Fabian S. Reid

Principal

Dip. in Math & Science, B.Ed & MA in Math Ed

With 20 years in education, Mr. Reid is currently pursuing his PhD in Educational Leadership at Andrews University, has been recognized as the Most Innovative Teacher in America, and consistently evaluated as a distinguished educator in the State of North Carolina. He has taught upper school math and science all his career including physics, chemistry, pre-calculus, and biology. 
Mr. Reid has a deep desire to glorify God by leading MAA to become the premier school (in Memphis) for a Christ-centered, growth-focused, holistic, college-and-career-ready education that prepares a diverse student population for a saving relationship with Christ, and service to humanity. He is married to Elicia Reid and together the two have three children who attend MAA. When not engaged in family life, work duties, Church planting in both regional and non-regional conferences, and university studies, Mr. Reid can be found gardening, playing friendly games, or spending time in nature. 

Sara Nelson

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Nelson has been a part of the Memphis Junior Academy family for 12 years, first as a parent, then as Home and School Leader, and currently as the Administrative Assistant. She considers it a special honor to serve the students, families, and staff at MJA. She and her husband, Robert, have lived in the Memphis area for over 16 years and have three wonderful children.
Mrs. Nelson's favorite verse is Joshua 1:9. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Olivette Smith

Pre-K/Kindergarten Teacher

BA and MA in Education

Ms. Smith is a dynamic educator who possesses exceptional abilities in project management, problem-solving, and communication. She serves as a capable organizer with a proven track record of effectively coordinating and overseeing various school initiatives. Furthermore, she nurtures meaningful connections with students, parents, and fellow educators, fostering a welcoming and engaging educational atmosphere that promotes cooperation and learning among all students.

With an extensive career spanning over three decades, Ms. Smith has accumulated valuable expertise in roles such as principal, counselor, reading program coordinator, and kindergarten teacher. She holds a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University-Texarkana and a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakwood University-Huntsville.

Alex Brown

Social Studies, Athletics & 3D Printing 

B.S. in Social Studies, MA in Ed Leadership

Coach Brown has eight years of experience in athletics programs at different Adventist schools. He has a bachelor's degree in social studies from Southern Adventist University. He is coming to us from Boise Valley Adventist School where he taught several subjects including P and social studies. Before that, he taught social studies and ran the junior high athletics programs at Central Valley Christian Academy.
In addition to his teaching and coaching experience, Br. Brown has strong leadership and interpersonal skills. He is also skilled in multi-grade instruction and technology implementation.

Janice Carr

After School Care / PE / Art Club

BA Business Administration

Mrs. Carr enjoys working with the young people and leading them to the Lord. In her second year being a staff member at MJA, she just fell in love with the children and has decided MJA is the place she wants to be. 

Sharon Lodge

5th/6th Grade Teacher

B.S. Biology, B.A. Religion, M.Ed Secondary science

Ms. Lodge is an enthusiastic teacher, with a drive and a passion to engage her students in the joy of learning and in developing a relationship with their Creator. God has gifted Ms. Lodge with creativity, and it is her joy to use innovative approaches to immerse herself and her students in discovery learning. She highly values finding ways to get students outside and spending time in the great outdoors for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

Ms. Lodge has a B.S. in Biology, a B.A. in Religion, and an M.Ed in Secondary science education. With over 20 years of experience in the classroom, Ms. Lodge has taught all grades from Pk-12 and has served as principal at Valley View Christian School in MT and Bay Knoll SDA School in NY.

Kevin Mote

Bible and English Teacher

BA in Religious Education minor in English

Mr. Mote is starting his 3rd year with us and has been very excited about joining the MJA/MAA Family. 
He is originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he attended Louisville Adventist Academy for all 12 years of school. He graduated from Southern Adventist University in 2021 with a degree in Religious Education and a minor in English. Mr. Mote has one goal at MJA/MAA, both through my English and Bible classes, and that is to guide students through the most important words that have ever been written, and show them Jesus in every word. His prayer and his mission is to educate, enlighten, and understand questioning youth to promote searching for coherent biblical answers, and guide those youth to a deeper relationship with God. 

Carlos Ortiz

Music Teacher

Mr. Ortiz is a gifted musician with a passion for piano, flute, and singing. He is one of the pianists at Memphis First SDA Church and has experience leading vocal and instrumental groups. He is also a skilled composer of instrumental music.
In addition to his musical talents, Mr. Ortiz is also a physiotherapist and critical care specialist with experience in the intensive care unit, emergency room, and hospitalization rooms.

Sophenia Partlow-Brown

3rd/4th Grade Teacher

BA Elementary Education

From Mrs. Brown: "It is a pleasure to be part of such a great school family. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways by bringing me to Memphis Jr. Academy."

Elicia Reid

PK/K Teacher Aide

Diploma in School Counseling & CNA

Mrs. Reid has a 3-year diploma in school counseling, and a certificate as a CNA. Between 2008-2022 she has worked alongside her husband, our principal, Mr. Reid, as a church planter in North Carolina. During that time she worked as a CNA for several years and between 2020-22 as a teacher aide at Tri-City Christian Academy. She now enjoys aiding Mrs. Kaylee with PK/K.

Natalie St. Bernard

1st/2nd Grade Teacher

Bachelors of Arts (BA)

Mrs. St. Bernard is our 1st and 2nd Grade teacher here at Memphis Adventist Academy. She has had the privilege of working with some bright and energetic young children in the past. As a teacher, she has encountered various challenges, but by the grace of God she has made it through with amazing learning experiences and incredible growth in each of her students. Mrs. St. Bernard has been married for 17 years and have two children, a junior and a senior in high school. She enjoys traveling, and spending time with family, and she loves visiting botanical gardens and taking nature walks. She also loves decorating, organizing, creating, and making spaces beautiful.
Mrs. St. Bernard believes teaching is invaluable. “Children are our future, and education is integral in shaping the minds of the future,” she says. As an educator, she wants to grow and develop her students into the wonderful people God created them to be. She wants to help students develop holistically – mentally, spiritually, physically, and socially. She is guided by the philosophy that true education walks hand in hand with redemption and draws our students into a connected relationship with God. Her hope is to inspire her students to want to know their Creator and to help them multiply the abilities God has already instilled in them.

Cassy Buford

Cafeteria Server

Cafeteria Server

Ms. Cassy has two grandchildren at MAA and does more than just taking care of our cafeteria. She is flexible in whatever areas she is needed.

Mary Carroll

Janitor

Custodian

With a grandchild attending MAA, we are excited to have Ms. Mary as our janitor. As a crucial member of our team, Ms. Mary ensures that our buildings are spick and span for school each day.