English Language Arts

English Language Arts

Nicole Cooley
ELA Team Leader

Avid Reader, Deep-Sea Fisher, Visual Learner

“In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.” -Mortimer J. Adler
Meet Nicole
Reeda Betts, M.Ed.
ELA Team Leader & Project Coordinator / Head Coach

Problem Solver, Word Nerd, Distance Runner, Reader, Seinfeld Fanatic

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Meet Reeda
Natalie Breithaupt
ELA Coach & Project Coordinator

Enthusiastic Collaborator, Dedicated Aunt, Random Fact Fanatic

"Not having the best situation but seeing the best in your situation is the key to happiness." - Marie Forleo
Meet Natalie
Stephanie Case
ELA Support Team Member

Christian, Natural Motivator, Runner

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Carl Buehner
Meet Stephanie
Shawnese Herrington
Head Coach & ELA Support Team Leader

Ambitious, Passionate Educator, Family-Oriented, Beach Bum, Lover of Shoes and Handbags

“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them.” - Michelle Obama
Meet Shawnese
Rachel Wooten
ELA & Special Education Instructional Coach, & MTSS & Dyslexia Specialist

Organization wizard, reader of westerns, writer of all the feels, ice cream connoisseur, goat and chicken mama

"Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Meet Rachel
Angie Blake
ELA Support Team Member

Christ Follower, Fiercely Competitive, Lover of Travel and Hershey’s Chocolate

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." - H. Keller
Meet Angie
Ashley Kazery
ELA Support Team Member

Family Centered, Life-Long Learner, Avid Reader, Embraces Challenge and Adventure

“One stands taller in the climb to success than when he bends over to help someone else.” - John C. Maxwell
Meet Ashley
Crystal Glenn
ELA Support Team Member

Eager Collaborator and Tennis Enthusiast with an Enchanting Smile

“Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.”
Meet Crystal
LaDonna Mason
ELA Support Team Member

Christ Follower, Life-Long Learner, Fun Seeker

"What greater joy can a teacher feel than to witness a child's success?" - Michelle L. Graham
Meet LaDonna
Laurie Poppenheimer
ELA Support Team Member

Christ follower, family oriented, dedicated to student improvement, enthusiastic about teaching

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin
Meet Laurie
Lee Anne Holland
ELA & Early Learning Support Team Member

Creative, Family-Focused, Auburn Fanatic, Beach Lover

“A great teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.” - Unknown
Meet Lee Anne
Liz Bouchillon
ELA Support Team Member

Christian, Organized, Netflix Junkie, Lover of Reading and Motorcycle Riding

“All kids need a little help, a lot of hope, and somebody who believes in them.” - Magic Johnson
Meet Liz
Michelle Cooper
ELA Support Team Member

Conscientious, Artistic, Lover of SEC Sports, Sweet Tea, & Jesus

“Just remember, every young person in that room is somebody’s child. Someone’s most beloved gift.” - A Veteran Teacher
Meet Michelle
Michele Parker
ELA Content Lead & Project Coordinator

Resilient and intentional, traveler, family-focused

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” -C.S. Lewis
Meet Michele
Nikki Buss
ELA Support Team Member

Dedicated Educator, Thoughtful Friend, Avid Sports Fan

"Decide what to be and go be it." - The Avett Brothers
Meet Nikki
Rhonda Morgan
ELA & Science Support Team Member

Enthusiastic, Life Long Learner, Proud Grandmother, Avid Reader, Beach Lover

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Meet Rhonda
Robin H. Boyles
ELA Support Team Member

Creative, Musically Inclined, Plant Lover, Obsessed with Journaling, Baby Magnet, Mother of 3 Beautiful Girls

“It takes a BIG HEART to shape little minds!”
Meet Robin
Stephanie Gilder
ELA Support Team Member

Organization Enthusiast, Lover of Interior Design, Positively Positive

"Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children”. - Walt Disney
Meet Stephanie
Tamara Cerrito
ELA & Math Support Team Member

Encourager, Educator, Wife, Mama, & Lover of Lists and Cooking

"When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” - Dalai Lama
Meet Tamara
Tiffani Chandler
ELA Support Team Member

Family-Focused, Motivated and Purpose-Driven, Bug-Hating Nature Lover

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Meet Tiffani
Tracy Robinson
ELA Support Team Member/Data Specialist

