About Us

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The Educators' Cooperative is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit based in Nashville, TN. Our mission is to grow a professional collaborative network for educators to collaborate between public, private, and charter sectors. We believe when teachers collaborate, the future of education is greater than the sum of its parts.

Created for teachers, by teachers, EdCo originated in 2014 when educator Greg O'Loughlin attended the Klingenstein Summer Institute at Columbia University Teachers College. There, he experienced the power of facilitated teacher-to-teacher development. He returned to Nashville inspired to found a new initiative: The Educators' Cooperative.

EdCo began in 2016 as a cohort of 20 teachers, Grades 3-8. By 2022, we have grown into a collaborative organization of nearly 200 PreK-12 teachers.

Learn about the Board, our Advisory Committee, and more below.

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Sanjana Ballal-Link

Board Member

Sanjana Ballal-Link grew up in Staten Island, NY. Her parents were immigrants from India who always stressed the importance of education. After attending the George Washington University, Sanjana moved to New Orleans to teach 3rd Grade. She moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue her degree in School Counseling from Vanderbilt University. In 2012, she joined Cameron, a LEAD public school, starting as their counselor and then as their Assistant Principal of Culture. In 2016, she transitioned to Teach for America Nashville-Chattanooga regional staff where she led the coaching team. In 2019, she transitioned to lead the full programmatic team for the Nashville-Chattanooga region. This summer, Sanjana joined MNPS Support Hub staff as the Director of Partnerships for Post-Secondary Readiness.

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Joel Bezaire

Board Member

Joel is a founding member of The Educators’ Cooperative. He has served on the Advisory Committee since its inception and was the director of EdCampNash from 2018-2021.

Joel Bezaire teaches 7th Grade Pre-Algebra and Middle School Statistics at the University School of Nashville. He has been awarded a Desmos Fellowship, a repeat national semifinalist for the Museum of Math’s Rosenthal Prize, and the inaugural winner of USN’s Bovender Family Faculty Chair for “modeling the best in innovative teaching practices and thorough involvement in the life of the school”.

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Turner Delano

Board Member

Turner Delano is a Managing Director with Koya Partners, Diversified Search Group, a global executive search firm where she is dedicated to nonprofit executive recruitment. Prior to joining Koya Partners, Turner served as Managing Producer of a weekly news show on Bloomberg TV Africa and Al Jazeera English. While there she produced, researched, and pitched one-on-one profiles globally including segments featuring Ehud Barak, Newt Gingrich, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. In addition to her role with Koya Partners, Turner co-produces the American Heroes Saltwater Challenge, an annual event supporting wounded veterans. Turner also volunteers and host events for the Earth Conservation Corps, a nonprofit Youth Development and Environmental service organization based in Washington, DC. Turner received a dual BA, International Affairs and Economics from Simmons University in Boston

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Melissa Campbell Goodson

Board Member

Melissa Campbell has worked in professional sports, arts and entertainment since 1983. She is currently the owner and co-curator of “Locals”, an art gallery in Sewanee, Tennessee.

Much of Melissa’s work has been based in the music industry as a Publicity Director handling Tour Press, Record Releases and Tour Advance. Her work has also included working media in International Crisis Cases. During nine of her 25+ years, Melissa served as Publicist and Consultant in support of her favorite non-profits, Challenge Aspen, Challenge America and Challenge America Military Opportunities (CAMO), each dedicated to year-round adaptive experiences for those with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.

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Lemuel Holifield

Board Member

Lemuel J. Holifield is the Manager of Resident Development at the Nashville Teacher Residency. He sits on the Board of Directors of The Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance (TECA), a nonprofit that works to increase teachers of color across the state of Tennessee with leadership, mentorship, and fellowship.

Lemuel has been a teacher in both public and private schools and was the Director of Student Life at Templeton Academy. 

Lemuel comes to Nashville by way of Johnson City, Tennessee. His life goal is to empower students to successfully navigate through life as well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of cultural identity.

