Faculty & Staff | Independent School Near Brentwood, TN

Sean Adams

Heart to Heart Teaching Assistant

B.S., Arkansas State University
M.S., Arkansas State University

Caroline Adkins

Kindergarten Teacher, Assistant Coach - MS Football Cheer

B.A., Elementary Education, University of Mississippi
M.A., Elementary Education, Belmont University

Brandon Albright

Director of Spiritual Life, Assistant Coach - Varsity Boys Basketball, Head Coach - MS Boys Tennis

B.S., University of Tennessee

McKenna Allen

Lower School Teaching Assistant

B.A. Early Childhood and Family Studies, University of Washington
M.Ed in School Counseling, Liberty University

Shawn Allen

US Humanities, Assistant Coach - Varsity Track

B.A., History, Florida State University

Jennifer Archie

US Spanish I, Spanish II, Coach - MS Girls Basketball

B.A., Spanish, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
M.A., Education, Cumberland University

Betsey Bachert

Director of College Counseling and Community Engagement, Director of Community Engagement

B.A., Transylvania University
M.S., University of Kentucky
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University

Stacey Banks-Houston

Director of Entrepreneurial Leadership

B.S. Business Administration, Ursuline College
M.B.A., Cleveland State
Ed.D., Northcentral University

Leigh Ann Barnes

2nd Grade Teacher

B.A., Elementary Education, Trevecca Nazarene University

Paige Barnes

Human Resources Manager, Wellness Coordinator

B.S., David Lipscomb University

Michael Bartha

US Calculus, Stats (AP), Pre-Calculus (H) Teacher, Math Department Chair, Assistant Coach - Varsity / JV Soccer

B.A., Math, Bowdoin College
M.A., Educational Leadership, Christian Brothers University

Meaghan Berry

US Chemistry, Head Coach - MS Soccer, Science Department Chair

B.A., Pepperdine University
M.A., Belmont University

Ross Bolen

US Drama, Theater Manager

B.A., Murray State University
M.F.A., California Institute of the Arts

Lauren Branham

Assistant Director of Extended Care

B.S., Health Science, Tennessee State University

Ashlyn Bufton

3rd Grade Teacher, Head Coach - 5th/6th Grade Girls Soccer

B.S., Elementary Education, Baylor University
M.Ed., Teacher Leadership, Lamar University

Sarah Cady

1st Grade Teacher

B.S. Early Childhood Education., Auburn University

Corri Calandra

US Chemistry / Biology, Head Coach - MS Lacrosse, Science Olympiad

B.S., Chemistry, Longwood University

Jack Canady

Grounds Manager

B.S., Agriculture, Plant and Soil Science, University of Tennessee at Martin

Thomas Carlton

ASPIRE Math Lab Coordinator, Head Coach - JV Baseball, Assistant Coach - Varsity Baseball

B.A., Aquinas College
M.Ed., Aquinas College

Savannah Carpenter

MS Math, Head Coach - MS and US Swimming

B.A., Belmont University
M.A.T., Belmont University

Jackie Cascarano

Assistant Director of College Counseling

B.A., University of Pennsylvania
J.D., University of Michigan

Sean Casey

Head of School

B.S., Hobart and William Smith Colleges
M.B.A., Rutgers University
M.Ed., Temple University

AnneMarie Chambers

MS Spanish, Asst. MS Cross Country Coach

B.A. Spanish, Maryville College

Bailey Chambers

MS English, Assistant Coach - MS Basketball, Assistant Coach - MS Cheerleading

B.A., Carson-Newman University
M.Ed., Carson-Newman University

Bob Chandler

Band Director, MS and US Instrumental Music

B.M., Middle Tennessee State University

Channing Clark

Head of Middle School

B.M., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.A., Teaching, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Angela Claxton

Director of Marketing and Communications

B.A., DePauw University

Hasan Clayton

7th Grade English, MS Football Coach, MS Basketball Coach, MS Track and Field Coach

BA Psychology, Vanderbilt University
M. Ed., Child Studies Psychology, Vanderbilt University

Kris Climer

US French I, II, III, III (H), IV/V (AP), World Language Department Chair, Assistant Coach - US Softball

