Melissa Austin
Fine Arts Dept. Head
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.
Rebekah Bales
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
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
LD Composition and Bible; Logic; Math Lab
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
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
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.
Camille Floyd
Dance Company Coach
Since 2024
Miss Floyd is a graduate of The Comenius School, where she played on FCS athletic teams, and is currently pursuing at B.A., 60 hours of which have been completed at Hillsdale College. She’s a friend of Coach Tichenor and Miss Holland. Coach Tichenor and Miss Floyd both trained in dance at HisTown for 12+ years.
Lindsay Gipe
Fifth Grade
Since 2024
Mrs. Lindsay Gipe graduated from the prestigious Christian school Biola University in La
Mirada, California, earning a B.A with a double major in English and Composition and a
minor in Bible. Mrs. Gipe has had classroom experience at Walnut Grove Elementary
and Heart Christian Academy. She and her husband Tyler have two daughters, Willow
and Penny, who are FCS students. She has a vibrant and passionate heart for discipling God’s children, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to our faculty.
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 Journal, Christianity 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
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
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
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
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.
Mary Hillard
Lead 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
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.
Fourth Grade Assistant
Since 2024
…
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.
Grace LaFave
Sixth Grade
Since 2024
Miss Grace LaFave comes with enthusiastic recommendations from several deeply
committed FCS families. Miss LaFave is a graduate of Samford University, where she earned a double major in English and Secondary Education. While in college, she taught and assisted in several public middle schools. She’s familiar with Classical Christian education and knows Latin. She served as the Literature Editor for the Samford English Department’s academic journal and has worked as the Director of Samford’s Writing Lab and as an editor for academic books by Dr. Timothy Sutton. She’s also been active in the youth ministry at her local church in Birmingham.
Stefani Rose Martin
Lower and Upper Division Theater
Since 2024
Mrs. Stefani Rose Martin is a friend and colleague of Mrs. Austin’s. Mrs. Martin earned a Master of Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama in Acting, and she has an extensive background producing, directing, acting, and singing. She currently works part-time teaching theater for ReNew Academy and will be teaching several classes and producing corresponding plays at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center this
summer.
Bailey Moyer
Physical Science; Health; LD Computers; LD Block Assistant; Study Hall Proctor
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
Honors Sophomore English Block; Study Hall Proctor; General Science
Latin III & IV
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.
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
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
6th Grade Assistant
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
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.
2nd Grade Assistant
Since 2024
Jennifer McVey-Roney graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in English from Lipscomb University. She homeschooled her son for four years, which ignited a passion for helping to make education a beautiful and wonder-filled experience appreciating and learning about God’s creation and His love for us. She taught a homeschool art class for several years through a small enrichment program and also helps teach a pre-k Sunday school class at her church. She lives in Arrington with her husband, Tony, and their son, Kellan, who attends FCS. She is thankful for the opportunity to help create an encouraging environment that fosters a joy for learning and reflects the goodness of God. She enjoys photography, creating art, gardening and spending time outside in the fresh air with her family.
Savannah Scott
Fifth Grade Assistant
Since 2024
Savannah Scott-Harlow is a middle Tennessee native. She has a sweet little puppy named Rhett and loves volunteering at her local church. Savannah graduated from Columbia State Community College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 2022, and is continuing her education at Liberty University Online to receive a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration. Savannah is married to TC Harlow, an FCS alumni, and has been coaching basketball for FCS since 2020, following her thirteen years of playing for a homeschool organization and one year at a small private college.
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
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.
Molly Smith
FCS Alumni
Ninth Grade Bible and Composition; Ensemble
Since 2024
After graduating from FCS in 2020, Miss Molly Smith attended Davidson College, one of America’s most selective colleges, as a QuestBridge Scholar. She earned a B.A. in Classical Languages and Literature, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During her senior year at Davidson, she was a Latin assistant teacher, and she has spent multiple summers teaching children’s visual arts. Miss Smith will also serve at the front desk on Mondays.
Joshua Sperry
FCS Alumni
Facilities; Administrative Assistant; Security Team
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
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
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 in Biology from the University of Southern California. Upon graduation, she and her husband entered full-time ministry and ministered on college campuses and within the church for 13 years. As they began to raise and homeschool their four children, Niki served as assistant principal and principal of an umbrella school for five years. Her family moved to Franklin in 2007, and within two years, Niki began teaching middle and high school science and math at FCS and in the homeschool community. In her spare time, you can catch her playing with her grandsons.
Ashlie West
3rd Grade Assistant
Since 2024
Ashlie West graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology. After starting her career in forensic crime analysis, she later became certified as a cytogenetic technologist and worked in genetics for 15 years. She also has a deep love for animals and is very involved with an animal rescue in Williamson County. Ashlie and her husband have 2 children at FCS and she feels so grateful to be involved in and part of their school.
Administrative Staff
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
Director of Financial Operations
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
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
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.
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
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.
Rick Miller
Interim Administrative Principal
Since 2024
Dr. Rick Miller comes to FCS as Interim Administrative Principal for the 2024–2025 school year. He has taught at the elementary and secondary levels and has served as a principal and school district superintendent throughout his forty-year educational career. Dr. Miller holds four academic degrees: Ph.D; Ed.Sp; M.Ed; and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. In addition, he holds an honorary doctorate. Dr. Miller lives with his wife in College Grove.
Tom Trabue
FCS Alumni
Assistant to the Academic Dean
Algebra I & II; Computer Science
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
Director of The Comenius School
Claire Watson graduated with honors from Troy University with a Bachelor of Science in English and French Secondary Education. After teaching at Independence High School and Centennial High School in Williamson County, she was the Director of Learning at KnowledgePoints Learning Center in Franklin for 10 years, earning the title of National Director of the Year. She also worked in the A&R Department at Sony Music Nashville for 3 years, and at James D. Foster, Attorney at Law in office management for 7 years. She enjoys sunny days in the garden, hiking waterfall trails with her family, hot teas, good coffee, and the rare opportunity to work on a puzzle. Claire has 2 children at Franklin Classical School and feels honored to work with the FCS staff and the homeschoolers enrolled with The Comenius School.
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.