Staff
Lynn Heady
Director
In addition to seven years as Director for Curriculum and Instruction for the Williamson County Schools, Lynn has been director of curriculum in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education, and a instructor for PBS Nashville and the national affiliates where she is an online early literacy instructor for practicing teachers wanting to enter the pre-K arena.
Lynn served as an elementary teacher in the Memphis City Schools; Program Director for the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, and, from 1997 to 2001, Lynn was the vice president of program development and training for a national school reform group. Lynn also held a position of curriculum coach at a Nashville elementary school.
With numerous presentations and publications to her credit, Lynn is a member of the International Reading Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Lynn received her Bachelor’s degree with a major in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Curriculum Emphasis from Memphis State University. She has also earned 45 credit hours beyond the master’s degree and holds Pennsylvania and Tennessee certifications in Instruction (pre-K to 8) and Administration (pre-K to 12).
Lynn has also served as President of Congregation Micah’s Board of Trustees from 2008-2009 and has been a second grade Hebrew teacher in Micah’s Religious School.
Theresa LePore
Assistant Director/Office Manager
Theresa received her Bachelor of Science at the University of Montevallo (Montevallo, Alabama) with a degree in Hearing Impaired Education. Certified to teach K-12, she worked in the Jefferson County School system where she served children in all age groups. She worked with children in an Early Intervention program, elementary and middle schools, and even in a high school vocational program. After that experience, Theresa decided to change careers because of all the “red tape” associated with special education and enter another educational arena.
One summer, Theresa served as a Pre-K teacher and she simply loved it. She felt that the possibilities were endless with the younger age group. She felt that she was laying a foundation for the love of learning instead of trying to repair it. After moving to Nashville, she was the director of Woodbine Community Center’s Summer Camp and then worked for the State of TN’s Treasury Department. It was then that she discovered that she missed teaching! That was over 13 years ago and now Theresa is applying her experience and skill by being a part of the Academy administrative staff.
Pre-K Lead Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
Rebecca Millman
Assistant Teacher
Rebecca Millman is excited about coming back to her love: teaching young children. Her experience spans many years and includes working with students in preschool and elementary venues around the country. Her areas of expertise include teaching special needs students, administering educational assessments, creating individual learning plans, and designing age-appropriate activities based on student talents.
Rebecca holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Bowling Green University and has completed post graduate studies at John Hopkins University. Her Bachelor’s degree is in elementary education from Ohio State University. A member of Congregation Micah, Rebecca is known for her hard work, commitment, and expert skills in planning and organizing events and initiatives. This will serve the Academy well!
Kristen "Amee" Macaluso
Minis 2 Lead Teacher
With four years of preschool teaching and an education in design and technology, Amee brings her flare for design to the task of developing lesson plans for her students. Watching Amee teach a lesson is an experience in seeing the learning expectations and play come together to the delight of children.
Amee’s experience includes the Minds in Motion Day School in Franklin and the South End United Methodist Day Preschool. Her goal has always been constant: to provide lessons for uplifting the social and mental comforts as well as intellectual welfare of the children through the school program. She delights in creating an enthusiastic environment to make learning a happy journey for children.
Angela Dodson
Tiny Tots Lead Teacher
Bio coming here
Carol Howard
Tiny Tots Assistant Teacher
Carol Howard began her career in early childhood education after graduating from Vanderbilt University, George Peabody College for Teachers. Her experiences include working in preschools and on special projects geared to meeting the needs of young learners and studying best practice.
Carol has helped centers in achieving NAEYC certification and the state’s 3 Star Rating Program. In 2001, Carol was recognized by Vanderbilt University with the Kennedy Center Outstanding Service Award for her work at the university demonstration school for children at risk, children with special needs, and child who were typically developing.
Carol also is a member of the International Association of Infant Massage and is a certified parent educator in infant massage.
Dana Richards
Tiny Tots 2 Lead Teacher
Bio coming soon
Baruka Pintenich
Infant 2 Lead Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
Bobbi Komisar
Infant 3/Toddler Lead Teacher
On June 13th, Micah Children’s Academy held an Open House and several parents brought their infants along for the program. Sitting with them (and holding one very happy baby) was Bobbi Komisar. It was evident to all present that she had magic with babies and that the love and caring she exhibited was also felt by the children. Bobbi comes to the Academy with 11 years of preschool experience from the Hillwood Playcare center where she worked with a variety of age groups. In addition, Bobbi has extensive training and experience in the visual arts. She served as the Art Teacher at Hillwood Playcare and an art assistant at Julia Green Elementary School in the Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Bobbi holds an Associate’s degree in Art from Columbia State College and has trained with the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance to further her preschool skills. In her love of art, Bobbi learned from “The Clay Lady” on using clay as a medium and the Faux School in Louisville, KY which specialized in faux painting.
Jacquee Parris
Infant 1 Lead Teacher
An Academy Board member asked us one day if we were looking for additional teachers and, if so, she had the ideal candidate in mind. Was she ever right! When we interviewed Jacquee, we knew right away that we had found an individual who would truly enhance our Academy.
Jacquee has worked with children for many years and in many venues. She holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from The University of the South Sewanee, TN and a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Jacquee has worked as an independent child care professional in many homes over the years. In addition, she served as a lead teacher at the Primrose Preschool in Franklin, TN. Earlier in her career, Jacquee worked in the Metro Nashville School District as a special educator where she developed plans for students with special needs. What a wonderful set of skills to bring to our Academy!
Margo Coffey
Tiny Tot 2 Assistant Teacher
Margo Coffey came to the Academy recommended highly by everyone who has had the pleasure of working with her. The director of the Temple Playschool, where Margo served as a lead teacher for seven years, commented on how Margo pays attention to detail and that her daily notes to parents are always written with an eye towards the individual child. In addition, parents of Margo’s students have told us repeatedly that she was the best teachers their children ever had. She was cited as providing patience and warmth and for creating a classroom that was calm and positive. We have experienced that as well.
Beckie LaBounty
Music/Floater
On a reference form provided by an individual for Beckie, the writer stated, “I don’t know of anyone else who would take such genuine pleasure in sharing herself with children, especially through music.” All of us at the Academy agree with this statement. As a floating teacher, Beckie steps in wherever needed---always with a smile and always helping wherever she can. She is gentle, kind, and provides excellent guidance and lots of love for our children.
In addition to her skills with providing for the everyday needs of students, she is an accomplished song writer and leader in the music industry in Nashville. She and Lisa Silver have designed a comprehensive music program for the Academy students. Every Monday, Beckie works with our students for 30 minutes and introduces them to a love for singing, playing, and enjoying music.