Our Team - LEAD Public Schools

Tait Danhausen

Principal, LEAD Neely’s Bend

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 | 11 years in education

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.

Gary Satyshur

Director of Network Operations

BS from Western Carolina University | 10 years in education

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!

Cassandra Johnson

Managing Director of Human Resources

BS in Psychology from Tennessee State University | MS in Human Resources Management from Argosy University | 18 years in education

The mission of LEAD is what attracted me to our organization and is aligned with my personal belief that all students are entitled to a quality education.

Born and raised in Memphis where my childhood best friend is the daughter of one of the members of Memphis’ Soul and R & B group, the Bar-Kays.

Corey Burton

Director of Enrollment and Family Engagement

BA in Political Science and Peace, Gender, and Diversity Studies from Xavier University | 7 years in education

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.

Jay Brown

Head of Schools

BS in Public Relations and Business Management from Bradley University | MA in Education from Marquette University | 24 years in education

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.

Emma Mac

Principal, LEAD Southeast Middle

BA in Biology and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia | MA Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University | 9 years in education

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!

Kate Ring

Principal, LEAD Cameron

BA in Journalism from Northeastern University | MA in Teaching from Belmont University | EdD in Strategic Management and Organizational Change from Lipscomb University | 9 years in education

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. Nine years later, I am leading an incredible turnaround school in the city and beginning the journey of raising my first daughter. Life is not predictable!

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.

Amy Kate Wilkins

Principal, LEAD Southeast High School

BA in English from Wofford College | MA in Educational Leadership from Columbia University | 8 years in education

I LEAD because of the students and their families that entrust us with the future each and every day. They deserve our LEADership and the best we have to give, in pursuit of educational equity.

In a consistent pursuit of difficult things, I took seven days and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in the summer of 2018. If you ask me, the most challenging part was not showering!

Nic Frank

Principal, LEAD Academy

BA in Business Administration from Kent State University | MA in Special Education from University of Phoenix | 16 years in education

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 disabilities.

Jon Zlock

Director of Communications

BA in Communications and Journalism from Susquehanna University | MA in Educational Leadership from College of Saint Elizabeth | 17 years in education

I believe in our kids, families and Ethos. When we are modeling our Ethos, we are demonstrating our moral code and emotional intelligence. These things are essential in the world we live in today.

I’m a former adjunct professor of communications at Seton Hall University, former high school Journalism teacher and class adviser, and former newspaper reporter. I’m also 0-2 trying out for Reality TV singing shows.

Adrienne Useted

CFO

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 | 7 years in 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.

Chris Elliot

Head of Academics and Innovation

BS in Economics/Business and Religion from Kalamazoo College | MA in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University | 15 years in education

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.

LaVoe Mulgrew

Head of Schools

BA in English from Vanderbilt University | MEd in English Education from Belmont University | 25 years in education

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.

Dwayne Tucker

Chief Executive Officer

BS in Business Management from Tennessee State University | 10 years in education

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.