Faculty & Staff

Melissa Austin

Melissa Austin
Fine Arts Dept. Head;
LD & UD Drama;
Chorus
Since 2013

Melissa Austin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Belmont University. After graduation, she starred on Broadway in Les Miserables and also shared the stage as a background vocalist with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Faith Hill, and many others. She has performed a variety of roles in theater, film, and television and has also taught voice lessons at Belmont University. She continues to enjoy training vocalists in her home studio.

Rebecca Avila
6th Grade Team Teacher 
Since 2020

Mrs. Rebecca Avila started her teaching career in 1999 at a private Christian school in California, where she taught 3rd grade. Throughout her teaching career she has worked in private and public education, teaching multiple grade levels and working as an elementary math interventionist for Williamson County Schools. She graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in behavioral science and completed graduate coursework in elementary education and faith-based administration. She married her husband, Jake, in 2004, and they have three wonderful kids. Rebecca loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and selling real estate with her husband.

Rebekah Bales

Rebekah Bales
Lead K–1 Teacher
Since 2018

Rebekah Bales studied Elementary Education at Baptist Bible College. After transferring to Concordia University Irvine, she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts and an emphasis in Education. She substitute taught in elementary, middle, and high school at Bethel Baptist Schools in Santa Ana, California, where she later taught 4th grade for 2 years. Before coming to Franklin Classical School, she taught for 4 years at the Goddard School in Franklin, Tennessee.

Tom Carson

Tom Carson
Natural Philosophy Department Head;
UD Math Teacher
Since 2007

Tom Carson earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina. He taught collegiately at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina, as well as at Columbia State Community College in Franklin, Tennessee. While at Midlands Technical College, he served as Coordinator of Developmental Mathematics and on the board of the South Carolina Association of Developmental Educators. He was also honored with a NISOD Excellence in Teaching award and a Who’s Who Among American Teachers award. He has authored multiple textbooks including Prealgebra, Elementary Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra, all published by Pearson. Tom and his wife, Laura, have two children, both of whom graduated from Franklin Classical School.  Tom’s hobbies include playing guitar with his band, reading, and golf.

Michelle Cruise

Michelle Cruise
LD Composition and Bible; Logic; Life Science; Math Lab & Study Hall Proctor  
Since 2013

Michelle Cruise received a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Belmont University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Alabama with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She practiced physical therapy and later managed the therapy department for National Healthcare Corporation in Columbia, Tennessee, prior to joining the FCS faculty.

Kay Dokkestul

Kay Dokkestul
Honors Freshman English; Humanities Study Session
Since 2007

Kay Dokkestul graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science in Education and also completed 24 hours of graduate study in the same field. She developed Night Owl Creations, a publishing company with a staff of 10, producing hands-on unit studies for kindergarteners through 8th graders. When she and her husband moved to Tennessee, she began working as the Curriculum Developer with Servant Group International, producing material used at FCS’s sister schools in Iraq. She also travels to the Iraqi schools to help train teachers and administrators. In addition, she has a strong teaching background, having taught at Whitehall Public School in Whitehall, Wisconsin, and Circle Christian School in Orlando, Florida, prior to joining the FCS faculty.

Tiffany Eberhard

Tiffany Eberhard
K/1 Assistant
Since 2023

Tiffany holds a degree in Marketing from Western Kentucky University and has been a proud resident of Franklin for almost two decades. Alongside her professional endeavors, she treasures her role as a devoted mother to Brady and Blakey, both of whom attend FCS. Tiffany’s mission in her TA position is to instill in the students a strong sense of self-worth and remind them of the love they receive from God and others.

George Grant

George Grant Founder and Chancellor

Dr. George Grant, Ph.D, D.Litt, D.Hum., is the Founder of Franklin Classical School, where his weekly Humanities lectures manifest his passion for covenantal succession by raising up students to become the next generation of cultural and spiritual leaders. His vision is rooted in the lives of the Scottish Reformer Thomas Chalmers and Christian Apologist Francis Schaeffer. Dr. Grant is also pastor of Parish Presbyterian Church, founder of the King’s Meadow Study Center, and founder of New College Franklin. He has authored dozens of books and hundreds of articles in the areas of history, biography, politics, literature, and social criticism. His work on behalf of the homeless, for international relief and development, for racial reconciliation, and for the sanctity of life has been profiled in varied media outlets such as the Wall Street JournalChristianity Today, the Washington Post, and Focus on the Family, to name a few. His favorite roles, however, are as husband, father, and grandfather.

