Teachers | Southeast Nashville

Meet Our Teachers

Annie Wolfzorn

Elementary Theater

Annie Wolfzorn holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education from Belmont University. While she is currently based out of Nashville, her love for theatre began in her hometown of Ankara, Turkey. While living there she founded and served as the director for an elementary theatre program at an international school. Some highlights of her time in theatre include directing Turkey’s premiere of The Lion King KIDS, writing and directing an immersive and family-centered play (The Bedtime Chronicles), and acting in Belmont’s Repertory Company across Middle Tennessee (Seasons in the Smokies). Annie has taught with numerous schools in Tennessee, from elementary to high school. She is dedicated to equipping students of all ages with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as both artists and individuals.

Annie Wolfzorn

Elementary Theater

Annie Wolfzorn

Elementary Theater

Kelsey Jordan

Elementary Animal Science, Elementary Math Clubs, American Girl Book Club, 3rd-5th Writer's Workshop, Inventor's Workshop

Kelsey Jordan has been teaching elementary students for 10 years. She started teaching in a brick and mortar school, but after 3 years found herself leaning towards the homeschool world. She has been lucky enough to teach for a homeschool charter for the last 7 years and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Curriculum Development. Kelsey’s family recently relocated to the Nashville area from California and are very excited to learn more about what Tennessee has to offer. Kelsey has always known that she wanted to be a teacher and it really is her passion. She believes in hands on learning and loves to find ways to make learning fun! We are excited to have Kelsey back again for 2024-2025 to teach our elementary students.

Liz Koltis

Elementary Music K-3, Private Voice Lessons

Liz Koltis holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music with a Vocal Performance emphasis from Belmont University. Before choosing to stay home to homeschool her two children, she taught private voice lessons, early childhood music classes, and was a session vocalist here in Nashville. Liz brings a passion for both music and children to the early elementary music class and private voice lessons she will teach this year. She currently sings with Nashville in Harmony, and when she’s not spending time with her family, she can almost certainly be found out in nature. Liz will be introducing our K-3 students to music through her fun and engaging class.

Angela Ellis

Biztown

Angela Ellis began her teaching career as an ESL instructor 10 years ago. She later taught high school literature and middle school dance; and tutored elementary students in reading, writing, and comprehension. She has taught entrepreneurship and business at the collegiate level as well. Angela is an entrepreneur herself and has owned and operated a consulting firm for 15 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's in business administration. Angela has called Nashville home for more than 20 years. She is active in book clubs, equity coalitions, and the fitness community. She is passionate about protecting elders, children, and animals.

Brickeology

LEGO Connect and LEGO Stop Motion Animation

We are Joe and Shannon Tessitore and, along with our 8 year old son Valentino, we are Brickeology. We moved to TN in 2022 after living abroad in Spain, and we absolutely love calling Nolensville home. We all have a huge passion for Legos (and sci-fi), and that all started when Valentino was gifted his first Lego set when he was 3. Right away we realized that beyond the fun that is Lego, it has so much more to offer. From encouraging imagination to critical thinking, fine motor skills to physics, Lego is truly the ultimate teaching tool. We are also homeschoolers and we absolutely love teaching and sharing our enthusiasm for all things Lego while we work towards our dream of opening our Lego store in the next 1-2 years. Joe and Shannon will be leading our K-2 students in STEM classes this year.

Mallory Yerger

Elementary Music

Mallory Yerger is a recent retiree from Williamson Country Public Schools where she taught Elementary Music for 20 years, making a total of 26 years of experience in the field. She holds a Masters of Music Education from Belmont University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She loves to teach music to young people. Mallory enjoys the outdoors, horses, and hiking. She has also taught MusikGarten, an early childhood music program designed for the youngest learners. She is also certified in Orff-Schulwerk Music, Levels I, II, & III, an approach to teaching music that combines, music, movement, speech, and drama centered around the developmental needs of children and the art of play. Mallory will be teaching our Upper Elementary Music class this year.

Jansen Gibson

Middle School Physical Science, High School Biology, STEAM, Mock Trial

Jansen Gibson studied Geology and Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt University. Since then, he has worked as a private tutor, in addition to providing home-schooling and teaching about environmentalism and conservation with local non-profits. Jansen has experience teaching age groups from pre-K to senior citizens, and focuses on working with students that want to expand their understanding of, and excitement for, science and math courses. Additionally, Jansen has several years of experience as a math, science, and history teacher who creates a warm and adaptable learning environment to build confidence and capability inside and outside the classroom. Jansen currently teaches at the middle and high school level at several tutorial programs around Nashville and looks forward to teaching our middle and high school sciences this year.

Dr. Keisha Chambliss

Middle & High School American History

Hello! I am Dr. Keisha Chambliss and I am so excited to partner with you this year and share my love of history with your children. My family and I recently moved here to the Nashville area from Kissimmee, FL. Prior to my current role as a Hospital School Teacher at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, I was a classroom teacher-with experience teaching middle and high school students. I earned a Bachelor's degree in history from Georgia Southern University, Master of Arts in Education from Ashford University, Master of Science in Public Safety from Capella University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education from the University of Arizona Global Campus. When I have a spare moment, I like to explore my new surroundings, watch true crime documentaries, and try new recipes.

Stefani Rose Martin

Musical Theater

My lifelong love for theater began at the tender age of 3 and blossomed through Shakespearean plays and an international education focused on the performing arts. After earning acting degrees from prestigious institutions like Purchase College and Yale University I honed my skills on professional stages and discovered a passion for guiding young artists.

Leading theater programs like the Norris Performing Arts Center ignited joy in nurturing creativity and fostering a love for the stage in students of all ages. Now, I'm thrilled to bring that same passion and experience to this program, where we'll explore the magic of musical theater together!

Mr. Bond Science Guys

Elementary Science

Mr. Bond’s Science Guys' mission is to make science fun, cool and easy for kids!
With over 20 years of experience in Tennessee and beyond, our mission is still to get kids excited about science! No matter what the circumstances we will find a way to bring exciting and educational programs to kids. Mr. Bond and his team are excited to teach our elementary science classes on STEAM (FALL) and Forensic Science (SPRING).

Helen Smith

Elementary American History

Belle Meade Historic Site Educator Helen Smith is excited to create enriching experiences exploring Tennessee History. After earning a BA and MS in History and Anthropology from Vanderbilt University and MAT from Belmont University, Helen enjoyed teaching Tennessee and US History, as well as World Geography, for 25 years. Helen is also an educator on staff at Belle Meade Historic site, where she leads tours and field trips for students throughout the year.

Liz Rosko

Baking/Cake Decorating

A wife, mom, and teacher, Liz Rosko is excited to share her experience and knowledge to improve the lives of others! Her passion to never stop learning and drive to never stop teaching has landed her in Middle TN teaching anywhere and anytime she can. Her education and career path have given her a well rounded experience allowing her to teach both kids and adults alike. Specializing in communication, social, and life skills, she is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to SENHE!

Liz studied education in undergrad and received a master’s degree in educational leadership along with certification in behavior analysis. After over 20 years working with kids, she’s starting her homeschooling journey with her 2 children and looking forward to teaching others who enjoy all the benefits a non-traditional education has to offer.

Kendra Andrus

Middle School Book Club, Middle School Writing, Critical Thinking/Media Literacy, Nature Adventurers

Kendra Andrus is the product of a rich free-range homeschooling education followed by higher education in great books and the liberal arts, and thus is compelled to give her own homeschooled children (and now SENHE students) the same valuable learning experience. Education should be full of curiosity, wonder, and virtue! She received her B.A. in both music and religion and attended seminary. She is a published author who finds endless inspiration for children’s books in her everyday life with her own six children — she writes to solve their problems, answer their questions, and tell the stories of their adventures together. She loves learning through books, reading aloud as a family, inspiring young writers, and having deep and meaningful conversations about life that are sparked by stories. Together, she and her husband Matthew manage the loud and feisty-fun chaos that is their daily life, devotedly supporting their children in all of their unique passions. If she is not catching up on 12 loads of laundry, you can find her cooking fancy meals, hiking to waterfalls, and at the symphony, opera, or theater basking in the transformative performance arts. Kendra will be leading our middle/high school book club this year.

Shirley Haskins

Sewing

Shirley was born and raised on a dairy farm in Western NY with 4 siblings. At age 8, she joined 4-H which started her lifetime love of sewing. Shirley has been married 42 years, raised and homeschooled 4 children and is a Grammy to 8 beautiful grandchildren. During her homeschooling years, she taught sewing classes in her children’s homeschool tutorial. Currently, Shirley has a sewing business - doing alterations, making drapes, quilts and home decor projects.

Andrew Rose

Studio Art, D&D Club, Chess Club, Creative Illustration, Costume & Prop Design

Andrew Rose holds a BA in Studio Art from Western Kentucky University. He brings 12 years of kindergarten-middle/high school art education experience from St. Matthew School in Franklin, TN. During his time there, he worked closely with his students and their families to foster an environment of creativity, curiosity, and discovery. Along with his teaching duties at St. Matthew School, he was responsible for his school’s graphic design and photography needs. On sabbatical from teaching, he spent time employed with the award winning De la Torre Art Design group based on location within the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Here he specialized in the design, fabrication, and installation of themed environments, zoological exhibits, and museum displays. Most notably, he refurbished, re-designed and painted the mural above the entrance to the Unseen World at the Nashville Zoo. Mr. Rose sees himself as an incredibly positive and creative person who is able to effectively collaborate and respectfully communicate with everyone. He enjoys medieval, fantasy, and prehistoric themes in his creations and possesses a true flair for educating others. We are excited to have Andrew teaching art classes for our elementary, middle, and high schoolers.

Alecia Walgrave

Wilderness Survival, Human Body Science

Alecia has been an EMT for 15 years, serving as a medic in several capacities including with the fire department, emergency room, hyperbarics, special events, a major league sports team, national music tours, and with the Department of the Defense in the State Guard. She is also a Physician Assistant. Her passions lie in emergency medicine, pediatrics, integrative medicine, emergency preparedness, and community education. She holds a certification as a Search and Rescue Specialist II-Arduous from the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). She gets excited about getting kids excited about learning! She loves to ignite their curiosities of the wonder and magic that surrounds them, especially with living stories and hands-on exploration. Thus, homeschooling her own children has been one of her most fulfilling adventures!

Emily Archer

Emily is a certified personal trainer with backgrounds in teaching bootcamp and kid exercise classes. Raised and homeschooled in a tiny town in Alabama, Emily knows the value of community and "your village" when it comes to the everyday challenges of homeschooling. She moved to Nashville to study Communications and Exercise Science at Trevecca Nazarene University . With a passion for hiking, Star Wars, and culinary adventures, she embraces new experiences. As a single mom of two and a homeschooling alumna, Emily values personalized learning while balancing mom, personal trainer, and even musician booking manager. Her enthusiasm, networking skills, and dedication to safety have made her a sought-after personal trainer. Emily's multifaceted background and love for fitness help her inspire students and foster a nurturing learning environment.

Katie Filer

Fiber Arts

Katie Filer is a mom of 2 and a handwork teacher. She is studying with the Waldorf
Handwork Educators program, which is recognized by the Association of Waldorf Schools of
North America. Katie started fiber arts with sewing and embroidery at age 10, and just never
stopped. After having her second child she was home more and fell in love with teaching her oldest her passion for embroidery, tailoring clothes, darning, and knittng everyone in our family as many pieces as she possibly could. This quickly snowballed into wan6ng to provide these experiences to the children in the community around her. In Katie's free time, she is a Girl Scout leader, chairs a Parent-Teacher Organization commitee, is an avid gardener,
and a lover of all soft fluffy animals.

Mel McLellan

Yearbook/Photojournalism

Mel is a lifelong artist who became a photographer quite by accident. After graduating with a degree in Fine Art, she started taking pictures for family friends and before she knew it, she was traveling with her husband, shooting weddings, engagements, and family sessions all over the globe.

She is a two-time 1st place award winner from Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, and Photographer of the Year from The Digital Wedding Forum (2008). She was named one of Adorama’s Top 10 Inspirational Photographers in 2009, and has been featured by The Today Show, MSNBC Travel, In Style Magazine and others.

After 13 years of shooting events and teaching others to do the same through speaking engagements and workshops, Mel parlayed her talents into homeschooling her four children. She’s been teaching at her local co-op group for the past 10 years and documenting it all along the way.

Today, she still loves photographing families, traveling with her own, and trying to keep up with her far-too-large garden. She’s excited to teach our kids all about how to document moments beautifully in our Yearbook and Photojournalism class.

