LEAD Releases 2015 Annual Report - LEAD Public Schools

Ashley Montgomery

Director of Finance

BS in Accounting from The University of Phoenix.

I lead because I believe in the transformational power of education in lives and communities. As a leader in this organization, I am committed to providing our students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that empowers our teachers and student to excel in the work – ultimately getting students ready for college and ready for life.

My side job is a dedicated dance mom! I wholeheartedly enjoy supporting my daughter’s passion for dance by spending countless hours at the studio. My expertise in costume rhinestone embellishment and my enthusiastic cheering in the crowd are assets to the team. Despite the constant exposure to dance. I’ve yet to acquire any dancing skills myself, but I’m content to cheer from the sidelines.

Briana Shelton

Principal, LEAD Cameron Middle School

BA in Math Education and Learning and Behavioral Disorders from Bellarmine University

Nashville is my home. There is no greater honor than serving my home community through my love of education.

I have three sons. Having grown up as the middle of three sisters, I’m looking forward to seeing our three boys develop the same bond that my sisters and I have. As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment at home for my husband and me.

Eloise Alexis

Vice President of Development

BA in English from Spelman College | MEd in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University

The opportunity to serve LEAD students, educators and administrators is both an honor and a privilege. Together, we will partner with the greater community to fund the bold and brilliant imperative to graduate students who are ready for college and life!

Growing up in Nashville, I watched my parents, both educators, sacrifice and stand up for equity on behalf of students and schools. My passion for education started with these authentic experiences.

Jenny Sawyer

Director of Communications

BA in Radio/TV/Film from Auburn University

I grew up in a strong public school system in Alabama, and I firmly believe every child – regardless of their zip code – deserves access to an excellent learning experience that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. The future of our city is dependent on the quality of our public schools, and I am proud to be part of a team who is working to strengthen public schools in Nashville.

I love to cook. My favorite way to spend a Saturday is cooking a multi-course meal all afternoon and then enjoying that meal with the people I love. To me, cooking is a rewarding way to show the people around me how I feel about them, and I love being able to share that with my friends and family.

Dominique Torres

Principal, LEAD Neely’s Bend Middle School

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising. Went the non-traditional route to enter education and became part of Teach for America Miami-Dade Corps in 2013 where I got my start in education.

I LEAD because of the community that we serve in Madison. Being a neighborhood school allows us to see generations of families come through our doors. Years later when you see former students and families at graduations, sporting events, or community events it feels like you are seeing family members at your annual reunion. I have been blessed to be a part of this school’s transformation to excellence and we are still climbing. Our students and our families deserve the type of love and high quality education that we provide here at the Bend!

Growing up I loved playing school and forcing my younger sister to be my student. With my mom being a principal, I have gotten to follow in her footsteps.

Kathryn McKinzie

Principal, LEAD Brick Church Middle School

BA, French – Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
MEd, Educational Leadership – Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

LEAD models a shared commitment to providing educational excellence and equity for ALL students and families. At LEAD, we work as a team to ensure that our students are growing at an accelerated pace and are on track for success in college and life.

I’ve been fortunate to teach and lead in a variety of schools in Louisiana. My favorite work is turnaround because we get to collaborate to prove what is possible for kids. And after living in Louisiana for 20 years, I always travel with hot sauce!

Thomas Schoen

Principal, LEAD Southeast Middle School

BS in Education from Miami University of Ohio
M.Ed. in Transformative Education from Miami University of Ohio

I work at LEAD because education is one of the greatest tools to change the world for the better and our students are the ones who will make that happen! I choose to come back to LEAD each year because of the long-lasting relationships I have built with students, families, and staff; LEAD is a true family.

The first thing I do when I wake up is work out at 5am. The last thing I do before going to sleep is read. Besides working with students, reading and exercising are two of my biggest passions.

Mary Laurens Minich

Chief Academic Officer

BA in Elementary Education from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS | M.Ed. in Special Education from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University |

Ed.D. in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University

When I was working for MNPS, I frequently collaborated with LEAD team members. I was able to see first hand how school and network leaders kept their focus on student growth not only through the provision of quality instruction but also through development of strong relationships with families and community members. I jumped at the chance to work alongside others who share the belief that all children should have access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of the obstacles they face.

My first teaching job in Nashville was as the hospital school teacher at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. I spent almost ten years working with students with healthcare needs that created the need for extended hospital stays. The lessons I learned from my students regarding optimism in the face of adversity were truly life changing.

Nic Frank

Human Resources

BA in Business Administration from Kent State University | MA in Special Education from University of Phoenix | SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

I LEAD because we have the opportunity to provide students with high academic expectations and the mindset that they are capable of exceeding those expectations.

My uncle was a gold medal swimmer in the Special Olympics. My grandparents were integral in starting organizations in both Ohio and Florida to support and promote the rights of people with disabilities. Their influence lead to my passion for working with students with all abilities.