Michael Griffin

Michael Griffin
LD Humanities;
UD Physics;
LD Natural Philosophy

Since 2016

Michael Griffin joined FCS from The Classical Academy of Franklin, where he taught science, history, and literature. He previously served as a middle school teacher at Alpine Christian School in Alpine, Texas, and in the Marfa, Texas Independent School District. The former Air Force officer was a missionary in India and pastored churches in Texas and Puerto Rico. Griffin received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville); a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia) and a Master of Divinity from the Church of God Theological Seminary (now Pentecostal Theological Seminary) in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Laura Gutierrez

Laura Gutierrez
LD Literature;
Latin I & II
Since 2020

Mrs. Laura Gutierrez graduated from New Saint Andrews in Moscow, Idaho, with a BA in Liberal Arts and Culture and then an MA in Classical Christian Education. While attending college, she led an all-girls homeschool tutorial for 2 years, teaching conversational Latin, literature, history, and writing. Prior to moving back to Middle Tennessee, she taught Latin at Geneva Academy in Louisiana for 2 school years.

Yalaisa Hagopian

Yalaisa Hagopian
K-1 Assistant
Since 2022

Yalaisa Hagopian received her Bachelor of Science in Business degree from the University of Phoenix in Southern California, and then worked for 12 years with global responsibility for marketing in the financial industry. She and her husband moved to Franklin along with their two daughters, both of whom attend FCS. With a profound love for children, she is honored to serve the Lord in spreading the word of God to the children at FCS. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, swimming, and exploring the country on long camping trips with her family.

Mary Hamann

Mary Hamann
2nd Grade Teacher
Since 2022

Mary Hamann graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Northwest College and a Master of Arts with an emphasis on Creative Arts in the Classroom from Lesley University. Her expansive career has focused mainly on the lower elementary grades in private Christian schools in Washington State, though she has also been highly involved in teaching pre-K and Kindergarten Sunday school at her church and the Junior class at Community Bible Study. Mary enjoys traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe with her husband, Scott and son, Henry. She also enjoys puzzles of any kind and curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Jaclyn Hatcher

Jaclyn Hatcher
Grammar School Dept. Head;
5th Grade Teacher
Since 2019

Mrs. Jaclyn Hatcher is married to FCS administrative principal Mr. Brian Hatcher and is mom to three teenage boys. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Psychology from Oklahoma Baptist University, and her background is in women’s ministry, education, and social work. She loves spending time with her family and friends, writing, and working alongside her husband to run their side business, Hatcher House Designs.

Jenn Hervey

Jenn Hervey
3rd Grade Assistant
Since 2022

Jenn Hervey is wife to Mike and mom to Ellie and Gray, who both attend FCS. Mrs. Hervey grew up in Georgia and graduated from New Saint Andrews College with a degree in Liberal Arts and Culture. From there she taught a combined 3–5th class at a small, Classical Christian school in California. Wanting to raise their family back in the South, the Herveys moved to Nolensville in 2017. She loves camping and family time and running her small jewelry business, Freed Outfitters, with her sister-in-law Kat, who is an assistant at FCS as well.

Katherine Hervey

Katherine Hervey
5th Grade Assistant
Since 2022

Kat Hervey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Counseling from The Master’s University. After graduation, she married her college sweetheart, Chet. They settled in Southern California for 12 years, enjoying family and surfing.  Mrs. Hervey worked as a teacher’s assistant in a special needs classroom for a few years before their beloved son Owen came along. The Herveys then moved to Idaho and lived their northwest adventure for 8 years, raising their son in an amazing community. Awesome opportunities & family brought them to Franklin, where they get to explore & discover their deep love of the South with their French pointers.  Weekends include boating, hunting, and lots of hockey rinks.

Mary Hillard
K–1 Teacher
Since 2023

Mary Hillard joined the FCS faculty in 2023 after eight years teaching fifth and sixth grades at The Covenant School in Nashville. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University and has worked in both public and private education throughout her fourteen years as a teacher. She married her husband, Graham, in 2003 and has two children. Mary and her family live in Bellevue and are active members at All Saints Presbyterian Church in Brentwood. In her free time, Mary enjoys crafting (especially crochet), reading nonfiction books, traveling, and spending time outside with her family.

