High School Faculty and Staff
Kent Austell tkaustell@briarcrest.com
Bible Teacher/Track Coach
Kent Austell serves as Director of Student Ministries, Bible teacher, and Head Boys Varsity Track Coach. Kent recently celebrated his one year anniversary with his beautiful bride, Jenni Austell. A graduate of Briarcrest himself, Kent attended the University of Arkansas where received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology as well as a Master's in Business Administration. During his time at the University of Arkansas, he competed on the track and field team. Kent's favorite verse is Psalm 27:4 "One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life." His desire and passion is that students come to know the Lord in deeper ways and that they too can say this verse with all their heart.
Marilyn Beasley mjbeasley@briarcrest.com
Biology Teacher
Marilyn Beasley is married to Robbie Beasley and has two married sons, Hunter and Gavin, who are Briarcrest graduates. She has proudly been a Saint for 25 years and has been a middle school cheerleader sponsor, a pom sponsor, and was instrumental in starting the Briarcrest Science National Honor Society. She is an honors graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where she majored in biology and minored in chemistry. Mrs. Beasley is a member of Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch. Her favorite past-time involves any activity with her Jack Russell terriers.
Cammie Bennett Clbennett@briarcrest.com
Chemistry Teacher
Cammie Bennett comes to Briarcrest having taught for 16 years. She is genuinely excited about the opportunity to share with students the wonders and intricacies of God’s creation each day in the classroom. Cammie is a native of St. Louis and graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is married to Phil, and they have three sons who will all be attending Briarcrest. Cammie and her family attend Hope Presbyterian Church.
Phil Bennett prbennett@briarcrest.com
History Teacher/Track Coach
Phil Bennett has been teaching history for 25 years and coached basketball for 20+ years. He grew up in New Orleans and is a graduate of LSU. He and his wife, Cammie, who is also a teacher, have three sons. He and his family attend Hope Presbyterian Church.
Sarah Bostick Shbostick@briarcrest.com
English Teacher
Briarcrest Christian School is exactly where Sarah feels that God wants her to be. She loves teaching and especially loves her students. Growing up in Memphis, she left in 1968 to attend Trevecca University and afterwards taught in Alabama, California, and Nashville, TN. Sarah has three sons and five grandchildren whom she adores. In 2007 she became a part of the Briarcrest family and considers it a privilege to work with her students.
Keli Brand kabrand@briarcrest.com
Math Teacher
Keli Brand was born in raised in the South, living in Georgia, Mississippi, and now Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Tennessee summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Secondary Education. After graduating from undergraduate school, she married Josiah Brand, a Briarcrest alum in 2009. They currently attend Fellowship Church in Knoxville, TN, but upon moving to Memphis will be looking for a new church family. She is so thankful that God has placed her at Briarcrest and is excited to be teaching this upcoming year.
Cathy Bronars ctbronars@briarcrest.com
Math Teacher
Cathy came to Briarcrest in 1999 and currently teaches math and serves as the Math Department Chair and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She has a B. S. in Computer Science, Secondary Math Certification from East Carolina University, and her Masters of Education from Union University. She has worked in the private sector as a Software Systems Analyst. Cathy began teaching in the Department of Defense schools as an elementary computer science teacher. More recently, Cathy taught both middle school and high school math. Cathy has taught in both the public system and private systems in three states and in the U.S. schools in Japan.
Darlene Buckner dsbuckner@briarcrest.com
Anatomy Teacher
Mrs. Buckner has been with the Science Department of the Briarcrest Family since 1985. She taught Science in the Middle School for 13 years before transferring to the High School to teach Biology. Currently she teaches Anatomy and Physiology and is the sponsor of the Medical Professions Club. Mrs. Buckner is also a sponsor for the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. She graduated from the University of Mississippi and has continued to add to her credentials while attending the University of Memphis.
Lisa Cannon lwcannon@briarcrest.com
Secretary - Attendance Office
Lisa Cannon is serving her eleventh year as secretary to the Vice Principal and Dean of Students at Briarcrest Christian High School. She also serves as the attendance secretary to the high school. Because Lisa is a Briarcrest graduate (class of 1975), she considers it a special honor to serve the students and families of the school. Lisa is married to Gary Cannon and they have 3 children, 2 of which are married, and 5 grandchildren. Her hobbies include walking, reading and spending time with her family.
