Mandy Brooks

Mandy Brooks is a graduate from University of Texas at Austin, she began her professional career at the independent bookstore, BookPeople, as their Marketing and Events Director. From there she made the leap into the nonprofit world becoming the Managing Director for Mainspring Schools, one of the most highly accredited Early Education Centers in the state. Her experience at the school strengthened her love of learning and understanding about how social/emotional wellness is just as important to child development.  She now serves on the school’s Board of Directors. Most recently she worked as Donor Relations Manager at the United Way for Greater Austin. She is excited to bring her lifelong love learning and organizational skill set to Templeton Academy.

Dr. Laura DeLima

Dr. Laura DeLima is the Director of Deeper Learning and Measurement for Templeton Academy. In this role, she researches and develops academic and social-emotional programming aligned with the schools’ theory of action, as well as, curates innovative ways to measure student, staff, and school outcomes. In addition, she oversees the implementation of programming and training of staff.

 An experienced educational leader with 17 years of experience in the field, she has started two progressive secondary schools, the second of which she led became one of the most successful campuses in the Fusion Academy national network of schools. Dr. DeLima joined Templeton Academy in 2019 as the Head of School in Washington, DC.  She balances deep knowledge in adolescent development, education policy, and pedagogy with exceptional skills in strategic planning, personnel development, operational and financial management, and is committed to using her unique combination of knowledge and skills to developing schools that bring personalized, purpose-driven, project-based and empowering education to young people. Dr. DeLima holds a B.A. from Vassar College, a Masters in Education Policy from the University of Wisconsin, and earned her Doctorate in Education from The George Washington University.

Waleid El-Chaer

Waleid is a Nashville native (or “unicorn,” as he says), pursued a degree in Biochemistry and History, with minors in English and Psychology, at Austin Peay State University to satisfy the need to grow and learn about a broad range of subjects. His continuing education focused on Behavioral Counseling to help those in need looking to help with at-risk teens. With more than six years of front-line experience with social work and working with those most in need in the city of Nashville, Waleid is excited to share these experiences, as well as his passion to help young people succeed, with the Templeton Community. Waleid is also Dungeon Master with 14 years of experience leading Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, as well as the vocalist and bassist for a Nashville-based melodic death metal band. He quotes his father’s advice as the inspiration for why he runs the gamut in his interests: “the only thing no one can take from you is your education from life and school.” Waleid looks forward to getting to know the high school families!

Cannon Joiner

Cannon Joiner is originally from Georgia, but the mountains of North Carolina have his heart. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2016 and thereafter pursued a career in data-driven advertising for 5 years. He’s very excited to meet and motivate high school students to change their relationship with math and find new and intentional ways to use it to change the world around them for the better. He’s the father to a difficult 8-year old pup Barkley, and loves movies.

Travis Batista

Travis Batista graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and a minor in History. He grew up just outside of Nashville in White House, TN. His favorite way to spend my time is with his wife and daughter. He started his career in education through the Nashville Teaching Fellows program during the summer of 2016 and completed a Masters in Arts of Teaching just last summer. In college, he found a love for experiencing new cultures and travel especially through exploring local food. So far, he’s made it to three continents and several countries. Asia and its many dumplings are at the top of my list to explore next. His goal is to bring his travels to the classroom while teaching both Social Studies and ELA. He hopes to inspire his students to experience the world beyond their front doors.

Jessi Goodwin

Jessi Goodwin (she/they) has been making and teaching art in Nashville for 15 years. She holds a BFA in Visual Art from Huntingdon College and a Master of Arts in Art Education from AOE University. Her experience includes drawing and ink illustration, watercolor and acrylic painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, photography, and digital design. Ms. Goodwin divides her time between teaching art and her role as the Fieldwork Coordinator, increasing community partnerships, supporting fieldwork opportunities, and developing Templeton Academy’s student internship program. She believes that the best way to learn is to immerse oneself in real-world experiences and utilizes the city of Nashville as an extension of her classroom.

