Crystal Melton

• 17-18/18-19 Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Crystal has homeschooled her son and daughter since 2009.  She was introduced to Memoria Press in 2014, and her love of the curriculum has grown every year. For the past 6 years, Crystal has served as Rapha House Freedom Stylist Director.  Rapha House Freedom Stylist is a non-profit ministry that works to prevent sexual exploitation among young women in Cambodia by equipping them with the trade of cosmetology.  Crystal has been married to Andy, her high school sweetheart, for over 17 years. They live in the East Nashville area with their two children. To be able foster a love of learning within a vibrant community is a blessing to be part of. I look forward to loving and nurturing the children of Highland Latin Nashville Cottage School.   

Heather Lett

• 17-18 First Grade Assistant Teacher
• 18-19 First Grade Lead Teacher
• Samford University, BS Early Childhood & Elementary Education

I have always had a heart and passion for education. From my days of babysitting, to mission trips, to Sunday School teaching, to formal education, my heartbeat has always been to teach and love on children.  I received my bachelors degree in Early Childhood/Elementary education from Samford University and taught first grade up until my first child was born in 2005 and decided to come home. Two additional children later I am still enjoying my time being a stay at home mother.  My husband and I felt led to homeschool our 3 this year and when we discovered Highlands Latin we immediately fell in love.  I am so looking forward to being back in the classroom!

Valerie Lomax

• 17-18 First Grade Lead Teacher
• 18-19 Second Grade Lead Teacher
• Ball State University, BS in Dietetics

Hi, my name is Valerie Lomax. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and “Checed” (my grandmother name, which means “lovingkindness” in Hebrew.) I love life! Making up motions to the Word and watching children grow are two of my favorite things in life. God has saturated our home with life!  My husband, Tom, and I are the grateful parents of ten children, ages 15 to 34 and four grandchildren.  We have homeschooled our children with the focus of “when I am weak, He is strong” and “love never fails.” And Jesus has never failed us!  I am honored to teach your children this year at Highlands Latin Nashville.

Fleming McWilliams

• 17-18/18-19 Kindergarten Assistant
• Belmont University, Vocal Performance & Music Business

Our family began the homeschool journey in 2014 as our son was entering fifth grade. After discovering Memoria Press, we decided to order the First Grade Classical Core Curriculum for our daughter. That big box of books changed our lives and our homeschooling experience. I am truly honored to be part of Highlands Latin Nashville. It is a privilege to spend the day with your children and witness the “lightbulbs” and connections being made in the kindergarten classroom. There is no better sound than poetry recited by a five-year-old voice! In addition to being a homeschooling mom, I am a private voice teacher, and director of the singing program, Girls Up Loud. In my spare time, I make music with my husband under the name Fleming and John. Our children, Franky and Roxy, attend HLN.

Gretchen Benko Mruk

• 18-19 First Grade Assistant
• Marietta College, BS Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
• University of Alabama Birmingham, MS Physical Therapy
• Simon School of Business, MBA

I have always loved children, learning, and sharing; so, having the opportunity to combine them at Highlands Latin Nashville is very exciting. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. After practicing for 10 years, I went back to school for my MBA and worked as a marketing director for a medical device company that created the first device to successfully treat major strokes. Both careers have been incredibly rewarding. Now, I am embarking on my latest and most treasured career–full-time mom and homeschooler of 5-year old triplets. I have a grateful and ardent heart when it comes to HLN and all it offers our children. I am looking forward to assisting Mrs. Lett and her first grade students this year while my three children tackle Kindergarten. 

Hannah Bader

• 18-19 Second Grade Assistant

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Honored former HLN teachers:

Mrs. MariLynn Ross

Mrs. Audrey Crampton

Ms. Anna McCain

Mrs. Tracy Utley

Ms. Elizabeth Dowdell