“I teach as an extension of living life itself. EdCo is an incubator for great educators and great ideas!” – Lemuel J. Holifield

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Greg O’Loughlin

Board Member

After teaching in Nashville's public school and private schools, Greg couldn't believe there was not a professional network for teachers, by teachers where teachers could collaborate, connect, and support one another. So in 2016, he created The Educators' Cooperative - a mutual aid network for all teachers working in public, private, and charter schools. What started as a group of 20 teachers and a handful of volunteers has since grown into a professional collaborative community of more than 210 members and whose programming supports the work of hundreds more.

Greg was the Executive Director for the last 8 years and taught in the classroom for more than 13 years. He now serves as the Executive Director of Friends of Sinn Féin, where he works to ensure every level of American support is organized, engaged and coordinated in pursuit of the goal of a new and United Ireland. In his spare time, he enjoys riding his bike, coaching the Oasis Mountain Bike Team, and spending time with his family.

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Kat Powers

Board Member

Kat is an accomplished board member, currently holding the position of Director of Strategy for RePublic schools and sitting on the Board of Directors for Home Of Potential & Excellence (H.O.P.E.). With a B.S. in Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration, and a certificate in Educational Coaching, Kat brings a wealth of expertise to her roles. She has also made significant contributions as an adjunct professor with Relay Graduate School of Education, sharing her knowledge and passion for education with aspiring educators. Kat's experience includes coaching school leaders, founding programs, and leading the opening of schools in Texas and Tennessee during her time with Rocketship Public Schools. Additionally, she has played a vital role in programming and development for Teach For America, supporting educators in the Greater Nashville region. Recognized as Teacher of the Year, Kat's dedication to education extends beyond her professional life. In her spare time, she indulges in artistic pursuits such as custom watercolor painting and enjoys the tranquility of fly fishing. With her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to education, Kat continues to make a positive impact on students and educators through her board positions.

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Josh Segall

Board Member

Josh Segall is co-founder and CEO of Space Inch, a software development company based in Nashville and Zagreb. He is also co-founder of Space Inch Games, a company that created 15 original games and 40M installs of those games. Josh is a recovering lawyer.

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Ben Stix

Board Member

Born in DC, Ben grew up in DC/MD area until he graduated High School and moved to Nashville to go to school and play music. After a couple years of college, he eventually dropped out to play music full time. During his touring times, Ben always worked random jobs to make money, and several of them were based around Food. Music turned into food and events, and he became passionate about vegan eating, starting a business called The BE Hive. Now the food game is full time for him, and his company manufactures vegan meats and cheeses and operates a Vegan Deli in East Nashville.

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Shavon Davis Louis

Board Member

Shavon Davis-Louis, EdD, is a visionary educational leader with a rich tapestry of experience spanning over two decades. Her journey in academia has taken her from the foundational years of pre-kindergarten through the formative high school years, allowing her to develop a holistic understanding of the educational landscape.

Currently serving as the head of middle school at the esteemed University School of Nashville, Davis-Louis brings a student-centered philosophy and a wealth of leadership acumen to her role. Her impressive academic credentials, including a doctorate from Lipscomb University, reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and educational innovation.

Recognized for her exceptional contributions to education, Davis-Louis was honored as Middle School Principal of the Year for 2021–2022 by Metro Nashville Public Schools. In her current position, she skillfully oversees a vibrant community of 65 faculty members and 315 students, fostering an environment of academic excellence and personal growth.

Davis-Louis is renowned for her expertise in diversity and inclusion, outstanding communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Her approach to education is comprehensive and forward-thinking, making her a respected figure in the field and an inspiration to students and educators alike.

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Thomas Schlegel

Board Member

Thomas Shlegel is an engineer and entrepreneur with a deep love for problem solving. He currently works as the VP of Engineering at Built Technologies, leading the company's skunkworks and charitable services divisions, focusing on exploring new ways to improve technology and workflow in the construction and real-estate finance sectors. He has some prior experience in the education space, having developed and implemented curriculums for several coding bootcamps, including launching one in partnership with the state of West Virginia. Outside of work, Thomas is an endurance runner and dog lover, always on the move and driven by his commitment to improving the world around him.

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Tomas Yan

Board Member

Tomas Yan Is an STEM educator and community leader, currently serving as Associate Director of Economic Prosperity at Conexión Américas in Nashville, TN. With over a decade of experience, he has held pivotal roles as a science and STEAM teacher at Antioch and Stratford STEM Middle Schools, inspiring students through programs like the Day of Discovery. He has served as Resident Scientist at Vanderbilt University and Academic Coordinator at Universidad Metropolitana, fostering a passion for STEM among hundreds of students. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Dell Nashville STEM Award and Teacher of the Year finalist, His work extends to writing sustainable curricula, leading outreach initiatives, and engaging as a mentor in STEM fields.

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Marc Peek

Board Member

marc anthony peek is a dynamic and multi-faceted individual whose qualities can only be described as eclectic, creative, and compassionate. With a preference for his name in all lowercase, he embraces a sense of authenticity and openness that resonates with those around him. Whether referred to as marc, marc anthony, peek, Zulu, or Baba marc, he warmly accepts each name, welcoming connections on all levels.

Originally from the Carolinas, marc has called Nashville home since 1998. Inspired by his parents, he pursued his education at Tennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Since graduating, he has made a significant impact in various fields, serving as a Family Therapist and Prevention Specialist at The Oasis Center, as well as stepping into leadership roles such as Executive Director of the Village Cultural Arts Center. His passion for wellness is evident in his work as a Personal Trainer and as an Innovative Educator.

marc's entrepreneurial spirit shines through in his role as CEO of Peek Image Consulting, LLC. Through this venture, he collaborates with individuals, organizations, and schools to transform visions into actionable, sustainable models that inspire growth and yield tangible results.

marc is a proud and passionate member of the Educator's Cooperative's 3rd Cohort, embodying an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Over the past two years, he has enthusiastically contributed his insights and expertise as a dedicated Advisory Council member, playing a vital role in shaping the future of education. His dedication and enthusiasm inspire those around him, showcasing his belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.

Additionally, marc is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Lead Instructor for Capoeira Angola Palmares-Nashville and actively contributes to initiatives like the Black Teacher Leadership and Sustainability Institute with the Black Teacher Project, further demonstrating his commitment to empowering and uplifting his community. marc anthony peek embodies a vision of progress, prosperity, creativity, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark (don’t excuse the pun😊) on everyone he has the great fortune of encountering.

Previous Board Members

Ryan Balch

Program Director for Masters of Public Policy, Vanderbilt University

Conor Duggan

Executive Director at JP Morgan Private Bank

Kate Ezell

Principal, Ezell Consulting

Chakita Patterson

Executive Director, United Street Tours

Dan Furbish

Founder and Director, The Oasis Bike Workshop

Ashford Hughes

Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, MNPS

JJ Rosen

CEO, Atiba

Adam Tanaka

Owner, Life and Limb Printing

Christiane Buggs

CEO Pencil Foundation, Former Chair of MNPS School Board

Jon Eisen

VP of Lending at Pathway Lending

Emily Masters

Development Director, LaunchTN, Board Member MNPS

Jenna Davis

ELD Instructional Coach, MNPS

Ricki Gibbs

Head of Schools - Elementary, LEAD Public Schools

Bo Daniel Parr

Physical Therapist

David Rutledge

Assistant Business Manager, Southeast Laborers' District Council

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Sydney Britt

My name is Sydney Britt; I am a teacher, speaker, and activist from Fayetteville, Georgia. I currently teach English at McMurray Middle School in Nashville, TN and guest lecture at Belmont University. I graduated from Agnes Scott College with a degree in Music and Education. After moving to Nashville, I achieved a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from Belmont University while teaching 3rd grade as a Metro Nashville Urban Teachers Residency program (MNUTR) resident. I was a keynote speaker at Tennessee State University’s 2018 ACES Conference.

I am privileged to be a Cohort 5 initiate member of The Educators’ Cooperative. Empowering young people to advocate for themselves and others drives both my teaching practice and my heart. For me, The Educator’s Cooperative is a space to engage fully with the educational challenges of our times. This alliance of excellent servant-leaders challenges and encourages me to teach bravely.

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Alecia Ford

I am fortunate to have experienced a variety of schools as a parent and teacher. Originally, I set out to be a food scientist and worked at Pillsbury for 8 years. While there, I volunteered with a classroom program called KaPOW (Kids and the Power of Work). I loved sharing learning with others both at school and in the lab, so I resigned and enrolled at Peabody, graduating with an M.Ed. in elementary education.

