New Directions Academy

Middle School

Bryson, Hope

Teacher ELA Middle School 6-8

I have always lived in Dickson County, with the exception of my college years. I graduated from Dickson County High School and Martin Methodist College. I started teaching at Creek Wood High School in 2005, and I moved to New Directions Academy in 2009. I have been teaching English to grades 6-8 at NDA ever since. In my free time I like to knit and watch knitting videos on YouTube. My favorites are The Fat Squirrel Speaks, The Bakery Bears, and Stranded Dyeworks Podcast. I enjoy reading, and one of my favorite authors is Cathy Lamb. When I choose texts for my classes, I try to pick ones I think my students will be interested in. Part of the challenge in getting students to become readers is putting the right books in their hands at the right time.

Poppendorf, David

Teacher Social Studies/Science Middle School 6-8

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I earned my Bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University. Later, I earned my Master’s degree in educational leadership from Lipscomb University. I have taught in the Dickson County school system for 21 years. I have mainly taught middle school science and social studies in those 21 years. I am married with four children and one granddaughter. I love teaching. Having former students come up to me and thank me for believing in them is very rewarding. I believe that all students can learn no matter what their circumstances are. I am very excited about this new chapter in my teaching career.

Rolston, April

Teacher Math Middle School 6-8

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I earned my Bachelor's degree from The University of Memphis and moved to Dickson County to begin my teaching career. Later, I earned my Master's In Teacher Leadership from The University of Phoenix. Over the course of 18 years, I have taught grades k-2 in Dickson, Middle School (all subjects) in Nashville, and Middle School Math in Dickson. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and I hope I am making a positive impact with the students I serve.

Walker, Sabrina

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I am from Owensboro, KY and received my Associates in Arts degree in 2008. I am married to my wonderful husband, Mark Walker and have five children: Dominic, Daymian, Devin, Marious, and Malakye. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, gardening, and watching movies.

Williams, Christy

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I graduated from Dickson County Senior High in 1998. I have 4 amazing kids. I was a stay at home mom with them until they were all in school. Family has always been the most important aspect of my life. Shortly after the youngest started school I began working within the school system. I started subbing and did some work with special education. One of the things I tell my own children everyday is to be the reason someone smiles. Being at NDA has been a blessing to me because it feels like family. I love knowing that I could make a difference in one of these kids lives. We all have a story and we don't know what one is battling and I can only hope that my role here is to be their reason to smile that day!

Students who join our middle school program have RTI, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. They rotate through three teachers and receive extra support during their day in their academics.