Merry Holland

Merry Holland
Civics & Economics;
FCS Alumna
Since 2023

Merry Holland , an FCS alumna, joined the FCS faculty in 2023 as the Civics and Economics teacher. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Lipscomb University in 2022 and currently works for a Congressman who represents Tennessee’s seventh congressional district as his District Operations Manager.

Heather Jones

Heather Jones
K–6th Grade PE; Life Sports
Since 2021

The Jones family––Nick, Heather, Elijah, Noah, and Chloe––have been part of Franklin Classical School since 2012, when they relocated from Greenville, North Carolina, to Franklin, Tennessee. Heather Jones is a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, and has twenty-plus years of ministry experience working with college students and missionary staff. Mrs. Jones has happily volunteered and substitute taught at FCS throughout the years. She is passionate about the Lord, her family, friends, organizing, and crafting.

Bailey McCarl

Bailey Moyer
Physical Science
Since 2023

Bailey Moyer, a Franklin native, holds a B.S. in Neuroscience from Belmont University and a M.S. in Psychology from Lipscomb University. Her research has focused on the neuropsychology of emotions. She has spent almost as much time serving at camps (as a counselor, adventure guide, and more) as she has in the classroom!

Bailey married Mr. Hal Moyer (FCS Class of 2013) in October of 2023 (yay)! When not studying or reading, you can find Bailey scurrying around backstage at FCS Theater productions, spending time with her dear friends, having tea parties at Triple Crown Bakery, and playing with her sweet puppy Moose (he is so small and so fluffy)!

Connie Michael

Connie Michael 
Honors Sophomore English Block;
Latin III & IV; Health;
LD Computers;

Since 2019

A native Nashvillian, Connie Michael is the wife of Tom and mother of five children whom she homeschooled in the Classical model for 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Psychology and Child and Family Development. She has held administration and tutorial roles for a Classical Conversations tutorial. She is a great cook and loves to spend time with friends and family.

Chelsea Monroe

Chelsea Monroe
4th Grade Assistant
Since 2023

Chelsea Monroe received her ESL/TOFEL certification from Michigan State University and Instituto Cultural Peruano y Norteamericano. She has worked as an ESL professor in partnership with the American Embassy in an organization dedicated to equipping their students to perform with speaking and writing skills at university-level fluency through the unique approach called Immersia. In recent years, she has dedicated her time to raising and educating her five children and serving as the nursery coordinator at her church. She and her family enjoy food, culture, books, being outdoors, and foreign languages.

Hal Moyer

Hal Moyer
FCS Alumni
Athletic Assistant;
PE Assistant; Personal Finance;
Study Hall Proctor
Since 2019

Hal Moyer graduated from FCS in 2013. He then attended the University of Mississippi, studying Classics with emphases in Latin and Greek. In addition to teaching, Hal has worked and trained alongside educators in various camps and churches. He is passionate about language and its role in Classical Education.

Teresa Pace

Teresa Pace
Physical Science; Chemistry
 Since 2019

Teresa Pace, DVM, attended Michigan State University, where she gave her life to Jesus Christ during her freshman year. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, then went on to receive a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, she practiced veterinary medicine in Tennessee and Georgia and raised three children with her wonderful husband, Darryl. She has taught at Columbia State Community College and is currently teaching math and science courses in several Franklin schools, while continuing to practice veterinary medicine. Dr. Pace’s life verse is Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God Jehovah is with you wherever you go.”

Jamie Parolini

Jamie Parolini
6th Grade Team Teacher
Since 2016

An accomplished artist and teacher with two decades of experience, Mrs. Parolini most recently taught a combined 2nd and 3rd grade class at The Classical Academy of Franklin, where she also worked as a 4th and 5th grade science teacher, pre-K assistant teacher, and PE instructor. She has extensive experience in tutoring children with autism and those with reading and math difficulties. Mrs. Parolini graduated from Ashford University (Clinton, Iowa) with a Bachelor of Arts in social science and education.

Angela Raynaud

Angela Raynaud
3rd Grade Teacher
Since 2019

Angela Raynaud graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Secondary Education. She taught Government and History to high school students at Davidson Academy and spent several years classically homeschooling her own children. Before joining the FCS family, she was involved in leadership as a Classical Conversations Essentials tutor and Director of a local Classical Conversations Challenge program.