B.S., Vanderbilt University
M.A., University of Massachusetts, Boston

Rosalie Colanero

Director of Extended Care and Enrichments

B.A., Furman University
M.Ed., Lipscomb University

Steven Compton

Director of Information Services, AP Computer Science Instructor

B.S., Western Kentucky University
M.Ed., Tennessee State University

Hayden Copeland

MS Humanities, Assistant Coach - Varsity Golf, Assistant Coach - MS Boys Basketball, MS Convocation Coordinator

B.S., Clemson University
MBTS, Dallas Theological Seminary

Sharon Crabtree

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

B.S., University of Tennessee
B.S., Trevecca Nazarene University

Amy Crace

5th Grade Social Studies

B.A. History, Georgetown College

Frances Crenshaw

Teacher Assistant

B.A., University of Mississippi
M.Ed., Peabody College of Vanderbilt

Arthur D'Angelo

7th Grade Math, Head MS Football Coach

B.S. Economics, University of Pennsylvania
M.A., Middle School Education, Liberty University

David Daugherty

Technology Help Desk

B.S., Arizona State University

David Dawson

Director of Student Activities, Assistant Coach - Varsity Football, Upper School Grade Chair - 9th Grade Boys

B.A., Business Administration, Carson Newman University
M.Ed., Special Education, Grand Canyon University

Debbie DeJean

Admission and New Family Coordinator

B.S., Tennessee Technological University

Stephanie DeSantis

LS Heart to Heart Teacher, Assistant Coach - MS Basketball and Track

B.S., Bridgewater State University
Master of Special Education, Endicott College

Maddi Devey

Faculty Fellow, Coach - Varsity Girls Soccer, Coach - MS Girls Soccer, Coach - US Winter Cheer, Assistant Coach - US Lacrosse

B.A., English, Gettysburg College

Loribeth Dunn

MS French I, Spanish I, Spanish II

B.A., University of Tennessee

Susan Emrhein

Lower School Counselor, Assistant Service Learning Coordinator

B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
M.S., University of Memphis

Stephanie Feyes

US Biology I, Biology I (H), Assistant Coach - Varsity Girls Basketball

B.S., University of South Carolina Upstate
M.Ed., Middle Tennessee State University

Meredith Fifer

Advancement Services Manager

B.A., Anthropology, Rhodes College

Julia Fleming

Fourth Grade Teacher

B.S., Vanderbilt University

Addrian Frederick

Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

B.S., Wabash College
M.A., University of Louisville

David Gallagher

Head Coach - Varsity Boys Basketball, Upper School Math

Justin Geisinger

Head Varsity Football Coach

B.S., Vanderbilt University
M.A., Education, Vanderbilt University

Amanda Gibbs

Administrative Assistant

B.S., University of Tennessee

Georgeanna Goldthorpe

Health Services Administrator

B.S., Nursing and Spanish, Vanderbilt University
M.S.N., Nursing, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

Julia Goodin

2nd Grade Teacher, Assistant Coach - MS Volleyball

B.A., Elementary Education, Indiana University

Allison Hammat

Upper School Counselor, Director of ASPIRE

B.A., Murray State University
M.A., Middle Tennessee State University

Cecelia Hampton

LS ASPIRE Coordinator

B.S., Special Education, Louisiana Tech University
M.Ed., Behavior Disorders, Vanderbilt University

Matt Hanson

Director of Football Operations

B.A., Birmingham-Southern College

Ryan Harris

Assistant Head of School for External Affairs

B.S., Trevecca Nazarene University
M.Ed., Trevecca Nazarene University

Chris Hart

Dean of Students, Advanced Pre-Algebra - Grade 7, Head Coach - US Girls Basketball

B.S., University of Tennessee-Martin
M.Ed., Trevecca Nazarene University

B.S., Early Childhood Education, Tennessee State University
M.Ed., Elementary Education, Lipscomb University
Ed.S., Instructional Leadership, Tennessee Technology University
Ed.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Tennessee State University
Reading Specialist Certification, Belmont University

Jamaal Haywood

5th Grade Math, Asst. MS Boys Basketball Coach

B.S. Business Administration, University of Tennessee
M.A. Elementary Education, Trevecca Nazarene University

