Faculty and Staff
Jo Cullen
Executive Director
Jo is from England and moved to America in 2008 when her husband was relocated with Eastman. She graduated from the University of York, England, with a Bachelors degree in English and Education. She completed a post grad in Elementary Education and went on to teach in elementary schools in England for 16 years. She became a school principal there in 2002. During this time, her younger son was diagnosed with autism. She completed a post grad certificate in Aspergers Syndrome at the University of Sheffield, and also underwent TEACCH training with Professor Gary Mesibov. She is a 2020 graduate of the Vanderbilt Consortium LEND program (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment Disabilities). This was a year long program focusing on interprofessional approaches to working with children with disabilities and their families.
Jo is the Executive Director of Jeremiah School, responsible for all operations for the school, as well as raising awareness of the school within the community. She lives with her husband and younger son in Johnson City; her elder son is a student at Clemson University. In her spare time, Jo loves to ride horses, read, and spend time with her family.
Gina Habit
Principal
Ms. Gina Habit joined the Jeremiah School staff as a classroom teacher for the 2021-22 school year and then transitioned to Principal for the 2022-2023 school year.
Gina and her family recently moved from Hughson, California to their new home in Jonesborough. Gina’s experience in education began as a substitute teacher’s aide, which included assignments in a variety of settings. Gina completed her Education Specialist Credential at Teacher’s College of San Joaquin and began working for Turlock Unified School District. She worked as an elementary Resource Specialist and as a high school Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher.
Gina is thrilled about Jeremiah School’s approach to a student-centered environment and she is excited to join the team!
Jacki Vilandre
Office Manager
Shaunah Scott
Counselor, LCSW
Ms. Shaunah Scott is a native of East Tennessee. Shaunah graduated her Master of Social Work degree from East Tennessee State University in 2010. Shaunah has her LCSW and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, holding this certification from the International Association of Trauma Professionals. She completed her undergraduate internship at a psychiatric hospital and completed her master’s internship at the ETSU Counseling Center. Since graduate school, Shaunah has worked in an array of clinical atmospheres which include working with adolescents and adults in recovery from substance use, inpatient psychiatric care, transitional living services, hospital case management, and outpatient therapy. Most recently, Shaunah worked at East Tennessee State University where she taught social work courses and provided individual, couples, and group therapy services in the ETSU Counseling Center. There, she worked with a diverse population of students, including those on the autism spectrum. Shaunah’s two clinical loves are working with people on the autism spectrum and working with trauma.
Shaunah’s biggest hope is to join the students right where they are, helping them see their value and worth, and providing support so they can reach their fullest potential. Shaunah believes the relationship with the student is essential, so that healing and restoration can occur. She may employ a variety of techniques in session including (but not limited to) sandtray therapy, tapping, CBT, relaxation training, self-regulation, and skills building. Shaunah is very thankful and excited that the Lord brought her to Jeremiah School.
Shaunah considers herself a major foodie and loves to try new meals. In her free time, Shaunah enjoys making soap, diffusing oils, spending time with her family, reading memoirs and thrillers, and traveling.
Bethany Sweeney
Classroom Teacher
Bethany Sweeney is joining the Jeremiah School for the 2023-24 school year as a classroom teacher.
Bethany Sweeney is a Florida native that recently moved to the Johnson City area. This is not her first time living here though. She earned a Bachelors of Art in Studio Art from Milligan College in 2001, and also played soccer there. After graduating and moving back to Florida, she earned a Masters of Art in Teaching, specializing in Exceptional Student Education, from the University of South Florida. She then taught for 8 years in a public Florida high school, teaching art to special education students. Most recently, she taught art at a private Christian school in Florida for 12 years.
Her family moved back to the Johnson City area so that her husband, Patrick Sweeney, could take the position of the Milligan men’s soccer head coach. They also have a 16 year old son, Keenan as well as two cats. She enjoys rock climbing and hiking in her free time.
Ms. Bethany is very excited about teaching at Jeremiah School and helping her students reach their potential.
Erin Bruce
Classroom Teacher
Erin Bruce is joining the Jeremiah School for the 2023-2 school year as a classroom teacher.
Erin Bruce is from Jonesborough, Tennessee. She graduated from Tusculum University with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education Comprehensive and Interventionist K-12. She has spent time working with students in RTI and CDC settings in Greene County and Greeneville City schools. She has worked with a wide range of abilities with elementary and middle school ages.
Erin loves anything outdoors from hiking and fishing to going on walks with her dog Mazie. She also enjoys watching Star Wars and spending time with family and friends.
Dana Miller
Classroom Teacher
Ms. Dana Miller joined Jeremiah School for the 2021-2022 school year as an enrichment teacher and became a classroom teacher for the 2022-2023 school year.
Dana is a mid-western native but has lived in East Tennessee for almost 30 years. She has worked with children in diverse roles, both in schools and in churches, for decades. She has a special education degree from Wayne State in Nebraska and a Biblical Studies degree from Hope International University in California.
Dana and husband, Jeff, have 2 grown daughters and 5 grandchildren. In her free time, she likes gardening, hiking the local trails and spending as much time as possible with her family.
Dana is very excited to join the Jeremiah School team! She appreciates the positive, student-centered environment and is looking forward to working with students to help them realize their unique gifts and abilities.
Sarah Melton
Classroom Teacher
Ms. Sarah Melton joined the Jeremiah School during the 2022-2023 School year.
Sarah Melton is a native of the Tri-Cities area and is joining the Jeremiah School Staff as a
classroom teacher for the 2022-23 school year. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in
Elementary Education (K-5) through East Tennessee State University and is certified in Special
Education (K-12) through the University of Virginia at Wise. She has worked with various age
groups and abilities, including ETSU Child Study Center Headstart, 2nd Grade in Kingsport City
Schools, and K-6 Resource Special Education in Scott County Schools. Sarah’s passion is
teaching science and integrating hands-on activities into all subjects.
Sarah is recently married and lives with her husband, Bridger, and her beagle-dachshund, Boots.
In her spare time, she loves to make crafts, play tennis, and visit the zoo. She also loves to help
with local outreaches and ministries through her church.
Sarah is eager to help students love learning and find their own passions and interests at
Jeremiah School!
Andrew Baxter
Classroom Teacher
Andrew Baxter is a native of Johnson City who holds an MEd. in Elementary Education K-6 as well as an MEd. in Special Education K-12. He first began working with young people of all abilities back in 2007 through the ETSU Renaissance Camps and decided he wanted to pursue education. He has taught 5th grade Math and Science at Boones Creek Middle School, worked as an interventionist at Grandview, worked in Sullivan County as a resource teacher and just completed a year in Kingsport City Schools in a self-contained room for students with autism and co-occurring disabilities.
While in graduate school for special education, he worked as a research assistant under the guidance of Dr. Pamela Mims. He also worked closely for the Attainment Company, Inc. It was during this time, Andrew became inspired by the amazing teachers and students he had the pleasure of working with.
As a parent and husband himself, he firmly believes that education is a family enterprise and that important decisions should be made in a collaborative spirit. He is thrilled to be on this journey with the incredible staff and students of the Jeremiah School.
Jordan Hite
Enrichment Teacher
Mr. Jordan Hite joined the Jeremiah School staff for the 2021-22 school year as an enrichment teacher.
Jordan is an East Tennessee native who studied psychology and education at Carson Newman University. Jordan has worked with the Autism Society, Easter Seals, the Access Academy, and Bold Gold. After years of traveling the country and living on the west coast, he recently moved back to East Tennessee where he now resides with his wife and daughter. They have a baby boy on the way. Jordan is an avid outdoorsman who can be found camping in the blue rides, gardening with his wife, or playing board games on his patio. He has a passion for bringing nature to the classroom and taking the classroom into nature.
Ashton Rice
Teacher’s Assistant
Ashton Rice is joining the Jeremiah School staff for the 2023-24 school year as a Teacher’s Assistant.
Ashton is originally from California and recently moved to Johnson City with his wife Brianna. His wife is currently in the OT Program at Milligan University. Ashton has worked with severely autistic students for the last five years at a private school. He has his Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from California State University Sacramento.
In his spare time, Ashton enjoys playing or watching all different types of sports like baseball, soccer, golf, and tennis. He also likes the outdoors, especially hiking and camping with his wife.
Ashton is excited to start his first year at Jeremiah School where he can help provide the best support for the students. He is ready for the chance to connect with the new students and is excited for what this year has in store!
Correna Fowler
Teacher’s Assistant
Correna joined the Jeremiah School staff during the 2022-2023 school year.
Correna may not be from TN originally, but she has spent her fair share of time here in Johnson city. Correna was born in Southern California, moving to Johnson City at age 6. She attended East Tennessee State University, where she was on the dance team and studied special education. Correna has danced herself and taught children of all ages for over 20+ years. She spent time teaching at a local preschool before joining the team this fall here at Jeremiah School. Some of her favorite things include sunflower seeds, Coke Zero, and garlic butter pasta! She looks forward to an exciting and productive year here at Jeremiah school!
Kelly Ribeiro
Teacher’s Assistant
