Lipscomb Academy announces new faculty, administrative hires for 2019-20 academic year
“Over the last few months as the academy has launched some exciting new initiatives to serve more students and as several of our faculty who have been part of this community for decades have retired, we have had the opportunity to hire a number of professionals and leaders in their fields to continue to make the Lipscomb Academy a school that is not only meeting the educational needs of our students, but is intentionally shaping them into godly young men and women who will be leaders when they leave our campus well prepared for their next step in life,” said Greg Glenn, Lipscomb Academy head of school.
“I am extremely pleased at the quality and talent of those who are wanting to be a part of our community and have a calling to transform the lives of young people. It’s a great time to be at Lipscomb Academy.”
Former Tennessee State Education Commissioner Candice McQueen has been named an executive-in-residence at Lipscomb Academy and a distinguished professor of education at Lipscomb University. McQueen is the chief executive officer of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, a national nonprofit that elevates and supports educator talent. As part of her distinguished faculty appointment at Lipscomb, McQueen will teach and speak periodically as her schedule permits and provide consulting to Lipscomb Academy. Activities she may carry out on campus include training faculty, evaluating processes and helping the Academy move toward its Vision 2028 goals.
Lower School
Christina Eby, faculty, 8th grade physical science. Education: Bachelor’s degree, Harding University; Master’s degree in health promotion, Auburn University; teaching licensure, master’s +30, Lipscomb University. Eby worked as a clinical exercise specialist in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at Vanderbilt Medical Center for three years before entering the education field. She has taught in Metro Nashville Public Schools for seven years as an 8th grade science and physical science teacher and an instructional specialist.
Katy Flatt, lower school academic dean. Education: Bachelor of Science in elementary education, Freed-Hardeman University; Master’s in Teaching, Leading and Learning in Education, ELL endorsement, instructional coaching certificate and administration endorsement; Lipscomb University; candidate for doctorate in leadership and professional practice, Trevecca Nazarene University. In her 11 years working in education, Flatt has taught first, second, third, fifth and sixth grades. For the past three years she has served as an instructional coach at Hillsboro School (K-8) in Williamson County. In this role she has served as the math RTI coordinator, data analyst for ELA and Math (K-8), professional development leader for Williamson County Schools, faculty advisor and principal designee. She is married to LA alumnus Ethan Flatt.
Amy Jackson, faculty, 2-year-old program. Education: Undergraduate degree in elementary education, Master of Education degree, Lipscomb University. Previous experience includes teaching at Goodpasture Christian School, Nashville Metro Schools and at Brentwood United Methodist Day School.
Kate Jeans, faculty, 3-year-old program. Education: Bachelor of Arts in history, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom; candidate for Master of Education, Lipscomb University. Prior experience includes serving as an instructional aide and reading interventionist in an elementary school in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. She has worked at Lipscomb Academy since 2018 as an instructional assistant. She has three children who are all students at the upper school.
Lyndsie North, faculty, gifted program. Education: Undergraduate degree in elementary education, Union University; master’s degree in teacher leadership, University of Louisville; completed gifted education endorsement at Lipscomb University, where she is enrolled in the Ed.D. program. For the past two years, North taught math enrichment at the lower school. Before coming to Nashville, North taught kindergarten and 1st grade for four years in the Louisville, Kentucky, public school system. She and her husband have one daughter who attends the SEED School.
Lindsey Story, faculty, 1st grade. Education: Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, MTSU. Story has taught first and fourth grades for 11 years in Metro Nashville Public Schools. She has been a grade-level leader at Ruby Major Elementary School for several years.
Janna Woodason, special needs program director. Education: Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Education, Wittenburg University; Ed.D. in learning organization and strategic change, Lipscomb University. Woodason has been a special education teacher for 13 years serving in three different schools. While in Ohio she led and implemented school-wide inclusionary practice, which led to an increase in student achievement for students with special needs. She has extensive expertise in special education.
Upper School
John Baker, faculty, upper school English. Education: Bachelor’s in English and Master’s in Secondary Education, Harding University. Baker has taught secondary English, ranging from seventh to tenth grade, as well as high school literature and composition for the Upward Bound Summer Academy. Inspired by his middle school curriculum, he delivered presentations at two academic conferences during 2018: “The Humor in America Conference” and "Granfalloon: A Vonnegut Gathering."
