Kirsten has served as an elementary educator for eight years before transitioning back into higher education. Her passion to serve others as well as advocating for an equitable education translates into the efforts she puts forth for underserved Nashville families. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her masters in Human Services from Liberty University. Kirsten will serve as the Director of the C.A.P.E. program where she will lead her team to help provide academic services for Davidson County residents seeking to complete their High School Equivalency Degree. Kirsten believes in a wholistic approach to education and that serving the needs of the student means helping them receive the necessary resources and opportunities to obtain positive and transformative life changing outcomes.

Breighel Buggs is a caring and compassionate educator with years of experience in Education. She obtained her bachelor's degree in liberal arts and sciences, concentration Child Development and Learning (K-8) from Tennessee State University, which included obtaining her certification to teach ESL pk-12 and Elementary education. She also has a minor in Psychology. As an ESL teacher, she has provided students from over 14 language backgrounds an extensive multilingual education experience as non-native English speakers. She is passionate about working with various age groups and deeply committed to enhancing students' comprehensive education. She soon after received a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction Concentration in Educational Technology. She also is working on her Doctor of Education Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. As an ESL lead, she has provided professional development sessions for teachers wanting to learn teaching strategies, content, and ESL accommodations, A.V.I.D., Design Thinking, and Project-based Learning for educators. She is accustomed to both in-person and online instruction for flexibility and multimedia integrations to maximize lesson engagement. She has digital literacy in various online programs with certifications such as Apple Teacher and Microsoft Certified Educator.

Unjanae Johnson is a dedicated and devoted public health professional with over 5 years of experience in health education, health promotion, and public health research. Unjanae obtained her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Public Health from Austin Peay State University and is currently obtaining a Master of Public Health in Health Policy. With foundational experience rooted in rural communities with greater health needs, the approach in working to provide access and resources to service the “total person” has led her to serve as the Career Coach of C.A.P.E.. In this role, Unjanae will be responsible in providing career coaching for students and assisting students who are ready to enter into post-secondary education.

Branden Harris serves as the Program Manager for the C.A.P.E. Program in the Center for Health Policy at Meharry Medical College. He assists with the administrative aspects of the program, serves as the main liaison between students, staff, local agencies and community partners, and help with community engagement. Additionally, Branden will work closely with staff and stakeholders to execute the programmatic goals outlined by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He is from Atlanta, GA and studied school in Nashville, TN. Branden holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Lipscomb University, which he obtained in the summer of 2022.

Dr. Brittany Cox has over a decade of extensive experience teaching strategies, content, and pedagogy for all ages. Dr. Cox is a student-focused educator well-trained in assisting native speakers, and highly intellectual students while integrating support across subject areas.  It is her goal to connect with students, successfully increase language proficiency, and encourage continuous development. Dr.  Cox received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Masters specializing in English as a Second Language, and Curriculum & Instruction from Tennessee State University. She later went on to complete her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Dr. Cox will work with our ESL students to help them achieve their goals of obtaining citizenship or their High School Equivalency Diploma.