Prayer Warrior, Artistically Inspired, Productive Problem-Solver, Solution-Oriented

“Our conversations, attitudes, behaviors and efforts are navigational tools. They either point us toward the problem or lead us to solutions. Be mindful of the course you are traveling.” - Tracy Robinson
Meet Tracy
Renee Manning
EL Support Team Member

Passionate about Jesus & Family, Energetic & Determined, Lover of Animals, Books & Outdoors

“BELIEVE YOU CAN AND YOU’RE HALFWAY THERE.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Meet Renee
Tyra Saucier, M.Ed.
ELA Support Team Member

Extremely Creative, Family Oriented, Food Guru!

“If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing over which I have control - myself.” ― Stephen Covey
Meet Tyra
Paige Norwood
ELA Support Team Member / MTSS Specialist / Dyslexia Specialist

Science of Reading Enthusiast, Fun-Loving Friend, Southern Cookbook Collector/Junkie

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” - Albert Einstein
Meet Paige
Danielle Willis
ELA Support Team Member / MTSS Specialist / Dyslexia Specialist

Positive, Collaborative, Dependable, Great-Aunt, Lover of Books and Travel

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” - Maya Angelou
Meet Danielle
Daphne Cook
ELA Support Team Member

Lover of kids, cooking, the outdoors, and all of God’s creatures

"Everything you don't know is something you can learn."
Meet Daphne
Karen Nichols
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic Collaborator, Dedicated Mamaw Ka, Shoe shopper

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right!”
Meet Karen
Shaquinta Barlow
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic Collaborator, World Traveler, Lover of Food Network Channel

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” - Zig Ziglar
Meet Shaquinta
Sheawanna W. Finley, M.Ed.
ELA Support Team Member

Devoted Researcher, Positive Self-Starter, Ardent Tennis Player, Beachgoer, Shopaholic

“Behind me is infinite power, before me is endless possibility, around me is boundless opportunity.” - Mac Anderson
Meet Sheawanna
Amy Youngblood Johnson
ELA Support Team Member

Principals’ Favorite, Beach Bum Mom, & ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

“God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” - Ephesians 3:20
Meet Amy
Tenalee H. Dumas
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate Educator, Problem-Solver, Dedicated Mother and Wife, Lover of Jesus, shopping, sweets, and all things BAMA!

“The grass is greener where you water it.” - Neil Barringham
Meet Tenalee H.
Kim Pair
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic, Grateful, Lake-Loving, Groovy Granna

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile!” - Annie
Meet Kim
Melissa Orr
ELA Support Team Member

Family First, Happy Heart, Always Active, Nutrition Nut

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn
Meet Melissa
Beverly Brown
ELA Support Team Member

Detail-oriented, Passionate reader, Excessive organizer, Encouraging and caring BeBe to 3 awesome grandchildren, True crime junkie

“Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.” - John Adams
Meet Beverly
Kim Mattox
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate Educator, Student Advocate, Christ-Centered, Traveler, Facebook Market Place Junkie

“Forget the mistake. Remember the lesson.”
Meet Kim
Joy Parker
ELA Support Team Member

Learning Strategies Idealist, Enthusiastic Collaborator, Avid Reader, Nonna to six grandchildren, Gym Enthusiast

“God so loved us that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
Meet Joy
Kimberly Tharpe
ELA Support Team Member

Lifelong Learner, Data Driven, Researcher and Reader, Mom and Grandma, “Glamping” lover!

“Children are not a distraction from the more important work, they are the most important work.” - C.S. Lewis
Meet Kimberly
Ruth Vilberg
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate about teaching reading and writing skills; nature lover, hiker, and pet advocate; love making toddlers and babies giggle!

