Teachers

Meet Our Teachers

Get to know our excellent teachers who guide the educational experience of our students.
Contact information is available in the Staff Directory.

Jessica Rice

Jessica Rice was born in Nashville, though she was raised in Encinitas, California. Graduating from the University of Georgia, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Education and later earned a master’s in elementary reading and literacy from Walden University. Mrs. Rice taught for four years in Georgia before moving to Fairview in 2004 and joining the faculty here at Julia Green. When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Rice enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching UGA and Titans football, reading, and exercising.

Sarah Wagner

Sarah Wagner was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended Westmeade Elementary, Bellevue Middle, and Hillsboro High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Trevecca Nazarene University. Ms. Wagner’s mission is to positively impact the lives of all students to foster a lifelong love of learning. She loves teaching kindergarten because she wants to give her student a fun and amazing start to their academic careers. Outside of school she enjoys gardening, spending time with family and friends, baking cookies, reading by the pool, shopping at Target, and taking long walks in the park.

Kate Happel

Kate Happel was born in Chicago, IL and raised in a suburb called La Grange. She graduated from the University of Dayton (go flyers!!) with a Bachelors in Science in Early Childhood Education. She is excited to watch her students grow and learn this year! When Miss Happel is not teaching, she loves going on walks, trying new coffee shops, traveling, and spending time with her family & friends. She is looking forward to this school year!

Sara Kennon Caldwell

Sara Kennon Caldwell was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up, she attended Oak Hill, Harding, and Harpeth Hall. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Belmont University before receiving her Masters of the Arts in Teaching. Her favorite thing about being in the classroom is forming positive relationships with the kids, seeing the light bulbs each day, as well as the growth the students exhibit from start to finish. She strives to create a positive learning environment that students feel safe and secure to take risks and ask questions. In her free time, Ms. Caldwell loves to be with her family at the lake or in Colorado, hang with friends, online shopping, listening to audiobooks while driving, playing with her dogs, watching Alabama and Titans football, and pretty much anything outdoors!!

Hannah Haubry

Hannah Haubry was born and raised in Seymour, Indiana. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University. After graduating in 2021, she moved to Nashville and has taught in MNPS for the past three years. When Ms. Haubry is not teaching, she loves cheering on the Green Bay Packers, running, reading, and walking her black lab named Briggs. Ms. Haubry is excited to be part of the Julia Green family and can't wait to meet her new students!

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Millie Lentz

Millie Lentz has lived in Nashville, Tennessee since 2002. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree of Instructional Practice grades K-6th from Lipscomb University. She has an English Language Learner Endorsement and a Technology Integration Certificate completing a master’s degree plus 30 hours. Mrs. Lentz has worked in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools since 2014. Mrs. Lentz believes that all students are unique individuals and that all students can learn! Outside of school, she enjoys exercising, playing tennis, organizing, and spending time with her husband, daughter, family, and friends.

Deann Wooldridge

Deann Wooldridge was born and raised in Nashville and attended Metro schools herself. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Memphis and a Masters in Literacy for the University of Tennessee. She was recently awarded the Ayers Fellowship from Lipscomb University to pursue an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. When she’s not at school, Mrs. Wooldridge enjoys spending time at the lake with her family and friends. She also loves to travel.

Jordan Haley

Jordan Haley was born and raised just north of Nashville in Cross Plains, TN. She attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville (Go Vols!) where she received her bachelor's and master's degrees in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Pre K-3rd grade. After graduation, she returned to the Middle Tennessee area and has taught Kindergarten in MNPS for the past 3 years. Mrs. Haley is so excited to be teaching first grade this year and to get to know all of the amazing teachers, families, and students of Julia Green. She believes that forming relationships with each child is the basis of helping students learn and that without the foundation of a respectful classroom culture it is hard for true intentional learning to take place. Her goal is to encourage the students to become eager lifelong learners as well as respectful members of society. When Mrs. Haley is not in the classroom she loves traveling, hiking, cooking, trying out fun new restaurants with friends, cheering on the Vols, and spending time with her husband and pup!

Sierra Campbell

Sierra Campbell was born in Nashville and grew up outside Franklin in Thompson Station, Tennessee. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from East Tennessee State University, and has a Masters of Science in Elementary Education and Reading Specialist certification from the University of Tennessee. Ms. Campbell started her career teaching kindergarten and fifth grade with Knox County Schools and is excited to be back home in Nashville close to family! In her free time she enjoys cheering on the Vols and the Titans, taking pictures, exercising, and playing with her dog Henry.

Taylor Daugherty

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

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.

Laurel Sisk

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.

Emily Lane

Ms. Lane made the move to Nashville after graduating college from the University of Kentucky. Prior to living in Nashville, Ms. Lane spent the previous 12 years living in Alpharetta, GA. 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!

Kierstin Horlacher

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.

Laurel Genova

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 part of the Julia Green family and can not wait to meet all of her wonderful students and their families!

Kristin Amrine

Kristin Amrine 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.

Jenny Crews

Jenny Crews is excited to be back teaching at Julia Green! She previously taught in 3^rd Grade for Mrs. Foust while she was on maternity leave. Jenny was born and raised in Chattanooga and attended Middle Tennessee State University, where she played varsity Tennis and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education. She is duel-certified in both Elementary and Special Education. Jenny has been a teacher in MNPS since 2013 but has been teaching since 1992. In her spare time, she loves to play golf, go out to eat, and spend time with her family.

Hannah Scully

Ms. Scully was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from High Point University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. After graduating, Ms. Scully moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University where she received her master's in Learning and Design. Ms. Scully fell in love with Nashville and wanted to begin her teaching career here. Ms. Scully strives to create an engaging and collaborative environment that cultivates curiosity within students. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, reading, watching the Steelers and Yankees, and being with her friends and family

Danielle Stein

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

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.

Lauren Hoffman

Ms. Hoffman was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University. She moved to the Nashville area in 2024 to be closer to her sister. Prior to moving, Ms. Hoffman student taught Kindergarten in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania and later substitute taught for all elementary levels. Ms. Hoffman’s goal is to ensure that every student knows they are supported and cared for academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, baking, traveling, spending time outdoors, and loving on her two cats, Arlo and Moose.

Victoria Gilreath

Ms. Gilreath was born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi College and her Master’s degree in Gifted Education from William Carey University. She moved to the Nashville area in 2021 to be closer to her sister and two nieces. Prior to moving, Ms. Gilreath taught Gifted and Talented Education in the suburbs of Jackson, Mississippi. For her first three years in Nashville, she taught 2nd grade in MNPS. Ms. Gilreath strives to create a classroom atmosphere of acceptance, love, and creativity for all students. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to workout classes, reading, and spoiling her 14 year old Yorkie, Ozzy

Ellen Fisher

Ms. Fisher was born in San Antonio Texas, but grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, VA with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Middle School Education with a concentration in English. After spending 2 years teaching 5th grade in rural Virginia she moved to Nashville and has spent the last 5 years teaching both 5th grade and 7th grade ELA. Ms. Fisher strives to "bring the joy" every day and wants all students to feel loved, safe, and encouraged to learn. Outside of school, Ms. Fisher enjoys reading, trying new Nashville restaurants, traveling, and cheering on the Tennessee VOLS!

Nikki Marcoulier

Mrs. Marcoulier (Mar-cool-yer) grew up in Athens, Alabama. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Christian Education from Martin Methodist College and a Master of Education in Instructional Practice from Lipscomb University. Since 2013, she has taught 2nd and 3rd grades as well as Technology and Coding. Mrs. Marcoulier is dedicated to making every student feel seen, heard, and loved. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the Power of Yet, striving to create an inclusive and nurturing classroom environment where each child can thrive. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Marcoulier enjoys spending quality time with her family, crocheting, and enjoying a warm cup of coffee.

Danny Bateman, Chinese

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, Music

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.

Lori Watkins, Art

Mrs. Watkins 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.

Bubba Norris, Physical Education

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.

Katie Barnes, Physical Education

Mrs. Barnes 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!

Mary Alibrandi, Literacy Teacher Development Specialist

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, Math Enrichment Specialist

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, Exceptional Education

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, Advanced Academics Resource Specialist

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, Exceptional Education

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, Exceptional Education

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.