Taylor Daugherty was born in Nashville and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. After graduation, she attended Lipscomb University and earned her master’s in elementary education. Mrs. Daugherty looks forward to coming to school each day and enjoys sharing her passion for education with her students. Outside of school, Mrs. Daugherty likes to spend time with her family and friends and cheer for UT football.

Justine Schultz is originally from Muscatine, Iowa and moved to Nashville in 2011 to experience “big city life.” She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and holds endorsements in reading and language arts. She received her Masters in Education from Lipscomb University in 2015 with an emphasis in English Language Learners. Mrs. Schultz strongly believes in building a community in her classroom that allows both the teacher and the students to work together to learn new things while strengthening academics and citizenship. In her free time, Mrs. Schultz enjoys exercise, going to concerts, baking, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and now, the Titans.

Born and raised in Nashville, Laurel Sisk is a proud product of Metro Schools having graduated from Nashville School of the Arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Aquinas College. Mrs. Sisk believes that each child is unique and gifted in different ways and it is her desire to help students find and embrace their individual strengths in the classroom. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Sisk enjoys singing, reading, shopping, exercising, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Ms. Lane is so excited to be joining the 2nd grade team at JG!She has recently made the move to Nashville after graduating college from the University of Kentucky in May. She has spent the last 12 years living in Alpharetta,GA, but cannot wait to start her new journey here.  When Ms. Lane is not teaching she loves cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats and New England Patriots, as well as traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She cannot wait to get started and meet all her new students!

Ms. Horlacher is eager to start her teaching career and to be a part of the 2nd grade team at JG! Ms. Horlacher was born and raised in West Lafayette, Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Exceptional Education. Ms. Horlacher strives to meet each individual student's academic and personal needs while ensuring that all of her students feel acknowledged, heard, and cared for by creating an engaging, welcoming classroom environment. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, cheering on the New York Yankees and IU sporting events, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Joining the new 3rd grade team, Ms. Guardado is going into her 12th year teaching. She has taught 3rd grade for 3 years and taught kindergarten for many years before that. She is originally from Miami, FL and moved to Nashville in 2013. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida International University and her master’s in educational leadership from Lipscomb University. She is a strong believer that all students deserve to feel seen and valued and strives to make learning an engaging experience for all. On her free time, she enjoys trying out new restaurants, game nights, traveling, and going on hikes nearby with family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the JG community and looks forward to a fantastic year! ​

Thrilled to become a part of the JG community, Ms. McCraner is joining the incoming 3rd-grade team. Ms. McCraner has an avid passion for science and math education, graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor's degree in environmental science and Vanderbilt University with a Master of Education specializing in elementary teaching. She has classroom experience in grades 1st through 5th and was previously a substitute teacher with MNPS during her studies at Vanderbilt. Ms. McCraner believes a strong and successful classroom is built on the four pillars of knowledge, respect, community, and joy. To construct these pillars, she strives to provide opportunities for children to tap into their passions and interests as a way to connect classroom content and real-life application. Originally from San Diego, California, she loves anything to do with nature and the outdoors, including biking, running, hiking, and gardening. Ms. McCraner was first introduced to American Sign Language by her 3rd-grade teacher and looks forward to carrying on the tradition by incorporating small bits of ASL into her classroom. She is eager to work with parents to support students as they learn, grow, and have fun this year!

Born and raised in LaGrange, Georgia, Laurel Genova attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where she received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. After graduating in 2022, Ms. Genova decided to pursue a master’s degree and moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, where she received a master’s in Reading Education. Ms. Genova fell in love with Nashville this past year and knew she wanted to stay local to start her teaching career. Ms. Genova is passionate about fostering a classroom community where all students feel loved, respected, and cared for. Outside of school, Ms. Genova loves hiking, baking, spending time at the lake, and most importantly, being with family and friends. Ms. Genova is beyond excited to be joining the Julia Green family and can not wait to meet all of her wonderful students and their families!

Kristin Amrine is thrilled to be joining the Julia Green family as a new third grade math and science teacher. She originally fell in love with teaching when an elementary schooler herself, and started studying Elementary Education in high school before attending Elon University in North Carolina. After graduating, she moved to Nashville to teach fourth grade math at KIPP Nashville College Prep Elementary for two years. Ms. Amrine has taught at schools across the globe, including schools in Ohio, North Carolina, and even Argentina. She believes in using the classroom space to empower young minds to take their learning outside the classroom and positively impact the world. She loves to integrate leadership opportunities and lessons within the classroom as well. Outside of school, she loves to read mystery books, watch movies, cook for her friends, cheer for the Buckeyes, and hang out with her sous chef, her dog named Stella.

