Katie Warren is thrilled to enter her second year at Dodgen as one of the Choral Directors! Before teaching at Dodgen, Mrs. Warren was teaching general music and chorus at Lewis Elementary in North Cobb, and previously taught music in Fulton County at River Eves Elementary. Prior to moving to Georgia, Katie first taught music for 6 years in Maryville, Tennessee, at the elementary school where she attended and where she fell in love with music thanks to the work of her music teacher. Over her career, she has conducted several mixed and treble choral ensembles across grades pre-k to 12th in both secular and sacred settings, including elementary school choruses, “Spring Sing in the Smokies” Honor Chorus, and the Maryville College Scottie Singers community chorus. Mrs. Warren’s choirs have frequently participated in performance evaluations, honors and district choral festivals, community benefit concerts, and have been invited to sing the National Anthem at Atlanta Braves’ games.

Mrs. Warren grew up in Maryville, where she participated in her school chorus, musical theater, show choir, and played violin and harp in orchestra. Katie received her degrees, a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a vocal emphasis and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Carson-Newman University in East Tennessee. Katie is also an Orff-Schulwerk Certified music educator.

Mrs. Warren lives in the East Cobb area with her husband, David, who oversees the comprehensive Music & Worship ministries at First Baptist Roswell, where he serves as Minister of Music and Worship, and where Katie serves as the Children’s Music Coordinator. Hank, their redbone coonhound, keeps them on their toes. In her free time, she loves being outdoors, crafting, spending time with family, traveling, and singing!

Mrs. Warren is excited to collaborate with Mr. Stephens as they work together to expand and reimagine the future possibilities of Dodgen Chorus, fostering a dynamic and inspiring environment for every student.

Mr. Jared Stephens, a proud Cobb County Graduate, brings three years of choral teaching experience to Dodgen Middle School. Jared previously taught Choir and Music Technology at Cooper Middle School in Austell, Georgia since 2023. He has also served as the assistant director of the big chicken chorus in Marietta for two years. From kids to senior adults, delivering high quality education in music is Mr. Stephens’s priority. 

Mr. Stephens graduated from Carlton J. Kell High School in 2017, where he was involved in the choir, musical theatre, marching band, concert band, and, of course, Latin club. After his graduation, Jared began studying for his degree in choral music education at Jacksonville State University, where he sang in the top collegiate choir and played in the top collegiate band. He also performed with the Jacksonville State University Opera Program  and was Head Drum Major of the Marching Southerners. 

During his time at JSU, he spent his summers marching with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played mellophone and sang in a Barbershop Quartet. He is now currently on staff at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps as a high brass technician. 

Jared lives in Woodstock with his wife Isabelle and their 3 cats and dog. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, making music, and watching movies. He also sings baritone in a barbershop quartet, which had the honor of singing the national anthem at the Fourth of July Braves game. 

Mr. Jared Stephens is honored to work with Mrs. Warren and serve the Dodgen Middle School community. Go Panthers!