Elementary Faculty

LaNita Bowman  e-mail

Mrs. LaNita holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Freed-Hardeman University.  She spent 3 years with our 3-year-old students, but moved to the computer lab in 2007 to teach elementary computer and freshman keyboarding.  Before teaching at MTCS, she worked with the King's Kids Preschool program at Kingwood Heights Church of Christ.  She and her husband, Mike, served as our Patron's Co-Presidents during the 2004-2005 school year.  They have 3 children and worship with the Minerva Drive Church of Christ.  She says her favorite thing about MTCS is the opportunity to work with great Christian friends.

Alissa Cary  e-mail

Mrs. Cary is our librarian.  She previously taught 1st grade at MTCS, 5th grade at Davidson Academy and 3rd grade in Metro Nashville Public Schools. She was also the Elementary Librarian at Ezell-Harding Christian School and taught Pre-K at King's Kids.  She began teaching in 1990 and has been with MTCS since 2008.  She received her B.S. from Lipscomb University and her M.Ed. from Trevecca Nazarene University.  She and her husband, Randy, are the proud parents of Hallie and David.  They worship with the East Main Church of Christ. 

Linda Cooper  e-mail

Mrs. Cooper graduated from David Lipscomb College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.  In addition, she has taken graduate courses in California and at Middle Tennessee State University.  She has taught at MTCS since 1978 and currently teaches 5th grade.  Prior to joining the MTCS staff, she taught in Nashville, in Plant City, Florida, and in Fairfield, California.  She and her husband, Bill, have 2 grown children who are both MTCS graduates, and are the proud grandparents of three beautiful grandchildren.  They attend Walter Hill Church of Christ, where Bill is Associate Minister and serves as an elder.  When she is not at school or church, she enjoys gardening, reading, and being at home in her log house in Lascassas.  Her favorite thing about MTCS is the family atmosphere.

Valerie DeHoff  e-mail

Mrs. DeHoff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and in English from Lipscomb University and a Master's of Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University.  In addition, she has graduate hours in Music from MTSU and additional studies from the Tennessee Arts Academy.  She has been part of the MTCS family since 1984, and at one time or another has taught General Music and directed the Choruses at all grade levels. Her previous teaching experience includes 9th grade English at Thurman Francis Junior High, private piano studio, and Chorus at Rockvale. She and her husband, George DeHoff, Jr., have 3 sons and are active members of the Minerva Drive Church of Christ.  Mrs. DeHoff states that her favorite thing about MTCS is that it is a Christian school which means she may express her religion freely, and her co-workers are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Mariana Eddy  e-mail

Mrs. Eddy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from David Lipscomb College and her Master's degree from Vanderbilt University.  She has been at MTCS since 1998 and teaches elementary Spanish to our 1st through 6th graders and high school Spanish III and IV.  Prior to joining the MTCS staff, she taught 1 year at Park Gardens Academy in Puerto Rico and taught junior high and high school at Ezell Harding Christian School.  In addition, she taught 1 semester each as an adjunct professor at Travecca Nazarene College and David Lipscomb University.   She and her husband, Nelson, have 3 children (Martina, John and Sawyer) who are all MTCS graduates currently attending Harding University. Mr. and Mrs. Eddy attend the North Boulevard Church of Christ.  Her favorite things about MTCS are the relationships among faculty, staff, administration and student families, and the spiritual potential of the student body.

Mrs. Frazier received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Harding University and her Master of Arts degree in Music Education from MTSU.  She is certified for K-12 music education, with specialization in instrumental music.  Before joining the staff at MTCS in 2007, she taught one year in Bradford, AR.  She currently teaches PK3, TK, and Kindergarten General Music, and directs the 5th-12th grade Bands at MTCS.  Mrs. Frazier plays oboe with the Tennessee Valley Winds Community Band, and serves as Vice President of its Board of Directors.  She is a member of Middle Tenn. School Band and Orchestra Association, Tenn. Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education.  Mrs. Frazier and her husband, Shawn, attend the North Boulevard Church of Christ.

Mr. Frazier received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Harding University and his Master of Arts degree in Conducting from MTSU. He is certified for K-12 music education, specializing in vocal instruction. He has been with MTCS since 2007. Mr. Frazier currently teaches 2nd grade music, 3rd grade music, 4th grade music, JH General Music, JH Chorus, HS Chorus, and assists the 5th and 6th grade bands, elementary chorus, marching band, and pep band. Mr. Frazier also serves as the music director for our elementary and secondary drama productions. He is a co-sponser for the Fine Arts Club and Junior Class. Mr. Frazier and his wife, Katie, attend North Boulevard Church of Christ.

Betty Graham  e-mail

Mrs. Betty graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1982.  She has taken a graduate class in corrective reading at Middle TN State University as well as an "Introduction to Computers" class.  She has been at MTCS since 1990, teaching 2nd grade for 5 years and kindergarten for 10 years at our Smyrna campus.  She has been teaching kindergarten at the Murfreesboro campus since 2005.  Prior to joining our staff, she taught for 5 years at Mars Hill Bible School and helped start the first preschool program there.  She and her husband, Robert, have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.  They worship with the Smyrna Church of Christ.  "My favorite thing about MTCS is the Christian environment and the opportunity to teach the Bible to kindergarten students."

Mary Hibdon  e-mail

Mrs. Hibdon holds a  Master's degree in Physical Education from Middle Tennessee State University.  She has been at MTCS since 1992 and has taught Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Skill Enhancement Math.  She is currently teaching PK-6th Physical Education and Junior High Girls PE and is the class trips coordinator. Before joining the MTCS staff, she taught at Smyrna High School.  She and her husband, Dan, have two grown daughters and have attended the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ for many years.  She enjoys photography, traveling, and celebrating her students' birthdays.  When asked about MTCS, she responded, "My favorite things about MTCS are the faculty, students, and parents.  It's family!  We're caring, loving, and sincere.  I enjoy the smiles and hugs I receive everyday!"

Jennifer Hopkins  e-mail

Mrs. Hopkins received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from MTSU in 1995.  She earned her Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2000.  After teaching 1st grade for 5 years at Barfield and Christiana, she came to MTCS in 2005 as one of our kindergarten teachers.  Mrs. Hopkins, her husband Thomas, and their young daughter attend Kingwood Heights church of Christ.  "My favorite thing about MTCS is the Christian environment and being able to pray at school!  It starts the day off great!"

Cheryl Jennings  e-mail

Mrs. Jennings received her Bachelor of Science degree from Freed-Hardeman University in 1982.  She has graduate credit hours at the University of Central Arkansas and Middle Tennessee State University.  She has been at MTCS since 1999 and currently teaches 1st grade.  Her previous teaching experience includes Memphis City Schools, West Helena Public Schools, Little Rock Schools, and Berean Christian Academy.  She has taught preschool, Kindergarten, and 1st through 4th grades.  She and her husband, Stan, have 2 children and attend Smyrna Church of Christ.  Mrs. Jennings' favorite thing about MTCS is the Christian family atmosphere.

Mary Jernigan  e-mail

Mrs. Jernigan graduated from Lipscomb University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She then went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix. She student taught at MTCS and has been a member of our faculty since 2007. She received her Master’s degree and teacher’s license in December 2006. She and her husband, Phillip, have two beautiful daughters and are currently members of the Walter Hill Church of Christ. "My favorite thing about MTCS is the positive atmosphere and working with the best faculty and staff on the planet!"

Vicki Kennedy  e-mail

Mrs. Kennedy graduated from Pembroke University in North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  She went on to receive her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from City University in Washington.  She has been with MTCS since 1995 and currently teaches 2nd grade.  She also taught 1st grade here for many years. Before joining the MTCS staff, she taught 1st and 2nd grade in North Carolina and Washington State.  She and her husband, Tony, have a grandson and 2 beautiful daughters, who are both MTCS graduates.  They attend the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ.  "My favorite thing about working at MTCS is, of course, being able to share my faith with students.  I also enjoy the lasting friendships I am able to develop with my students and their parents."

Donna Lykins  e-mail

Mrs. Lykins received her Bachelor of Science degree from David Lipscomb University. She taught second grade for three years at Brown’s Lane Christian School in Louisville, KY. She has been at MTCS since 1991.  At MTCS, she has taught second grade, Kindergarten,  PK-4, and currently loves teaching TK.  She and her husband, Steve, are the parents of two sons, Martin and Andrew, who are both MTCS graduates. Now she also has two daughters-in-law, Erica and Merett.  She and her husband attend Milton Church of Christ.  They live on a farm in Readyville.  Her favorite thing about teaching at MTCS is teaching Bible and watching these sweet children grow-up into caring, loving adults. 

Melaine Melton  e-mail

Mrs. Melton received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Judson College in Elgin, Illinois.  She received her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University in August 2009.  She has been at MTCS since 2002.  She and her husband, Brian, have 3 children and attend Minerva Drive Church of Christ.  "My favorite thing about MTCS is that everyone treats my children as if they were their very own."

Kelley Mullins  e-mail

Mrs. Mullins is an alumnus of MTCS and received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Harding University.  She is certified for 1st-6th grades and middle school Social Studies.  She began teaching at MTCS straight out of college, and has been teaching  5th grade at MTCS since 2001.  She is the sponsor of our Diamonds in the Rough and 330 service clubs and currently teaches the subjects of Reading, English, Spelling, and Social Studies.  Mrs. Mullins and her husband, Chuck, attend Kingwood Heights Church of Christ.

Kathy Oxley  e-mail

Mrs. Oxley graduated from Middle Tennessee State in 1996 with an education degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.  She taught for six years at Smyrna Elementary before her children were born, teaching both 2nd grade and kindergarten.  Prior to joining the faculty at MTCS full-time in 2009 as 3rd grade teacher, she held two different interim positions at MTCS, both in 2nd grade.  She and her husband, Jimmy, have two precious sons, Jackson and Max.  They attend Florence Church of Christ, where Jimmy serves as a deacon.  "I feel so privileged to be a part of Middle Tennessee Christian School!  The best part about teaching here is the family atmosphere and sense of unity among the students, parents, teachers, and staff."

Michael Pruitt  e-mail

Mr. Pruitt is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  He teaches 4th grade Bible, Science, and Math and has been at MTCS since 2004.  He previously taught for 16 years in the Lebanon School District.  Mr. Pruitt and his wife, Erin, have 2 beautiful daughters.  The Pruitt family worships with the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ.  The opportunity to pray at anytime with his students is one of Mr. Pruitt's favorite things about MTCS.

Amanda Resha  e-mail

Mrs. Resha received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from MTSU in 1999.  She taught 5th and 6th grades in Davidson County for three years and most recently taught Pre-k at Kings Kids' for two years. She currently teaches 6th grade at MTCS.  She and her husband, Rick have two daughters, Lily and Emma Kate, who also attend MTCS. The Resha family worships at Walter Hill Church of Christ.  "I love MTCS!!! I love praying with my 6th graders everyday and seeing God shine through them."

Mrs. Richardson graduated from MTSU with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education minor, and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She taught at the Murfreesboro Montessori School and substituted in the Rutherford County System for 4 years prior to coming to MTCS in 1994.  She taught 4th grade for two years and 3rd grade for two years before having her daughter, Shelby, and becoming a stay-at-home mom. Upon returning to MTCS in 2005, she taught 6th grade Math, Science, and English for one year and now teaches 3rd grade.  She and her husband, Paul, also have a son, Jacob.  She is the coordinator of the following programs: Terracycle, Cartridge World Recycling Program, Pepsi's Dream Machine Recycle Rally Program, and the recycling of all forms of paper.  She is always looking for volunteers to help with these programs.   She and her family attend Walter Hill Church of Christ.  "I love MTCS because of the atmosphere of family among the staff and students. Having been in the public school system, I can see that we are truly blessed in all ways."

Teresa Richardson  e-mail

Mrs. Richardson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from David Lipscomb University with certification in 1st-8th grades.  She has earned 23 additional graduate hours from Middle Tennessee State University along with K-3rd certification and holds a Texas teaching certificate.  She has been at MTCS since 1992 and currently teaches 1st grade, but has also taught Kindergarten and 3rd grade.  Before coming to MTCS, she taught at Calvary Baptist School in Savannah, Georgia, and  in the Metro Nashville school district.  Mrs. Richardson and her husband, Bobby, lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia before coming home to Tennessee.  Bobby was a minister their entire married life, but passed away in 2003.  They are the parents of 4 grown children and 7 beautiful grandchildren.  Mrs. Richardson attends North Boulevard Church of Christ.  She states that her favorite things about MTCS are the Christian family, their love and support, and the opportunity she has to share her faith with the children.

Joyce Rucker  e-mail

Dr. Rucker received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Lipscomb University.  She received her Master's of Education degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University and her Doctorate in Early Childhood Education from Vanderbilt University.  In addition, she has completed a post graduate course in Reading in the Content Areas.  She has been a part of our MTCS family since 2004, and we feel very fortunate to have her as one of our 6th grade teachers.  Prior to joining the MTCS faculty, she taught at Otter Creek Preschool and Kindergarten, Williamson County Schools, and Lipscomb University.  She has taught all subjects at the elementary level as well as Education and Bible courses (undergraduate and graduate) at the university level.   She and her husband, Ed, have 2 grown children and 6 beautiful grandchildren.  They are members of the Otter Creek Church of Christ.  She says that her favorite thing about MTCS is definitely her students.

Mrs. Melanie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in May 2007 from Freed-Hardeman University. She began teaching at MTCS in 2007 teaching Transitional Kindergarten and currently teaches Kindergarten. She and her husband worship at Walter Hill Church of Christ. "My favorite things about MTCS are the positive teaching environment, her students, and the Christian atmosphere."

Jennifer Vice  e-mail

Mrs. Vice received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication/Public Relations from Harding University in 1990.  She added a Master's of Education degree in 1994 from Harding as well.  She has been our Learning Enrichment Coordinator since 1997, working specifically with our gifted and talented kids and our students with special needs.  Prior to joining the staff at MTCS, she taught 2 years in Searcy, AR, and 1 year in Columbia, TN.  Mrs. Vice attends Auburntown Church of Christ with her husband, Mike, and her step-children, Lauren and David.  She says her favorite thing about teaching at MTCS is the freedom to integrate her faith into her teaching.

John Webb  e-mail

Mr. Webb received his Bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University.  He has been at MTCS since 2006 and teaches 6^th grade math, science, and English.  He also coaches one of our elementary football teams.  He lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his wife Mary, and their two children.  The Webb family attends Minerva Drive Church of Christ.  We feel very fortunate that Mr. Webb has joined our MTCS family.

Mary Webb  e-mail

Mrs. Webb attended David Lipscomb University, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.  She has been at Middle Tennessee Christian since 2007, but has taught since 1997.  Mrs. Webb and her family attend Minerva Drive Church of Christ.  She has been blessed with 2 wonderful children.  Her husband, John Webb, also teaches at MTCS.  We are blessed to have the Webbs on our faculty.

Christi Welker  e-mail

Mrs. Welker holds a bachelor of human science degree in interior design. She currently teaches Elementary Art to our TK through 6th graders. She began with the preschool department at MTCS in 2006 and taught for 8 years at King's Kids preschool. She and her husband Darren served as our Patrons Co-Presidents during the 2005-2006 school year and have 2 daughters attending MTCS. The Welker family attends Walter Hill Church of Christ. Mrs. Welker says, "It's a blessing to have my children walk the same halls I did many years ago and to know they are encouraged each day to integrate God into all that they do! I can't envision them anywhere else. I am so glad I can be here with them, being a part of their education."

Barbara Willhite  e-mail

Mrs. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education PreK–8 from Lipscomb University.  She has been at MTCS since 1990, taking a few years off to have children.  She has taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, and 4-year-olds and now works with our Transitional Kindergarten students.  Prior to joining the MTCS faculty, she worked for 2 years at Nashville Christian School, where she taught Junior High English, Math, and girl’s Bible and  coached middle school basketball and cheerleading.  In addition, she taught 6th grade at Friendship Christian School for 3 years.  She and her husband, Edwin, have 3 children who all attend MTCS.  They are very active members at the North Blvd. Church of Christ where Edwin is a deacon.  She enjoys spending free time at the lake with her family.  Her favorite thing about MTCS is being a part of a Christian faculty.  "MTCS is a place I can take my 3 children to school with me every day, and they can see Jesus living in the lives of their teachers."

Marvene Woodruff  e-mail

Mrs. Woodruff received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Business from David Lipscomb University in 1981. She received her Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership in August of 2008. She currently teaches 6th Grade Computer, Computer Applications, 7th and 8th Grade Keyboarding, Technology Review, and is the Advisor for the Visions Yearbook. She has been at MTCS since 2000, and has 12 years experience as a Systems Analyst with the Tennessee Farm Bureau and Textron Aerostructures. She and her husband, Carter, along with their 2 daughters, are active members at the Fosterville Church of Christ, where Mr. Woodruff teaches the teenage Bible class, and Mrs. Woodruff teaches cradle roll. When speaking of MTCS, she says she loves the Christian environment, singing in chapel, and especially the students

Carolyn Wooldridge  e-mail

Mrs. Wooldridge received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History from David Lipscomb College.  She has been at MTCS since 1980, and is well loved by the phenomenal number of 3rd graders who have had the privilege of being her students.  Mrs. Wooldridge  has taught third grade for most of her teaching career, but has also taught 1st, 4th, and served as a migrant-tutorial teacher/supervisor.  Prior to coming to MTCS, she taught 10 years in Nashville and Polk County, FL.  She met her husband, Bill, at David Lipscomb, and they have been married since 1965.  They have 3 children who all graduated from MTCS and are especially blessed with 6 grandchildren.  Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge attend the Rockvale Church of Christ where Bill served as elder for many years.  She says that her favorite things about MTCS are the wonderful children and parents that she has had the privilege to work with, and the great administrators and co-workers she has had throughout the years.

Middle Tennessee Christian School
100 E. MTCS Road * Murfreesboro, TN  37129 * (615) 893-0601 * (615) 895-8815 fax

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