Meet the Panthers Staff
Principal Nathan Chambers
I've been the principal at Edgemont since January 2014. I began working at Edgemont in 2006. I have lived in Cocke County since I was 7 years old and graduated from CCHS. I have been married to my beautiful wife for 20 years this December. We have 6 children: Cooper, Lincoln, Silas, Simeon, Bravelyn, and Meadow. When not at work, I love: spending time with my family, teaching Sunday School and being involved with church ministries, love watching/playing sports (Auburn!), love trips and traveling with my family. Email Mr. Chambers Curriculum Coordinator Melissa Grooms
Mrs. Grooms is the Curriculum Coordinator of Edgemont School. She has been the curriculum coordinator since 2014, but has worked at Edgemont for the past 25 years. She is a former student and basketball player at Edgemont. Her mother was a former lunch lady and her father a former custodian. In other words, Edgemont purple runs in her blood. She has been married for 30 years and has one daughter, and one grandson. When not at work, she enjoys spending time at the lake with her family, reading, and watching sports. She and her husband also have five dogs (Cooper, Tucker, Phoebe, Poncho and Charlie) and a cat (Rascal). Email Mrs. Grooms Secretary Melissa Gilliand
Mrs. Melissa is the secretary at Edgemont School. She has been secretary at Edgemont for 26 years. She has a cat named Ashe. Her hobbies are reading and enjoying nature. Email Mrs. Melissa Bookkeeper Chassie Inman
Ms. Chassie is a proud Edgemont Alumni. She came back to her old stomping grounds 11 years ago as a lunch lady, and became the bookkeeper in 2018. Her three greatest blessings are her daughters, Tristen and Loren, and her granddaughter Cammie Ann. Email Mrs. Chassie |
Kindergarten
Mrs. Kim Dykes
Hello, I am Ms. Dykes. I will be starting my 9th year as a kindergarten teacher here at Edgemont. In the past, I have had the privilege as a military spouse to teach in KY, SC, TX and western TN. In all, this will be my 17th year as a teacher. I am a mother to two beautiful daughters, Cailee (25) and Kynslee (20). I am also a mother to a spunky four legged son, Tucker. I have two grand dogs that I absolutely adore, Augustus May Who (Gus) and Everlee Rose. I am an outdoor lover! My happy place is on the beach with my toes in the sand! I also love boating on the lake and floating the river. During the summer, you'll find me in my garden or working on our farm. In the cooler months, I love to ride horses and go camping. Email Mrs. Dykes Mrs. Christa Myers
Mrs. Myers received her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from ETSU in the spring of 2022. She will begin her second year as a teacher in Kindergarten this fall. She is excited to meet all of her new Kindergarteners! Email Mrs. Myers Mrs. Hannah LeBeau Mrs. Hannah is a third-year Kindergarten teacher at Edgemont Elementary School. She graduated from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development. She is married to her husband, Dylan, and they just bought their first house. She can’t wait to meet all of her students and have a fantastic year! Email Ms. Hannah Mrs. Tammy Strange
Mrs. Tammy has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Walters State Community College and her Bachelor’s Degree in K-6 from Tusculum College. She has been a Kindergarten Teacher for 16 years. Her husband Mike is a pastor, and they both enjoy going to University of Tennessee Football games!. Email Mrs. Tammy Mrs. Teresa Martin- Pre-K
I have an Associate Degree in Art, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. But my greatest accomplishment was getting saved on July 28, 1986 (yes, I was a grown, married woman with a child then). It takes me two hours to drive to church in Maryville (but it is worth it!). I have lived on my family farm (300 acres) in Romeo my whole life. For those of you who haven’t heard of Romeo, it is on the northwest side of Greene County. So, it takes me an hour to get to work (and I hate driving) but I really love teaching at Edgemont. I’ve been here since the turn of the century. My first husband left me years ago. We had one son who died when he was 28. I have remarried and have two stepsons and three step-grandchildren. My favorite things to do are praying for the lost and going to church (where I have multiple jobs). I love studying the bible, playing the piano and singing gospel songs. I love working on the farm, remodeling, and spending time with my family. And, if I ever have “free time”, I still enjoy painting and woodworking. Email Mrs. Teresa |
First Grade
Ms. Jennifer Lindsey
Ms. Lindsey graduated from Tusculum College in 2010 with her Bachelor's degree in Human Growth and Learning and immediately found her teaching home here at Edgemont where she has remained for 14 years, mainly in first grade. In her spare time she enjoys playing piano, solving escape rooms, and traveling abroad when the budget allows. Her favorite things include Halloween, animated characters, and books. Email Ms. Lindsey Ms. Kelly Scott - RTI
Ms. Scott is originally from Boone, NC. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She has taught Title 1, 2nd, and 4th Grade. She loves animals, music, and outdoor activities. She is excited to be a member of the Edgemont family and is looking forwards to the 2022-2023 school year. Email Ms. Kelly |
Second Grade
Mrs. Tammy Dudley
