5th Grade Team

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OUR FACULTY - Leto Collegiate Academy Ensuring that students attain an excellent collegiate education while supporting them on their paths to success are our top priorities. Hazlett Collegiate Academy Magnet Lead scott.hazlett@sdhc.k12.fl.us. Stop by for a visit to our campus and learn more about the exciting things that are happening at our school. Feel free to follow us on Facebook at Odessa Collegiate Academy and/or. Twitter @OCAwolves #BlueWolfFamily-Our Mission: As the OCA Family, we foster innovative leaders driven to forge the future. #ForgeTheFuture #. Our Purpose Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (PPCA) is a unique 9th and 10th grade Academy of Applied Discovery program where instructors expose learners to innovative experiences and guide them through relevant application and evaluation of those experiences. PPCA students are goal-oriented with aspirations of becoming future-ready for college and career success.

5th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Mehlrose (rmehlrose@strivecollegiate.org) earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Leadership with a concentration in Counseling from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. She was born in Dunedin, Florida and raised throughout many parts of southwest Florida. Mrs. Mehlrose is currently working on her Master of Arts degree in Teaching with a concentration on K-6 grade from Relay Graduate School of Education, located in Nashville, TN. While earning her Bachelor's degree, Mrs. Mehlrose served as a mentor to young women and adolescents throughout southwest Florida with an emphasis on leadership and personal development. Mrs. Mehlrose is excited to jump into her second year with the STRIVE Family as the 5th grade ELA teacher. She hopes to inspire and motivate her students to love learning and reading books, furthering their knowledge and expanding their imagination. Outside of STRIVE, you can find Mrs. Mehlrose spending time with her family and dog (Max), watching movies, and spending time outdoors.

5th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Ellison (sellison@strivecollegiate.org) currently serves as the 5th Grade Mathematics teacher and Math Content Lead. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Mathematics from Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching with a concentration in Secondary Mathematics from Relay Graduate School of Education, located in Nashville, Tennessee. While earning her Bachelor degree, Ms. Ellison served as an Instructional Assistant at Oakwood Intermediate and later, at Southwood Valley Elementary. Ms. Ellison joined the STRIVE Collegiate Academy family in Fall 2017 as the 5th Grade Mathematics teacher. She is thrilled to return to teach the next round of 5th Grade mathematicians! Her motivation to teach and work in education stems from her continuous love for learning. The drive that Ms. Ellison has within herself is something she desires to share with her students, inspiring them each day! When not teaching, Ms. Ellison loves to watch crime and mystery shows, work on DIY activities, and spend time with her dog, Fabio.

5th Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Staerker (sstaerker@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor of Science degree in School Health from Texas A&M University, located in College Station, TX. While earning her Bachelor degree, Ms. Staerker served as an Instructional Assistant at A&M Consolidated High School and Tompkins High School. She is thrilled to share her love of science with her 5th Grade Strivers this year! She loves science and hopes her students get to share in her enthusiasm for the subject as well this year.

5h Grade Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Verge (mverge@strivecollegiate.org) earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Middle Tennessee State University. She was born and raised in Murfreesboro, TN and has enjoyed remaining close to friends and family. Outside of STRIVE, Ms. Verge loves listening to different genres of music and spending time with her son. She loves to eat and try different types of foods. Just before graduating college, Mareeka had the opportunity to learn about STRIVE and an amazing teaching opportunity. Since then, she has been brought on as the 5th grade Social Studies Teacher. Ms. Verge is beyond excited to continue to learn and grow as a part of the STRIVE family. As the great Maya Angelou states, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated”. With this mindset, anything is possible.

5th Grade Paraprofessional

Ms. St. Julien (cstjulien@strivecollegiate.org)

6th Grade Team

6th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Turner (mturner@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Teaxs A&M – San Antonio. He is currently attending Relay Graduate School of Education for his Masters. As an Army veteran, Micah served his country for 4 ½ years in Europe and America alike. Micah’s previously served as the Center Director at Bernard Harris Middle school in the Northeast Independent School District. In his free time Micah enjoys playing video-games and board games with his two sons. Micah’s belief in the power of the mind he has pushed him to pledge himself to be a force of positivity to all students he encounters. By serving his country foreign, he seeks to now be an impact domestically and Micah is humbled to be working with STRIVE and its mission of devotion and empowerment through education and community involvement.

6th Grade Mathematics Teacher

Mrs. Robert (krobert@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (Grades 1 - 6) and Special Education (K - 12) from the University of Missouri, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Mrs. Robert was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, starting her educational career in teaching. Mrs. Robert previously served as the Special Education teacher, working with 4th and 5th grade students, for Special School District in St. Louis. Mrs. Robert joined the STRIVE Collegiate Academy family in 2019 as the 6th grade Mathematics teacher. She looks forward to helping students grow into strong mathematicians and even better leaders. When not teaching, you can find Mrs. Robert watching Netflix or exploring Nashville with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her dogs(Lilly and Duke) and daughter Ella, who arrives in November.

6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Ms. Greenlee (dgreenlee@strivecollegiate.org) earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Communication Studies from Texas Christian University located in Fort Worth, TX but she is originally from Southern CA. She has also received her Masters Degree in Education from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. This is her second year at STRIVE Collegiate Academy and she is happy to be back and teaching sixth grade English! Her favorite part of the school year is seeing the immense amount of growth in the students from the beginning to the end of the school year. She hopes to inspire her students to find the same love of reading that she has by diving into multiple texts throughout this school year.

6th Grade Science Teacher

Mr. Horton (thorton@strivecollegiate.org)

7th Grade Team

7th Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Murdoch (hmurdoch@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health with a minor in Diversity from the University of Washington, located in Seattle, WA. She is currently working towards earning her Masters in Education with a concentration in Secondary Science from Lipscomb University, located in Nashville, TN. She is excited to start her journey in teaching science at STRIVE Collegiate Academy to teach the amazing 7th grade class. Her goal is to uplift and motivate ALL students to reach their fullest potential in becoming the young scientists she knows they can become. Her work pushes students to become leaders both inside and outside the classroom. She believes that all scholars should leave the classroom with a new love for learning and skills to help them inquire what is happening in the world around them.

7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Batista (tbatista@strivecollegiate.org) graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a minor in History. From White House, TN, Mr. Batista started his career in education through the Nashville Teaching Fellows program during the summer of 2016. In college, Mr. Batista found a love for experiencing new cultures and travel. So far, Mr. Batista has made it to three continents and several countries. He hopes to bring his travels to the classroom while teaching Social Studies and inspire his students to experience the world beyond their front yards. In his spare time, Mr. Batista enjoys cooking with his wife, taking his dog, Mabel, to the dog park, and planning his next getaway.

7th Grade ELA Teacher

Ms. McCraney (rmccraney@strivecollegiate.org) received her Bachelor's degree in Communications with a Business Minor from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020. Rebecca was born and raised in a small Texas town named Midland, and this is her first time living out of state. Rebecca's passion for education began in her early teens, and has grown throughout the years as she continued her research on U.S. and Texas education while in college. This is Rebecca's first year teaching and first year at STRIVE. She is a member of Teach for America Nashville and is grateful for the opportunity to serve her new community. Rebecca is the 7th grade English Language Arts teacher. Rebecca is excited to be a part of the STRIVE team and to work with the STRIVE students and families this year. Outside of STRIVE, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as enjoying all of the outdoor activities Nashville has to offer.

7th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Wing(mwing@strivecollegiate.org) received her Bachelor’s degree in Geography with minors in Economics and Spanish from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She is currently enrolled as a graduate student at Lipscomb University’s College of Education. A life-long lover of math, Ms. Wing is excited to bring this passion into the classroom and watch her students grow as mathematicians this year. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Wing enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops around Nashville, hiking, cycling, and reading.'

7th Grade Paraprofessional

Ms. Simpson(ksimpson@strivecollegiate.org) (ksimpson@strivecollegiate.org) is our upper school Paraprofessional, offering classroom support to our students.She is originally from Detroit ,Michigan and moved here with her family in 2008.Ms.Simpson plans to earn her bachelor's degree in special education at Tennessee State University. She hopes to help her students gain the skills and abilities not only needed for high school but also life after

7th Grade Paraprofessional

Mr. D'Angelo (adangelo@strivecollegiate.org) (ksimpson@strivecollegiate.org)

8th Grade Team

8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Mr. Cannon (scannon@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Music (Vocal Performance) and a minor in Business Administration from Clemson University, located in Clemson, SC. He is currently working towards earning his Masters in Education with a concentration in Secondary English from Lipscomb University, located in Nashville, TN. He is pumped to see how the 8th grade class grows by leaps and bounds this year, not only academically, but in their character, as well. His goal is for every student to know that they are loved, accepted, and BELIEVED IN. He believes that all students have the power and ability to create their best self and lead courageously. He can’t wait to see how his students grow to be better readers and writers, but also into better human beings! When he’s not teaching, Mr. Cannon enjoys spending time with friends and family, any form of exercise, playing with his three dogs, and playing and listening to music.

8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Lee (rlee@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting with a Minor in World Religions from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He is currently working towards a Masters of Education at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. While earning his Bachelor Degree, Mr. Lee mentored and co-taught at the Nativity School in Worcester, MA, an all-boys middle school in Worcester, MA, and was captain of the Holy Cross Rugby Team. Originally from the Boston area, Mr. Lee is a passionate Red Sox and Patriots fan. Mr. Lee is excited to teach our 8th grade historians at STRIVE this year. His hope is that every student will learn about the history of our country and our city and start to become engaged members of the Greater Nashville community!

8th Grade Science Teacher

Mr. Haynes (whaynes@strivecollegiate.org) is from Dothan, AL and received both a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Master’s of Education in Secondary Science from Auburn University. Haynes’ graduate research was done as a NanoBio Fellow under the NSF funded Math and Science Partnership. In collaboration with Tuskegee University, Haynes worked with Education, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering faculty to build middle school sciences lessons on nanobiology technology for schools in the Alabama Black Belt region. Before arriving at STRIVE, Haynes taught, counseled and led trainees from 4th grade to adults at U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. Space Camp allowed Haynes to gain valuable experience working with students of all ages from over 10 countries and countless states. Now in his second year at STRIVE, he is eager to push our students to explore and discover science in new ways each day.

8th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Caprio (kcaprio@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Syracuse University, located in Upstate New York. She is currently enrolled in the graduate program at Lipscomb’s College of Education. Katie was born and raised in a small town in NJ, and has traveled for school ever since before landing in Nashville. She is eager and grateful to be working with the 8th grade class and to teach not only math, critical thinking & problem-solving skills, but to show students their true potential in and out of the classroom. She believes that all students should feel welcomed, accepted, challenged, supported and loved in school, and is committed to ensuring her students know they are capable of anything they put their mind to! Outside of the classroom, Ms. Caprio likes to volunteer within the community, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy all of the culture and fun Nashville has to offer.

Support Team

5th & 6th Grade Special Education Lead

Ms. Shute(lshute@strivecollegiate.org) was born and raised in Nashville, TN. Leshay is one of 5 children, the second oldest and youngest girl. Leshay received her Bachelor’s degree in Education minor in psychology and a minor in sociology form Ashford University. Leshay is a proud mother of seven children, four boys and three girls. Leshay has been a teacher for 10 plus years now and is in her second school year here at Strive Collegiate where she teaches Special education. Leshay loves teaching as well as coaching and being in the lives of children. Her passion is working with children in and out of school. Leshay coaches football, softball, basketball, and track and field. Playing football and softball are her two favorite sports. Leshay Shute is a very well-rounded, down to earth person that loves inspiring children to reach their full potential.

7th & 8th Grade Special Education Lead

Ms. Payne (kpayne@strivecollegiate.org) graduated from Murray State University in May 2017 with her bachelor’s degree in Learning and Behavior Disabilities/Elementary Education. She grew up in small-town Coffeen, IL, and after college was ready to get out of a “country” setting and experience the “city” life! When she first moved to Nashville, she began teaching preschool in Franklin, TN, and quickly realized she wanted something different. That’s when she began my journey with STRIVE in January of 2018. She loves STRIVE and all of the support and relationships that are built with families and coworkers within the school. Her goal as an educator is to make sure that every child feels confident in their learning and learning style. Her hobbies outside of school are taking her dog, Copper, to the dog park, DIY projects on her house, and going to concerts with her fiancé, Cody.

Upper School ELL Lead

Ms. Baylon (mbaylon@strivecollegiate.org) graduated from DePauw University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Spanish. She has also earned her ESL endorsement from Tulane University as well as her Interpreter in a School Setting certificate from Loyola University in New Orleans. Originally from Chicago, Illinois she moved to New Orleans by earning the opportunity to be a Teach For America corps member. Ms.Baylon taught Spanish and English as a Second Language in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has traveled and lived in several cities, including Miami, and Philadelphia. Traveling is a big priority in her life. She loves exploring and learning from others. She is a huge advocate for her students and believes in the power that one person can make a difference. She loved teaching Spanish to non-native Spanish speakers for the last three years in New Orleans.

Lower School ELL Lead

Ms. Dalsheim (ddalsheim@strivecollegiate.org)

Literacy Interventionist

Mr. Cluff (rcluff@strivecollegiate.org) received his BA in History from Middle Tennessee State University and is currently enrolled in a MAT program at Relay Graduate School of Education. Born in Gainesville, FL, but raised out west in Utah, Ryan is a Tennessee transplant and has been living in and serving his greater Nashville community since 2016. Between 2013 and 2015, he spent time overseas doing volunteer work which included developing curricula for free community education classes, like the Conversational English course he helped to create and implement in Ukraine. Ryan joined STRIVE this year (2020) to serve in a newly created position—Literacy Interventionist. Through this position, he is committed to increasing opportunity for those students he works with by helping them to improve in their abilities to read, write, articulate and express themselves clearly.

Related Arts Team

Physical Education Teacher

Coach McMillan (dmcmillan@strivecollegiate.org ) earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State. While at Tennessee State University, she was president of the Student Tennessee Education Association, and the first African American to become President of the Student Tennessee Education Association for the state of Tennessee. She started her teaching career in 1995 for Metro Nashville Public Schools and taught in the school system for 19 years. She also coached girls track and basketball with the School System for 16 years where she has won numerous championships. She retired for 4 years to travel with her son while playing football at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She then returned after her son's graduation from college, to become a Guest Educator for Enriched. She became an Interim teacher at STRIVE and taught 7th grade Math. She later became a P. E. Teacher/ OP Personal and girls’ basketball and track coach. At the end of the 2018 school year, she became the full time P.E teacher and will still be the girls’ basketball and track coach. Ms. McMillan's passion for teaching and mentoring students is the reason she came out of retirement, to do what she loves best and that is to make a difference in the lives of all students. Her love and passion for the students and staff at STRIVE will keep her committed and to uphold the best educational standards for all students. Her goal at STRIVE is to make sure all students are well educated and informed so that they will be productive citizens in our society. When she is not teaching or coaching, you will find her hanging out with her 3 sons and 5 grandchildren, and just having fun. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Psi Chapter.

Music Teacher

Ms. Jefferson (rjefferson@strivecollegiate.org ) was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She moved to Tennessee in 2009 and attended Middle Tennessee State University for her undergrad. She is the music teacher here at STRIVE Collegiate Academy providing a new way of learning music. Ms. Jefferson loves teaching children because she believes that they need to believe in themselves and they inspire her to teach them what she has learned in her life. She hopes to encourage and inspire the students to be their best selves and believe they can do anything!

Leadership Team

School Leader, Founder

LaKendra Butler (lakendra@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master’s degree in Education Administration & Supervision from National Louis University. Butler’s career in education began in 2005 as a corps member with Teach for America in Atlanta, Georgia, where she taught Civics, Law, and Geography at Booker T. Washington High School. After fulfilling her two year commitment, she started teaching fifth and eighth grade Social Studies and assumed the role of eighth grade level chair at KIPP TRUTH Academy in Dallas, Texas. Butler participated in the KIPP School Leadership Pathways program and became KIPP TRUTH’s first Assistant Principal. During her third year as the Assistant Principal, she became the School Leader and held both roles simultaneously, but eventually transitioned into the School Leader role full-time. During her tenure as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and School Leader, KIPP TRUTH Academy continued to be a “Recognized” school (based on Texas’ rating system) and continued to outperform the district in several subject areas. During her final year with KIPP, Butler transitioned into the Director of KIPP Through College role where she led the KIPP Through College Managers and developed a strategic plan for KIPP Through College in addition to supporting several departments throughout KIPP Dallas Ft. Worth. Mrs. Butler was hired by the Tennessee Charter School Center to move to Nashville to start a charter school. She has spent the last two years writing her charter application, engaging in the community and building a great middle school option for students in the McGavock Cluster. In August 2014, STRIVE was approved to open in July 2015. Ms. Butler is excited to continue to serve the students, families and community of the McGavock Cluster.

Director of Lower School

JerMilton Woods (jwoods@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Philosophy and a Master's in Education in Sports Administration from Tennessee State University. JerMilton was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee but has spent the last few years making Nashville his home. After years of volunteering his time at various middle schools in Memphis, the passion grew for a start in the education field as the Student Support Coordinator at STRIVE in 2018. He then later relocated across the city Joelton Middle School for the 2019-2020 school year as the Athletic Director and Restorative Practice Assistant. JerMilton begins his second journey at STRIVE as the Director of Lower School. He is dedicated to serving students, families and teachers to ensure that the best outcome for success is made possible within the McGavock Cluster. Mr. Woods has always had a passion for mentoring and inspiring young people with the mindset of doing what is best for students and helping them create their dreams. When not at STRIVE, JerMilton is indulging in food, interacting with family, enjoying the game of basketball.

Director of Upper School

Shauna Carter (scarter@strivecollegiate.org) earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University and a Master’s in Business from Bethel University here in Nashville, Tennessee. Shauna began her career by substitute teaching in MNPS, working with children in Junior Achievement, and SACC in Williamson County. After several years in banking, she decided to go back and follow her passion of teaching children. Shauna started her career at STRIVE Collegiate Academy through the Nashville Teaching Fellows Program. Shauna is the founding 8th Grade ELA teacher, Head Girls Soccer coach and was a founding 6th grade ELA teacher. She is now in her fifth year at STRIVE as the Director of Upper School where she gets to spend time building relationships and creating dynamic experiences with students. When not teaching at STRIVE, she enjoys spending time with her four young children and husband.

External Director of Operations

Aracely Agramont (aagramont@strivecollegiate.org) received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from West Coast Baptist College in 2014 and later obtained a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University in 2017. She has taught various elementary grades and joined the STRIVE family in 2018. Aracely grew up in the city of Las Vegas and moved to Southern California following graduation. She has been living in the Nashville area for three years and loves the scenery the city has to offer. She enjoys working with students and their families and being a help to those around her. Traveling to new places, trying new foods, and engaging in outdoor activities are how she spends her free time. Miss Agramont plans to help students and their families to have an outstanding experience at STRIVE!

Director of Development

Ansley Bartlett (abartlett@strivecollegiate.org) received her Bachelor’s degree in Education with concentrations in Social Studies and English from the University of Mississippi in 2014 and is currently pursuing an Educational Specialist Masters degree from Lipscomb University. Ansley was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Ansley began her teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at St. Paul Christian Academy, but found her passion with STRIVE in 2015. This is Ansley's sixth year at STRIVE, serving as the Director of Development. Ansley served as the 5th grade Social Studies teacher for her first three years at STRIVE and moved out of the classroom in 2018. Ansley is dedicated to committing her time to students, families, and teachers to ensure the best that they can be while giving them the best education in Nashville. Outside of STRIVE, Ansley enjoys trying new restaurants with her husband and dog, Swayze and volunteering with the Junior League of Nashville.