Corey Burton

Director of Enrollment and Family Engagement

BA in Political Science and Peace, Gender, and Diversity Studies from Xavier University | SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

As a native Nashvillian, I am proud that LEAD is committed to all of Nashville’s neighborhoods in its aim to provide a quality educational experience for its students and families.

I have a love of classic TV shows like Law and Order, The Andy Griffith Show, and Golden Girls. I enjoy all genres of music except for country. Some of my favorite concerts were Coldplay, J-Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino.

Emma Mac

Principal, LEAD Southeast Middle

BA in Biology and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia | MA Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University

I was drawn to LEAD because of the organization’s willingness to partner with MNPS, the State, families, community members, staff and students to best support students all across the city of Nashville. That partnership and collaboration is also why I stay at LEAD and believe in our mission and work!

Ever since I was in elementary school, I’ve always claimed watching UVA basketball as one of my favorite past times when asked; now I have a national championship to back up that joy!

Dwayne Tucker

Chief Executive Officer

BS in Business Management from Tennessee State University

Equality in education should not be about what part of town you live in. All children, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status, should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. I believe we provide that in service to our students and families.

I grew up in North Nashville and graduated from the (now-closed) North High School. My career has taken me to a variety of jobs from managing a Pizza Hut to leading Human Resources for several Fortune 500 companies.

LaVoe Mulgrew

Head of Schools, MNPS Schools

BA in English from Vanderbilt University | MEd in English Education from Belmont University

I joined LEAD because of my unwavering belief that good schools should never be off limits to any children, regardless of race or socio/economic status.

Education was not my first career choice. I began teaching when my own children started school 25 years ago, and it’s the best career choice I ever made.

Jay Brown

Head of Schools, ASD Schools

BS in Public Relations and Business Management from Bradley University | MA in Education from Marquette University

I chose LEAD because of the passionate and talented adults committed to serving students in all neighborhoods across Nashville.

I grew up in a military family and lived in Turkey. My international experiences have molded my philosophies on what’s possible in urban communities.

Chris Elliot

Interim Principal, LEAD Brick Church

Head of Academics and Innovation

BS in Economics/Business and Religion from Kalamazoo College | MA in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University

LEAD is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to succeed in college and life. This is why I am part of our organization.

I’m 6’7″ and can still dunk. In my younger days, I played college basketball.

Adrienne Useted

Chief Financial Officer

BS in Economics and Theatre from Vanderbilt University | MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University | MA in Educational Leadership from Broad Residency in Urban Education

I am inspired by LEAD’s commitment to serving ALL students, especially those with special needs.

I actually double majored in Economics and Theatre and worked at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago for 5 years.

Gary Satyshur

Director of Network Operations

BS from Western Carolina University

I volunteered for LEAD during its first year and believed in their vision and passion. [Founder Jeremy Kane]’s passion to make a better opportunity and life for every student was contagious.

I lost a Punt, Pass and Kick competition at half-time of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns NFL playoff game by 18 inches- just barely missing the National Finals!

Tony Majors

Principal, LEAD Academy High School

BS in Education, Physical Education, Health and Wellness from Tennessee State University | MS in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University | Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University

I LEAD because I believe all children deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Through education provide content knowledge and help students identify and build upon their own talents and strengths. This drives me and gives me purpose.

My grandparents lived one block away from the school and I grew up in the church next to Cameron. This community is part of who I am and I want to be a part of improving outcomes for our students and families.

Tait Danhausen

Chief Operations Officer

BA in Political Theory from University of California San Diego | MS in TESOL Linguistics from Long Island University Brooklyn | EdD in Strategic Management and Organizational Change from Lipscomb

I believe in the turnaround model as the surest path to spreading educational equity to all students.

Alongside four of my best friends, I spent 6 weeks driving a VW beetle 10,000 kilometers through Southern Africa. The difficulty of that adventure still inspires me to find a way to do the hardest things and be OK with how uncomfortable that can make you feel.

Genevieve Byrd

Principal, LEAD Southeast High School

BA of Arts in English from Rutgers University | Master of Education in Multicultural Education from Eastern University | Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Colombia University

LEAD Public Schools is a phenomenal organization that is creating positive educational outcomes for students throughout Nashville. I am excited to continue building on the strong foundation recognized throughout LEAD Southeast. It’s an honor to be a part of an organization that is ensuring every student that comes into a LEAD school graduates truly ready for college and life.

I’m new to the South and excited to make family memories here. I’m originally from upstate NY and lived in the Philadelphia area for 20 years.

Marcus Moye

Principal, LEAD Brick Church

BA in Biology | MA in Supervision and Administration from Tennessee State University | 24 years in education

I LEAD because I want to teach students to succeed in finding ways to reach beyond expectations!

My wife and I played volleyball in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a sand bar the length of a football field.

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