John Scherrer

John Scherrer
Debate Club Coach 
Since 2017

John Scherrer graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. He earned his “Wings of Gold” and served for 6 years as a Naval Aviator flying tactical jet aircraft. Since leaving the Navy, John has held various sales director positions with Cessna Aircraft Company, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Embraer Executive Jets, and is currently a consultant. John debated in high school and credits debate with developing skills that have served him in many facets of his professional life. He hopes to pass those skills on to students at Franklin Classical School. He is married to Linda, a former FCS Board President, and is proud that all 4 of their children graduated from FCS.

Sarah Savley

Sarah Savley
2nd Grade Assistant
Since 2023

Mrs. Savley studied at Bryan College, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She moved to Franklin with her husband in 2022, and she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and working in her church student ministry.

Emily Scherrer

Emily Scherrer
Lower Division Assistant
FCS Alumna
Since 2023

Emily Scherrer graduated from FCS in 2011 and became a national Merit Scholar. In 2015, Emily graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies, which she is currently using to start an equine therapy program. She lives in Fairview with her husband Justin, her children Jane and Rod, a dog, a cat, and a small flock of chickens.

Justin Scherrer

Justin Scherrer
FSC Alumni
Junior Honors English Block; Greek; The Man Class; Micah Mandate;
Upper Division Humanities Instructor
Since 2016

After graduating from FCS in 2005, Justin studied Theology and Community Development at Covenant College, where he graduated in 2009. He then went on to serve in the United States Army, and in 2016 returned to FCS as a teacher. Since that time, Justin has earned a Masters degree in Theology. He lives in Fairview with his wife Emily (FCS class of 2011) and his children, Jane and Rod.

Geoff Smith

Geoff Smith
K–6th Grade Music
Since 2020

Geoff Smith is a prolific music producer and performer. His work includes custom music creation for all forms of media and live musical performance. Geoff has had both TV and commercial placement for his music (heard on the Voice, American Pickers, MTV Awards, and various ads for companies such as Blackberry and GoDaddy.) Geoff is a session musician, playing with artists including Phil Keaggy, Paul McDonald, Gabe Dixon, Sugar, the Hi-Lows, and the Wallflowers. Geoff has currently produced the Original Cast Recording of the musical, Kingdom Come. Geoff is cofounder of the premier dueling piano show Rock and Roll Pianos.

Josh Sperry

Josh Sperry
FCS Alumni
Facilities; Administrative Assistant
Since 2018

Josh Sperry graduated from FCS in 2018 and received our school’s highest honor, The Andy Tant Award, for a life marked by servant leadership. Since that time, Josh has served FCS in a variety of capacities, including proctoring classes when teachers are absent, assisting administrators, and caring for our school facilities. He enjoys jujitsu, reading and journaling, and spending time with family and friends.

Lisa Steurer

Lisa Steurer
3rd Grade Assistant
Since 2023

Lisa Steurer graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from Lipscomb University, leading to a career in Human Resources. Lisa and her husband Ron have three sons, all of whom attend FCS. After five years of volunteering, being a room parent, and occasionally substitute teaching, her love for the FCS family led her to become a classroom assistant. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys cooking, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and trying new restaurants in the area.

JoEllen Thatcher

JoEllen Thatcher
4th Grade Teacher;
Lower Division Art; Yearbook 

Since 2014

JoEllen Thatcher holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Temple University School of Education in Philadelphia. She is a certified elementary teacher in the state of Tennessee and previously taught for 11 years at Hillsboro Elementary Middle School. She eagerly pursues painting and reading as hobbies.

Niki Thiessen
Pre-Algebra; Biology
Since 2009

Niki Thiessen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Southern California. Within a year of graduating, she got married, went into full-time ministry, and had her first child. She and her husband ministered at USC and UCLA for 10 years and were associate pastors of a church for another seven years. During that time she had three more children and began to homeschool. She also was assistant principal and principal of an umbrella school for five years. Her family moved to Franklin, TN, in 2007. Since 2009, Niki has taught middle and high school science and math, both at FCS and in the homeschool community.

Mattie Tichenor

Mattie Tichenor
Dance Company Coach; Assistant to the Principal
FCS Alumna
Since 2023

Mattie Tichenor graduated from FCS in 2018. She then attended Lipscomb University, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Management and a minor in Marketing. In addition to business, Mattie is passionate about discipleship through both education and art. She has an extensive dance background, and now coaches the FCS Dance Company and teaches at a Christian dance studio. Mattie loves spending time with family and friends, studying scripture, and trying out new coffee shops around town. Her life verse is John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Adminstrative Staff

Sherri Chapman

Sherri Chapman
Registrar;
The Comenius School Director

Since 2015

Sherri Chapman graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in applied science. She is a returning FCS faculty member who previously taught English and Latin. She also helped establish the Academy of the Arts at LifePoint Church in Smyrna, Tennessee, and has taught at West Harpeth Christian Tutorial in Franklin.

Nancy Evangelista

Nancy Evangelista
Office Manager
Since 2015

Nancy Evangelista joined our FCS family in February of 2015, fulfilling a need for an administrative assistant. Nancy holds a degree in Elementary Education from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi; however, she has found herself with an eclectic work history comprised of more than 15 years of Office Management experience, including 2 years with a non-profit in Franklin, Tennessee. In the fall of 2015, Nancy took on the role of Office Manager and has been instrumental in the orchestration of daily activities, testing, correspondence with our FCS and TCS families, and in-house bookkeeping.

Anna Floit

Anna Floit
Director of Admissions and Communications
Since 2019

A born and raised Midwesterner, Anna Floit has made Nashville her home since 2009. She received her degree from Hillsdale College in Michigan in the areas of Education, English, and Art. In addition to her role as Director of Admissions and Communications at FCS, Anna owns The Peacock Quill, her wordsmith agency through which she helps authors tell their stories. Anna loves her family, her friends, classic country music, and the Chicago Cubs.

Traci Harlow

Traci Harlow
Athletic Director; Life Sports
Since 2018

Traci, her husband Dave, and four wonderful boys, Ray, TC, Zach, and Kyle, have been a part of the FCS community since 2012. Traci graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, then taught English and coached girls varsity soccer until her first son was born. For the last 18 years, she has homeschooled and worked in the public school system. Her family enjoys Taekwondo and she is a third-degree black belt. She also enjoys playing soccer in a local women’s league.

Brian Hatcher

Brian Hatcher
Administrative Principal
Since 2021

Brian Hatcher comes to FCS after serving in churches for nearly 20 years. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Ministry and a minor in Business Administration with a special interest in biblical Greek. Mr. Hatcher met his wife, Jaclyn, in college and they were married in 1998. They have three boys: Harrison, Hudson, and Hunter. He went on to graduate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Theology, featuring a master’s thesis: Karl Barth and the Nothingness. He served in discipleship and administrative roles in church ministry in Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, and Missouri before coming to Franklin, Tennessee. Mr. Hatcher is passionate about helping people know the Jesus he knows. He enjoys fishing, woodworking, and theology.

Tori Hepp

Tori Hepp
Receptionist
Since 2022

Tori Hepp graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Master of Science and worked for nineteen years as an acute care speech-language pathologist. In 2015 she switched gears and became a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband Craig have two daughters, Grace and Ella. In her free time, Mrs. Hepp enjoys knitting, reading, and hiking.

Melinda Mahand

Melinda Mahand
Academic Dean;
Honors Senior English, Literature,
and Bible
Since 1999

Melinda Mahand graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a triple major in History, English, and Education. She also took multiple hours of post-graduate courses in the field of Religious Education and is certified to teach Secondary Education in Tennessee. She has served as a curriculum and devotional writer, editor, and design specialist for a variety of schools and publishers, including Andrew Jackson University, Zondervan, LifeWay, Campus Crusade, and her own web-based company, OneVine. She is the author of a variety of books for parents and teachers including Love, Laughter, & Learning; ParentProject; Soul Retreats for Teachers; and Soul Retreats for Leaders. She has been recognized in registries such as Who’s Who and Outstanding Women of America for her contributions in the field of education.

Tom Trabue

Tom Trabue
FCS Alumni
Assistant to the Academic Dean
Algebra I & II
Since 2023

Tom Trabue, who considers himself most fortunate to be an FCS alumnus, graduated from Union University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science. After winning a programming competition sponsored by the Association of Computing Machines (ACM) as a college senior, Tom began his software engineering career with IBM in Cleveland, OH. He went on to work for the United States Department of Defense near Baltimore, MD as a network security specialist and application developer. He has worked in fields as diverse as enterprise business applications, genetics research, machine learning, and national defense. A true software craftsman at heart, Tom still develops software for clients as an independent consultant. Tom enjoys reading, hiking, and cooking.

Claire Watson

Claire Watson
TCS/FCS Assistant
Since 2022

Faculty and Staff photos by Ben LaBerge Photography

Employment

For employment opportunities, please send an email and resume to Ms. Melinda Mahand, Academic Dean, at mmahand1@franklinclassical.com.

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