Rebecca Stone

Film Production

Rebecca Stone holds a BFA in Photography from Texas Woman's University and an MAT from Nashville’s Trevecca University. The experience of owning her own photography business, along with her background in radio, made the transition into video and film a natural progression. Rebecca taught high school Media Production for six years in Clarksville, TN and has had the privilege of watching two of her formal students be nominated and win an Emmy in the broadcasting field. Her career as a high school educator prepared her to be a successful Program Supervisor with Nashville Public Library's Studio NPL. In this capacity she developed and implemented after school programming for students ranging from tweens to teens. When Rebecca isn’t teaching, she uses her art and broadcasting skills to raise awareness and help protect animals and the environment.

Laura Gamradt

Geography & Cultures Around the World, SEL

Hello! My name is Laura Gamradt. I'm so excited to be teaching Geography and Cultures Around The World!

I have taught and worked with children for over 20 years. I graduated from The University of Winona State, in Minnesota, with an Elementary Education teaching degree and an emphasis in Early Childhood and Hands-on Learning. My teaching style includes hands-on activities, games, and creative art projects, ensuring that kids not only absorb knowledge but also have fun along the way. I'm dedicated to making learning an exciting adventure!

In my free time, I love to travel, try new foods, and be outdoors with my husband and three kids.

Angie Gomez

American Sign Language (ASL)

Sign language has been a natural part of Angie’s life as she grew up with a younger Deaf sibling. Angie attended an ASL Interpreter Training program in Michigan, at Lansing Community College, which led to becoming a certified Interpreter for the Deaf in the school systems (K-12 and Undergrad) and within the community for many years. After becoming a mom, Angie focused on her passion of early childhood education and combined the love of the two together. Currently, Angie is the owner of Learn & Grow Creative Arts Center in Hermitage where they promote ASL as a second language with their infant-PreK students. Angie is thrilled to be able to share her passion for sign language / ASL with the SENHE students this year!

Lori Gann-Smith

Fashion Design

Lori Gann-Smith is a Nashville-based visual artist, designer and teacher. She received her
MFA in Costume Design from the University of Georgia and her BA in Speech and Theatre
from MTSU. She recently served as the Resident Costume Designer at Nashville Repertory
Theatre for 5 years and as the Fashion Design Program Director for Brenau University for
11 years. In addition to teaching for SNHE, Lori is currently the head of the Costume
Department at the Academy of Makeup Arts in Nashville and teaches design and costume
classes. She loves teaching students of all ages and helping them develop their skills in
costume and fashion design. See her work at www.lorigannsmith.com

Heather Engleman

Club Time

Heather Engleman was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Her husband’s job with Chick-fil-a relocated her family to the Nashville area in June 2023. Heather earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. After graduating Heather taught in the Georgia public school system for 13 years. Having a strong desire to support children facing emotional, psychological, and relational challenges, Heather pursued her master’s degree in School Counseling from Georgia State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Heather has provided counseling services to children and their families in both the school and clinical settings. Heather is excited to be working with students in Club Time.

Jennifer Manivong

Spanish

Jennifer Manivong has over 25 years experience teaching Spanish to all ages. She earned her BA in Spanish from Lipscomb University and her MAT in Spanish from Belmont University. Jennifer taught high school Spanish in the public schools for several years. When her children were younger, she enjoyed teaching Spanish to preschoolers and Mommy and Me groups. She is currently a fellow homeschooling mom and has been teaching Spanish in local homeschool tutorials for several years. One of her favorite things is sharing the Spanish language and culture with children of all ages through fun, engaging lessons.

Robothink

Elementary & Middle School Robotics

RoboThink is a STEM education company providing robotics and coding classes to kids ages 8-13. Since the company's launch in 2015, RoboThink has grown to provide classes in 23 countries. We partner with private/public schools, parks and recreation, colleges, libraries and more to bring this hands-on learning experience to children. We believe that learning happens best through discovery and exploration. In our programs, students are encouraged to build but make modifications or re-design as they see fit. During this crucial time, there is an explosion of brain activity as students must imagine how a re-designed model works and what process they should come up with to complete the re-design. Using this approach, we ensure that each child builds and customizes a different robot every time we meet.

Our curriculum provides 6 levels of instruction that moves students through learning how to build with RoboThink proprietary building cells to using dc motors, switches, Arduino mainboards, IR sensors, servo motors and finally to coding the robots that the students build. Each lesson revolves around an interesting game or challenge to keep students engaged. We look forward to helping your young student become comfortable with robotics & coding all while building a passion for STEM!

