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.

Bachelor of Industrial Design from Auburn University | M.Ed. Vanderbilt University  | Ed.L.D.  James F. Rothenberg Fellow at Harvard University

I believe in our North Nashville community and I am deeply committed to LEAD’s mission to prepare all students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and in life. I am looking forward to sharing my can-do spirit with LEAD and have no doubt that together we will create exceptional learning experiences that unite our community and encourage our students to achieve.

I grew up in Nashville and have a background in both STEM and Education. I hold nine patents for designs I developed while working at Maytag before I joined a charter school as an instructor of applied physics.

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.

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.

BA in Journalism, Strategic Communications/Advertising from the University of Missouri-Columbia | MA Educational Psychology from University of Colorado at Denver

I was a competitive swimmer for 15+ years and my most memorable race was the Alcatraz Invitational. I swam for 1.75 miles in 56 degree water through the San Francisco Bay.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

BA in Journalism from Northeastern University | MA in Teaching from Belmont University | EdD in Strategic Management and Organizational Change from Lipscomb University

Leading and collaborating with an amazing team of teachers and students as we continuously push toward academic excellence

I moved from Boston with my now husband with the plan of teaching in Nashville for 2 years. More than 10 years later, I am leading an incredible turnaround school in the city and raising my daughter. Life is not predictable!

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.

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.

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. 

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.