Internal Director of Operations

Our Facultyleto Collegiate Academy Basketball

Ms. Santoyo (msantoyo@strivecollegiate.org) is a graduate from Illinois State University (GO REDBIRDS!) She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Studies with a focus on literature in the fantasy genre. Ms. Santoyo’s passion is reading and writing and spends most, if not all, of her free-time engaging in said activities. Monica hopes that through her work with STRIVE Collegiate Academy she can help others discover their own passion for literature and/or writing. As a founding member, Monica has witnessed and experienced the amazing growth STRIVE Collegiate Academy has undergone, and is excited to begin year four as a full fifth through eighth middle school! #strivewithus

Director of Academics (Humanities)

Our Facultyleto Collegiate Academy Lacrosse

Mrs. Eschman (beschman@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Nonprofit Leadership from Murray State University in Murray, KY. She started her career in education during the summer of 2016 with the Nashville Teaching Fellows program. During her first year, Ms. Eschman taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies and ended the year teaching English abroad in Thailand. Ms. Eschman joined the STRIVE Collegiate Academy family in 2017 as the 6th grade ELA teacher. She is extremely thankful for the opportunity to help students find their confidence in literacy! This is Ms. Eschman’s fourth year at STRIVE, and she stepped into the role of Director of Academics-Humanities in 2019. When not teaching, you can find Mrs. Eschman reading, hanging out with her dog (Frank), or planning her next travel adventure!

Our Facultyleto Collegiate Academy Charter School

Director of Academics (STEM)

Ms. Martin (emartin@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nonprofit Management with a Minor in Fundraising from Indiana University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Leadership from Relay Graduate School of Education. After working in the Nonprofit and Restaurant industries for many years, Ms. Martin entered the education field in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri where she supported struggling students from Normandy/Ferguson Highschool who were displaced from their school when it was discredited. During this time, Ms. Martin fell in love with teaching and working with students. This passion brought Ms. Martin here to Nashville with Teach For America. Ms. Martin joined the STRIVE team in 2016 as the Founding 6th Grade Math teacher. This is Ms. Martin’s 4th year at STRIVE and she is excited to have the opportunity to step into a new role as the Director of Academics-STEM! When not at STRIVE, Ms. Martin enjoys doing yoga, traveling and spending time with loved ones!

Operations Team

Office Manager

Our Facultyleto Collegiate Academy Football

Mrs. Hall (lhall@strivecollegiate.org) holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York. She started her career in television production as a photographer for an animated production studio. She continued her career in Public Relations and Creative Services for Estee Lauder Cosmetics. After raising her three children, she decided to work for the New York City Public School system as a substitute teacher. She moved to Nashville, TN 15 years ago with her family and continued to work for Tennessee Public schools as an inclusion assistant and later working in the attendance office, before working at STRIVE Collegiate Academy. Linda enjoys the interaction with our students, and loves seeing them grow as they learn. When not at work, Linda continues to work on her photography skills. She enjoys spending time with her husband, visiting museums and discovering new restaurants and parks in the area. She has three adult children who she is very proud of.

STRIVE Experience Coordinator

Ms. Jones (cjones@strivecollegiate.org) is a graduate of The Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University (#TrueBlue). She holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a Master of Business Education with a concentration in Training. She is originally from Memphis, TN but spent years living in Miami, FL and the Nashville/Murfreesboro, TN area. As a second year member of the STRIVE team, Ms. Jones hopes to continue making a positive impact on the lives of students in the community while also learning and growing with the STRIVE family. She looks forward to another year of opportunities to make a difference and brighten the experiences of others. When not at STRIVE, Ms. Jones enjoys traveling home to Memphis to spend time with her friends and family.