Natalie Aviles

Natalie Aviles is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Templeton Academy community teaching Spanish to middle and high school Students. As a native Spanish speaker from Colombia, South America, the Spanish language is an integral part of Ms. Aviles’ cultural heritage, and she feels profoundly connected to this beautiful language. Teaching Spanish is more than a profession; it is her fervent passion, and she is eager to share it with our wonderfully diverse student body. Her own educational journey includes a degree in Communications from Lipscomb University and she is currently pursuing a postgraduate program in Social Media Management at Belmont University. Studies show us that learning Spanish during the 5th and 6th grade age offers numerous benefits, including enhanced cognitive skills, improved problem-solving abilities, and heightened creativity, and that bilingualism and multilingualism open doors to a world of opportunities in our interconnected global society. Ms. Aviles is excited about a fantastic school year filled with language, culture, and personal growth that our students will experience as they become confident Spanish speakers and cultural explorers.

Scott Field

Scott Field grew up in central PA, studied history at Swarthmore College, and started teaching math and science in Washington DC. The work resonated with him so he moved to Santa Fe, NM to earn a Master’s in Liberal Arts at St. John’s College. He has been teaching and coaching middle and high school students for 27 years in English and history in Washington, DC, Boston, and Nashville. While working at Currey Ingram, Scott opened the Third Coast Comedy Club. Married, he has two twenty-something children, a rescue dog, two stray cats, and countless microbes. 

Rachel Godfrey

Rachel Godfrey is a Nashville native who decided to return home after attending undergrad at Appalachian State University in the beautiful Boone, NC. As a naturally curious person, she graduated with a degree in communication studies with minors in sociology and interior design. After graduation, Rachel started with Nashville Teacher Residency and taught Math Intervention classes, 7th and 8th grade math, and some Algebra 1 within her first year, and became a Level 5 (amount of student growth 1-5) teacher for 7th grade math in her second year. Because of Rachel’s experience with math in middle and high school and her background of interior design, she has a passion for making math more tangible and real-world applicable. She is excited to be teaching STEM which allows students to see that math and science can come together and change the world for the best! When she is not teaching, Rachel loves to travel anywhere possible and try new restaurants… But on a daily basis, she loves to cook, walk her chocolate lab around Germantown, and listen to podcasts (and play along with Jeopardy, she loves random trivia). Be sure to ask her for any Nashville food recommendations!

Dr. Erica Steakley

Dr. Steakley is a lifelong learner who feels most at home in a lively and innovative school environment like Templeton Academy. Originally from Nashville, Dr. Steakley attended Belmont University for my B.A. and M.A. in English before pursuing my Ph.D. at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Following grad school, she lived and worked in Los Angeles, teaching at both Loyola Marymount University and California State University Northridge, before taking on the role of development and communications director for a private progressive school serving preschool through middle school students. Dr. Steakley returned home to Nashville in 2016 and discovered Templeton in 2019. Dr. Steakley joined first as parent of a Templeton Academy Student, then as Operations Manager, and now as Head of School.

From Dr. Steakley: “I love my job! I find I can be my truest self here, and I love the way Templeton puts students first and challenges them to be partners in their education. I live in Bellevue with my husband Clay, daughter Dot, and our cats, Echo and Tango. I love reading and writing, puzzles and brain games, cats and koalas, anime and mysteries, gummy bears and dark chocolate. I’m a people person, so be sure to say hello when you see me on campus! Bonus points if you have a silly joke to share!”

Caitlin Towers

Caitlin Towers is a lifelong lover of literature and language who teaches English and French and Templeton Academy DC. She received her undergraduate degree at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she double majored in Comparative Literature and Russian Language while also minoring in Education. She received her Masters Degree at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, where she specialized in language education and taught graduate-level French courses. Previous to joining the team at Templeton, she taught and served as an English and Foreign Languages Department Head at a middle and high school in Washington DC. Caitlin seeks to integrate interdisciplinary elements and student interests into her teaching, and encourages all of her students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and their own passions and goals.

Calvin L. Foster

Calvin L. Foster was born in Brooklyn, New York, and became interested in Calculus as a senior in high school. This interest grew to a passion, propelling him to receive his Master’s Degree in Pure Mathematics. Always drawn to tutoring in high school and college, Calvin was hired by his alma mater as an adjunct professor upon his graduation. As the years passed, he found that his passion for math within the classroom drew him to work with elementary, middle, and high school students as well. With profound respect for the pedagogy of the classroom and a true connection to the math courses that he teaches, Calvin strives to facilitate and foster understanding, enthusiasm, and mastery of the math topics he teaches.

Lily Kern

Lily Kern is thrilled to bring her eight years of experience in therapeutic and educational settings to serve students, parents, and staff at Templeton. She received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Catholic University and her Master’s in Special Education from George Mason University. Lily believes in the interconnectedness of socio-emotional well-being and academic success and seeks to create a learning environment where students feel both challenged and supported. When she’s not at school, Lily loves singing classical music and thinking about interior design. 

Rachel Stagner

Rachel Stagner is STEM Coordinator for Templeton Academy-DC and also teaches high school science. Rachel has a B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife Management with a minor in Environmental Studies from Michigan State University and dual Master’s Degrees in Science and Education from Portland State University. Previously, she taught science for over 10 years in Portland, Oregon before moving to DC to serve as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at NASA headquarters during the 2018-2019 school year. She has been teaching at TADC since the 2019-2020 school year and is most proud of having started a STEM Project Development course that has allowed our students to win awards at a national level. She was also recognized as a 2023 Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) finalist in science for DC.

Bobor Jones

Bobor Jones has been at Templeton Academy since 2020, originally hired as a Humanities Teacher leading courses in both history and art. As an avid explorer of museums and historic sites, he is also Templeton DC’s Field Work Coordinator. He began teaching history in the DC area in 2015. He earned his B.A. in History from Colorado College, where he also minored in Studio Art, and obtained a Master’s in History from Georgetown University. Outside of school, he spends his time reading, hiking, traveling, listening to podcasts, and making art.

Nerina Meli

Nerina Meli teaches Math, Science, and Technology at Templeton Academy DC. Originally from New Jersey, Nerina came to Washington, DC to attend the George Washington University. There she majored in Computer Science and minored in Sustainability. Since then, Nerina has been teaching STEM concepts to students all around the DMV area. Her experiences tutoring, leading summer groups, and teaching have led her to fall in love with helping students learn. Nerina’s passion is to explore how math and technology can be integrated into creative projects. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, reading, and crafting

Njeri Nembhard 

Ms. Nembhard is an educator who has a passion for preparing the next generation with the skills they will need to navigate the many issues with which they will have to contend. She believes that creativity, thinking outside the box, and looking at things from as many angles as possible are crucial to effective problem-solving. She is a lifelong learner and always strives to foster positive, inclusive learning and community spaces. Her love for teaching has led to her working successfully with individuals from various cultural backgrounds, skill levels, age groups, and unique learning settings – this particular perspective is the most beautiful part of being an educator. 

Vernon Meidlinger

Vernon Meidlinger teaches Science and STEM courses at Templeton Academy DC. He received his BA in Geology from Augustana College in Illinois and his MA in Teaching from the Richard Gilder Graduate School at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Before working at Templeton Academy, Vernon taught in the New York City public school system. In addition to working to make Science accessible and compelling to Students, Vernon also draws comics and produces music.

Linda duBuclet

Linda duBuclet is the Writing Instructor at Templeton Academy D.C. After a career in journalism that included stints with NBC television, The Washington Post, and Pacifica Radio, Linda went into teaching—what she calls “the family business.” To transition from news to school, Linda earned an M.A. degree in Education and Human Development at George Washington University and became a certified teacher. With more than 30 years of instructional experience, Linda has taught writing on elementary, secondary, and university levels in both the public and private sectors. Linda is dedicated to having students see value in the writing process and gain confidence in their ability to use written communication to influence real-world outcomes.

Becky Claster

As the founding College Counselor at Templeton Academy DC, Becky works with students throughout their high school years on college preparation, the college search, the college application process, and gap year planning. She holds a BA from UC Berkeley, an MA in Secondary Education from Adelphy University, and a Certification in College Counseling from UCLA Extension. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Gap Year Assocation.  In her free time she enjoys reading and running and she loves the beach in all seasons.

Dr. Savanna Rae Starko

Dr. Savanna Rae Starko loves being an educator! She views education as synonymous with connection.  She is a connector of people through shared knowledge.  She earned her B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Physics from Washington and Jefferson College, a small college outside of Pittsburgh, PA, in 2016.  She then went on to earn a Ph.D. in High Energy Physics from Vanderbilt University in the Spring of 2020.  Following graduate school, she began her role as Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences at Vanderbilt.  In this course, her student population primarily consists of students on a premedical track, and Dr. Starko loves the opportunity to teach future doctors not what but how to think.  She is the recipient of the Harriet S. Gilliam Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2022.

During the third year of her Ph.D. program, Dr. Starko became a registered yoga instructor (RYT-200).  She later went on to earn her 300-hour certificate to become a 500-hour registered yoga instructor (RYT-500) in the Fall of 2021.  She teaches yoga at Small World Yoga in Edgehill.  Whether in front of an academic classroom or a room full of yogis, she loves the opportunity to share knowledge.  She believes that knowledge is free, meant to be shared, and inextricably binds all people.  She is passionate about inclusive STEM education and works diligently to create spaces of belonging.  Dr. Starko very much looks forward to contributing to Templeton Academy’s reputation of ensuring that all students are seen, heard, and valued.

Rebecca Moore

Rebecca Moore graduated from UNC Wilmington in 2018, making her way into the mountains and Piedmont of North Carolina where she lived for a couple of years serving at-risk youth. She studied English Lit with a minor in Biology. Highly passionate about restorative practices, Rebecca enjoys a good mediation session and learning others’ perspectives. Rebecca spends her time teaching her beautiful canine, Judy, tricks and looking for snakes with her herpetologist fiance, Myles. She is most excited to be a part of the creative atmosphere of belonging that Templeton Academy exudes.

Tanner Kane

Tanner Kane was born and raised in the mountains of Northern California before relocating to Nashville. He attended Chico State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Science Education and a California Science teaching credential. After teaching middle school science and math for 3 years in Chico, he moved to Nashville with his band to try and play to a bigger audience. However, his love and passion for teaching brought him right back to school. Outside of the classroom, he loves to work with his hands on many different activities, such as DIY building projects, motorcycle and bicycle building and maintenance, graphic and video design, and PLENTY yard work. All of which help to create fun and relevant math and science activities in the classroom! Tanner values math and science skills that help you in the real world, and he hopes that he can pass these skills on to you! On the weekends you can find him riding his motorcycle, playing a show with his band, or working part-time at Shelby Ave Bicycle co. Say hello if you see me!

Shawn Tamborini

Shawn Tamborini holds a BA in Jazz Studies from the University of North Carolina Asheville and an MM in Jazz and Improvisational Music from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has experience teaching students from middle school through college. In addition to his teaching career, Shawn has practical experience in crop production, working on farms that grow berries, salad greens, and herbs. He enjoys playing and recording on the pedal steel guitar, as well as experimenting with different forms of hydroponic gardening.

Kathleen Metzger

Born in Tennessee, Kathleen Metzger spent a large part of her childhood in Georgia before attending university in the Pacific Northwest. She holds a B.S. in Business and Marketing from Oregon State University with a minor in English. Following graduation, she lived and worked in the Portland area before returning to Nashville 10 years ago. 

Starting at an early age, Kathleen began volunteering with organizations focused on food security, shelter security, and animal rescue, on the front lines delivering care and as a board member. She developed and honed her marketing skills through work in technology and service companies, in addition to her volunteer service.

Kathleen fervently believes in the Templeton mission to help Students find their passions and missions while instilling a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. She is excited about the alignment of her own story with the Templeton mission and is so pleased to be part of the team.

A lifelong word nerd and music lover, Kathleen can often be found spending her off-time at a show in town or recharging at home with a good book and a good record on the turntable.

Monica Rizzo

Monica Rizzo, MS.Ed. is credentialed in both English and social studies and has experience teaching high school and middle school. She enjoys guiding students through project based learning and collaborating with colleagues across curriculum. Ms. Rizzo was selected as a Fulbright-Hays honoree by the United States Department of Education in 2018. She is delighted to now be an full time educator at Templeton Academy after 10 years of fulltime teaching in public schools.