Catherine Jones, faculty, upper school math. Education: Bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies in education, Lipscomb University. An alum of Lipscomb Academy and recent graduate of Lipscomb University, Jones always has had a love for math and is excited to share her passion with upper-grade students.
Lorri Mast, faculty, 6th grade writing and grammar. Education: Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Master’s in administration and supervision, Trevecca Nazarene University. Mast served nearly 20 years in Metro Nashville Public Schools as a teacher, an assistant principal, an instructional coach and a literacy teacher development specialist. As a veteran teacher, she brings experience in teaching and administration at both the elementary and middle school tiers. Mast has extensive expertise in the area of literacy and writing, as well as developing student learners from diverse backgrounds. Mast and her husband, Brian, have two children who attend Lipscomb Academy.
Paige Pope, faculty, 8th grade girls’ Bible. Education: Bachelor’s degree, Freed-Hardeman University; master’s degree in educational psychology with a specialization in learning sciences, Indiana University; completed a two-year program in spiritual direction, Lipscomb University. A veteran middle school teacher, Pope’s educational experience includes serving as a spiritual director, middle school and K-8 principal, and a professional development specialist. Pope and her husband, Tim, have two children, Rivers and Ava, will also be joining the Lipscomb family as 4th and 6th graders this fall.
Kate Ray, faculty, 5th grade social studies. Education: Bachelor’s degree in history teaching, Lipscomb University. Prior to coming to Lipscomb, Ray taught social studies at Glencliff High School in Nashville and worked for Elite Sports Medicine. Her husband, Connor, will begin pharmacy school at Lipscomb University this fall.
Isaac Reeser, director of college counseling. Education: Undergraduate degree, Lipscomb University; master’s degree, Vanderbilt University. Reeser is former special assistant to the vice chancellor of health data science at Duke University who helped shape and create the newly founded Duke Center for Actionable Health Data Science. The director of college counseling is a newly elevated position to enhance the school’s college counseling offerings and to help our students plan and prepare for their next steps after graduation.
Sarah Robinson, faculty, AP social studies. Education: Bachelor of Arts in history education, Lipscomb University; Master of Arts in communications, Liberty University. For the last four years, Robinson has taught AP human geography, AP U.S. history, government, world history and geography at Nashville Christian School. She also coached middle school girls’ basketball and softball, organized global learning trips and was a member of NCS’s diversity and inclusion committee.
Lisa Smith: upper school AP biology. Education: Bachelor’s of Science, Lipscomb University; Master’s of Science, Mississippi State University. Smith is an experienced educator having taught for more than 20 years. On the college level, Smith was a human anatomy and physiology instructor at Freed-Hardeman University. Additionally, she has taught high school level biology in both private and public schools.
Corry Stewart, upper school admissions specialist and co-defensive coordinator for varsity football. Education: bachelor’s degree, Hanover College. Stewart was a football, track and basketball athlete, was named an All-Conference athlete in both football and track and earned the title of NCAA All-American athlete in football for D3 and Associated Press Little American for D2, NAIA and D3. Additionally, he was awarded the NCAA D3 football statistical champion for interceptions per game. While a student at Hanover College, Stewart played a significant role in pursuing and changing the culture and diversity of the college while coordinating efforts with the former president Sue Dewine. After graduating from college, Stewart accepted a contract to play in the Germany Football League for a year. Upon returning stateside, he played two years of arena football for Cinncinati Commandos and two years for Nashville Venom, winning three championships during his tenure with both teams.
Kelly Swiggart, director of Equip. Education: Undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology, Belmont University; master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, Trevecca University. Swiggart is a veteran counselor and mental health expert. For the last three years, she has been part of Nolensville High School’s counseling department where, in addition to providing counseling services, she has also worked with students who have learning differences and social and emotional needs that impact learning. In her work, she collaborates with students, parents, teachers, administration and external providers to identify strategies for a student’s academic success. Swiggart and her husband, Will, have four boys who attend Lipscomb Academy.
Josh Thames, upper school AP social studies. Education: Bachelor’s of Arts, Abilene Christian University; Master’s of Education, Lipscomb University. Thames, a former teacher at Lipscomb Academy, has taught and coached for 12 years at Goodpasture Christian School and Beech High School. Recently, he served as spiritual formation director at Goodpasture.
Allie Ward, faculty, upper school science. Education: Bachelor of Science in biology, education minor, Lipscomb University; candidate for Master of Education, Lipscomb University. For the past year, Ward worked with a non-profit homeless ministry in San Francisco, CA; seeking to intervene in the lives of those in the community there. She also served extensively as a teacher’s aide for eighth graders at San Francisco City Academy.
Administration
Nicole Shaub Cook, consultant to the office of college counseling. Education: Bachelor’s of English and communications studies, Vanderbilt University; Master’s in counseling psychology, Columbia University; Ph.D. in counseling and student services, University of Georgia. A graduate of Lipscomb Academy, Cook spent time in the admissions office at Vanderbilt reviewing applications and actively recruiting students. She now combines admissions experience with her education and vast counseling experience to counsel families looking to send their college applicant to the school which fits best. During the span of her career, Cook has officially visited over 130 college campuses and has extensive knowledge of postsecondary programs and choices. Most recently, she built a thriving Independent Educational Consulting practice in Atlanta, GA, and is currently the founder of an edtech startup Find The Right College. Additionally, she is a licensed professional counselor. Cook welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with her alma mater to bring great college admissions advice to all students.
Allen Long, head of upper school. Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications and management, Central Michigan University; Master of Business Administration; Grand Valley State University; Master of Education in curriculum and instruction, Middle Tennessee State University; a candidate for Doctor of Education in leadership and professional practice. Long recently served as a tenured faculty member at Edmondson Elementary School where he taught fourth grade for three years and fifth grade for four years. Recognized as Edmondson’s Teacher of the Year in 2017-18, he also served as the fifth-grade team lead during the 2018-19 school year. During his time at Edmondson, Long hosted and mentored student teachers, aspiring teachers and new teachers to observe and learn the art and science of effective teaching techniques in the classroom. He facilitated professional learning communities and worked with various teams to improve teaching effectiveness and outcomes. For nearly two decades prior to his career in education, Long successfully served in leadership roles in human resources and various operational capacities for companies including Tractor Supply Company, Carter’s/OshKosh B’Gosh Childrenswear and Batten & Shaw, Inc. In the corporate world, Long’s expertise focused on training, organizational development, and performance improvement. He was known for his ability to be a strategic human resource partner to operational counterparts, helping individuals and corporations achieve success while realizing greater customer results.
Brittany T. Paschall, dean of intercultural development. Education: Bachelor of Science in sociology, Grand Canyon University; candidate for Master of Divinity, Lipscomb University. Paschall currently serves as program coordinator for Lipscomb University’s ENGAGE Youth Theology Initiative. She was named a 2017-2018 National ELLA Fellow with the Sadie Nash Leadership Development Project. Her fellowship project: Nashville’s Daughters engages Young Women of Color through mentoring (femtoring), historical exploration, social-emotional learning and social action. Paschall is also an alumnus of the 2018 Millennial Leaders Project of Union Theological Seminary and Faith Matters Network’s Public Theology and Racial Justice Cohort.
Amanda B. Price, director of communications and marketing. A graduate of Lipscomb University, Price has built a career in communications within the hospitality industry and faith-based non-profit sector. For the last eight years, she served as director of administration at Encouragement Ministries (EM), a charity focusing on individuals and families in crisis situations. Additionally, while working for EM, she helped launch the faith-based start-up Cul2vate, a ministry devoted to diminishing hunger insecurity in Nashville. Prior to working with nonprofits, Price led the communications department as vice president at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation. She also has worked with Kinnard & Associates, the Country Music Foundation and Rutledge Hill Press.
Michelle York, associate head of school for athletics. Education: Bachelor of Science degree in health and wellness, University of Mississippi; Certified Master in Athletic Administration, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. York served as director of athletics at Heritage Christian School for the last seven years and as assistant athletic director for five years prior to that. In addition to her administrative duties, York has been a successful head high school volleyball coach at Heritage Christian for the last 16 years. She was inducted into the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association (ICGSA) Volleyball Hall of Fame (2017), was named National Christian School Athletic Association Volleyball Coach of the Year (2013) and was named ICGSA South Volleyball Coach of the Year (2006, 2007). Prior to her work at Heritage Christian, York served as an assistant volleyball coach at University of Mississippi for eight years and as head volleyball coach at Christian Brothers University, where she also served as senior women’s administrator and NCAA compliance officer.