Born and raised in New Haven, Vermont, Danielle Stein attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While living in New York, she took classes to earn her elementary teaching certification. Mrs. Stein began her teaching career in Charlotte, North Carolina, and later moved to Austin, Texas where she taught for ten years, five of those in an IB World School. Upon moving to Nashville in 2010, Mrs. Stein taught at Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet in MNPS, transferring to Julia Green the following year as the math specialist. Each year, Mrs. Stein is committed to instilling her class with a passion for learning, and taking action to improve themselves and the world around them. She explores and implements a variety of teaching methods in order to help guide students on their personal and educational journeys. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Stein loves to spend time camping with her family, listening to country music, and cheering on the Nashville Predators. Go PREDS!!!!

Lauren Tavi began her teaching career in Michigan where she was born and raised. She attended the University of Michigan and Oakland University. Mrs. Tavi earned a Bachelor's degree in elementary education with a major in social sciences and a minor in mathematics. She has a Masters of Arts in teaching reading and language arts and has enjoyed teaching upper elementary as well as middle school. Mrs. Tavi loves to watch her students grow as learners as they gain confidence and push themselves beyond what they think they can do. Outside of school, you'll find Mrs. Tavi heading out on new travel adventures or spending time with her husband and three children.

Ms. Rogers was born and raised on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. She then moved to Birmingham, Alabama where she attended Samford University and received her Bachelor of Arts and Science in Elementary Education. Ms. Rogers taught for two years in Birmingham at Mountain Brook Elementary before moving to Nashville this past summer. Ms. Rogers is passionate about creating a classroom environment where all students feel loved, challenged, and cared for. She is so excited to be a part of the JG family and can’t wait for a great year. In her free time, Ms. Rogers loves to be outside whether that is hiking, playing pickleball, or going for a walk. Ms. Rogers loves to play and watch sports. Go Bulldogs! Ms. Rogers also loves live music and so is excited to be in a city where live music seems to be around every corner!

Lacey Palmer is so excited to be teaching 5th grade at Julia Green this year! She is originally from Maine where she attended the University of Maine at Farmington and received a degree in Education and Psychology. She moved to North Carolina where she taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade for 10 years. Nashville became her home about 6 and ½ years ago and has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. She has always had a passion for helping others and enjoys watching her students succeed!  When she is not working, she enjoys exercising, being outdoors, attending sporting events and concerts, playing golf, traveling, and making memories with family and friends.

Crystal Keefe is excited to be joining the 5th Grade team at JG! She moved to Nashville from Raleigh, NC in 2021, and this will be her 10th year teaching. As a military child, she grew up living around the world and many different places in the United States, and she is happy to now call Nashville home! She earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Delaware and a master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia. Ms. Keefe is passionate about helping all students discover their dreams and providing them with the tools to chase those dreams. She loves cooking, spending time outside, reading, and doing anything creative!

Danny Bateman joined the faculty at Julia Green in 2011. Prior to that, he taught in Wuhan, Hubei, China as a university professor. Mr. Bateman loves using the Chinese language and hopes that the students will too. Over the course of the year, his students are engaged in fun and meaningful opportunities to practice this language and learn even more about the fascinating Chinese culture. Outside of school, Mr. Bateman administers ESL programs and helps teach English to newcomers to the United States.  He also enjoys spending time with his wife and son, going hiking, and woodworking.

Emily Riley is originally from Kentucky but moved to Nashville in 2007 to attend Belmont University where she received a degree in music education with a vocal emphasis. Before graduating, she had the opportunity to student teach at Julia Green with Mrs. Moody and Mrs. Hammonds. Since then, Ms. Riley has led tours at the Ryman Auditorium, taught piano lessons, learned to play the banjo, and lived abroad in Germany for a year. Ms. Riley believes she has the best job ever because she gets to sing, dance, and play games all day, while getting kids excited about the foundations of music. Ms. Riley strives to work on the basics of music theory every day, while incorporating the Big Picture of what music, creativity, and art mean in each student’s life and how it makes them feel. Outside of school, Mrs. Riley loves to play music, plan big trips, and read anything she can get her hands on.

Mrs. Watkins is thrilled to be joining the JG team teaching art! She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education with an emphasis in ceramics from the University of Arkansas. She has been sharing her skills and love of art with students for 11 years. She aims to bring joy, a positive attitude and high expectations to her classroom while teaching students new skills and art concepts through the creative process. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and creating pottery.