“A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.” - Proverb
Meet Ruth
Mary Gregg
ELA & Science Support Team Member

Dedicated Motivator, Excessive Organizer, Family Focused, Beachgoer, Audiobook Fanatic

“One who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” – John Cotton Dana
Meet Mary
Karen Hammond
Leadership, ELA, & Math Support Team Member

Extremely Organized, Nature-Lover, Science Fiction Movie Buff

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6
Meet Karen
Hope Newsome Staples
ELA Support Team Member

Team player, mechanical pencil hoarder, coffee enthusiast, trivia buff

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - Tolkien
Meet Hope
Tammy Major
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate educator, loving MiMi, Crazy for Cosmetics

"The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process." - Barbara Colorose
Meet Tammy
Erica Y. Frazier
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic educator, Genuine grammarian, JSU football fanatic & alumna, Lover of great food and history documentaries

“Education is the passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X
Meet Erica
Melissa Woods
ELA Support Team Member

Reliable, Willing to Learn, Good News Spreader, Recipe Tester, & Dedicated Grandmother

“God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.”
Meet Melissa
Jessica Flynt
ELA, Math, Social Studies, ACT, & WorkKeys Support Team Member

Driven, problem-solver, Jesus follower, wife/mom, addicted to black coffee, & terrified of heights

"Nine-tenths of education is encouragement." - Anatole France
Meet Jessica
Caroline Gipson
ELA Support Team Member

Energetic, Loyal, Christian, Football Lover, DIY Furniture Refresher

“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.” - Buckminister Fuller
Meet Caroline
Mellissa Kitchens
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic, positive facilitator, dedicated mother, sports enthusiast, and exercise junkie

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you imagined.” - Henry David Thoreau
Meet Mellissa
Shondra Whitaker
Head Coach, ELA & Leadership Support Team Member

Creative collaborator, obsessive organizer, faithful Jesus follower, family-oriented, barre enthusiast, true crime junkie

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
Meet Shondra
Gina Price
ELA Support Team Member

Extremely organized, Dependable, Beach lover, Dedicated dog mom, Antique collector

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
Meet Gina
Melanie Hardy
ELA Support Team Member

Eager collaborator, Resourceful team player, Praying wife, mother, grandmother, Lover of travel and new adventures

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” - MLK Jr.
Meet Melanie
Candice Savage
ELA Support Team Member

Student focused, Dog lover, Marathon runner, Disney World fanatic

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give." - Maya Angelou
Meet Candice
Kim Rainer Beaty
ELA Support Team Member

Efficacious Encourager, Lively Leader, Grandmother, Lover of Books, Doughnut Connoisseur

“You’ve got to love them before you can reach them. You’ve got to reach them before you can teach them.”
Meet Kim
Cindy Benton
ELA & Math Support Team Member

Dedicated to Kids, Christian, Family Focused, Boat/Lake Lover, Wordle Fanatic

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller
Meet Cindy
Rhonda Lier
ELA Support Team Member

God-Fearing, Dedicated Teacher, Chocolate Lover, Junk Store Junkie

"Your life is a result of your choices."
Meet Rhonda
Svetlana Lucas
ELA Support Team Member/Gifted Education Support Team Member

Creative Collaborator, Wordsmith, Jewelry Junkie, Reader, Wreath Maker

“Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.” - Lao Tzu
Meet Svetlana
Jordan Sticker
Math & ELA Support Team Member

Passionate educator, Christ follower, Iced coffee connoisseur

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” - Psalm 73:26
Meet Jordan
Erica Boyd
ELA Support Team Member

Team player, Solution-oriented, Book publisher, World traveler, & Dog whisperer

“There is not an elevator to success; you have to take the stairs.” - Author Unknown
Meet Erica
Gladys Casanova
ELA Support Team Member

Adaptable Team Player, Lover of God and Family, Avid Traveler

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” - Plutarch
Meet Gladys
Jennifer K. Boykin
ELA Support Team Member

Positive motivator, lifelong learner, student centered advocate for educators; Thankful for faith, family and friends; Lover of beaches, boats, and river life!

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Meet Jennifer
Lue Ella Smith, Ed.D.
ELA Support Team Member

Lifelong Learner, Lover of Christ and Family, Junk Food & Sports Junkie

“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” - Maya Angelou
Meet Lue Ella
Kami Burns Bumgarner
ELA Support Team Member

Reliable Helper, Teenage Daughter Expert, Yorkie and Morkie Mom

"Lead from the heart, not the head." - Princess Diana
Meet Kami
Alfreda Hoskins, Ed.S.
Leadership, ELA, SPED, & Federal Programs Support Team Member

Optimistic, Detail Oriented, Avid Traveler, Family Focused, Addicted to Thrift Stores

"Success isn't about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives." - Michelle Obama
Meet Alfreda
Becky Faulkner
ELA & Leadership Support Team Member

Team player, Servant leader, Loving Grandmother, Loyal friend

“It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don't care who gets the credit.” - Harry Truman
Meet Becky
Stacy Crowell
ELA Support Team Member

Devoted advocate, Committed collaborator, Sports enthusiast, Melodious singer

“Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” - Robert F. Kennedy
Meet Stacy
Patrice Wasden
ELA Support Team Member

Energetic helper, Devoted wife and mother, Professional shopper

"Always bloom where you are planted."
Meet Patrice
Charlotte McNeese
ELA Support Team Member

Organizer, Problem-solver, Wife, Grandmother, Mom, & Lover of all things hunting and boating

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S. Lewis
Meet Charlotte
Haleigh Barlow
ELA Support Team Member

Team player, Visual learner, Lover of travel, Disney World fanatic, & Christmas obsessed!

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
Meet Haleigh
Carol Clemmons
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic visionary, Collaborative leader, Student success focus, Beach lover, Traveler, Reader 

"Dare to live the life you have dreamed!" - Emerson
Meet Carol
Lanette Tarleton
ELA Support Team Member

Encourager, Organizer, Loyal friend, Dachshund mom, and lover of drag racing

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Meet Lanette
Miranda Richardson
ELA Support Team Member

Routine Lover, Rule Follower, Kindness Spreader, Girl Mom

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” - Pablo Picasso
Meet Miranda
Loria Newsome
ELA Support Team Member

Lifelong learner, Enthusiastic encourager, Consistent Bible studier, Dedicated grandmother, Green thumb

"There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still." - Corrie Ten Boom
Meet Loria
Dr. Lillian Johnson
ELA Support Team Member

Dependable team-player, Enthusiastic self-starter, Purpose-driven, Kingdom Worker, Boy mom

"Success is no accident. It's hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." - Pelé
Meet Lillian
Kristy Hayes
ELA Support Team Member

Innovative, Task-Oriented, Devoted Wife & Boy Mom, Jesus Lover, Beach Bum

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou
Meet Kristy
Dr. Rachael McDaniel
ELA & Leadership Support Team Member

Passionate, Innovative, Adventurous, Cool Nerd

“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” - Nelson Mandela
Meet Dr. Rachael
Audrey Thompson
ELA Support Team Member

Overly Organized, Creative Solutionist, Cake Baker and Party Planner

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one”. - Dolly Parton
Meet Audrey
Shemeka Ware
ELA Support Team Member

Consummate Problem-solver, Kingdom Focused, Performing Arts lover

“You are strong when you know your weaknesses. You are beautiful when you appreciate your flaws. You are wise when you learn from your mistakes.” - Author Unknown
Meet Shemeka
Stacy Lawrence
ELA Support Team Member

People-Oriented Professional, Devoted reader of all things, Passionate “Paint By Number” artist

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” - Tony Robbins
Meet Stacy
Arkeco L. Thompson, Ed. D.
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic collaborator; zealous and compassionate teacher; Passionate lover of music; Minister of the Gospel; Spoiled Wife; Die Hard New Orleans Saints fan #whodat4life.

"Education is a work of heart."
Meet Arkeco
Sonya Dean
ELA Support Team Member

Punctual, organized

World traveler, aunt extraordinaire

I dress with a color theme each week to make laundry easier.

“We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.” - Max Depree
Meet Sonya
Susan Hathhorn
ELA & Math Support Team Member

innovative, enthusiastic reader, vegetarian, lifelong learner, technology nerd

“The expert at anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes
Meet Susan
Nycole Horne
ELA Support Team Member

Confidence Builder, Lover of Nature, Family Fanatic, Peace Warrior

“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” - Henry David Thoreau
Meet Nycole
Cheryl Kirkland
ELA Support Team Member

Hardworking team player, Dedicated mom, Hiking and kayaking enthusiast, True Crime junkie

“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at life in things that do not matter.” - Francis Chan
Meet Cheryl
Jana Elmore
ELA Support Team Member

Intrinsically Driven, Creative Problem Solver, Adventure Loving, Growing Christian, Information Junkie

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Meet Jana
Julie Kelly
Math & ELA Support Team Member

Resourceful, Intuitive, Mother, Wife, Saved by Grace, Doodle Mom!

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." - Charles Dickens
Meet Julie
Jenna Adams
Math & ELA Support Team Member

Team player, detail and task oriented, devoted wife and mother to 2 girls, lover of travel, beach lover, plant lady, Goldendoodle mom

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall
Meet Jenna
Charity Foxworth
ELA Support Team Member

Dedicated Teacher, Devoted Christian, Loving Wife, Blessed Mother, Lucky Grandmother, Farm loving, Chicken Mama

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” - Galatians 6:9
Meet Charity
Taylor Sullivan
ELA Support Team Member

Obsessively punctual, World traveler, Cookie Connoisseur

“ You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. “ - Christopher Robin
Meet Taylor
Kim Baker
ELA Support Team Member

Reliable, Encouraging, Christ-Follower, Lifelong Reader

“It’s often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” - Queen Elizabeth
Meet Kim
Terri Purcell
ELA & ESL Support Team Member

Creative problem solver, Advocate for all learners, Adventure enthusiast

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin
Meet Terri
Cheryl Lockhart
ELA Support Team Member

Avid reader, life-long learner, Part-time gardener, full-time wife of Mayor of Muscle Shoals, Canine owner (3), veterinarian supporter

“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or the life of another.” - Helen Keller
Meet Cheryl
Beverly Grant
ELA & Math Support Team Member

Dedicated, Detail oriented, Child of God, "GG" to 5, "Honey" to Twins

"Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
Meet Beverly
Amy Bailey
ELA Support Team Member

Cheerful, Helpful, Hardworking, Mother to two girls, Dog Mama, Boats and Beaches, I love to SHOP!!

“Your heart is slightly bigger than the average human heart, but that’s because you’re a teacher.” - Aaron Bacall
Meet Amy
Kelly Whaley
ELA Support Team Member

Attentive Listener, Reflective Thinker, Problem Solver, Christ Centered, Family Focused, Pickleball player who loves to fish and encourage others

“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” - Psalm 3:3
Meet Kelly
Cindy Kelley
Math & ELA Support Team Member

Team-player, observant, Child of God, blessed grandmother (Ci), Junkin’ junkie, travel enthusiast

“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing…. that it all started with a dream and a mouse” - Walt Disney
Meet Cindy
Jaynie Payne
ELA Support Team Member

Organized and Data driven, Runner and Tennis Player, Wife, Mama, and Traveler

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why.” – Mark Twain
Meet Jaynie
Jennifer Mozingo
ELA Support Team Member

Team player, organized, Child of God, wife, mom, bonus mom, grandmother, Independent Scentsy Consultant

“Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” - Mother Teresa
Meet Jennifer
Yvonna Macon
ELA Support Team Member

Innovative collaborator, passionately expressive, Devoted coach, vacation critic, Adventure seeker, basketball connoisseur

“Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” - Kobe Bean Bryant
Meet Yvonna
Mary E. (Liz) Norman
ELA Support Team Member

Service Oriented, Experienced multi-tasker, Boy Mom, Lover of Victorian literature and murder mysteries

“Keep your face always to the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” - Walt Whitman
Meet Mary
Adrian Mayfield
ELA & Math Support Team Member

Energetic, reliable, and dedicated educator, generous personality, athletic footwear enthusiast and a lover of all things JSU Tigers

“Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.” - Benjamin Franklin
Meet Adrian
Payton Goodloe, Ed.S.
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate educator, life-long learner, travel fanatic, dedicated wife, sports lover, shopping addict

“The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” - Arthur C. Clarke
Meet Payton
Courtney Shoemaker
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate, Motivated to Succeed, Rodeo Mom, Family Oriented, Obsessed with Hot Dogs

Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill
Meet Courtney
Angeline Nix
ELA Support Team Member

Well Organized, always on time, family-oriented, dependable, beach enthusiast, avid reader

“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything” - Unknown
Meet Angeline
Dawn Lampkin
ELA Support Team Member

Rule follower, Lover of books, Enjoys porch sitting and fast walking

“Use your fear, it can take you to the place where you store your courage.” - Amelia Earhart
Meet Dawn
Elaine V. Berryman
ELA Support Team Member

Punctual, Traveler, Super organized, Sea shell collector, Grammy of five girls!

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James
Meet Elaine
Ebony Jones
ELA Support Team Member

Resourceful educator, Amazing Mother, Crafty Entrepreneur, Tik Tok Foodie, Sci-Fi Movie Junkie

"Life is like a camera. Focus on the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don't work out, take another shot." - Unknown
Meet Ebony
Mary Elizabeth Wilson
ELA Support Team Member

Energetic, Organized, Jesus Follower, Mother of 5

“Work is a blessing. God has so arranged the world that work is necessary, and He gives us hands and strength to do it. The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we had only leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest, just as it is the experiences of hunger and thirst that make food and drink such pleasures.” - Elisabeth Eliot
Meet Mary Elizabeth
Mandy Goldman
ELA Support Team Member

Enthusiastic about learning new things, God centered and grown boy mom, Artist and Gardener

“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things.” - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Meet Mandy
Kaycee Slay
ELA Support Team Member

Energetic, organized educator, traveler, beach lover, crossfit enthusiast

“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” - Dalai Lama
Meet Kaycee
Nikita Johnson
ELA Support Team Member

Resourceful, Motivational, Great Mom, flexible, Homebody, Cheerful

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time!” - Thomas A. Edison
Meet Nikita
Laura Griffith
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate Educator, Reliable, Team Player, Christian, Dedicated Mother

"Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” -John C. Maxwell
Meet Laura
Mary Elizabeth Bullock
Science, ELA, US History, & SPED Support Team Member

Passionate student advocate, avid reader, family-oriented, traveler, dog mom

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” - Aristotle
Meet Mary Elizabeth
Stephanie Clark
ELA Support Team Member

Organizer and Creative, Focused on faith, family, and friends, 80s Music and Movie FANATIC!!

“We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.” - A.A. Milne
Meet Stephanie
John C. Johnson
ELA & Leadership Support Team Member

Relationship Builder, Critical Thinker, Proud father, Lover of Music, Horror Movie Fan, Coffee Enthusiast, Baseball junkie

“The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” - Mark Twain
Meet John
Sharon Benefield, Ed.S
ELA, Science, & Social Studies Support Team Member

Devoted Educator, Organized, Avid Decorator and Gardener, Dedicated Mother, Lover of the Outdoors, Yard Sale Junkie, Christmas Fanatic

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” - Mother Teresa
Meet Sharon
Evelyn N. Williams
ELA & U.S. History Support Team Member

Obsessively organized, Mother of 4 (oldest is 25, youngest is 3), I love to crotchet and to teach interpretive dance.

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington
Meet Evelyn
Dr. Anjell H. Edwards
ELA & Leadership Support Team Member

Enthusiastic collaborator, passionate leader, experimental cook, devoted mom, Netflix junkie

"So what do you do with a chance? You take it, because it just might be the start of something incredible!" - Kobi Yamada
Meet Dr. Anjell
Rebecca Billingsley
ELA and Math Support Team Member

Versatile, team oriented, Mother of three, baking enthusiast, Flower lover

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” - Tony Robbins
Meet Rebecca
Nikki Webber
ELA Support Team Member

Sincerely dedicated, energetic educator, devoted Christian, mother, and wife, lover of old things, Corgi obsessed, crafting enthusiast

"Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today."- Will Rogers
Meet Nikki
Yashika Nicholson, Ed. S.
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate Educator, Christian, Devoted Wife and Mother, Traveler, Lover of shoes!

"Each day you are leading by example. Whether you realize it or not or whether it's positive or negative, you are influencing those around you." - Rob Liano
Meet Yashika
Becky Kite
ELA & Math Support Team Member

All things Early Childhood; Encouraging and Supportive; BeBe to nine grands; Thrifting Extraordinaire. Best meatloaf maker.

“If you keep your eyes open enough, oh, the stuff you will learn. Oh, the most wonderful stuff.” - Dr. Seuss
Meet Becky
Brittaney Boyd
ELA Support Team Member

Passion-Driven Educator, Family-Oriented, Dog Mom

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
Meet Brittaney
Connie Pridgen
ELA Support Team Member

Learner for life, child of God, keeper of chickens and bees, worker of puzzles

“There are three ways to ultimate success: the first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” - Mister Rogers
Meet Connie
Ebonee Brown, Ph.D.
ELA Coach & Head Coach

Passionate educator, Christ follower, family-oriented, fashion fanatic, movie lover, seafood lover, boy mom 

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Meet Ebonee
Natalie Pilcher Bomann
ELA, Math, & Science Support Team Member

Creative Thinker, Knowledge Seeker, Traveler, Proud Mother, Book Collector

“Children don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - John Maxwell
Meet Natalie
Abby Hairston
ELA Support Team Member

Natural-born leader, color-coordinated organizer, tech-savvy, passionate learner, lover of God, boy mom, servant’s heart, National Park adventurist and MSU sports enthusiast

“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process.” - Rupi Kaur
Meet Abby
Emily Smith
ELA Support Team Member

Innovative, Love to spread the joy of Literacy, Brain cancer survivor, marathon runner, boy mom, author, encourager, Die-hard State fan

“Why fit in when you were born to STAND OUT!” - Dr Seuss
Meet Emily
Janet Rutherford
ELA Support Team Member

Analytical, deliberate, driven, and dedicated, loves family, the arts, and nature; My guilty pleasure is watching zombie movies and shows.

“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” - Abigail Adams
Meet Janet
LeDonnis P. Norwood, Ed.D
ELA Coach & Head Coach

Reflective leader, versatile, family-oriented, lover of God, Dallas Cowboys fanatic

"Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Meet LeDonnis
Amber Dunn
ELA, SPED, & MTSS Support Team Member

Passionate advocate with respect for diversity, Real Estate Investor, recent empty nester, Paddle Boarding Enthusiast, Beach Bum

“In Special Education, there’s too much emphasis placed on the deficit and not enough on the strength.” - Temple Grandin
Meet Amber
Lanaeya Woodard
ELA & Social Studies Support Team Member

Passionate Educator, Team Player, Devoted Wife and Mother, Prayer Warrior, Motivational Speaker, Lover of fashion, makeup, and interior design

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Meet Lanaeya
Jane Steele
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate educator, Blessed grandmother of 13 precious grands, Enthusiastic bike rider and avid reader

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” - Romans 12:12
Meet Jane
Aubry Mohead
ELA, Math, & Science Support Team Member

Loves reading a good book at the beach, Adores family time, Watching Bravo is my guilty pleasure!

“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”
Meet Aubry
Starla Bryars
ELA & Math Support Team Member

Family Oriented, Avid Reader, Christ Follower, Beach Bum, Mystery Enthusiast

“Accept what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be.” - Sonia Ricotti
Meet Starla
Lisa Miller
ELA Support Team Member

Data-driven, Passionate educator, Christian, Lifelong Learner, Foodie in training

“Spread love everywhere you go.” - Mother Teresa
Meet Lisa
Annie Weber
ELA & Math Support Team Member

Organized planner, Mom of three, Avid reader

“Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Anonymous
Meet Annie
Azeeka Dunigan
ELA Support Team Member

Team Cheerleader, Traveler, Dedicated Twin Mom, Lover of Strawberry Lemonade

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Meet Azeeka
D’Ashley Cohen
ELA Support Team Member

Consistent Motivator, Outspoken Introvert, Outstanding Sleeper when Binge Watching

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” - Maimonides
Meet D’Ashley
Danielle Yarbrough
ELA & History Support Team Member

Passionate educator, Student advocate, Born again Christian, Wife, Mom of three, Cruise Junkie, and Die-hard Mississippi State Bulldog Fan

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” - Ronald Reagan
Meet Danielle
Merideth Myers
ELA Support Team Member

Avid Reader, Disney Mama, Book Hoarder

“I never lose. I either win or learn.” - Nelson Mandela
Meet Merideth
Donna Nelson
ELA Support Team Member

Devoted to learners, Loves to try different Ethnic foods, Avid Movie Watcher (Westerns)

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin
Meet Donna
Laura Robbins
ELA & Math Support Team Member

Kind collaborator, problem solver, Christ-centered, Family-focused, Loves to Kayak and Travel

“The starting point of all achievement is desire.” - Napoleon Hill
Meet Laura
Dr. La Shannon Hollinger
ELA, Math, & Science Support Team Member

Passionately driven, Pretty chill, Bunny Mum

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better!” - Maya Angelou
Meet Dr. La Shannon
Sharon A Montgomery
ELA, Math & Science Support Team Member

Hard worker, Dedicated Grandmother, Serious Recycler

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:6
Meet Sharon
Alyxandra Camille Price
ELA & History Support Team Member

A stickler for deadlines, Vegan, Reader, Sand collector

"Just because you don't see a way doesn't mean God doesn't have a way."
Meet Alyxandra
Pam Higgins
ELA Support Team Member

“All in” Educator, Busy Bee, Grateful Gammie!