Lisa’s favorite Bible verse is I John 5:14-15: “For this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we have the petition we ask of Him.”
Catherine Childs ccchilds@briarcrest.com
Spanish Teacher
Catherine Childs is the High School Spanish 1 teacher. A proud Briarcrest graduate, Catherine has a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language from Lambuth University and a Master of Arts in Romance Languages from the University of Memphis. She has a passion for learning about other languages and cultures, and loves traveling the globe. After studying several languages, she enjoys helping her students find excitement in gaining the knowledge to communicate with all of God’s children across the world.
Bill Doss wcdoss@briarcrest.com
Bible Teacher/Coach
Bill Doss-Married to wife Jenny (37 years) with 2 grown children --Derek and Emily. Derek is married and has two children….Marley and Frank. They live in Birmingham. I graduated from Messick HS in Memphis and attended U of Memphis . I received a BBA and MED from Memphis. I have 14 years teaching experience and 25 years of administrative experience. I have coached football, boys track, and girls track for a total of 32 years. My wife and I attend Grace Evangelical Church. I also served as the high school youth director at Central Church in Memphis for 4 years. My hobbies are fly fishing and watching all kinds of sports.
Betsy Ellis beellis@briarcrest.com
School Nurse - High School
Betsy Ellis has been a part of the Briarcrest family for over 8 years and is currently the school nurse for the High School Campus. With over 25 years experience in nursing, she enjoys working in the BCS System to support student learning and help promote a healthier environment for students and faculty. She and her husband, Wes, are blessed with two children, Tyler (Class of ’10) and Kellie (Class of ’12). They are members of Germantown Baptist Church. Betsy’s life verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jenna Fergus jafergus@briarcrest.com
Art Teacher
Jenna Fergus has enjoyed teaching at Briarcrest Christian School since 1999. She graduated magna cum laude from The University of Memphis in 1999 with a BFA in art education. She is currently working toward her Master's of Arts degree from Memphis College of Art. Painting and drawing are her media of choice for making art. However, art thinking, problem solving and visual observation are the focuses of her teaching from Art 1 to Advanced Placement. She and Mike have been married since 1979 and have 2 children with growing families.
JD Frizzell jdfrizzell@briarcrest.com
Director of Fine Arts/Teacher
J.D. Frizzell, a composer, conductor, and baritone, is the Director of Vocal Music at Briarcrest. He earned the double Master's in Music Theory/Composition and Conducting from The University of Southern Mississippi, where he also earned the bachelor's degree in Music History and Literature. His responsibilities at Briarcrest include teaching the Concert Choir, Honors Chamber Singers, OneVoice, AP Music Theory, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, private voice and piano, and directing the praise band. J.D., winner of the 2007 Intégrales Composition Contest, writes music for choir, orchestra, symphonic band, voice, handbells, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. His handbell music is currently available through Red River Music, AGEHR, Choristers Guild, and Ring-Press, and his choral music is available through Sapience Music Publishing.
Jennifer Graves jagraves@briarcrest.com
High School Guidance Counselor
Jennifer Graves grew up in Middle Tennessee and graduated from Goodlettsville High School. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989 from Union University. She went on to earn her Masters from The University of Memphis in 2001. Jennifer spent the first 12 years of her career at BCS as director of the Educational Support Services program, which assists students with ADHD and other learning disabilities.
While at Union, Jennifer met and married Jimmy. They have two children – Joshua (’11) and Elizabeth (’14). They currently reside in Collierville, Tennessee, and are members of Crossroads Baptist Church. Jennifer’s favorite words come from the hymn Amazing Grace, “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”
Kathy Hammond Kbhammond@briarcrest.com
Math Teacher
Kathy Hammond graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and later from Auburn University – Montgomery with a Master’s of Liberal Arts with concentration in English Literature. She has taught math at two area schools previously. In addition to supporting Alan in his calling as a surgeon, her great joys are their sons, William, a college student, John, a Briarcrest sophomore, and Christian, a Briarcrest eighth grader. Kathy sings in the Chancel Choir and in the Laudis Domini ensemble at Second Presbyterian Church. She is grateful for the gifts of life and grace in Christ.
