Find Your Counselor

SERVING RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS TENNESSEE

Partner High Schools

Tennessee Counties

Community College Counselors

West Tennessee Counselors

Middle Tennessee Counselors

East Tennessee Counselors

Community College

Columbia State Community College

Jennifer Dillehay

College Retention Coach

Columbia State Community College

Jennifer Dillehay

Jennifer grew up in Lawrenceburg, TN, graduated from Lawrence County High School, and currently resides in Summertown. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. She continued her education at Trevecca Nazarene University where she graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling. In 2008, she obtained her license as a Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation. Prior to working with the Ayers Foundation, Jennifer has worked in various roles within the child welfare system for over 20 years

Email:jennifer.dillehay@theayersfoundation.org

Jackson State Community College

Maddie Smith

College Retention Coach

Jackson State Community College

Maddie Smith

Maddie Smith is the College Retention Coach for The Ayers Foundation Trust at Jackson State Community College in Lexington Tennessee. She is here to help maintain Tennessee promise eligibility, satisfy Jackson State requirements, and assist with transfer needs.
As an Ayers Scholar from Riverside High School, Maddie embarked on her academic journey at Columbia State Community College, where she earned an Associate’s degree. She then transferred to the University of Memphis, and attained her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Furthering her education, she graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership in May of 2021.
“I truly believe that there’s a place for everyone within our community, and I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to support our students on their post-secondary journey. Having experienced the community college pathway myself, I understand and support our students who choose this path to fulfill their post-secondary goals. “

Phone:(731) 968-5722 Ext 50668
Email:maddie.smith@theayersfoundation.org

West Tennessee

Adamsville High School

Emma Brasher

College Access Counselor

Adamsville High School

Emma Brasher

Emma Brasher is the College Access Counselor at Adamsville High School. Emma taught Family and Consumer Sciences at Lexington High School for 6 years. She joined the Ayers Foundation Trust in May 2022.
Emma is from Drummonds, TN. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2016 and earned a Master's degree from Lipscomb University in 2023.

Email:emma.brasher@theayersfoundation.org

Camden Central High School

Emily Parrett

College Access Counselor

Camden Central High School

Emily Parrett

Emily Parrett is the College Access Counselor at Benton County Schools servicing Camden Central High School and Big Sandy Schools. Emily graduated from Union University with a Bachelor's in Sociology and a minor in Psychology in 2019, then received her Master’s in Social Work from Union University in 2021. While in the master’s program, she completed internships with the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth and clinical experience with the Jackson Clinic. In 2022, she became a Licensed Master's Social Worker.

Email:emily.parrett@theayersfoundation.org

Camden Central High School

Anna Rosson

Student Success Coordinator

Camden Central High School

Anna Rosson

Anna Rosson is the Student Success Coordinator for Benton County Schools serving both Camden Central and Big Sandy Schools. She is a graduate of Riverside High School and went through the Ayers Foundation Scholars program in 2014. She attended UT Martin Parsons and plans to continue her education in the future.

Email:anna.rosson@theayersfoundation.org

Hardin County High School

Holly Kohl

College Access Counselor

Hardin County High School

Holly Kohl

Holly Kohl is one of the College Access and Success Counselors at Hardin County High School located in Savannah, Tennessee. Notably, she is also a first generation college student. A proud 2015 Ayers Scholar, Holly graduated from Riverside High School. In 2019, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science/Wellness from Union University. Holly furthered her education by obtaining a Masters of Arts Degree in Education with an emphasis in Sports Information, where she also served as the graduate assistant for the Athletic Director.

Email:holly.kohl@theayersfoundation.org

Hardin County High School

Sarah Casteel

College Access Counselor

Hardin County High School

Sarah Casteel

Sarah Casteel serves as one of the College Access Counselors at Hardin County High School in Savannah, TN. A proud graduate of Hardin County High School and a first-generation college student herself, Sarah has a deep-rooted commitment to guiding students towards higher education and success. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Freed-Hardeman University in 2017, followed by a Master of Education in School Counseling in 2020, becoming a licensed school counselor in the state of Tennessee. Before joining the Ayers Foundation Trust, Sarah gained valuable experience working with diverse populations, including roles at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and foster care training initiatives. Drawing from this rich background, she is dedicated to empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their academic and personal goals. Sarah is passionate about serving as a resource for students, providing guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate their educational journey and strive to reach their full potential.

