addition to mentoring new teachers and serving on school improvement committees, she has been a featured presenter in education leadership programs and continues to serve as an inspiration for educators across the district.
“It’s always difficult selecting the next leader for a school–but I believe in Mrs. Pickens,” said Superintendent Jason Manuel. “Her vision about the future success of Forest Hill Elementary School is undeniable. She brings not just experience, but an energy that’s going to inspire our teachers and students to reach new heights. I believe that under her leadership, this school will continue to grow and thrive in ways we haven’t even imagined yet.”
Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Pickens and her husband Antonio recently celebrated 13 years of marriage. Together, they share their home with two loyal Labrador Retrievers, Riley and Duke, along with their mischievous tabby cat, Huey. In their free time, the couple are avid sports fans and also love to travel the world, continuously adding new stamps to their passports as they explore new destinations. They’re also die-hard fans of the Ole Miss Rebels and never miss a chance to cheer them on.
As she prepares to transition back to Forest Hill, Mrs. Pickens is eager to reconnect with the school community. She has launched a survey to gather feedback from the staff and will be holding one-on-one meetings to discuss the upcoming school year. "This is the adventure we’ve been on together,” she wrote in an email to her staff late Thursday afternoon, “and I can’t wait to see where we go next. I’m coming home, Foxes!".