Ms. Harris is a Christian educator who brings educational leadership that fosters and promotes achievement where spiritual growth, creativity, motivation and integrity drive success. As Head of School, Ms. Harris is in charge of all the operations of The Neighborhood School including the Golightly Residential Homes and the Afterschool Enrichment Program.
Her training includes: Masters in Educational Leadership; UnionUniversity: Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction; Teacher Licensure at RhodesCollegeand B.S. from ChristianBrothersUniversity in Psychology. She has received additional urban education training through the Memphis Leadership Fellows Program at the University of Memphis. In addition, she has been trained and equipped in making disciples through DownLine Ministries. Therefore, Ms. Harris has a local, national, and global impact on others to encourage Biblical standards of discipleship.
Ms.Harris spent over 10 years in the public school system, as a teacher, assistant principal and professional development compliance coach. She has received additional urban education training through the Memphis Leadership Fellows Program at the University of Memphis.
“I believe that as staff collaborates on helping students to develop a biblical worldview and academic success is achieved, our future world will produce caring and productive citizenswho are reflective of Christian principles”
Meet Our Staff - The Heart of Our School
Each teacher and staff member of The Neighborhood School is here because they feel incredibly led to be a part of the ministry of the school. They appreciate the calling to impart Christ's love to each child in our care.
They are much more than intellectual resources and academic leaders, they are personal and spiritual role models and mentors for each child. Traditionally, the parents' survey reveals each year that these one-on-one teacher-student relationships not only change the lives of those directly involved, but also impact and demonstrate Godliness to the students's and their families. They are committed to the mission and vision of the school and voice that commitment in the declaration of the school each morning with the students, further contributing to the culture of accountability and collectivity.
Deanea Mercer,
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Mercer joined TNS in 2011 in the role of Administrative Assistant. She is always willing promote the mission of TNS. Every child, who comes to the Head of School's office, gets a big smile and a gentle voice. Ms. Mercer works as unto the Lord and has a love for all children and their families. Ms. Mercer a lifelong learner who graduated from Lambuth University has an interest in all phases of education from pre-kindergarten to higher education. Ms. Mercer who is a member of Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church became familiar with TNS as a member of the DownLine Institute Class of 2010-2011.
Mr. Littlejohn,
Food Services Manager
Leslie Leatherman - Physical Education and Computer Lab
Mr. Leatherman provides Physical Education instruction and computer classes to all grade levels.
Mr. Leatherman has taught History and Technology in the in the Grenada, MS, Tupelo, MS schools systems and BaldwynHigh School. He is experienced in coaching. He has a B.S.-B.B.A degree in Insurance and additional study in History from the University of Mississippi. He has additional training from NorthwestCommunity College and University of Southern Mississippi. He holds a Class A, Grades 7-12, Technology Discovery, Social Studies and Business Education Mississippi Teacher Certification.
Birgit Langenstein
Academic Enhancement Class
Mrs. Langensteinis an educationalspecialist in reading/language arts and a certified science teacher focusing on literacy training. A native to Germany, she came to the U.S. in 1995 and, after a radical encounter with God and her miraculous healing from a terminal heart illness, dedicated her life to Jesus Christ, left the University of Memphis, and settled in the inner city to support our children and the local church. She has served alongside other Christians with Service-over Self (SOS), Mission USA, the UM Tiger Christian Fellowship, and the Memphis Union Mission. Her training includes Evangelism Explosion (CovenantCommunityChurch), community outreach (All Nation’s Centre in Cardiff/Wales), service at orphanages (St. Pedro Pinula/Guatemala), and urban ministry: crisis intervention and grief counseling (HopePresbyterian Church Care Ministry and ChristianPsychologicalCenter). Ms. Langenstein holds, among other degrees, a Master of Arts in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership. Her hobbies are singing, creative arts and dance, carpentry, and planting community gardens.
Delois Crutchfield- Pre-K Class
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Emily Peden- Kindergarten
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Doris Thornton 1st Grade Teacher
Miss Doris is the only faculty member that has been with the school from almost the beginning - 1995. Her love for her children in her class is evident. She moved here to teach at the school from Hamilton, Ohio.
Because of her, children transition into better students. Miss Thornton encourages parents to be more involved with their children’s homework and school activities. In addition, to her work at the school, she also assists parents of our Sudanese children with English as a second language. As the parents learn English they are better able to assist their children with their school work.
She is an avid reader and loves music and both of these interests are on display in her classroom.
Like all of our staff, she thinks of her work at the school as her ministry.
She has her B.S. in Elementary Education from Bryan College, Dayton, TN.Additionally, she is certified by the Association of Christian Schools International.
