Audrey Johnson has been an educator for over 25 years working in Kansas City, Kansas, Kansas City, MO as well in Memphis, TN. Ms. Johnson has worked at both the elementary and middle school level and served as a SPA Nola Leadership Coach for three years. Her most current role was as a Principal in a K-8 school in Memphis. Ms. Johnson's first role as principal was in an elementary school, which was on the priority list and a part of Shelby County Schools' Striving School pilot. During her 4-year tenure of aggressive work, Ms. Johnson and her team were able to move this school from the priority list and shift the trajectory for the students in this school community. Ms. Johnson and her team were able to lead this school to become a 4-year Reward school in the state of Tennessee. Ms. Johnson has continued to serve students that are in high priority areas and worked in turn-around work. Most of her work has been in areas that serve schools in the bottom 5% of state achievement. She has a passion for educating students in these areas. Seeing her students turn other people's doubts and thoughts of impossibility to possibilities; these students, who she calls the underdogs to become successful, turning disbelief into belief, fills her heart with joy. Before becoming an educator, she has served in the United States Air Force, became a waitress after being honorably discharged, worked at the Board of Education as a secretary in Kansas City, KS, and later became a teacher. Ms. Johnson holds a B.A. degree in Elementary Education, a M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as a M.A. degree in Educational Supervision and Leadership. Other educational roles include her work as a School Counselor, Literacy Coach, and New Leader for New Schools Resident Principal. Ms. Johnson truly believes in the power of leadership development, whether it is personal, for teachers, parents, or students. Leadership has power, moves mountains, shapes nations, and determines our future. Always a teacher, always a leader!

Aspire Hanley Middle School’s Assistant Principal for Student Services is Ms. Deshanta M. Gooden. A native Memphis, Ms. Gooden began her teaching career in 2014 as a science teacher with Shelby County Schools where she first became a TVAAS Level 5 teacher. In 2016, she joined the Achievement First Public Charter Schools in New York where over 70% of her students mastered the rigorous End of Year science exam. Ms. Gooden joined Aspire Public Schools in 2017 as Aspire Hanley Middle School’s 8th grade science teacher where she obtained a TVAAS Level 5 rating and helped secure the school’s highest proficiency rating in science last year.

Throughout Ms. Gooden’s time with Aspire, she has held additional roles including a mentor teacher and coordinator of 8th Grade Week activities. She is a strong classroom manager which is evident by the overall look and feel of her classroom.

Ms. Gooden is an alumna of Middle Tennessee State University where she majored in biology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy. In her free time, she enjoys serving the community with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, traveling internationally, and enjoying the food scene here in Memphis.

Hanley Middle School’s Development Coach of Instruction is Mr. Charles A. Griggs. A native of Itta Bena, Mississippi, Charles began his career as a case manager and counselor with community organizations and government agencies. Mr. Griggs joined Aspire Public Schools in 2015 as a Behavior Specialist at Coleman School before joining the Hanley Middle School team three years ago.
During his tenure, Mr. Griggs has effectively coached students in managing their behavior in and out of the classroom. As a result of his work, Hanley Middle School’s suspension rate decreased by nearly 9% last year. Additionally, Mr. Griggs coaches teachers in management techniques and electives instruction.
Griggs is a proud graduate of Mississippi Valley State University. In his free time, he can be found spending time with his family and enjoying long walks in nature.