Mr. Dave Collins, Program Assistant 

I have held positions in both the elementary and high school levels in the Bristol Tennessee City Schools.  I have lived in Bristol nearly all my life.  I have a wonderful wife Nikki and an amazing 2 year old son Carter.  I am extremely excited to be at Avoca and look forward to working with everyone to ensure a great year.

Ms. Julie Large, Preschool Teacher

This is my second year teaching in the Bristol Tennessee City School district but my first year at Avoca!  I graduated from ETSU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art.  In 2006, I graduated from Milligan College with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.  I currently live in Elizabethton and am getting married in November.  I like painting, reading, and playing with my dog, Tobie Lou.  I am so excited to be part of the Avoca family and am looking forward to a great year!

Ms. Amber Cook, Preschool Educational Assistant

 I am the educational assistant in Ms. Larges’ Preschool class.  This is my second year as an EA and my first year working at Avoca.  I graduated from King College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science.  I am currently pursuing my teaching license for a degree in Early Childhood Education.  I have 3 children (2 boys, 1 girl) which I love spending time with!  We enjoy being outdoors participating in activities such as swimming, biking, and hiking.  Preschool is my favorite age group to work with and I am looking forward to all the excitement this school year will bring!

Mr. Aaron Barnett, 1^st Grade Teacher

 I originally graduated from East Tennessee State in 1999 with my BGS degree, but later returned to pursue a career in education. In May of this year I earned my Master’s in the Art of Teaching. I consider myself very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing school and school system. I am from the Tri-Cities area and have lived here my whole life so I believe I have the same values that most in this area hold dear. I have been married to my wife for 9 years, and we have two perfect children. My son is 5, and started Kindergarten this year, and my daughter just turned one. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and participating in most outdoor activities.

Ms. Leigh Beth Phipps, 1^st Grade Teacher

 I am so excited to be a member of the Avoca team!  I taught ten years in the Sullivan County School System prior to getting this job.  I have been married for nine years and have a daughter who is 4 and a son who is 1 year old.  My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my family and friends.  I am looking forward to a great year!

Ms. Lauren Perrin, 5th Grade Teacher

 I am very excited about being the new 5th grade teacher at Avoca! I actually went to Avoca my 5th and 6th grade years after moving up to Tennessee from Florida. I graduated from Tennessee High in 2003 then moved on to King College where I played volleyball for four years. I graduated in May 2007 with a degree in Education. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends in my free time. I am thrilled to be joining the Avoca team and am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Ms. Amanda Patterson, Child Development Specialist

 I am the Project BASIC Child Development Specialist at Avoca Elementary.  Project BASIC (Better Attitudes and Skills in Children) is an early intervention program targeting children in grades K-3.  I am very excited to be a part of this project.  I will be working with children in the classroom as well as individually.  I will be presenting lessons and activities that encourage self-esteem, cooperation, academic success, and skills for understanding and coping with feelings.  My experience is in early childhood development and I hold an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.  I look forward to working with the children, parents, and staff at Avoca Elementary School.

Ms. Terry Griffin, Educational Assistant

 I am very excited to be a new educational assistant at Avoca Elementary School.  I graduated on May 8, 2007 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeast State Community College.  Over the summer, I was employed as a preschool teacher at Littlest Angel Child Care Center.  I live in Blountville with my husband, James, and our 16 year old son, Kevin, who is a junior at Sullivan Central High School.  In my free time, I enjoy reading and being involved in Scouting and church activities.  I look forward to my first year of working at Avoca and am continuing my studies at Northeast State as I begin work toward obtaining an Associate of Science degree in Pre-Teacher Education.

Ms. Therese Reneau, Educational Assistant

 I am originally from Belize, Central America.  I resided for ten years in Winston Salem, NC before relocating with my family to Bristol, TN.  My teaching experience commenced in Belize.  I taught there for eleven years.  In 1991, I graduated from the Belize Teacher’s Training College.  After further studies, I received the title of Associate from the College of Teachers based in England.  I worked for the Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools as a Teacher Assistant for five years.  I look forward to a successful school year with the students, staff, and parents at Avoca Elementary School.  My personal motto in life is: “Always do your best!”