Sonia Higdon

Physics 1, Physics 1 Honors, AP Statistics, Assistant Track and Field

B.S., Trinity University
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University

Alana Hilkin

Heart to Heart, Head Coach - US Softball

B.S., Criminal Justice, Psychology & Sociology, Tennessee State University
M.Ed., Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, Lipscomb University

Kelly Huddleston

Technology, Digital Media, and Innovations Teacher, Yearbook Advisor

B.B.A., University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire
M.Ed., Lipscomb University
M.B.A., Trevecca Nazarene University

Jill Johnson

Director of Capital Campaign and Planned Giving

B.S., Tennessee Technological University

Amy Beth Jones

Lower School Performing Arts Teacher

B.A., Tarleton State University

Keith Jones

MS English, Diversity, Community and Inclusion,, Asst. Varsity Football Coach

B.A. Psychology, Kenyon College
M.A. Liberal Arts, Vanderbilt University

Rodney Jones

Upper School History

Clifton Kaiser

English III (AP), English IV, AP Seminar (Capstone), AP Research (Capstone),, Newspaper Sponsor, English Department Chair

B.A., University of Evansville
M.A., Purdue University

Allison Kaufman

Kindergarten Teacher, Kindergarten Team Leader

B.S., Samford University
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University

Bridget Keener

STEM Teacher, Literacy Coach

B.A., University of Florida
M.Ed., University of Florida

Amanda Kellum

US Administrative Assistant

Josephine Kelso

English II, AP English IV - Literature Teacher

B.S., Vanderbilt University
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Kelly Klingbeil

MS Technology Instructor / Innovations

B.A., Christian Brothers University

Becky Knight

MS Physical Education Teacher, Physical Education and Wellness Department Chair, Head Coach - US Girls Soccer, Head Coach - MS Track

B.S., Auburn University

Enashea Kohler

Reading Interventionist

B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
M.A., University of South Carolina, Columbia

Holly Koogler

Assistant Director of Admission

B.S., University of Tennessee

Yvonne Kordus

8th Grade Math, Asst. MS Girls Soccer Coach

B.S. Middle School Education, Liberty University

Tricia Kriese

English-Grade 8

B.A., Florida State University
M.A., Liberty University

Lui Lai

Pre-Kindergarten 3 Teacher

B.A., Philippine Normal University in Manila

Jenna Lamm

Lower School Assistant Head and Early Childhood Coordinator

B.A., Vanderbilt University
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University

Joshua Lester

Assistant Director of Athletics, Assistant Coach - Varsity Boys Basketball

B.S., Exercise Science, Belmont University
M.A., Sports Administration, Belmont University

Kathryn Lewis

Pre-Kindergarten 4 Teacher

B.A., Art, Millsaps College
M.A., Art Education, The University of Alabama
Ph.D., Art Education, The Pennsylvania State University

Lauren Little

Faculty Fellow, MS Girls Cross Country Coach, MS Girls Basketball Coach, MS Girls Track and Field Coach

B.S., Auburn University

Julianne Longworth

MS World History - Grade 6

B.S., Samford University

Beth Loudermilk

Events Coordinator

Tennessee Tech University

Caitlin Maguire

Upper School Latin Teacher

B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
M.A., University of Colorado Boulder

Angelica Marsh

LS Media Specialist, Technology Integrator and Math Coach

B.S., Maryville College

Cody Marsh

Maintenance Technician

B.A., Maryville College
B.S., Middle Tennessee State University

Mary Martin

Assistant to the Head of School

B.B.A., Hofstra University

Will McCauley

MS English Teacher - Grade 6

B.A., Wheaton College

Shane McCormick

Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Security

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University

Johnson & McDonald

LS Physical Education, Head Coach - MS Softball, Assistant Coach - Varsity Volleyball

B.S., Physical Education / Health, The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Ken McDonald

Bus Fleet Manager

B.S., Penn State University

Ryan McDonald

LS Physical Education Teacher

B.S., University of Louisville

Susannah Millar

Third Grade Teacher, Third Grade Team Leader

B.A., Saint Leo University

Cecilia Moix

Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish III (H), Spanish Language & Culture (AP), Contemporary Spanish Language & Music, Contemporary Spanish Film & Culture