This will be my 9th year teaching 2nd grade here at Edgemont. I received both my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education K-6, and my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Tusculum University. I live in White Pine with my husband and our 2 cats, Sophie and Gracie. We have one daughter and 2 beautiful granddaughters. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, shopping, watching NFL football, and spending time with my friends and family. I am very excited to meet my new group of 2nd graders! Email Mrs. Dudley Mrs. Rhonda Whitehead
Mrs. Rhonda Through the years, I have driven the school bus, worked in RTI,the library, and now I am teaching second grade. I enjoy being the bookkeeper for the basketball program. In my spare time I enjoy visiting with my three grandchildren. Email Mrs. Rhonda Mrs. Kayla McMahan
Mrs. McMahan is beginning her 12th year of teaching at Edgemont Elementary School, where she has taught all eleven of those years in second grade. She is a 2006 graduate of Jefferson County High School. She received her Associates Degree from WSCC and her Bachelors Degree from ETSU. She is married to her middle school sweetheart, and they have two children, Kali & Tanner. Outside of teaching, Mrs. McMahan spends most of her time with her VERY active children, but she also enjoys going shopping, going to the lake, and spending time with friends and family. Email Mrs. McMahan |
Third Grade
Mrs. Abby Cox
Hello, there! My name is Abby Cox and I am the new sixth grade science and social studies teacher! I am married to Tyler, my husband of three years. We have a beautiful little girl named Evie and two wild, and I mean WILD, cats Lucy and Cooper. My hometown is good ole Seymour, about an hour from Edgemont. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, but Star Wars comes in a close second! I attended Walters State Community College, and then went on to ETSU Sevierville where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I previously taught third grade in Sevier County for two years before taking a year to be home with my baby girl. This will be my first year at Edgemont, and I am so excited for this new adventure and to be joining the Edgemont family! Email Mrs. Cox Ms. Kara Hurley
Ms. Hurley was born and raised in Newport and went to Edgemont from 1st to 8th grade! She received her associates degree from Walters State, her bachelors degree from ETSU, and will graduate in December 2021 with her masters degree from ETSU. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her dogs Iris and Whiskey and her mini pig Dolly. She also loves to go camping, hiking, and riding through the mountains. Being a teacher at Edgemont is her dream job, and her goal is for her students to love learning as much as she does! Email Ms. Hurley Mrs. Miranda Smith
Mrs. Smith was born and raised in Newport. She graduated with her Associate of Applied Science degree from Walters State Community College in 2008. While teaching in a Pre-k program Mrs. Smith attended Tusculum College and obtained her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Human Growth and Learning. She taught first grade for one year before finding her home at Edgemont. She began working at Edgemont in the Save the Children Program in 2015. She has been teaching third grade since 2016. She is married to Jared Smith and they have one son, Carter. In her spare time , hiking, walking in her neighborhood, and being with family and friends. Email Mrs. Smith |
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Kaycee Cody
Hi, I am Kaycee Cody, and I teach 4th grade here at Edgemont. This will be my sixth year in fourth grade. I am married to my best friend, and our favorite bearded librarian, Mr. Cody. We had our son Thomas Charles "Chipper" Cody, Jr. in January! I recently graduated with my Masters in Reading with a Reading Specialist Certification from East Tennessee State University. I attended ETSU for my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I taught adjunct last year at ETSU, and I will start my PhD this fall. In my free time. I love to spend time with Mr. Cody and family, read, shop, and sing! I am looking forward to this year with my fourthies! Email Mrs. Cody Mrs. Macey Moody
Hi, I am Macey Moody and this will be my third year teaching Fourth Grade at Edgemont. I am originally from Kingsport, TN. I graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I am married and love to spend time with my family. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and reading. I love teaching and can’t wait for this year! Email Mrs. Moody Dr. Stephanie Taylor
This is my 16th year teaching in Cocke County, and this is my 13th year at Edgemont. I have taught 7th grade for the past 12 years. This year I am moving to 4th Grade. I grew up in Cocke County, attending Centerview and CCHS. I received my Doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Carson Newman in 2017. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy cooking, reading, painting, and playing with my two little nephews. I love being a Sunday school teacher at my church, taking part in our church ministries, and singing in the choir. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. I love to cuddle up with a blanket and Netflix and my fur babies. I have two dogs and thirteen cats that I treat as my kiddos. Email Dr. Taylor |
Fifth Grade
Mr. Heath Chambers
Hi, I am a 5th Grade teacher here at Edgemont. I graduated from Tusculum University and earned my Masters degree from Lincoln Memorial University. I was raised here in Newport, and I am a proud Edgemont Alumni. I am a husband to the greatest wife in the world, and father of four wonderful children! I look forward each day to having an impact on student's lives, and preparing them for their futures! Email Mr. Chambers Mr. Tim Fine