Email:sarah.casteel@theayersfoundation.org

Hardin County High School

Natasha Steely

Student Success Coordinator

Hardin County High School

Natasha Steely

Natasha Steely is the Student Success Coordinator at Hardin County High School located in Savannah, TN. She is a 2007 graduate of HCHS. In 2013, she graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After taking time to raise her family, Natasha spent three years working as the Guidance/Truancy Secretary at HCHS. She joined the Ayers Foundation Trust in August 2023 and is very excited to assist students in building their future.

Phone:731.925.3976 ext. 6137
Email:natasha.steely@theayersfoundation.org

Halls High School

Lindsey Thompson

College Access Counselor

Halls High School

Lindsey Thompson

Lindsey Thompson is the College Access Counselor at Halls High School. She has nearly 10 years of experience in the field of education, both in and out of the classroom, in positions at the elementary, high school, and college levels. Lindsey comes to us from Dyersburg State Community College where she served as a Master Advisor and worked with the Dual Enrollment and Middle College programs. Lindsey earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Lee University in 2011 and her Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership from UT Martin in 2022.

Email:lindsey.thompson@theayersfoundation.org

Haywood High School

Sara Benard

College Access Counselor

Haywood High School

Sara Benard

Sara Benard is one of the College Access and Success Counselors at Haywood High School. Prior to joining the team in 2021, Sara spent worked for three years as the Education Program Assistant at the Therapy and Learning Center in Jackson, TN. Sara graduated from Fayette Academy in 2012 and went on to complete her post-secondary education at Union University. There, Sara was a member of the Union University Softball team and later spent two years coaching after earning her Bachelor’s. Sara has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Arts of Education with a focus on college advising.

Email:sara.benard@theayersfoundation.org

Haywood High School

Tahesia Owens

College Access Counselor

Haywood High School

Tahesia Owens

Tahesia Owens is one of the College Access and Success Counselors at Haywood High School in Brownsville, TN. She graduated from Jackson State Community College with an Associate of Science in Social Work in 2014 and then from Trevecca Nazarene University with a Bachelor in Management and Human Relations in 2018. She is currently working on her Master's in Organizational Leadership at Trevecca. Prior to her work at Ayers Foundation Trust, Tahesia worked as a Case Manager for Southwest Head Start as well as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Tahesia is excited to be a resource for students to reach their full potential.

Email:taheisa.owens@theayersfoundation.org

Haywood High School

Sanidra Douglas

Student Success Coordinator

Haywood High School

Sanidra Douglas

Sanidra Douglas is the Student Success Coordinator at Haywood High School. Sanidra was born and raised in Stanton, TN, and is a 1996 honors graduate of Haywood High School. She is the mother of three Haywood High School students. She has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Administrative Office Systems from Dyersburg State Community College, a Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Psychology, Child and Family Studies, and Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She is currently working towards a Master’s in School Counseling at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Email:sanidra.douglas@theayersfoundation.org

Lexington High School

Darren Hart

College Access Counselor

Lexington High School

Darren Hart

Darren Hart is the College Access Counselor at Lexington High School which is located in Lexington, TN. He is also a Lexington High School graduate. Darren completed an associate degree at Jackson State Community College before obtaining his undergraduate degree in Social Work at the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2019. Darren furthered his education by completing the Masters of Social Work program at Union University in 2020. Darren previously worked at Youth Villages in the intensive in-home counseling program and also helped in the foster care department.

Email:darren.hart@theayersfoundation.org

Lexington High School

Khrystian Craven

College Access Counselor

Lexington High School

Khrystian Craven

Khrystian Craven is a College Access Counselor at Lexington High School located in Selmer, Tennessee. She obtained her B. A. majoring in Human Services from Bethel University in 2017 and her Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Tennessee at chaMartin in 2022. Prior to her work at the Ayers Foundation Trust, Khrystian worked with the Carroll County Prevention Coalition, the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse Carroll County, and Centerstone. Khrystian is excited to be a resource for students to reach their full potential.

Phone:731-645-3226
Email:khrystian.craven@theayersfoundation.org

Lexington High School

Fredia Baker

Financial Aid Assistant

Lexington High School

Fredia Baker

Fredia Baker is the Financial Aid Assistant at Lexington High School. Fredia has been working with the Ayers Foundation for 3 years. Prior to working at the Foundation, she worked for Lexington City School System in various roles such as paraprofessional for 7th and 8th grade, assistant to support services, receptionist/secretary, librarian, and bookkeeper. Fredia has a degree in Accounting/Business Management from West Tennessee Business College and an associate degree from Jackson State Community College in General Education.

Phone:(731) 418-4870
Email:fredia.baker@theayersfoundation.org

McNairy Central High School

Della Hollingsworth

College Access Counselor

McNairy Central High School

Della Hollingsworth

Della Hollingsworth is a College Access Counselor at McNairy Central High School located in Selmer, TN. Della is a first-generation college student. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Union University in 2010 in Social Work. Della also obtained a Master of Arts Degree from Bethel University in Education in 2012 and a Master of Science Degree from Freed-Hardeman University in School Counseling in 2017. Della is a TN Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, TN Licensed School Social Worker, and a TN Licensed School Counselor. Before her work at the Ayers Foundation Trust, Della worked as an Elementary School Counselor, a School Social Worker, and a Juvenile Probation Officer.

Phone:(731) 646-0072
Email:della.hollingsworth@theayersfoundation.org

McNairy Central High School

Elise Eads

College Access Counselor

McNairy Central High School

Elise Eads

Elise Eads is a College Access Counselor at McNairy Central High School located in Selmer, TN. Elise, a first-generation college student, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Union University. Prior to working with the Foundation, she worked for Westover School with the Henderson County School System for over 22 years. She began her teaching career in Tipton County. Elise retired from the classroom after 30 years of service in May of 2023.

Phone:731-577-4784
Email:elise.eads@theayersfoundation.org

Ripley High School

Caitlynn Hollingsworth

College Access Counselor

Ripley High School

Caitlynn Hollingsworth

Caitlynn Hollingsworth is a College Access Counselor at Ripley High School. Caitlynn is a 2019 Ayers Scholar from Lexington High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Performance from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2022 where she is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Email:caitlynn.hollingsworth@theayersfoundation.org

Ripley High School

Lakenia Jones

College Access Counselor

Ripley High School

Lakenia Jones

Lakenia Jones is the College Access Counselor for Ripley High School. Lakenia has over 18 years of social work experience ranging from the juvenile justice system to school social work. Lakenia received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee at Martin, in 2020, and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Kentucky, in 2022.

Email:lakenia.jones@theayersfoundation.org

Riverside High School

Brianna Morton

College Access Counselor

Riverside High School

Brianna Morton

Brianna Morton is the College Access Counselor at Riverside High School in Decatur County, Tennessee. Brianna worked in the counseling field as a mental health counselor for 4 years and as a clinical supervisor for 1 year. Brianna joined Ayers Foundation Trust in November 2011. She graduated from the University of North Alabama with a major in Psychology and a double minor in Criminal Justice and Spanish. She also obtained a Master's degree from the University of North Alabama in Community Counseling where she also worked as the Graduate Assistant for the Counselor Education Department.

Phone:731-852-4154
Email:brianna.morton@theayersfoundation.org

Riverside High School

Jordan Tubbs

Student Success Coordinator

Riverside High School

Jordan Tubbs

Jordan Tubbs is the Student Success Coordinator at Riverside High School located in Decaturville, Tennessee. Jordan is a 2014 Ayers scholar from Riverside High School. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from The University of Tennessee at Martin. Jordan joined Ayers Foundation Trust in July 2023.

