Administration

Dr. Danielle Arnold

Principal

Usher Collier Elementary School 

Dr. Danielle R. Arnold is a distinguished educator, equity‑centered strategist, and transformational school leader who serves as the new Interim Principal at Bazoline E. Usher‑Collier Elementary School in Atlanta Public Schools. Dr. Arnold was our former School Business Manager who managed multimillion‑dollar budgets, ensures operational and compliance excellence, and designs systems that strengthen instructional quality, staff culture, and student achievement. Her leadership blends financial stewardship with instructional strategy, resulting in streamlined operations, increased staff engagement, and expanded enrichment opportunities for students.

With more than 25 years of experience across Metro Detroit, Fulton County Schools, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dr. Arnold has served as an Elementary Teacher, Writing Lab Instructor, MTSS Specialist, Instructional Coach, English Medium Teacher for ELL students, Upper Grades Coordinator, Online Instructor for Adult Learners, and Assistant Principal. She was the first educator in Fulton County Schools to earn Master Teacher Certification and also holds National Board Certification, a Reading Endorsement, and an Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) Endorsement.

Dr. Arnold is also a committed Alumna of Tuskegee University, where she facilitated the fundraising and development of a scholarship endowment exceeding $250,000 and supported major contributions to the Kellogg Conference Center. She is recognized as an Eminent Associate for her service and philanthropic leadership. Her volunteer service includes mentoring youth, supporting community food and resource distribution, organizing family engagement events, and advancing equity‑focused programming for women and girls.

A native of Pontiac, Michigan, she holds a B.A. from Tuskegee University, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP, Atlanta Tuskegee Alumni Club, Win with Black Women, the National Council of Negro Women, West Georgia (GA) Chapter of The Links Incorporated, and a Life Member of the National Alliance of Black Educators.

Pamela Hurt

Assistant Principal

Usher-Collier Heights Elementary School

Pamela Hurt is an Atlanta native and proud product of Atlanta Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade 12.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Arts degree and Educational Specialist degree; both in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, as well as an Educational Leadership endorsement from the University of West Georgia.

Her entire career as an educator has been with Atlanta Public Schools, beginning immediately after graduating from Spelman College.  Over the years, she has served in various schools and positions throughout the school district, including classroom teacher, Instructional Liaison Specialist, Success for All Reading Facilitator, Leadership Support Specialist, and Student Support Team Chair, before stepping into the role of Assistant Principal.

She is the proud parent of a daughter, son, granddaughter and cherishes time with them traveling, dining out, playing board games, and watching movies.  Outside of work, Ms. Hurt enjoys reading, trips to the spa, decorating, hot tea, and spending quality time with her father, family, close friends, and Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dedicated to service, she volunteers alongside her children at homeless shelters, nursing homes, Meals on Wheels, and serves in multiple capacities at church. Serving gives her a sense of purpose and allows her to give back, showing gratitude for blessings received in her life.  She is committed to leaving the world a better place and making a positive impact.

Ms. Hurt has a deep love for children of all ages and feels truly blessed to serve as Assistant Principal at the best elementary school in the city of Atlanta, Usher-Collier, where students, teachers, and leaders work hard, get smart, while making no excuses!

Tanya Gills

School Counselor

Usher Collier Elementary School 

Hello! My name is Tanya Gills, and I am excited to serve as the School Counselor at Usher Collier Elementary School. I am passionate about supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students.

As a counselor, my role is to provide a safe and welcoming space where students feel heard, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. I work with students through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual counseling, while also collaborating closely with teachers, families, and community partners.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in child development from Spelman College and a master’s degree in school counseling from Clark Atlanta University, and I have 33 years of experience working with children in educational and counseling settings. My approach is rooted in empathy, relationship-building, and fostering resilience, so every student knows they are capable of success.

Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, shopping, riding horses, and spending time with family.

I am so excited to be part of the Usher Lions Family and look forward to supporting our students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally!