Administration Biographies

Mr. Cory A. 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 Arts in Elementary Education and his Masters of Education in Educational Leadership. 

Mr. Heath-Friess began his educational career in January 2010. During this time, he 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.

Since serving as Principal, Mr. Heath-Friess’ proudest accomplishments include transforming the school into a Choice School of the Arts and Dual Language School. 

In his spare time, Mr. Heath-Friess enjoys spending time with his close family and friends. He is a fan of the performing arts, so it is no surprise that he loves to watch Broadway musicals, concerts and more.

Ms. Cindy 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 is a byproduct of Palm Beach Schools who attended Lantana Elementary School, Lantana Middle School and Lake Worth High School. 

Ms. Cindy Pedraza originally explored the medical field at Florida Atlantic University, but shortly realized that she had a passion for education. Ms. Pedraza earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education at Florida Atlantic University and her Master’s of Education In Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University.

Ms. Pedraza began her teaching career at Heritage Elementary in 2012. She has worked in both the elementary and middle school settings as a Classroom Teacher, ESOL Teacher and Reading Instructional Coach. Ms. Cindy Pedraza was promoted to Assistant Principal in July 2021.

In her spare time, Ms. Pedraza absolutely loves to travel with her family and friends. She has a fur baby named Cookie and was once a cheerleader!

Mr. Jacob Watkins, SSCC, Biography

Mr. Jacob Watkins was born and raised in Central Florida. After graduating from Santa Fe Catholic High School, Mr. Watkins attended the University of Florida. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education and his Master’s of Education in Elementary Education.

In 2016, Mr. Jacob Watkins began his teaching career at West Riviera Elementary School. During his time as a teacher, Mr. Watkins served as a 2nd Grade Teacher, 3rd Grade Teacher, 4th Grade Teacher, AVID Coordinator and PLC Facilitator. 

In October 2021, Mr. Watkins was promoted to the administrator position titled Single School Culture Coordinator. In this leadership role, it is Mr. Watkins’ goal to provide our teachers with exceptional professional development, lead school initiatives and build student relationships.

While in his free time, Mr. Jacob Watkins enjoys going on adventures with his family. Some of thes adventures include hiking through state and national parks, paddling on his kayak and bouldering at the local rock climbing gym. 

Mrs. Jalisa Granger, SSCC, Biography

Mrs. Jalisa Granger was born and raised in Orange County, Florida. After graduating from high school, Mrs. Granger earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Journalism-Broadcasting Communications from Eastern Illinois University. 

Wanting to make a strong impact on society, Mrs. Granger began her career with Palm Beach Schools as an Academic Tutor at Northmore Elementary School in 2017. Eventually, Mrs. Granger became a certified teacher and served as a 3rd Grade Self Contained Teacher, 4th Grade ELA Teacher and PLC Facilitator. 

In July 2023, Mrs. Jalisa Granger was promoted to an administrator position titled Single School Culture Coordinator. In this position, her primary responsibilities are to help teachers and students grow academically and socially.

When she isn’t serving here at Northmore, Mrs. Granger  enjoys all things fitness and health. She has a fondness for historical fiction novels and spending quality time with her family and friends.