Email:jordan.tubbs@theayersfoundation.org

Scotts Hill High School

Brian Nolen

College Access Counselor

Scotts Hill High School

Brian Nolen

Brian Nolen is the College Access Counselor at Scotts Hill High School for Ayers Foundation Trust. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 2013 and obtained a Master's degree in Higher Education Leadership in 2021. Brian spent five years with Tennessee College of Applied Technology Crump prior to joining Ayers Foundation Trust in March 2023. He served as the College Access and Success Coordinator and the Transportation Programs Coordinator at TCAT Crump.

Email:brian.nolen@theayersfoundation.org

Scotts Hill High School

Sandy Crews

Financial Aid Assistant

Scotts Hill High School

Sandy Crews

Sandy Crews is the Financial Aid Assistant at Scotts Hill High School for Ayers Foundation Trust. She graduated from Scotts Hill High School and has lived in the Scotts Hill area her entire life. Mrs. Sandy was the attendance secretary and receptionist for Scotts Hill Schools for 18 years before joining Ayers Foundation Trust in 2006.

Phone:(731) 549-2373
Email:sandy.crews@theayersfoundation.org

Phone:931-676-3325 ext 1005
Email:alex.devlin@theayersfoundation.org

Frank Hughes High School

Rayanna Byrd

College Access Counselor

Frank Hughes High School

Rayanna Byrd

Email:rayanna.buie@theayersfoundation.org

Houston County High School

Kim Zills

College Access Counselor

Houston County High School

Kim Zills

Kim Zills is the College Access Counselor for Houston County School District servicing Houston High School located in Erin, TN. Kim graduated from Bethel College with a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Organizational Development in 2007. Kim joins the Ayers Foundation Trust with over 20 years of experience in the higher education fields ranging from public and private community college to vocational education. Her background in admissions, advising, and financial aid will help her make a difference in the lives of the students she services at Houston County High School.

Phone:931-289-4447 ext. 229
Email:kim.zills@theayersfoundation.org

Lawrence County High School

Becky Methvin

College Access Counselor

Lawrence County High School

Becky Methvin

Becky Methvin is from Birmingham, AL, and now resides in Lawrenceburg, TN. She graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She continued her education at UNA and graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 2007. Prior to working with Ayers Foundation Trust, Becky was the Site Coordinator for Tennessee Technological University in Lawrenceburg. She loves working with Ayers Foundation Trust and Lawrence County High School.

Phone:(931) 762-9412 ext. 1609
Email:becky.methvin@theayersfoundation.org

Lawrence County High School

Brittany Lamprecht

College Access Counselor

Lawrence County High School

Brittany Lamprecht

Brittany Lamprecht is the College Access Counselor at Lawrence County High School. She is a first-generation college graduate who obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Studies with a concentration in Child Development and Family Studies from MTSU in 2018. Prior to working with Ayers Foundation Trust, Brittany worked in retail management for seven years and more recently as a social worker for a foster care agency.

Phone:931.766.1604 ext. 1108
Email:brittany.lamprecht@theayersfoundation.org

Lawrence County HS

Whitney Hood

Student Success Coordinator

Lawrence County HS

Whitney Hood

Whitney Hood is the Student Success Coordinator at Lawrence County High School. She is a 1998 LCHS alum who lives in Lawrenceburg with her husband and daughter. Prior to joining the Ayers Foundation Trust in January 2024, she worked as an office manager for a local drug store and most recently, the receptionist at Lawrence County High School for the last 4 ½ years.

Phone:931-762-9412 ext 1109
Email:whitney.hood@theayersfoundation.org

Lewis County High School

Ashley Forrester

College Access Counselor

Lewis County High School

Ashley Forrester

Ashley Forrester is a College Access Counselor at Lewis County High School located in Hohenwald, TN, where she was raised and went to school. Before joining Ayers Foundation Trust in August of 2021, she worked as a College and Career Coordinator for five years at the Martha O'Bryan Center in Nashville, TN. Ashley graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. In addition, she double minored in Criminology and Dance. She has continued on with her Master of Education in School Counseling at Liberty University.

Email:ashley.forrester@theayersfoundation.org

Loretto High School

Anissa Mashburn

College Access Counselor

Loretto High School

Anissa Mashburn

Anissa Mashburn is the College Access Counselor at her alma mater, Loretto High School in Loretto, TN. She is a first-generation college graduate from MTSU with a BBA in Finance. Prior to joining Ayers Foundation Trust, Anissa worked 7 years for the TN Valley Educational Talent Search program at Loretto High School. Anissa had been a stay-at-home wife and mother since her daughter Gracie was born.

Phone:(931) 231-8850
Email:annissa.mashburn@theayersfoundation.org

Loretto High School

Janet Bradley

Student Success Coordinator

Loretto High School

Janet Bradley

Janet Bradley is the part-time Student Success Coordinator at her alma mater, Loretto High School. After a 40-year career with the Lawrence County School System, she served as a Talent Search Advisor for 3 years at LHS, South Lawrence, and E.O. Coffman. She has worked as a TN ALL Corps Part-time teacher at Lawrenceburg Public for the past two years. Janet has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from MTSU, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from UNA, and a Plus-Thirty in Administration and Supervision from TSU.

Email:janet.bradley@theayersfoundation.org

Perry County High School

Karlee Teague

College Access Counselor

Perry County High School

Karlee Teague

Karlee Teague is the College Access Counselor at Perry County High School located in Linden, Tennessee. Karlee is a 2016 Ayers scholar from Riverside High School and has been with The Ayers Foundation since August 2021. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Tennessee at Martin, and is a licensed School Social Worker. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Public Service from Lipscomb University.

Phone:931-589-3660
Email:karlee.teague@theayersfoundation.org

Perry County High School

Betty Bell

Student Success Coordinator

Perry County High School

Betty Bell

Betty Bell is the Student Success Counselor at Perry County High School located in Linden, TN. Betty was born and raised in Linden along with raising her family here. She began working with Ayers Foundation Trust in 2013 and before that, she worked in the local school system as the Family Resource Coordinator and Assistant to the high school counselor.

Phone:(931)-589-3660
Email:betty.bell@theayersfoundation.org

Summertown High School

Hope Perry

College Access Counselor

Summertown High School

Hope Perry

Hope graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She has worked in Higher Education at Columbia State off and on for the past 20 years, most recently in TRiO Student Support Services as an Academic Coordinator / College Success Coach. She is from Loretto, TN and now lives in Summertown, TN with her husband and two children.

Phone:(931) 964-3539
Email:hope.perry@theayersfoundation.org

Warren County High School

Vanessa Farris

College Access Counselor

Warren County High School

Vanessa Farris

Vanessa Farris is a College Access Counselor at Warren County High School; Vanessa will be serving students in the Biological Sciences Academy at WCHS. Vanessa has over 30 years of experience in serving students and families including middle and high school counseling and a decade focused on college access and success. Prior to AYERS, Vanessa was a GEAR UP Coordinator. Vanessa has a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, a Master's degree in Education Psychology and Counseling, and an Ed.S in School Counseling from Tennessee Tech University.

Email:vanessa.farris@theayersfoundation.org

Warren County High School

Dr. Katrina Haley

College Access Counselor

Warren County High School

Dr. Katrina Haley

Dr. Katrina Haley currently serves as a College Access Counselor within the Ayers Foundation Trust at Warren County High School. Her extensive professional journey includes a 15-year tenure as a Technology course instructor at WCHS within Warren County Schools, followed by 22 years as the District Technology Director. In a more recent capacity, Katrina assumed the role of Billing Lead at Bridgestone Americas in Nashville, working remotely. Prior to this, she held the position of a software project manager at Canvas, stationed at Arnold AFB. Alongside her corporate commitments, Katrina imparts her expertise as a part-time technology course instructor at Motlow State Community College and formerly at TCAT McMinnville, where she dedicated 38 years as a part-time evening instructor. Her teaching portfolio extends to institutions like Tennessee Tech, Cumberland University, Madisonville Community College in Kentucky, and UT Knoxville. Katrina's academic accomplishments encompass a bachelor's degree in business education from UT Knoxville, followed by a Master’s and Ed.S. from Tennessee Tech with a focus on Leadership and administration. Her academic journey culminated in the completion of a Doctorate degree in Education Administration from Tennessee State University.

Email:katrina.haley@theayersfoundation.org

Warren County High School

Tori Long

College Access Counselor

Warren County High School

Tori Long

Tori Long is one of our College Access Counselors for Warren County High School. She received her Bachelor's degree from Tennessee Tech University. Prior to joining the Ayers Foundation Trust, Tori was an educator in the public school system as well as an Admissions Counselor for her alma mater, TN Tech University. She currently is attending WGU to obtain a Master’s in Management and Leadership.

Email:tori.meeks@theayersfoundation.org

Warren County High School

Grace Itira Young

College Access Counselor

Warren County High School

Grace Itira Young

Grace Itira Young is a College Access Counselor at Warren County High School. Prior to joining the team at The Ayers Foundation Trust, Grace worked in the legal field for several years. More recently, she served as the Dual Enrollment Specialist at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at McMinnville and Writing Tutor at Motlow State Community College. Along with several poems and short stories published in various places, Grace is published in the Spring 2022 issue of the international newsletter, The Dangling Modifier (”How the Five Stages of Tutor Development Impact Tutees’ Reception of Feedback”). She was also featured in the 2021 edition of the U.S. News and World Report “Best Colleges Guide” for researching and utilizing financial aid opportunities for college. Throughout her time in college, she has won the Bill of Rights Institute's "Think the Vote" contest five times and is featured in the "Student Spotlight." Grace has a Bachelor of Science in Human Behavior and Leadership with a minor in Business Management from Tennessee Technological University and an Associate of Arts in Political Science from Motlow State Community College.

Email:grace.young@theayersfoundation.org

Wayne County High School

Jason Janes

College Access Counselor

Wayne County High School

Jason Janes

Jason Janes is the College Access Counselor at Wayne County High School. Jason joined the Ayers Foundation Trust in January 2022. Prior to working with the Foundation, he worked for over 15 years with the Social Security Administration on two different occasions as a Claims Specialist and Training Specialist. Jason also worked for Columbia State Community College from 2009 to 2014 as the Learning Center Specialist and Campus Coordinator of the Clifton campus. Jason received his Business degree from Martin Methodist College in 1998 and Master’s degree in Leadership & Public Service from Lipscomb University in 2023.

Phone:931.722.3238
Email:jason.janes@theayersfoundation.org

Wayne County High School

Rayanna Byrd

Student Success Coordinator

Wayne County High School

Rayanna Byrd

Rayanna Byrd is the Student Success Coordinator at Wayne County High School, Collinwood High School, and Frank Hughes High School. She graduated from Wayne County High School, attended Columbia State Community College, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of North Alabama.

Phone:931.722.3238
Email:rayanna.byrd@theayersfoundation.org

Email:matthew.patterson@theayersfoundation.org

Cumberland Gap High School

Chelsey Lester

Student Success Coordinator

Cumberland Gap High School

Chelsey Lester

Email:chelsey.lester@theayersfoundation.org

Jellico High School

Esther Loudin

College Access Counselor

Jellico High School

Esther Loudin

Esther Loudin is our College Access Counselor at Jellico High School. Esther has experience working with a wide variety of ages, from birth to adulthood. Esther’s passion is working with students and families as they navigate through postsecondary opportunities available to the student, her goal is for every student to graduate from college debt-free. Esther received her Associate Degree from Roane State Community College and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree, in Education both from Ashford University. Esther is actively involved in her community and is the Chairperson of the Campbell County Health Council.

Email:esther.loudin@theayersfoundation.org

Meigs County High School

Liza Day Penney

College Access Counselor

Meigs County High School

Liza Day Penney

Liza Day Penney joined the Ayers Foundation Trust as the College Access Counselor for Meigs County High School in Decatur, Tennessee in July 2023. She received her Bachelor of Science in History with a Minor in Art from Tennessee Wesleyan College (University) in 2015, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Public Service in 2018, and a Certificate of Conflict Management from Lipscomb University. Prior to joining the Ayers Foundation Trust, she worked as an Upward Bound Academic Advisor, an AmeriCorps VISTA with Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Love Thy Neighbor Project Campus Food Pantry, and serves as an active volunteer advisor for Sigma Kappa Sorority. Liza resides in her lifelong hometown of Dayton, Tennessee, and is eager to give back to students in her neighboring rural community through the Ayers Foundation Trust.

Email:chelsey.lester@theayersfoundation.org

Oneida High School

Kayley Burchfield

College Access Counselor

Oneida High School

Kayley Burchfield

Kayley Burchfield is the College Access Counselor at Oneida High School. This is her first year with the Ayers Foundation Trust. She graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in 2022 with her Bachelor’s degree in English Education. After graduating college, she taught adult education to those receiving their HiSET.

Email:kayley.burchfield@theayersfoundation.org

Scott County High School

Micah Fox

College Access Counselor

Scott County High School

Micah Fox

Micah Fox is a College Access Counselor in Scott County, TN. She previously taught high school English which entailed a high esteem for academic success and college readiness, and has a background in research analytics. Micah received her Master’s in the Art of Teaching in 2023 from the University of the Cumberlands, and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Tennessee Tech University, where she graduated with honors.

Email:micah.fox@theayersfoundation.org

Unicoi County High School

Jessie Sutherland

College Access Counselor

Unicoi County High School

Jessie Sutherland

Jessie Sutherland is a College Access Counselor at Unicoi County High School in Erwin, TN. She graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Business Management and continued on with her Master of Arts in Family/Marriage Therapy. She worked with 17-22-year-olds in college admissions and mental health for five years before joining the Ayers Foundation Trust team in July 2019.

Phone:423-483-6170
Email:jessie.sutherland@theayersfoundation.org

Unicoi County High School

Mindi Sparks

Financial Aid Assistant

Unicoi County High School

Mindi Sparks

Mindi Sparks is the Financial Aid Assistant at Unicoi County High School located in Erwin, TN. Mindi was born and raised in Erwin and graduated from Unicoi County High School in 2005. She currently lives here with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her daughters play basketball and chasing after her 4-year-old boy. She was previously the School Secretary at Unicoi County High School before joining the Ayers Foundation Trust.

Phone:(423)-743-0172
Email:mindi.sparks@theayersfoundation.org

Unicoi County High School

Taylor Forbes

College Access Counselor

Unicoi County High School

Taylor Forbes

Taylor Forbes serves as a College Access Counselor at Unicoi County High School in Erwin, Tennessee. Prior to joining the Ayers Foundation Trust in October 2023, he worked at East Tennessee State University for almost six years. While at ETSU, he served as the Coordinator of International Admissions and as an Admissions Counselor prior to that. He is originally from Spruce Pine, NC, in Mitchell County. Taylor earned his Bachelor of Science in History in 2016 and earned a Master of Education in Educational Technology and Communication in 2017, both from ETSU.

Email:taylor.forbes@theayersfoundation.org

Union County High School

Ruthie Cawood

College Access Counselor

Union County High School

Ruthie Cawood

Ruthie Cawood is one of the college access counselors at Union County High School. Ruthie graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Ruthie worked as a student outreach counselor for Edsouth for 15 years prior to joining the Ayers Foundation Trust team. She has also worked in admissions at Tennessee Wesleyan University.

Email:ruthie.cawood@theayersfoundation.org

Union County High School

Aneshia McFarland

College Access Counselor

Union County High School

Aneshia McFarland

Aneshia McFarland is one of the College Access Counselors at Union County High School in Maynardville, Tennessee. She graduated from Tusculum University with a BS in Business and Organizational Management. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Bethel University. Aneshia worked as a Financial Aid Coordinator for the last 18 years at Pellissippi State Community College.

Phone:865-992-5202
Email:aneshia.mcfarland@theayersfoundation.org

Union County High School

Suzanne Bounds

Student Success Coordinator

Union County High School

Suzanne Bounds

Suzanne Bounds is the Student Success Coordinator at Union County High School. Suzanne graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a B.S. in Business Administration. Before joining Ayers Foundation Trust, Suzanne previously worked for the State of Tennessee Treasury Department in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System and the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System.

Email:suzanne.bounds@theayersfoundation.org

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