“One of the greatest gifts leaders can give to those around them is hope. Never underestimate its power.” - John Maxwell
Meet Pam
Ginger Fitzgerald
ELA Support Team Member

Charismatic Collaborator, Thrill seeking vacation planner, Audible Addict

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Meet Ginger
Cindy Tesreau
ELA, Math, & Leadership Support Team Member

Christ Focused, Lifelong Learner, Motivator and Effective Communicator, Quilt-Maker, and Tennessee River Lover!

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” - Mister Rogers
Meet Cindy
Mary Jo Shephard
Special Education & ELA Support Team Member

Caring Mentor, Promoter of Others, Devoted Mom/Grand, Jesus Girl!, Lover of War Eagle, SEC Sports,  & Beaches

“There may be people that have more talent than you, But there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you.” -Derek Jeter
Meet Mary Jo
Judy Tindal, M. Ed
ELA, Science, Gifted, & Social Studies Support Team Member

Fun-loving Relationship Builder, Enthusiastic Leader, Devoted Mom & Gran, Appreciator of Nature, Lover of Travel, Pets, Games, and Sugar!

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” - William Arthur Ward
Meet Judy
Pamela Lewis
ELA Support Team Member

Always Learning, Lover of God, family, friends and chocolate, World Traveler

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” - Dr. Seuss
Meet Pamela
Michelle Dorsey
ELA Support Team Member

Determined to deliver, Spunky but agreeable, Crazy chicken lady

“Be curious, not judgmental.” - Walt Whitman
Meet Michelle
Marda Isbell
ELA Support Team Member

love to learn, creative, outdoor enthusiast, baker, and party hostess

“The secret of success is to do common things uncommonly well.” - John D. Rockefeller
Meet Marda
Kim Hendon
ELA Support Team Member

Passionate Educator, Intrepid Wanderlust, Coffeeholic

“Education is the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.” - Abraham Lincoln
Meet Kim
Kimberly L. Lightner, Ed.S.
ELA Support Team Member

Innovative Leader, Passionate Poet, Travel Queen, News junkie

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
Meet Kimberly
Dr. Hazel D. Henderson
ELA Support Team Member

Analytical, Service Driven, Licensed Minister, First-Time Author

”To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” - Anatole France
Meet Dr. Hazel
Mrs. Debbie Roberts, M.Ed.
ELA, Math, & Science Support Team Member

Encouraging Collaborative Partner, Animal Lover, Dance is my therapy

"God gives his best to those who leave the choice to Him." - Morgan Freeman, cowboy and my grandfather
Meet Debbie
Leslie Stacy
ELA Support Team Member

organized, dependable, creative, reader, mom of 2, youth minister’s wife, theme park enthusiast, Disney fanatic, true crime junkie

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank
Meet Leslie
Penny Bates
ELA Support Team Member

student focused, family oriented, Netflix junkie

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis
Meet Penny
Jennifer Kimbrell, Ed.S.
ELA Support Team Member

Innovative Educator, Christ Follower, Blessed Momma and Lolli

“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” - Unknown
Meet Jennifer
Joe Lee Bafford III
ELA and ACT Support Team Member

Assertively passionate, conservative opportunist, Facebook Fanatic

“We will only become whatever we work to be! You can’t have million-dollar dreams with a dollar store work ethic!”
Meet Joe
Aimee Weathers, EdS
ELA Support Team Member

Passionately innovative, Team-Player, Lifelong learner, Tech-savvy, Coffee shop hopper, F45 workout guru, Mother to 5

"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." - Abigail Adams
Meet Aimee

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PO Box 6512
Laurel, MS 39441

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About Kids First

KIDS 1st Education LLC was founded out of a sincere desire to improve teaching and learning by placing KIDS First. Our coaches and specialists have successfully teamed and worked together for more than a decade, passionate and committed to making a difference for KIDS.