I will be teaching fifth grade this upcoming year. I have been teaching for more than 10 years and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to contribute to the success of each student that walks through my classroom at school. I believe in family values and that all my students can achieve what they set their mind to achieve. With hard work and a positive attitude there is nothing we can not do. I look forward to having each and every one of you in class this year. Email Mr. Fine Mrs. Summer Manda
Mrs. Manda graduated with her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in business management from Hodges University. After working with a non-profit in Florida she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. This is where she enrolled in a program to become a teacher, she has also been a dance teacher for more than 20 years. This will be her 5th year teaching, and she is excited to be a part of the Edgemont family. She enjoys dancing, spending time with her family, and going to the movies. Email Mrs. Manda |
Sixth Grade
Mrs. Julia Christ
Mrs. Julia Christ has been a teacher at Edgemont since the 2018-2019 school year. She has taught 6th Grade, Kindergarten and Restorative Practices. She received a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education K-6 from East Tennessee State University and a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is married and has two daughters, Briley and Blakely. Mrs. Christ loves creating relationships with her students to create a fun environment in which students can learn and thrive Email Mrs. Christ Mrs. Justine Roberts
My name is Justine Roberts. This is my 3rd year at Edgemont. Year one, I was the art teacher and had the opportunity to work with all the grades, and am currently teaching 6th grade. I graduated with my Masters degree in education from King University in Bristol, TN. I have two sons, and 2 dogs. I look forward to starting this new year, and I’m excited to meet my new students. Email Mrs. Roberts |
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
Ms. Abigail Chambers
Ms. Chambers is a fourth-year math and science teacher. She attended Carson-Newman University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and her Master’s degree in curriculum instruction. She is excited to worth with two of her favorite teachers: Nathan and Heath Chambers. She loves the color pink and enjoys her monthly visits to Walt Disney World. Email Ms. Chambers |
Mrs. Susie Ford
Mrs. Ford graduated from Tusculum College with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Lincoln Memorial University with a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. This will be her 13th year teaching at Edgemont. She is also the advisor of the Kiwanis Builders Club at Edgemont. She has been married for 16 years and has one son, Jackson. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family, and supporting the Edgemont Panthers! Email Mrs. Ford |
Special Areas
Mrs. Kristie Bar'se- Special Education
Hello, I am Kristie Bars’e (Ms. Bars’e). I graduated from Midway College and earned my Ed. S. from Lincoln Memorial University. I have one wonderful son, a great daughter-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. I am the proud pet parent to two mini-panthers (Mercedes and Benz). I enjoy spending time with family, attending church, traveling, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, working with animal rescues, and sports. I am excited to be part of Edgemont Elementary. Email Mrs. Bar'se Mr. Chuck Cody - Library
Mr. Cody is married to Mrs. Cody who teaches fourth grade at Edgemont. Mr. Cody graduated from Cocke County High School in 2004, ETSU with a Bachelor's in 2009, a Master's in 2016, and has done additional post graduate work at Bethel University. He begins his 15th year as a teacher, this being his 13th at Edgemont. Mr. Cody spent 14 years as a high school baseball coach. Mr. Cody was also the Edgemont Teacher of the year for the 2020-2021 school year. Mr. Cody is the "jack of all trades" around the school. He loves playing with his son Chipper, woodworking, sim-racing, NASCAR, and college football. Email Mr. Cody Mr. Michael Hood - Physical Education
Coach Hood graduated from Carson Newman University in 2020. He is the head boys basketball coach. Coach Hood has been coaching at Edgemont for the past five years. He is married to Alyssa Hood who is a local cosmetologist. Email Coach Hood |
Ms. Kara Gorrell - Guidance
Ms. Kara has been the school counselor at Edgemont since 2017-2018 school year. She finished her bachelors degree in criminal justice at ETSU with a minor in Psychology. She then went to get her Master's degree in school counseling from Carson Newman. She has one son, Chris, who keeps her on her toes. In her spare time she enjoys cheering on the Vols and the Edgemont Panthers, riding through the mountains, and spending as much time as possible with friends and family. Email Ms. Kara |
Ms. Jameszina Rucker- Save The Children Director
Jameszina Rucker (Ms. Jazzy) graduated from ETSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Tusculum College with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. This will be her 23rd year teaching at Edgemont. She taught 2nd grade and 1st grade for years but now you will find her in charge of Save the Children . She is also the Family Engagement person here at Edgemont. She has 2 kids (Brazen who is 17 and a senior at CCHS and Delessa who is 25 and the mother of my 3 grandson (August, Hezekyah, & Nathaniyl). In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and supporting her kids and grandkids! Ms. Jazzy (aka The Queen) loves being here at Edgemont! Email Ms. Jazzy Mrs. Kim Starnes- Special Education
Hi!! I'm Kim Starnes!! I was born and raised in Greeneville, TN. I graduated from Tusculum University in 2010 with a bachelor's in elementary education. I am married and have two wonderful children. In my spare time, I love to be in nature and go camping! I love to read and enjoy non- fiction books the best! I love teaching and am very excited to be a part of the Edgemont family! Email Mrs. Starnes Mrs. Regina Wright - School Services Coordinator
Mrs. Princess Regina graduated from Carson-Newman University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She then received her Master's degree in Education from Tusculum University, and an Educational Specialist's degree in Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. She began her teaching career in August 1988 at Edgemont. She has taught 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Most recently she served as the Lead Teacher in RTI. Her new role this year is serving as the School Service Coordinator. Email Mrs. Wright |
Educational Assistants
Ms. Heather Davis- Special Education
Ms. Heather grew up in Jefferson County. Her Edgemont career began in July 2020. She is looking forward to her new role as special education assistance. Being apart of the family atmosphere is Ms. Heather's favorite part of the job. Email Ms. Heather Mr. Jeff Gentry- RTI Assistant
I have worked in RTI as an interventionist for the past few years. However, this isn't my first experience here at Edgemont. I have coached successful winning basketball programs including five varsity girls championships and one boys varsity championship. After taking a year off I am now coaching the girls varsity team. Coaching is my passion! During my spare time I enjoy my son, Houston, who is in the second grade. Email Mr. Jeff Mrs. Judy Gregg- Pre-K Assistant
I have been an educational assistant in Pre-K since 2006. I also worked as a substitute in the 70s and 90s. I guess I'm the oldest in our group. I married my first love 56 years ago. John is the bus driver for Bus 38. We have two children Lynn Gregg and Crystal Mantooth. We also have 3 great grandchildren, and they are very great. I have lived in Cocke County for 72 years. I have a CDA in childcare since 2000 so I have taken all the classes Walters State has to offer. In 2021 I got to graduate with a Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education. The joy of it was being 71 and graduating with my 31 year old granddaughter. We walked on the stage together even though she graduated in psychology. I also help at 3 D Day Care and do all the paperwork for them. In my spare time I enjoying spending time with my great grandchildren. Email Mrs. Judy |
Name | Title | Email Address |
Nathan Chambers | Principal | [email protected] |
Melissa Grooms | Curriculum Coordinator | [email protected] |
Kristie Bar'se | Special Education | [email protected] |
Gayla Blazer | Special Education | [email protected] |
Abigail Chambers | 8th Grade Math/Science Teacher | [email protected] |
Alivia Chambers | STC Sponsorship | [email protected] | Crystal Chambers | STC Community Liason | [email protected] |
Heath Chambers | 5th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Julia Christ | 6th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Chuck Cody | Library/Media Specialist/Webmaster | [email protected] |
Kaycee Cody | 4th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Abby Cox | 3rd Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Tammy Dudley | 2nd Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Kim Dykes | Kindergarten Teacher | [email protected] |
Timmy Fine | 5th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Susan Ford | 8th Grade English/Social Studies | [email protected] |
Jeff Gentry | RTI Assistant | [email protected] |
Melissa Gilland | Secretary | [email protected] |
Rebecca Gorenflo | 1st Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Kara Gorrell | Guidance Counselour | [email protected] |
Kara Hurley | 3rd Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Chassie Inman | Secretary/Bookkeeper | [email protected] |
Whitney Laws | Special Education | [email protected] |
Becky Lewis | Primary Grades Assistant | [email protected] |
Jennifer Lindsey | 1st Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Cheryl Lovell | STC Assistant | [email protected] |
Summer Manda | 5th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Caroline Marra | 3rd Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Teresa Martin | Pre-K Teacher | [email protected] |
Kayla McMahan | 2nd Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Phyllis Moffat | Speech/Language Teacher | [email protected] |
Macey Moody | 4th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Christa Myers | Kindergarten Teacher | [email protected] |
Hannah Palmer | Kindergarten Teacher | [email protected] |
Justine Roberts | 6th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Kelly Scott | 1st Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Miranda Smith | 3rd Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Kim Starnes | Special Education | [email protected] |
Jameszina Stewart | Save the Children Director | [email protected] |
Tammy Strange | Kindergarten Teacher | [email protected] |
Dr. Stephanie Taylor | 4th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Millicent Thornton | 7th Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Robin Waddell | 1st Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Rhonda Whitehead | 2nd Grade Teacher | [email protected] |
Regina Wright | School Services/RTI Teacher | [email protected] |