B.S., Belmont University
M.Ed., Belmont University

Ivy Montgomery

MS Science - Grade 8, Assistant Coach - MS Cross Country

B.S., Virginia Tech University

Sarah Moore

Heart to Heart, Coach - Varsity Cheerleading, Coach - MS Cheerleading, Coach - MS Track

B.S., Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona
M.Ed., Special Education, Lipscomb University

Shannon Murphy

Technology Integrator and Media Specialist

B.S., Missouri State University
M.A.T., Webster University

Tara Murphy

Controller

B.S., Lipscomb University

John Murray

Dean of Academic Affairs

M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University
B.A., M.Ed., University of Virginia
Ph.D., Auburn University

Michelle Nelson

MS Science - Grade 5, Grade Level Chair - Grade 5

B.S. Education, Georgia State University

Lynn Nerderman

Pre-Kindergarten 3 Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Team Leader

B.S., Bowling Green State University

Elizabeth Orr

Kindergarten Teacher

B.S., Sewanee: The University of the South
Masters of Teaching, Manhattanville College

Kris Palmerton

Director of Athletics

B.S., Auburn University
M.Ed., University of West Georgia

Tyler Parker

MS Science - Grade 7, Coach - US Football

B.S., Troy University
M.S., Troy University

Amanda Phelan

3rd Grade Teacher

B.A. Psychology, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
M.A.T. Elementary Education, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

Tommy Phillips

8th Grade History, MS Baseball Coach

B.A. History, University of Tennessee
M.A. Secondary Education, Lipcomb University

Abby Pickney

Middle School Counselor, Assistant Coach - Varsity Basketball

B.S., University of Tennessee
M.S., Lipscomb University

Ricky Pineda

Technology Help Desk

Patrick Ramey

Faculty Fellow, MS Boys Cross Country Coach, MS Boys Basketball Coach, MS Boys Track and Field

B.A. History, Wake Forest University

Allison Rhodes

Pre-Kindergarten 4 Teacher

B.A, University of Tennessee
M.S., University of Tennessee

Jenna Rice

LS Teaching Assistant

B.S. Early Childhood Education., Lipscomb University

Julianne Robinson

Fourth Grade Teacher, Assistant Coach - LS Cross-Country

B.S., Early Childhood Education, Auburn University
M.Ed., Reading Instruction, Vanderbilt University

Chelsea Rogers

MS Math, MS Math Olympiad, MS Stage Manager

B.S., Elementary Education, University of Tennessee

Peggy Ross

MS Latin - Grades 6, 7, 8

B.A., St. Mary-of-the-Woods College
M.A., Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University

Amanda Rush

Director of Annual Giving

B.S., University of Nebraska

Jay Salato

Head of Upper School

B.A., Vanderbilt University
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University

Ed Sanders

MS Physical Education, Coach - MS Boys Basketball, Associate Head Coach - Varsity Football

B.S., Psychology, Tennessee State University

Chad Sandford

AP World History, Assistant Coach - MS Boys Basketball

B.A., History, Saint Anselm College
M.A., History, William and Mary
Certificate, Bible and Applied Christianity, Fairwood Bible Institute

Lisa Schaad

Varsity Head Volleyball Coach, Asst. Athletic Director

B.S., Western Kentucky University

Kristin Schmoke

LS Teaching Assistant

Carly Schneider

English I, English II (H) Teacher, Interim Coordinator

B.A., English, Stanford University
M.A., English, Stanford University
M.A., Dallas Theological Seminary

Natalie Scruggs

Heart to Heart

M.A., Lipscomb University

Beth Seeley

ASPIRE Coordinator

B.S., Lambuth University
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University

Mary Sentell

First Grade Teacher, First Grade Team Leader

B.S., Child and Family Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
M.Ed., Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Kaylee Shackleford

Upper School Counseling, Middle School Aspire

B.A., Union University
M.A., Trevecca Nazarene University

Brian Shaffrey

Communications Coordinator

B.A., Media Studies, Business, Auburn University

Nikki Simpson

Director of Alumni Relations

B.A., Communications Theory and Research, Business Administration, Indiana State University

