About Us

With over two decades of experience in education, Ms. Fish is a seasoned educational leader dedicated to student achievement, instructional excellence, and school improvement. Currently serving as a Principal in Knox County Schools since 2024, Ms. Fish has held progressive leadership roles across multiple states, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to equity in education.

Prior to her current role, Ms. Fish served as Principal in Oregon (2020–2024), and as the Assistant Director of Instructional Learning and Leadership (2018–2020), where she led district-wide initiatives to improve teaching and learning. Her earlier leadership experience includes serving as an Assistant Principal (2013–2018) and Peer Evaluator (2010–2013) in Florida, and as a Reading and Writing Resource Teacher (2006–2010). She began her career in Virginia as an Instructional Consultation Team Facilitator and Preschool Special Education Teacher.

Ms. Fish holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Virginia, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Virginia.

I look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year to provide a productive and safe learning environment that supports student success.

#DFL:  Dolphin For Life!  

Sarah Fish, Principal 

Follow us on Facebook @DogwoodDFL to see more about our school! 

Mrs. Dorsey is the Assistant Principal at Dogwood Elementary with over a decade of experience in education. She has served Knox County Schools as an Early Literacy Reading Coach, Kindergarten Teacher, and Second Grade Teacher, earning Teacher of the Year in 2015–2016. She began her career in Port Arthur, Texas, as a first-grade teacher and remains dedicated to instructional excellence and student success.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sales and Marketing from Tuskegee University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University, and a degree in Educational Leadership Studies from Austin Peay State University.

Gina VanDergriff 

Gina VanDergriff has served in multiple educational and administrative roles in Tennessee and Florida since 1996. Their career began in the classroom as a teacher before moving into school leadership positions, including Assistant Principal (1999–2003, 2023–present) and Principal (2003–2005). In addition to administrative leadership, they worked as a Bookkeeper from 2017 to 2023, gaining extensive experience in school operations and financial management.

Mrs. VanDergriff earned a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of North Florida and a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee.