Viola Wallace
2/3s Lead
M/W & T/TH
Hi! This is my eighth-year teaching at Spring Meadows Academy. I have taught two-year old’s and am looking forward to having older twos and some threes this year. I really enjoy watching the kiddos grow and learn throughout the year and teaching them about God’s love!
I grew up in Wichita, Kansas where I met and married my husband, Lee, and we have had 30 wonderful years together! We lived in the Kansas City area for nine years where I worked as a home health aide for hospice and where I taught Pre-K at the preschool of my church, Overland Park Church of Christ. I enjoyed teaching so much that I took classes in Early Childhood Education at the local junior college.
When we moved to Spring Hill 19 years ago, I worked for a daycare center until we completed a very long adoption process and got our sweet daughter, Jillian, from China. She is now fourteen years old and starting nineth grade at Summit High School.
We feel blessed to be a member of The Church at Station Hill. I am looking forward to having another great year and getting to know you and your sweet children!
Morgan Kenley
2/3s Assistant
M/W & T/TH
Hi, my name is Morgan Kenley and this is my first year at Spring Meadows Academy! I grew up in St. Louis, MO and have lived in Tennessee since I was 17. I met my husband, Scottie, at a campus ministry summer program and we have been married for two years! Scottie and I recently moved to Spring Hill from Cookeville, TN, where I graduated from Tennessee Tech.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with Scottie, reading, being outside and baking.
I am so grateful to be apart of the SMA family. I am so excited to meet the kiddos and watch them grow! I look forward to seeing them learn and getting to know the wonderful things about your children! In college, I received a minor in Child Development and am so grateful for the education.
At our church in Cookeville, I helped co-lead a 4-5 year old class Wednesdays and Sundays. I have also spent lots of time with kids through nannying. I cannot wait to meet everyone!
Hannah Lawson
Young 3s Lead
M/W & T/TH
Hello! I’m Hannah, and I would like to tell you a little about myself. This is my seventh year teaching here at SMA. I am originally from Almo, Kentucky, which is a small town just outside of Murray, Kentucky. I moved here with my family 16 years ago. I was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school.
I earned a career diploma in Childcare and worked as a nanny for two boys for six years. I still babysit when I can. My family and I attend Spring Meadows Church Of Christ. I love animals and am a dog and cat mom to Bella and Milo. I really love watching the kiddos grow and learn through the year and teaching them about God's great BIG love. I am so excited to have a great year with your sweet little ones. See you soon!
Patti Hesselrode
Young 3s Assistant
M/W & T/TH
My name is Patti Hesselrode, and I’m the assistant for the young three’s. My hometown is Memphis, TN where I taught elementary and middle school for 20 years. I love that SMA allows me to continue to be in the classroom setting.
I have lived in Spring Hill for five years now. I have two children and three grandchildren who I enjoy spending as much time with as possible. Also, I attend Spring Meadows Church of Christ. I look forward to teaching and getting to know your child this year!
Lauren Dial
3s Lead
M/W
My name is Lauren Dial, and I am so excited to teach the 3s class for the second year! I live in Columbia with my husband and two girls where we attend Jackson Heights church of Christ. Being a teacher and mother were the only things I wanted to be since I was young.
I have my Master’s Degree in Education, and I am a former elementary school teacher where I taught multiple grades. It is important to me to make every child feel loved and have fun but most importantly learn about God. We are going to have a great year in 3s class!
Kristina Barnes
3s Assistant M/W
3s Lead T/TH
Hi! I’m Mrs. Kristina. I will be teaching in the 3’s class this year. This will be my second year teaching at SMA. I have lived in Spring Hill with my husband Patrick for a little over 10 years. We have two sons, Baylen (3rd grade) and Bentley (kindergarten). Both of my children are SMA graduates. We adore this school and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.
Outside of family time, my hobbies are reading (I even love talking about books), gardening and sewing. We attend Church of the City church—if you ever see me there or around town, please come say hello. I cannot wait to know your child and family!
Lindsay Nickell
3s Assistant
T/TH
Hello! My name is Lindsay Nickell, and I live in Spring Hill in the Bethesda/Flat Creek community with my husband Grant and our three children, Jack (10), Rhett (7) and Lucy Mae (5). We also have a boxer named Duke and two cats, Copper and Callie. I am a Tennessee native, born and raised in Franklin.
I graduated from MTSU with a degree in Elementary Education K-6. Before having children I taught first grade. This is my fifth year teaching in a mother’s day out program and my second year at SMA. When we are not at work or school you can find us on the baseball fields, at dance, Center Hill lake, attending church at Grace Chapel or enjoying family time at home.
I am excited about the upcoming school year that the Lord has prepared for us all. I feel very blessed to be part of this school and to be one of your child’s teachers. I look forward to getting to know you and your precious child. It’s going to be a wonderful year!
Lynn Smith
4s Lead
M/W & T/TH
My name is Lynn Smith. I have two daughters Heather (senior) and Hannah (freshman). My husband and I have been married for 20 years. I have lived in the Columbia/ Mt. Pleasant area my whole life.
We worship at Jackson Heights Church of Christ. I have taught Bible class there for over 17 years. I have worked at SMA for nine and a half years. This will be my fifth year teaching in the 4s class. Years before, I assisted in the 2’s class and taught in the 3’s class. This year, I will be teaching with Camille Anthony. This will be our second year teaching together.
Mrs. Camille and I try our best to make sure that our kiddos feel safe, have fun, learn but mostly feel loved. I look forward to this school year and getting to know more great families.
Camille Anthony
4s Assistant
M/W & T/TH
Hi! I am Camille Anthony, and I am thrilled to begin teaching another year at SMA. We are a family here, and I can't wait for your child to become a part of it!
I am a native of Williamson County and currently live with my husband, 8-year-old daughter, one dog and two cats in Spring Hill. My daughter attended preschool at SMA, and I finally found my place here too. Here's to a great year for all of our new and returning families!
Courtney Chapin
4s Lead
T/TH
Hi! My name is Courtney and this will be my fourth year at SMA. I am so excited to be teaching in the T/Th fours class this year!
My husband and I have been married for 17 years, and we have three boys and a crazy dog! After finishing my M.A. in Counseling from Spring Arbor University, our family grew, and I had the opportunity to stay at home with our children. We moved to Tennessee in 2012 and have loved raising our family in this community.
I am so grateful to teach at a preschool that values sharing God’s Word with our young students, as well as helping them to grow academically and socially. We want your little ones to feel safe, loved, and excited for school. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and fun with our new classmates!
Erica Crowley
4s Assistant
T/TH
Hi! My name is Erica Crowley. I am so excited to have your sweet children joining us at SMA! This is a really special place, and I assure you they will be well loved, cared for, and taught with encouragement and kindness while they are
with us.
I am married with two children, ages 4 and almost 2. My children will also be attending SMA and I am excited to see the growth that happens this year.
This will be my first year as a teacher’s assistant (oh boy!). I am a Registered Nurse with a bachelor’s degree from MTSU. The opportunity has presented itself for me to take a step back from working full time and be home more with my family, and I am so grateful for this season.
Being a daughter of a Montessori teacher, I have a special place in my heart for the Montessori approach to teaching, and I hope to incorporate some of my favorite teaching modalities where
we can.
My goals for this year are this:
1. Earn and keep both your and your child’s trust.
2. Teach them all that I can about the love and character of God. How grateful I am that we can approach His throne with boldness thanks to what Jesus did for us. How humbled I am that He hears our prayers.
3. Help your child to LOVE learning and prepare them to become lifelong learners.
Anything after that is gravy. I look forward to getting to know you all better over the course of this year!
Katie Crowder
Pre-K Lead
M/W & T/TH
Hi! I am Katie Crowder. I’m so excited to be going into my 13th year at SMA. I will be teaching pre-k alongside Denise Dillingham and Kerry Dickerson.
My husband and I have two children, a son, Devers, who attends WKU and a daughter, Karson, who is a senior at Summit High School.
We attend Thompsons Station Church. I’m looking forward to another great year at SMA and feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing program!
Denise Dillingham
Pre-K Assistant
M/W
This will be my 12th year at SMA, and I'm looking forward to being back with Katie this year in pre-k! I am a member of Spring Meadows Church of Christ and will be the assistant director at the Friday Arts program this year.
My husband John and I have two boys. Will is in the 8th grade and Isaac is in the 3rd grade. We live in the small town of Chapel Hill and love it there! Both of my boys are SMA graduates, and we have loved this school for many years. I'm so excited to start another great year!
Kerry Dickerson
Pre-K Assistant
T/TH
My name is Kerry Dickerson. This is my 14th year at SMA. I am excited to be teaching with Katie Crowder this year in PreK.
I am originally from Louisiana, but moved to TN with my husband, Darrin, in 1999. We have lived in Spring Hill since 2000. We have 2 sons, Montana is 21 and will be attending Freed-Hardeman University, majoring in Education and will be part of the Lions Baseball team. Dalton is 18 and will be attending Belmont University, studying Business Finance.
In my spare time I enjoy crafting, reading and spending time with my family.
SMA has been a blessing to me for many years. I feel that teaching these precious little ones is a ministry and I'm proud to be part of such a wonderful group of people that are like family. I am looking forward to a great year and can't wait to meet all our new kiddos and their families and welcome back some familiar faces.
Emily Gentry
Pre-K Co-Teacher
M/W
Hello everyone! My name is Emily Gentry, and I am SO excited to be joining the SMA family! I'm 33 years old and originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
I went to the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!!) starting out as a nursing major. I worked at my church preschool while in school, fell in love with all my little preschool friends and was hooked. I quickly changed my major. I continued to work at University Church preschool until my husband and I moved here 10 years ago. I met my husband, Eric, at that same church so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
After we moved to the Nashville area, we had our first child. I became a stay-at-home mommy to our now four kiddos. Leeson is nine and attends Heritage Elementary. Maelee Sam is seven and my only girl. She attended SMA a few years ago, and we loved it here so much! Luca (5) and Ledger (3) are my little terror twins that will be tagging along at school with me.
As a family, we love playing games, watching Bama football and anything involving the water. We especially enjoy the beach, watching movies and worshipping with our church family at 4th avenue. When I'm not hanging with the fam, I like shopping, eating Chick-fil-a and running. I'm so looking forward to the school year and can't wait to meet your precious children!
Kara Hensel
Pre-K Co-Teacher
M/W & T/TH
Hi SMA friends and families! My name is Kara Hensel. I am excited to be teaching Pre-K again this year. I grew up in Franklin but have lived in Spring Hill for more than twenty years.
My husband, Dave, and I have two great boys named Collin and Caston. Our older son was married this year, so we are lucky to have his wife, Adie, officially added to our family. We also have a family dog named Striker. As a family, we enjoy watching and playing sports and games, music, being outdoors, boating, fishing, soccer and spending time together.
I have a master's degree in organizational management and a Bachelors in Merchandising and Design. I have been a staff member at SMA since it was established. I am looking forward to a great year of learning, playing, and growing together. I am excited to help prepare your little ones for kindergarten, while helping them learn more about God, the Bible and about His amazing love.
This is an exciting time in a child’s life, and I am blessed to share it with you. We have lots of exciting things planned this year. I can’t wait to meet you! It is going to be a great year!
Rachel Worsencroft
Pre-K Co-Teacher
T/TH
Hi! I'm so excited to be starting my 2nd year teaching Pre-K at SMA! I can't wait to meet all my sweet kiddos and watch them learn and grow this year. All three of my children are SMA grads, so my family has been a part of this great school for a while now.
I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and taught second grade in Williamson County for seven years. My husband and I met after I moved to Spring Hill and we have been married 15 years.
We love to go camping as a family, and I enjoy doing stained glass when I have spare time. I am looking forward to a great year!
Lisa Brown
Floater
Hello! I am Lisa Brown, and this will be my 6th year working for SMA. I have been an assistant teacher in 3s, 4s and Pre-K during my time here.
This year I am looking forward to supporting our new and returning staff members and being a resource to them as the school’s floater.
My husband Jeff and I have two boys: Connor, a sophomore in high school, and Hunter, a 6th grader starting middle school this year.
We attend Thompson’s Station Church. Both of my boys are graduates of SMA, and we have loved this school for many years!
Jessica King
Pre-K Lead
M/W & T/TH
Hello! My name is Jessica King, and this is my 1st year at Spring Meadows Academy. My family and I have been members of Spring Meadows Church for almost nine years.
I live in Santa Fe with my husband, Chad. We will be celebrating our 15-year anniversary this September. We have 3 kids: Dallas (8th grade), Dalton (5th grade) and Ava (2nd grade). Along with our human children, we have seven dogs, five cats, 18 chickens, five goats and a horse. Yes! We LOVE animals. If we are not tending to our farm, we are working in our garden.
My favorite hobby is being my kids' biggest cheerleader at their games and competitions. I love to shop and travel as much as possible, especially if it’s to a beach.
I am very honored and excited to be teaching your children God's word and watch them grow! I can’t wait to meet you and your child.
Vanesa Osborne
Pre-K Assistant
M/W & T/TH
My name is Vanesa Osborne. This is my sixth year with SMA. I am from Argentina, but I have been in the States for 21 years now. I'm married to my husband, Jeremy, and we have a 10-year-old daughter named Giuliana.
We have lived in Spring Hill since 2008, and we love it here! We also attend the Church at Station Hill.
I’m so blessed to be a part of SMA to help partner with parents to teach children about God and help them grow. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this year, and I can’t wait to get to know you and your child.
Maresa Ledford
Kindergarten Enrichment
M/W
Hello! My name is Maresa Ledford, and I am blessed to be starting my sixth year at SMA. I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten Enrichment for the third year. I enjoy teaching this age of children and watching them experience the joy and wonder of learning.
I grew up in southeast Kansas and attended Western Kentucky University where I received a Bachelors in Elementary Education, I taught Pre-K for five years at a day school before becoming a stay-at-home mom.
When my middle child was ready for Pre-K, a friend and I started our own in-home pre-school teaching other children along with our own. I taught the in-home preschool for many years until my youngest entered Kindergarten, and I started working at SMA. My husband and I live in Columbia with our three children. My son is a freshman in college, my daughter is a 9th grader and my youngest daughter is in 5th grade.
My family and I are members of the Jackson Heights Church of Christ in Columbia where we are very active. I am looking forward to this year of fun learning and I cannot wait to meet you and your children!
Dorothylizy Naveen
Kindergarten Enrichment
M/W
Hey there, I am Dorothylizy Naveen. I have two boys Jason and Caleb, who keep me on my toes. I love spending time with my kids and family, teaching, cooking and travelling. I received my bachelor’s and master’s in engineering from India.
I have previous teaching experience as lecturer at DMI college of Engineering. I took a break from my career care for my family. This opportunity to work with young children, allows me to continue my teaching career while also spending plenty of time with my family.
I strongly believe in Matthew 19:14 “Let the children come to me. Do not stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” and so I am so happy to serve children as part of the SMA family.
Ashley Taft
Music Teacher
Wednesday & Thursday
Hi! My name is Ashley Taft, and I am so excited to be joining SMA as the music teacher! Teaching music to preschool-age kiddos has been a passion of mine for over 15 years. I have an extensive background in musical theater, teaching voice lessons and developing scripts and music for theater companies. I am excited to use this knowledge at SMA.
In addition to my music background, I have spent the last 15 years as co-director/lead teacher for a private preschool in my hometown of Murrieta, CA. To say that I love this age is an understatement. I could not be more excited to teach your little one.
A little about me personally, I have been married to my husband John for 15 years, and we have four kiddos: Violet (13), Wyatt (11), Paisley (8) and Finley (5). I am a baseball mom, softball mom, theater mom, dance mom and horse riding mom.
We love all things Disney, everything baseball and never met a taco we didn't like :) Fall time is my happy place! Gimme all things pumpkin spice, and I'm a happy girl. I can't wait to meet you and get to know your little one! Praying for a great year!
Melissa Oldham
P.E. Teacher
Monday & Tuesday
Hello! This is my first year at Spring Meadows Academy. I will be teaching P.E. and helping the children use their energy in a positive way, while also learning about what an awesome part of creation our bodies are!
I am originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but I have lived all over the east coast as part of a military family. We have lived in Williamson County for the last 10 years with a brief time away in the Washington, D.C. area. My husband and I have been married for 22 years, and we have four very energetic boys who I have homeschooled for the last 10 years.
When we are not watching our boys swim or play baseball and soccer, we love to hike and camp. My retirement dream is to travel across the country and visit all of our National Parks.
I hold master’s degrees in social Work, business, and healthcare administration.
While in Williamson County, we have been members of both Concord Road Church of Christ and Spring Meadows Church of Christ.