Athletics
Anna Bowers, assistant human performance instructor. Education: Bachelor’s of American Studies, Lipscomb University. Previously, Bowers was director of girls’ strength and conditioning, head girls basketball coach and assistant coach for track and field at Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, TN. Additionally, she has worked as an assistant strength and conditioning instructor at Ensworth School and Harpeth Hall School, as well as having served as an assistant coach for Lipscomb University’s women’s basketball team. While at Lipscomb University, Bowers was a scholarship basketball player and member of the track and field team. Currently, she still holds multiple Lipscomb University records in both sports. Additionally, Bowers competed professionally in the pentathlon and heptathlon under the leadership of former Olympic Decathlete Gary Kinder. Bowers is a certified health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, as well as is certified with USA Weightlifting Level 1.
Preston Campbell, director of football operations. Education: MBA, Azusa Pacific University. A former collegiate football athlete, Campbell was an intern for the Arizona Cardinals and a research analyst for ESPN.
Trent Dilfer, head football coach. Dilfer, who led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl championship in 2000, was a lead analyst for a variety of ESPN programs. The 14-year NFL veteran joined ESPN in July 2008, the same day he announced his retirement from the National Football League. Dilfer played for five teams during his career, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1994-99), Baltimore Ravens (2000), Seattle Seahawks (2001-04), Cleveland Browns (2005) and San Francisco 49ers (2006-2007). Dilfer led the Ravens to a 34-7 victory over the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. The 1997 Pro Bowl selection finished his career with 20,518 passing yards. Dilfer was the sixth overall pick by the Buccaneers in the 1994 NFL Draft out of Fresno State University.
Trenton Kirklin: assistant head football coach. Education: Bachelor’s of Science, Tarleton University. A former high school football coach at four different schools, Kirklin was a previous NFL scout for the Cleveland Browns. During his coaching tenure, he has trained 13 collegiate quarterbacks
Luke Richesson, director of sports performance. Richesson has been a strength and conditioning coach for 22 years with extensive experience and knowledge gained under the tutelage of renowned professor and coach Bob Lockwood while studying exercise science at the University of Kansas. He is highly sought-after in his field of expertise and is intentional in his work with athletes, helping them maximize their potential and realize new levels of physical and mental strength. Richesson’s primary responsibility will be working closely with the football program, along with other varsity athletes. “Our Lipscomb Academy family is blessed to have someone with Coach Richesson’s background, experience and passion to align with Coach Seigenthaler and build upon the base that Coach Van Vleet created to get our strength and conditioning program to what it is right now. We are excited about the future of this program for all of our students,” Greg Glenn, Lipscomb Academy head of school, stated today. Richesson chose to be a part of Lipscomb Academy because of the culture and close-knit community of the Lipscomb family. He and his wife, Anita, have two children enrolled in the Upper School.
Dillon Seigenthaler, director of human performance. Lipscomb University graduate Seigenthaler joins the Lipscomb Academy staff as director of human performance. As part of the athletic program, he will be developing strength and conditioning curriculum for the Upper School student body. His mission is to inspire obtainable goals for all students, whether competing athletes or non-athletes, to foster relationships that encourage confidence in one’s self and to instill the knowledge that every student has the potential to succeed. Prior to joining the Academy, Seigenthaler was the Ensworth High School track coach for seven years. He and his wife, Laura, have two boys that will be attending the SEED school and Lower School this fall.
Seigenthaler will be continuing to develop the program created by Coach Bryan Van Vleet. The Academy is thankful for Coach V’s two years of service and for his commitment to the athletic department and the overall physical and mental wellness of our students. “We are excited to see how the program evolves under Coach Seigenthaler as he builds upon the solid base that Coach Van Vleet created to get our strength and conditioning program to what it is right now,” said Greg Glenn, Lipscomb Academy head of school.
Anna Claire Temple, varsity football and competition cheer coach. Education: Bachelor of Science in elementary education, Lipscomb University. Temple, a graduate of both Lipscomb Academy and Lipscomb University, began cheering in fourth grade and continued throughout college. She has coached cheer and competitive programs at Ensworth, Brentwood Academy and Centennial High School in Franklin. While coaching at Centennial, the Junior Varsity squad received fifth at nationals, and the Varsity squad received second. Additionally, for the last four years, she has coached cheer and tumble at Premier Athletics and led All-Star teams to many first place finishes. Temple is a certified coach through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA).