Mr. Heath-Friess, Principal, Biography

Mr. Cory A. Heath-Friess was born and raised in Palm Beach County where he attended Cypress Trails Elementary School, Crestwood Middle School and Palm Beach Lakes High School. While at Palm Beach Lakes, Mr. Heath-Friess made the decision to major in Elementary Education. In college, Mr. Heath-Friess earned his Bachelor's of Education in Elementary Education and his Masters of Education in Educational Leadership. 

Mr. Heath-Friess began his teaching career at Egret Lake Elementary School teaching Reading Interventions in 2013. Following this first assignment, Mr. Heath-Friess has served as an award-winning science teacher, Math and Science Instructional Coach, Single School Culture Coordinator and Assistant Principal. Mr. Heath-Friess has been the Principal of Northmore Elementary School since July 2021.

In his spare time, Mr. Heath-Friess loves to explore new places. He has a true love for science and fantasy genres in reading and movies. Mr. Heath-Friess also enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, the outdoors and seeing broadway musicals.

Ms. Pedraza, Assistant Principal, Biography

Ms. Cindy Pedraza was proudly born in Colombia. By the age of 10, she and her family came to Florida to explore new opportunities. She attended Lantana Elementary, Lantana Middle and Lake Worth High School. Ms. Cindy Pedraza originally explored the medical field at Florida Atlantic university but then realized her passion for teaching and leadership. Ms. Pedraza received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University.

Ms. Pedraza began her teaching career at Heritage Elementary teaching ESOL in 2012. She later acquired positions in 2nd and 3rd grade. After that she moved to middle school as a reading coach for 3 years. Ms. Pedraza has fully dedicated herself as Assistant Principal at Northmore Elementary for the past 2 years. She’s extremely proud to call Northmore her home and has successfully helped build a positive school community. Ms. Pedraza loves to be on the go and enjoy time with family and friends. She’s excited to start the 2023-2024 new school year!

Mr. Watkins, SSCC, Biography

Mr. Jacob Watkins was born and raised in Central Florida. After attending Santa Fe Catholic High School, he attended the University of Florida where he earned both his Bachelor’s of Elementary Education and Master’s of General Education. Mr. Watkins is going into his 8th year as an educator.

Beginning his career at West Riviera Elementary School, he has had the pleasure of teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students. It was there that he found a passion for working with educators, first as a team lead before becoming an AVID Coordinator, and finally entering into an administrative role as a Single School Culture Coordinator at Northmore Elementary. When he is not at school, Mr. Watkins enjoys hiking through state and national parks with his family, paddling on his kayak, and bouldering at the local rock climbing gym.

Mrs. Granger, SSCC, Biography

Jalisa Granger began her educational career in the Palm Beach County School District in 2017 as an academic tutor, at Northmore Elementary School. Following her position as an academic tutor, Mrs. Granger began teaching at Northmore as a third grade, self-contained, and fourth grade, ELA, teacher. Shortly after, she joined the leadership team as the PLC Facilitator and instructional coach, in efforts to improve student achievement by enhancing teachers’ instructional practices.

This year marks Mrs. Granger’s first year in her position as Single School Culture Coordinator at Northmore Elementary School. She received her bachelor's of arts degree in Journalism-Broadcast Communications from Eastern Illinois University. When she isn’t serving here at Northmore, she enjoys all things fitness and health. She has a fondness for historical fiction novels and spending quality time with her family and friends. She looks forward to a transformational year