Born in Nashville, Bubba Norris is a proud product of Metro Schools, having attended Glencliff Elementary, Wright Middle, and Glencliff High School. Mr. Norris earned an associate’s degree from Columbia State Community College and a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Trevecca Nazarene University. Mr. Norris received scholarships from both schools to play baseball. Before coming to Julia Green, Mr. Norris taught at A.Z. Kelley and Tom Joy, both MNPS elementary schools. Because sports have always been such a huge part of his life, Mr. Norris loves having the opportunity to inspire students to live a healthy lifestyle. Outside of school, Mr. Norris enjoys spending time with his wife and child, and, of course, playing and watching sports.

Mrs. Barnes is excited to be joining Mr. Norris this fall as one of our Physical Education teachers! She is from California where she received her B.S. in Kinesiology at CSUF and a teaching credential at SJSU. She has been living in Nashville for the last 10 years and is now entering her sixth year of teaching. Her hobbies include staying active, playing sports, coaching/training, listening to podcasts, and gardening in her spare time. “Coach Barnes” is a firm believer that staying active is vital to every aspect of life andtakes pride in helping students find their joy and success in movement and health!

Serving as a literacy development specialist for Julia Green, Mary Alibrandi holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and international studies from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Arizona. She has also received her administrative endorsement from Lipscomb University. Prior to working at Julia Green, Mrs. Alibrandi worked in MNPS as a resource teacher, Title I/Reading Recovery Teacher, and Reading First literacy leader. During the 2012-2013 school year, she supervised student teachers from Vanderbilt University. Outside of school, Mrs. Alibrandi and her family love to get outdoors, travel, spend time with friends and relatives, and listen to music. Mrs. Alibrandi enjoys helping students reach their potential and build self-esteem as they become successful readers and writers.

Vicki Dooley is a native Nashvillian and graduate of Overton High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and has a master’s degree from Tennessee State University. With over 30 years in the classroom, Mrs. Dooley’s teaching background includes every grade from first through eighth with the bulk of her experience teaching third grade at Percy Priest Elementary and fifth grade math and science at Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School.Mrs. Dooley enjoys spending time with her family which includes her husband, Alan, and two grown children, Melissa and John. In recent years, her family has grown to include a son-in-law named Alex and a daughter-in-law named Jennings. The family has a fierce Chihuahua named Pippin who takes his job as protector of the home very seriously. Mrs. Dooley’s favorite activities include hiking at Radnor and Percy Warner Park, reading, gardening, and planning her next travel adventure.

Carol Ann Eskridge received her degree in Child Development and Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. She then attended Vanderbilt University where she earned a master’s degree in special education with a focus on emotional/behavior disorders and learning disabilities. Before coming to Julia Green, Ms. Eskridge taught second grade, worked as a reading specialist, and supervised student teachers at Vanderbilt. She continues to mentor future special education teachers from Vanderbilt. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Eskridge loves to read, cook, and spend time with her family.

Tori Miley is the Gifted & Talented teacher at JG! She holds a master's and bachelor's degree in elementary education and has been teaching in MNPS since 2002.  She has served as a gifted and talented teacher, a classroom teacher, and as an instructional coach to help other teachers improve their craft. Mrs. Miley is passionate about individualizing education and she works hard to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of each and every student in her class. Her three children were all involved in the MNPS Encore program, and she understands and values the significance of providing additional opportunities to meet the unique needs of gifted learners.  You might spot Mrs. Miley when you're at the Green Hills library, post office, or grocery stores; and in the evenings, you're likely to see her walking around Green Hills with her husband and dog, Tikaani. If you spot Mrs. Miley on a Saturday, it will likely be hiking at Radnor Lake or Percy Warner Park!

Kathleen Palmer is the Speech Language Pathologist at Julia Green Elementary! She is originally from Birmingham, AL, and graduated with both her Bachelors and Masters in Communication Disorders from Auburn University. After graduation, Kathleen completed her clinical fellowship year at a private clinic in Nashville. She has worked for MNPS for 5 years, the last 3 at Julia Green, and is thankful for the opportunity to be here. Kathleen enjoys spending time playing pickleball, cooking, reading, traveling, being with friends, family, and her dog Scout.

Rachael Ritter is excited to continue to teach at Julia Green Elementary School! Having grown up in Nashville, Rachael attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and received her bachelor's degree in Exceptional Education K-12. Rachael moved back to Nashville to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Severe Disabilities. Outside of teaching, Rachael enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family and pets.