Holly Sizemore

Fourth Grade Teacher, Fourth Grade Team Leader

B.A., University of Florida
M.S., Nova Southeastern University

Terri Snider

Lower School Administrative Assistant

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University

Becky Speck

MS Spanish - Grades 5, 7, 8

B.A., Middle Tennessee State University

Andrew Stacy

English II (H), English III, Fictional Worlds Teacher

B.A., Tennessee Technological University
M.A., University of Memphis

Kyle Strazzeri

US Geometry Teacher, Coach - US Football, US Baseball

B.A., Pepperdine University
M.A., Pepperdine University

Ben Suitt

Long Term Substitute

B.S., Business, Wake Forest
M.T., Theology, Emory University
Ph.D., Religion, Boston University

Katie Sullivan

LS Art Teacher, Enrichment Team Leader

B.A., The University of Alabama
M.A., University of Florida

Meg Takahashi

Lower School Teaching Assistant

B.A., Communications and Journalism, University of Tennessee

Christina Theodoru

US Algebra II (H), Geometry (H)

B.A., Lipscomb University
M.A., Belmont University

Brodrick Thomas

Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion

B.S., Business Administration, Auburn University
M.B.A., Organizational Leadership, Trevecca Nazarene University
Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Trevecca Nazarene University

Cindy Thornton

Director of Fine and Performing Arts, Art I, II, III, Advanced Art (AP) Teacher, Head Coach - MS Cross Country

B.S., Art Education, Middle Tennessee State University
M.A., Middle Tennessee State University
M.Ed., Trevecca Nazarene University
Ed.D., Trevecca Nazarene University

Jodi Troutt

Administrative Assistant to Dean of Academic Affairs and Center for Philanthropic Studies

B.M., Belmont University

David Tucker

MS Art, US Art III, US Ceramics I, II Teacher, Head Coach - Track and Field

B.F.A, Middle Tennessee State University

Laura Turner

Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations

B.S., University of Kentucky
M.Acct., University of Tennessee

Kim Turpin

Business Office Assistant

Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Clare Walker

2nd Grade Teacher, 2nd Grade Team Leader

B.A., University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Maggie Waxter

Middle School ASPIRE, Head Coach - Lacrosse, Middle School Athletics

B.A., Washington and Lee University

Kate Webber

Heart to Heart

B.A., University of Tennessee
M.A.T., Liberty University

James Weeks

Conceptual Physics, Physics (AP), Chemistry II, Science and Technology Teacher, Robotics

B.Sc., Tulane University
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University and Vanderbilt University

Brooke West

Lower School Nurse

B.A., Wake Forest University
B.S.N., Belmont University

Rick West

Head of Lower School

B.S.Ed., Samford University
M.Ed., Tennessee State University
Ed.D., Lipscomb University

Karen White

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

B.S., The University of Alabama

Karley Whitehead

Kindergarten Teacher, Assistant - Volleyball, Basketball, Softball

B.A., Elementary Education and ESL, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Jordan Wiggs

LS Teaching Assistant

Mark Williams

MS Geography - Grade 7, Coach - US Football

B.S., Georgia Southern University
M.S., Azusa Pacific University

Courtney Williamson

Director of Admission & Financial Aid

B.A., Vanderbilt University

Ashley Willits

Choral Director

B.A. Music, University of California
M.A. Teaching, Santa Clara University
M.A. Vocal Performance, San Jose State University

Jon Wilson

US History, History Department Chair, Head Coach - MS Baseball

B.A., Winthrop University
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University

Jeff Wiser

Directory of Campus Safety and Security

B.S., Northern Michigan University
M.P.A., Cumberland University

Kelli Wisthoff

ASPIRE Writing Center Coordinator

B.A., Taylor University
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University

Mark Wood

Security

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University

Kim Young

Pre-Kindergarten 4 Teacher

B.S., David Lipscomb University

Lisa Zenner

Wellness and Physical Education, Broadcast Journalism Teacher, Grade Level Chair - Grade 10, Head Coach - US, MS Cross Country, Track and Field

B.A., University of Houston

Bill Zepeda

US Algebra II, Algebra II (H) Teacher

B.S., California State University-Fullerton