Since then, I’ve taught at Jere Baxter, Meigs, East Literature and J. T. Moore Middle Schools. This variety of schooling experience has helped me be a compassionate teacher, while my interest in science points me at the latest research and what works. I’ve served on district level math committees and the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) Teacher Cabinet. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with other Nashville teachers in the Educators’ Cooperative.

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Chris Gregory

I have taught Physical Education in Metro Nashville Public Schools for the past 18 years. I currently teach PE at Oak Hill School. I have a master's degree in sport management from Middle Tennessee State University and a bachelor's degree in health and physical education teaching from Lipscomb University. I think it is important to educate all students on the value of maintaining healthy and active lifestyles. EdCo is an amazing place to connect with other educators and learn from each other. 
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Virginia Henry

Virginia Henry is a teacher. Virginia started her career as a graduate instructor in the University of Mississippi's English Department and has since taught everything from "Advanced Poetry" and "Writing & Rhetoric on Power and Privilege" to 10th grade English and 7th grade ELA. Previously, Virginia served as Battle Ground Academy's first Curriculum Coordinator for the Humanities. She is now a proud Panther, teaching 8th graders early American history in Social Studies at Cameron Middle School. She has a BA in English Literature, an MFA in Creative Writing, and is currently working on her MAT in Social Studies.

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Mike Mitchell

I serve as the Kids on Stage Art Director for Mount Pleasant Schools in historically rural Mount Pleasant, TN. I work with all Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Art, Audio/Video production programs across all three schools, and offer STEAM integration support to ALL 100 teachers across the only TSIN/TDOE certified model status STEM school clusters in Tennessee.

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Amy Nystrand

I am currently in my fifth year teaching 4th grade at Cole Elementary School in MNPS. I believe that education has the power to improve the lives of all students by connecting with them on a personal level. To best prepare students for the future world they will face, it’s imperative to teach the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally, so I strive to create strong classroom community. I teach because I love learning and want to pass this love on to future generations.

The Educator’s Cooperative allows me to connect with other teachers, where we can discuss best practices, identify common issues, and generate working solutions. As a lifelong learner, EdCo provides the space and opportunity to continue to push my thinking and further develop my skills as an educator. It provides for community, reflection, and a constant source of rejuvenation! 

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Lindsay Roe

I’m a proud teacher of newcomer English language learners at LEAD Cameron, a zoned charter school in Nashville. I love my work because of the students I teach and the community we create together. As a reading and language teacher, my goals are to get to know my students, celebrate their assets, meet them where they are, and support them in developing their language and literacy skills.

I think instruction should always be meaningful and informed by the needs and interests of the current group of students sitting in the classroom. This requires a reflective practice that is always striving for new ideas and constructive feedback. Participating in the Educators’ Cooperative has connected me with phenomenal teachers throughout Nashville who have helped me to bring more energy, creativity, and positivity to my practice. I think every teacher needs the support system that is the Educators’ Cooperative.

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Chris Spiegl

I currently teach 8th grade Earth Science at Montgomery Bell Academy, where I enjoy sharing Earth’s complexity and diversity with students in a hands-on, engaging, and practical manner. Prior to MBA, I taught agronomy in the highland Andes to K-12 students and developed 4-F clubs as a Peace Corp volunteer. Following PC Ecuador, I taught bilingual science and math in NYC Public Schools and studied at Teachers College, Columbia University in the inaugural class of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Fellows program.

My challenge and passion involves keeping abreast of changes in Earth systems, technology in education, and best practices in pedagogy. Conferences help, but my endeavors are maximized when ongoing with local like-minded colleagues.

The Educator’s Cooperative allows me regular interaction with incredible colleagues from a variety of school models, all committed to best practices and sharing of “what works”.

Equity in Education Panel with Director Greg O'Loughlin
What if educators drove their own professional learning? with Director Greg O’Loughlin
How a group of teachers in Nashville is bridging the public-private divide - NPR Marketplace
WordPress Feature
What Happens When Public, Private, and Charter Teachers Work Together?
Nashville teacher cooperative chips away at public, private partition