Portia Liphford, 2nd Grade
Eric Vande Bunte - 3rd Grade
Mr. Eric Vande Bunte is our fourth grade teacher and has been at the school since 2004. He is a graduate of Northwestern College, Orange City, IA with an B.A. degree in Elementary Education. Mr. Vande Bunte holds the distinction of being the only teacher who has taught overseas having been an English teacher in Brazil. An active encourager of outdoor sports, he can often be seen with our children playing kick ball in the playground and up on the roof retrieving the balls!
Larketta Bedford - 4th Grade
Ms. Bedford uses all types of methods to engage her students to learn, including song, dance, rap, and drama. To her, every child is unique with talents and gifts that she strives to bring out.
She says that every day in the classroom is a true joy and blessing from God.
She has taught Early Childhood Experience for 17 years in Day Care, Head Start, Montessori and Day School. Additionally, she was a Volunteer Probation/Truant Officer and has 9 years of experience in the Memphis City School system as a teacher. She has her Certiificate in Biblical Studies from Crichton College and a BS in Elementary Education.
Derrick Dunn- 5th Grade
La Senda Crowe-Prado, Middle School Lang. Arts
With more than twenty years of combined education and teaching experience, La Senda Crowe-Prado's philosophy is simple: "The principal purpose of instruction is to serve as a mechanism that will catapult students towards both academic and spiritual growth and development, positive social interactions and continual self-discipline; it should also encourage life-long learning and assist students in becoming productive citizens in the twenty-first century workplace". Ms. Crowe-Prado received a Master of Arts degree in Teaching, with a concentration in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing from the same institution. She has taught Creative Writing, English, Language Arts and Reading for Memphis City Schools and has taught English for the Mississippi Virtual Public School System and Educate Online, Inc. She believes firmly that life is a "spiritual" journey and that her walk with Christ has led her to teach at The Neighborhood School, where she is excited to minister to students, sharing the gift of teaching that God has bestowed upon her.
Isadore Peasant- Middle School History
Mr Peasant believes God loves me so much that he kept me alive to teach at the Neighborhood School. I will show the students this same Christian and unconditional love. The students will respond to my teaching when they see the love I have for them. Mr Peasant believes that each student have unique interests and learning styles. I will used all 8 multiple intelligences of my student to develop them spiritually and academically.
Mr. Peasant served 23 years in the United States Air Force and traveled around the world. He has over 6 years experience teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Mr. Peasant is a graduate of Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL, with a BS degree in Political Science. He also holds a teaching certificate from the University of Memphis in Elementary Education. Mr Peasant is a avid basketball, soccer, and racquetball player.
Mr. Travis Crutchfield - DirectorofSpiritual Life and Middle School Math & Science
As an ordained minister, Mr. Crutchfield leads the spiritual development of the staff and students.
He will also serve as the Director of the Boarding Program. He and his wife, Delois have partnered in ministry. They spent 10 years as house-parents for 52 children and their families at Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries.
His educational experiences includes:University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, B.S. Social Work; Masters Studies at University of GA; Social Work, Athens, GA; GeorgiaBaptistCollege and Seminary; Senoia, ColumbiaInternationalUniversity, Columbia, SC; Regents University, Virginia Beach, VA, Ed. Leadership.
Mr. Crutchfield is a teacher at heart and has enjoyed teaching students in Grades 3 thru 12.He served as Chief Administrator at FayetteChristianSchool, Fayetteville, Georgia and ClintonChristianSchool, Suitland, Maryland.
According to Mr. Crutchfield, “I am most grateful for the souls that have been added to the Kingdom and for the young lives that are impacted by Jesus,” during my tenure in education. His chief priority since coming to know Christ is to make Him known to others.
Mrs. Lashaunda Johnson - Directorof Student Services and Professional Development Coach
Mrs. Lashaunda Terry-Johnson serves as the Director of Student Services and Professional Development Coach. She assists staff, volunteers and families in providing support services needed by students in order to improve their spiritual, social and academic growth.
She works with Head of School in developing a middle school instructional model based on strategies specifically designed to help middle school students succeed. She also collaborates with team members to develop and give oversight to the After School Enrichment Program.
As an experienced, trained administrator in professional and curriculum development, she supports the Head of School in coaching the teaching and support staff to improve student achievement.
Her educational experiences includes: University of Tennessee, Martin, TN; B.S. in Elementary Education: Concentration-Human Learning K-8; Kent State University, Kent, OH, Masters in Education: Concentration: Curriculum and Instruction and Memphis, TN., Educational Specialist: Concentration: School Administration
As teacher in elementary and middle school, Mrs. Johnson has served as lead teacher and trained teachers by modeling instruction and helping teachers set measurable goals to their teaching skills.
She is the wife of Rev. Corey D. Johnson. They are the proud parents of two girls, Cyrah and Carrington.
Mr. Paul Norman
Director of Residential Program & Boy's House Parent
Nancy Emanuel
Golightly Girl's Dormitory House Parent