Len Hamner ldhamner@briarcrest.com
History Teacher
Len Hamner has been with Briarcrest since its inception in 1973. She earned a Master of Arts degree in History from the University of Memphis and has been a Reader for the Advanced Placement United States History exam since 2008. She also serves as adjunct faculty for Union University and Belhaven University. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she sponsors the Knowledge Bowl team and is the Social Studies Department Chair. While a visit to her room indicates an interest in travel, photography and reading, few are aware of her hobby of restoring and rebuilding antique furniture. She is a member of Trinity Baptist Church where she is an active member in the sanctuary choir.
Alice Hanks amhanks@briarcrest.com
ESS Coordinator
Alice Hanks joined the staff at Briarcrest Christian School in 2005 after teaching
23 years in Texas and one year in Shelby County. She is currently serving as Director of ESS at the High School. Graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1981, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Certification in Special Education. Along with her husband, Barry, a lieutenant for the Memphis Police Department, they share four children - Paige and Austin Benoy, Barrett and Brayden Hanks. Paige is an elementary teacher and their three boys attend Briarcrest. She is a member of Bellevue Baptist Church. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Annette Hardcastle aehardcastle@briarcrest.com
Math Teacher
Annette Hardcastle is the wife of Briarcrest graduate, Kelly Hardcastle. She has two children. Terra is a Senior at the University of Arkansas and Parker is a Briarcrest 11th grader. Annette is in her 15th non-consecutive year at Briarcrest Christian School. She is currently teaching Honors Algebra II and Precalculus and is the Mu Alpha Theta sponsor. Annette and her family are members of Covenant Baptist Church.
John Harrington jlharrington@briarcrest.com
Vice Principal/Basketball Coach
Coach John Harrington is beginning his 9th year at Briarcrest Christian School after 18 successful years at Bartlett High School. At Briarcrest, John serves as the High School Assistant Principal, Middle School Assistant Principal and Varsity Boys’ basketball coach. In his 8 seasons at Briarcrest, Coach Harrington has led the boys’ basketball teams to 7 state tournament appearances, five region championship games and 3 sub-state championships. Coach Harrington also helped lead the Saints to a TSSAA State Tournament Runner-Up in 2005 and the school’s first boys State Championship in 2008.
Coach Harrington is a graduate of First Assembly Christian School and attended Dyersburg State before earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Memphis. He has been married to the former Heather McCommon (BCS ’87) for 17 years and they two sons. Trey (BCS ’17) and Tyler (BCS “20) attend school at the Houston Levee campus.
Hanley Hasseltine hehasseltine@briarcrest.com
Math Teacher/Cross Country Coach
Hanley Hasseltine is a math and science teacher at the High School Campus. He has been a part of the Briarcrest family since 2001 as a teacher and coach. He currently teaches AP Calculus, Precalculus, and standard and Honors Physics and is the head coach for both the Cross Country and Tennis teams. Hanley is married to Cameron Hasseltine, who teaches Junior Kindergarten at the East Memphis Campus. They have two daughters who attend the Houston Levee Campus, Hayes (’21) and Hastings (’24). Hanley and his family attend Redeemer Presbyterian Church. His favorite bible passage comes from Isaiah 6, where God commissions Isaiah, and Isaiah responds with an emphatic, “Here am I. Send me!”
Eldon Holliday ceholliday@briarcrest.com
English Teacher
A 2007 graduate of Lambuth University, Chip Holliday has been working at Briarcrest since spring 2009. Aside from teaching 10th and 11th grade standard English, he is also the Key Club sponsor and lends some assistance to the Band when available. He completed his M.A. Ed in 2009 from Union University.
David Hollowell dahollowell@briarcrest.com
History Teacher/Wrestling Coach
David Hollowell is looking forward to returning to his roots as teacher/wrestling coach after retiring from education as a school administrator. Government and History are both a passion and a job. He enjoys hiking, where are the mountains, yard work working out and an avid reader. He and his wife have 3 grown daughters. One of his favorite Bible verses is from Isaiah 5:8 Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I: send me.
Laura Hoover lmhoover@briarcrest.com
PE/Health Teacher-Basketball Coach
Laura Hoover joined the Briarcrest faculty in 2005. She earned a BS degree in Sports Medicine/Exercise Science from Union University in May of 2005. Laura played basketball for both Briarcrest and Union University. She recently married Matt in May of 2008. Laura teaches girls PE/Health at both the middle school and high school. She is the assistant coach for the girls basketball team.
Emarie Irvine Ecirvine@briarcrest.com
Spanish Teacher
Emarie Irvine is excited to be teaching Spanish II at Briarcrest! She is a Memphis native, but since graduating from ECS, has lived in Knoxville, Spain, and most recently, Nashville. She has a B.A. in Hispanic Studies from the University of Tennessee and a Master's of Education from MTSU. She greatly enjoys farmers markets, food trucks, afternoons in the park, coffee shops, train rides, visiting Peal de Becerro (Spain), summer camp, and cooking. Her bucket list currently includes: sky-diving, learning Italian, climbing a mountain, becoming a better wakeboarder, and visiting both Antarctica and Australia. Her favorite hymn is "Jesus, I Come."
Carley Jackson cmjackson@briarcrest.com
College Counselor
Carley Jackson is the College Counselor at the High School Campus. Carley has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University and has spent the last 11 years working in college admissions and high school college counseling. Carley has two sons who attend the Houston Levee campus, Brady ('23) and Chase ('25). Carley and her family attend First Evangelical Church.
Lorraine Jones loajones@briarcrest.com
Science Teacher
Dr. Jones was born in Southern California and moved to Memphis to complete her Bachelors of Arts, Masters of Science and Doctorate of Education at Memphis State University/University of Memphis. Dr. Jones has been a teacher and an administrator for over 30 years. During her teaching career she has taught physics, math, computer and history in both private and public schools. Dr. Jones was the 6-12 Science Supervisor for Shelby County Schools for nine years and served as Vice-Principal for four years. She taught physics, physical science and education courses at Crichton College before returning to her first love, teaching high school students.
Macki Lavender mjlavender@briarcrest.com
ESS Teacher
Macki Lavender, a graduate of Delta State University, also attended North Florida University and the University of Mississippi to attain a second degree. She has taught in Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee where she gained teaching experiences in grades one through twelve. Mrs. Lavender has been at Briarcrest Christian High School for seven years.
Sandra Longworth smlongworth@briarcrest.com
English Teacher
Sandra Longworth loves teaching high school English and being the yearbook sponsor. She is married to John, and they have two children both of whom attended Briarcrest. She is an active member of Germantown Baptist Church and teaches Sunday school. She enjoys going to the movies with her husband and reading lots of books during summer vacation. Her life verse is Colossians 3:23: “ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men.”
Melanie Morton mwmorton@briarcrest.com
Spanish Teacher
Melanie is a native Memphian and attended Evangelical Christian School. She has a BA in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Teaching from The University of Memphis. She is currently working on her doctorate with Walden University and studying second language acquisition methods. Melanie lived and studied abroad in Spain during college and graduate school and speaks fluent Spanish. She also studied and traveled abroad in Israel and China and speaks intermediate Hebrew and basic Chinese. Melanie is married to Briarcrest alumnus Benjamin Morton, and they have two little boys Nathan, 4 and Ethan, 2. Melanie is honored to be able to use her language skills to the glory of God. Her favorite passage of scripture is Romans 12:9-21.
Mark Nabors mcnabors@briarcrest.com
English Teacher/Football Coach
Mark Nabors currently teaches English 12 and English 12 Honors. In addition to teaching, he serves as chairperson of the English department, sponsor of the Student Government Association, an assistant coach for the varsity football team, and is the Wordsmith Sponsor.
Prior to coming to Briarcrest, he was an English teacher and coach with the Memphis City Schools for eight years. Coach Nabors graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1996, gained his teaching license from the University of Memphis in 1999, and earned his Masters in Literature in 2010. Along with his wife, Elisa, and his son, Patton, he attends Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Angel Neal arneal@briarcrest.com
English Teacher
Angel Neal joined the faculty at Briarcrest Christian High School in 2000, took three years off to stay home with her children, and returned in 2005. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Memphis and has taught 8th-12th grade English, Algebra II, Geometry, and Spanish I since she began teaching in 1998. She and her husband, Clay, live in Olive Branch, MS with their three children and are members of Longview Heights Baptist Church. All three of their children; Bethany (class of 2014), Cooper (class of 2019), and Julianne (class of 2021); attend Briarcrest. A few of her favorite passages are Ephesians 4:29, 1 Corinthians 15:33, and Romans 8:28.
Laura Nichols lcnichols@briarcrest.com
Computer Teacher
Laura Nichols has taught in the Business Technology Department since the fall of 1998. She teaches Personal Finance I and II, Keyboarding, Business Applications and Business Information Technology and is Department Chair. Outside of class, she is the Spirit Coordinator – which includes overseeing the middle school and varsity cheer squads and the varsity pom squad – is Varsity Cheer Sponsor and can usually be found on the sidelines supporting the Saints. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to minister to girls in the spirit program here at Briarcrest. Her favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9 “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up."
Richard Orr rjorr@briarcrest.com
History Teacher/Soccer Coach
Coach Orr has been a Memphis resident since 1963. He is a graduate of White Station (1972) and Memphis State University (1977). He has taught at PDS, ECS, and St. Mary’s, and has been at Briarcrest for 17 years. He has been married to Kathy for 32 years and has two children. He is a member of First Evangelical Church. He presently is the assistant coach for both boy’s and girl’s soccer.
Liz Parsons
Vocal Music Assistant Director and Assistant to the Fine Arts Director
Elizabeth Parsons serves as the Vocal Music Assistant Director and the Assistant to the Fine Arts Director. Liz received her Bachelor's degree in piano performance from the University of Memphis. After graduating in 2002, Liz then served as the staff accompanist for the choral department at the University of Memphis until 2012. She has a strong background in collaborative piano and has accompanied many vocalists and instrumentalists in various performances on the collegiate level and also professional level, as well as accompanying numerous choirs throughout the city. Currently, Liz is the accompanist for the Memphis Symphony Chorus, playing for all rehearsals and assisting in leading rehearsals.
Prior to coming to Briarcrest, Liz served for eight years as the Director of Worship and Liturgy at All Saints Presbyterian Church, in midtown Memphis. She crafted the liturgy for each Sunday, as well as working with talented musicians from the congregation to lead God’s people in worship each week.
In addition to her responsibilities with the choirs at Briarcrest, Liz teaches private lessons through the conservatory. As a collaborative pianist and teacher, Liz’s passion is accompanying and enabling other musicians to make music to the best of his/her ability.
Michael Parsons mlparsons@briarcrest.com
Band Teacher
Michael Parsons serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Briarcrest Christian School. His responsibilities involve overseeing all instrumental music programs at Briarcrest Christian School. Mr. Parsons directs the Briarcrest Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, the Briarcrest Marching Band, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Middle and High School Praise/ Worship Bands, and one of Briarcrest’s premier commercial music ensembles, “SoundScape”. Michael holds a Masters of Music Degree in orchestral conducting along with a Bachelor's of Music degree in percussion performance, both from the University of Memphis. In addition toclassical music, Michael has had a very active career in commercial music, performing with artist such as Keith Urban, Booker T and the M.G’s, and with the national/ international touring band, Sound Fuzion.
Michael has performed in China, Germany, Venezuela, Scotland and throughout the United States, including a performance at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York. Michael has been an instrumental music teacher for 10 years and has most recently been selected as one of “Memphis’ Finest Young Professionals” by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Memphis and VIP Magazine.
Jeanie Parvin jnparvin@briarcrest.com
High School Librarian
Jeanie N. Parvin, is the librarian at the High School. She has a B.S. in English Education from Florida State University. She has a Gifted Education Endorsement from Middle Tennessee State and a Library Endorsement from Union University. She is originally from Amelia Island, Florida and has taught school previously in Panama City, Florida and in Milan, TN. She is married to Skip Parvin, the Minister of Senior Adults at Bellevue. They have two grown children and 3 grandchildren with another on the way.
Carly Powers jcpowers@briarcrest.com
HS Athletic Director
Carly was born in Memphis, Tn. He graduated from Messick High School in 1972 and then attended The University of Southern Mississippi where he received a BS degree in Administration. He is married to Angie Powers and they have three sons, Preston (2006), Taylor (2008), and Conner. Carly has been at Briarcrest for 20 years where he has taught and coached football, track, and freshmen basketball. He is now serving as the Athletic Director for the High School.
Donna Regel dkregel@briarcrest.com
Secretary - Athletics Office
Donna Regel is serving her sixteenth year as an administrative assistant in the athletic department at Briarcrest Christian High School. For the first three years she was the administrative assistant to the Vice Principal and Athletic Director for grades 7-12. It is her desire to use her administrative abilities in a Christian organization for the purpose of advancing the kingdom of God. Donna has been married to Ed for 35 years and they have 2 children who are Briarcrest graduates, Brandee ’97 and Brett ’00. Her hobbies are reading, walking and spending time with her family.
Donna’s favorite Bible verse is I Corinthians 13:8-13: “Love never fails…and now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.”
Christopher Rinehart clrinehart@briarcrest.com
Geography Teacher/Basketball Coach
Christopher Rinehart is beginning his fourth year at Briarcrest Christian School and is teaching Social Studies. He is the freshmen boys’ basketball head coach and assists Coach Harrington with the varsity boys. Mr. Rinehart graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with a Bachelor's of Science Education in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, along with a minor in Social Studies. He has taught for 17 years, twelve in Christian schools and the other five in public schools. Mr. Rinehart is married to the former Krista Tolleson, and they are parents of four sons - Micah, Noah, Jeremiah, and Jonah. Mrs. Rinehart teaches fifth grade at Macon Road Baptist School. The Rineharts are members of Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett.
Lorna Roland ljroland@briarcrest.com
Secretary - Guidance Office
Lorna has worked at Briarcrest Christian School as an Administrative Assistant in the Guidance Department for 13 years. She attended Mississippi State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. Lorna and her husband, Ricky have two wonderful children. Ann Clark, a 2003 graduate of Briarcrest and Clay. They belong to Hope Church.
Linda Rush lrrush@briarcrest.com
French Teacher
Linda Rush has been employed by Briarcrest since 1986, and teaches French 1 and 2, Honors French 3 and 4, journalism and creative writing. She is adviser of the school newspaper, Pawprints, and the literary/visual arts magazine, Desiderata. The staffs of these publications have produced work that has received gold and silver awards from Columbia Scholastic Press, National Scholastic Press and Quill & Scroll, Int'l. Various students have also won national recognition for their individual works. She also serves at the faculty adviser of the National Honor Society. She enjoys taking students to France and neighboring countries.
Nicole Scott negary@briarcrest.com
Math Teacher
Nicole Scott graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in Secondary Mathematics and is currently pursuing a masters in Advanced Curriculum and Instruction. During her time at Martin, Nicole was selected as a TA where she taught evening college mathematics courses. After graduating, Nicole worked at Big Sandy School in Benton County for two years as the head of high school mathematics. Nicole is very active in her church and enjoys music, teaching, and being outdoors.
Lee Smith lasmith@briarcrest.com
PE/Health - Girls Basketball
Lee Smith is a graduate of Lyon College- formerly Arkansas College. After graduation, he played several years of basketball internationally and with Athletes in Action- based in Southern California. He joined the Briarcrest Christian School staff in 1982 as a Wellness / PE instructor and assistant coach to varsity football, basketball, and track. After three years, he was named head varsity boys’ basketball coach where he continued in that capacity for 17 years. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he currently serves as the head varsity girls’ basketball coach. Under his guidance as the Lady Saints coach, Smith has led the girls’ team to four State Tournament appearances. Two of which resulted in State Runners-up finishes and an overall record of 121 victories and 23 defeats.
Kevin Sneathern kwsneathern@briarcrest.com
Bible/ESS Teacher - Basketball Coach
Kevin Sneathern has been serving as a High School teacher here at Briarcrest since the fall of 2002. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and is currently working in the Bible department and ESS program. Kevin also coaches the Junior Varsity basketball team, and assists with the Varsity basketball program. He is married to Angie Sneathern. They have three sons, Kolby, Connor, and Chance. Kevin and his family attend Kirby Woods Baptist Church.
Ann-Marie Sterling amsterling@briarcrest.com
Math Teacher
Ann-Marie Sterling attended the University of Tennessee at Martin and graduated with a B.S. in Secondary Education Mathematics and a M.S. in Education Administration and Supervision. She has been teaching for 6 years in subjects ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus. She and her husband, Austin have been married for four years.
Eric Sullivan ersullivan@briarcrest.com
HS Principal
Eric Sullivan joins Briarcrest as the High School Principal after working in education for more than 15 years. He grew up in Brownsville, Tennessee and attended the University of Memphis. He holds a Bachelor's of Science in Education and a Master's of Science in Leadership and Policy Studies.
He and his wife, Amy, have two children, Drew and Taylor. They attend Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN.
In his free time, he enjoys fishing, running, golf , water sports and spending time with his family. His favorite bible verse is Philippians 1:6, "...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Steve Tackett sdtackett@briarcrest.com
Latin Teacher
Steve Tackett has been a teacher of Latin and Spanish at Briarcrest Christian High School for over thirty years. He is currently the coordinator of the Department of Foreign Languages and the supervisor for the ACT Assessment. He attended the University of Memphis, where he earned both his B.A. and M.A. degrees. He has been a participant in a summer seminar with the National Endowment for the Humanities and in the Tennessee Governor’s Academy for Foreign Language Teachers. He is a recipient of the Dr. Clair Cox Outstanding Teacher Award and of the Tennessee Classical Association’s Distinguished Latin Teaching Award. He is a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church, where he is very active in the music ministry.
Brenda Taylor bmtaylor@briarcrest.com
Secretary - HS Office
Brenda Taylor is the administrative assistant to Eric Sullivan, as well as, the Fine Arts department. She attended Briarcrest from the 3rd to the 12th grade, and then graduated from Memphis State University with a degree in Sales and Marketing. She has been married to her husband Greg for 19 years. Greg is an aircraft mechanic at FedEx. They attend Grace Evangelical Church. They have two children–Gracie (12th) and Harrison (10th).
Ashleigh Williams amwilliams@briarcrest.com
Drama Teacher
Ashleigh Siegfried Williams serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair at Briarcrest Christian High School and as the faculty sponsor of Thespian Troupe #7071. She currently teaches dance, acting, and production workshop. Outside the classroom, Ashleigh has directed and choreographed the BCHS productions of Beauty and the Beast (Spring 2010), Our Town (Fall 2009), Hello Dolly (Spring 2009), Once Upon a Mattress (Fall 2008), Into the Woods (Spring 2008), Rumors (Fall 2007), Oklahoma! (Spring 2007), The Fantasticks (Fall 2006), She Loves Me (Spring 2006), and The Nerd (Fall 2005). A 1994 graduate of Germantown High School, Ashleigh was a member of the GHS fine arts faculty for four years prior to her arrival at BCS in 2005. She holds a bachelor's degree in musical theatre from the University of Tulsa and a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She now resides in Germantown with her husband, Chris, and daughters - Meg and Campbell. Ashleigh is an active member of Central Church.
Pat Williams pwilliams@briarcrest.com
English Teacher
Dr. Williams has been a member of the BCS staff for 36 years, serving on the newly formed high school staff and later becoming the Operations Officer for the school system. In 2002 Dr. Williams retired from his administrative duties and became a part-time high school teacher, teaching AP English 11 and AP English 12. Dr. Williams is a graduate of The University of Mississippi and has degrees in English and History, Educational Leadership, and Administration and Instructional Supervision. In his office, Dr. Williams keeps a framed copy of a calligraphied card distributed in the early days of the school system. It says, “When you touch a life with love, you touch a life forever.”
Major Wright wmwright@briarcrest.com
Dean of Students/Football Coach
Major Wright came to Briarcrest during the winter of the 2007-2008 school year as the Dean of Students and Head Football coach. Coach Wright has been in coaching for 13 seasons and has served as a head coach for the last 9 seasons (7 seasons at White Station High School). He is a graduate of Lambuth University in Jackson, TN, and was a math teacher prior to becoming an administrator. Coach Wright and his wife, Lee have been married for 10 years, and they have 3 boys, Law (6), Hays (4), and Brooks (1).
Wynne Wright wawright@briarcrest.com
ESS Teacher
Wynne Wright, who taught for thirty-seven years in Memphis; Blytheville, AR; Tipton County, TN; and back in Memphis before retiring in 2004, is beginning her second year at Briarcrest Christian School, where she is “monitoring” two study halls. She and her husband Larry, a retired teacher and coach, have been happily married since 1963 and have four children, including daughters Traci Stohr of Appleton, WI, and Cayce Maxwell and Courtney Wright and son Major Wright of Memphis,TN. They are the grandparents of Jessica Stohr; Kellan , Eli and Sam Maxwell; and Law, Hays and Brooks Wright. Wynne feels blessed to be working with young people again and with her son, the Dean of Students and head football coach, in the wonderful Christian environment here at Briarcrest.