Staff

Staff

We have a rockstar team of teachers and administrators.

Melissa Kennedy, Principal

Melissa Kennedy is Principal of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA). She served as Assistant Principal for two years prior to becoming Principal. Mrs. Kennedy began her professional career in education at YLA in 2015, where she was in the classroom teaching students. As a Google Certified Educator, she played a key role in integrating tools into the classroom that enhance teaching and learning.

Mrs. Kennedy holds a master’s degree from Clemson University in biology. She received her bachelor’s degree in middle level education from USC Upstate. Both of these educational experiences have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to lead effectively and inspire both students and staff.

Mrs. Kennedy and her husband, Melvin, have two daughters, Macey and Mallie. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at home, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

Our Staff

Bo Aartun
CrossFit
Sandee Blankenship
Director, School-based Programs
Eden Cassell
7th Grade ELA
Rebecca Chappell
Office Manager
Dr. April Christopher
7th Grade Science
Josh Christopher
7th Grade Math
Johnna Connolly
Special Education
Mindy Dill
6th Grade ELA
Christie Dunson
8th Grade ELA
Breanna Durham
8th Grade Math
Kaylee Gillespie
Special Education Assistant 
Tristan Gillespie
Special Education Assistant
Molly Harned
Physical Education
Hilery Hennessee
7th Grade Social Studies
Angie Hunt
Special Education
Ben Hyder
Related Arts
Dr. Steve Jackson
6th Grade Science
Robbie Keenan
SRO
Andrea Kutilek
6th Grade Social Studies
Dottie LaMance
Leadership
Alex Levy
Student Services
Dr. Shasta Looper
Instructional Coach
Kevin Loudermilk
Assistant Principal
Jacob Mathis
7th Grade Science
Jill McCollum
Housekeeping
Sami McDermid
Special Education
Adrienne Nix
Student Services
Andy Norris
IT Specialist
Amanda Owens
Housekeeping
Amanda Powell
Nurse
Robert Ramey
8th Grade Social Studies
Sophie Sawyer
8th Grade Science
Stacie Seaborn
Interventionist
Nathan Swords
Special Projects Coordinator
Lydia Trotter
Guidance Counselor
Jennifer Whitworth
504 Coordinator
John Yongue
Maintenance