Brian Jones - Oddity Improv

Improv

Brian, a seasoned performer holds a BA in Theatre from Pepperdine University and launched his TV/film career in LA. Recruited by the Jim Henson Company, he underwent extensive training and performed with The Muppets on ABC and in Muppets Most Wanted. With a 20-year residency in LA, he excelled in improv, teaching workshops for corporate clients and directing/producing projects with Impro Theatre and ComedySportz LA. Notable film credits include the Coen brothers’ Hail Caesar!, and TV appearances range from the I Love Lucy episode of Will and Grace to a special agent on NCIS. He’s done voice work for Star vs. the Forces of Evil and currently voices Terry in Terry Benson Across Dimensions. His TV roles include Danger Force, American Housewife, Black-ish, Angie Tribeca, NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, and Community. Brian’s favorite TV role was playing “Chad” on two seasons of Disney XD’s Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything. Look up the short film “Frank and Emmet”—you’ll love it!

April Duncan - Club Time

Improv

April is the owner and coach at Top Edge Baton in Nolensville, TN. She received a Bachelor of Marketing and Master of Business Administration Degrees from Clemson University. While attending Clemson, April was a Clemson Tiger Twirler for three years. Prior to moving to Nolensville in 2008, April was a stay at home mom of twin boys. Before starting a family she was the District Marketing Manager for ARAMARK Corporation for over 10 years. April has also worked in the public school system in many different roles while living in TN. When April is not teaching baton twirling, she spends her time reading and enjoying her family.

Brad Longfellow - Liberty Music Academy

Private Lessons - Piano, Voice, Guitar

Brad Longfellow is a native of the beautiful state of Maine where he studied Music Education at the University of Southern Maine. After a six-month internship at the British School of Bahrain in the Middle East, he continued to teach and perform in Portland and is now thrilled to be doing the same in Nashville. He has over ten years’ experience teaching music privately and for 317 Main Community Music Center, a bluegrass/roots-centric music school in Yarmouth. Providing private voice, piano, and guitar lessons and directing elementary, teen, and adult choirs, bands, and vocal groups, he has had the privilege to work with students of all ages and learning styles.

Brad has a deep love for vocal music rooted in his family heritage and fostered by his upbringing in church, choral education, and personal musical community in Southern Maine. He has directed and performed for several churches, performed in choirs with the Portland Symphony, as soloist with ChoralArt, recorded and arranged piano with Vineyard Music, Anchour Studio, and Kingdom Life Church, and continues to study writing and production here in Nashville.

Mitchell Green - The Forge Nashville

Woodworking

The Forge Nashville is a 501(c)(3) arts organization in downtown Nashville, with a 24,000 square foot facility which includes a wood shop, metal shop, digital fabrication lab, studios, a scholarship program and a robust education program. Our mission is to provide makers and artists with affordable access to the professional tools, space and support they need to succeed, and to provide new opportunities to youth in underserved communities with our Forge Future Makers Program.

The Forge Future Makers Program is an initiative designed to empower the younger generations of Nashville through creative skill building, hands-on learning, and inspirational leadership, encouraging youths aged 7-18 to discover what it means to create with one's own hands.

Mitchell Green is a long time woodworker and general maker of things. He began his career designing and fabricating custom enclosures for intricate car audio systems. He founded and operated a small business here in Nashville for seven years that included car, marine, and home audio/video and automation. His passion for creating things from wood began in those early car audio days and grew into a long term hobby. He has since gone on to design and build cabinetry and furniture, created multiple original designs of wooden utensils that are as much art as they are functional, and has mastered many of the fundamental concepts of woodworking and design. Mitchell is a long time member of The Forge, Nashville’s premier makerspace, and director of the Future Makers program whose goal is to engage with local youth through hands-on, project based learning.

Saif Fencing

Fencing

We are excited to partner with Saif Fencing this year for our fencing classes. Bio coming soon!

Chandler Bogomolny - Liberty Music Academy

Private Lessons - Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from University of Miami's Frost School of Music (and being awarded Outstanding Senior for Music Production), Chandler now specializes in drums & bass and has a strong passion for one-on-one music education & band mentorship. He has played at venues such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, been featured on recordings with 100k+ plays on Spotify, and contributed musically to the Miami Film Festival. When not teaching, he regularly plays in downtown Nashville on South Broadway.