WEB Faculty

***Click names to email.***

Rowena Aldridge has been a member of the WEB faculty since January 2016. Over the years, she has taught literature, Spanish, history, civics, and needle arts. A heritage speaker of Spanish, Rowena has taught the language in the classroom and as a tutor for grades K-12, as well as coaching adults who are learning Spanish for work. She is an experienced homeschool mom, having successfully homeschooled her daughter, Ella, from kindergarten through high school graduation. Ella was a member of the first graduating class at WEB; she is now a graduate student in the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. Rowena is a UT student as well, with the goal of advancing to a master's in public history, focusing on material culture. Rowena has had the rare and delightful privilege of being in college with her own daughter! When she isn’t working on a lesson plan or doing homework, Rowena can usually be found with a knitting project, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, or screaming Taylor Swift lyrics at the top of her lungs in the car.

Kendra Andrus is the product of a rich free-range homeschooling education followed by higher education in great books and the liberal arts, and thus is compelled to give her own homeschooled children (and now WEB students) the same valuable learning experience. Education should be full of curiosity, wonder, and virtue! She received her B.A. in both music and religion and attended seminary. She is a published author who finds endless inspiration for children’s books in her everyday life with her own six children — she writes to solve their problems, answer their questions, and tell the stories of their adventures together. She loves learning through books, reading aloud as a family, inspiring young writers, and having deep and meaningful conversations about life that are sparked by stories. Together, she and her husband Matthew manage the loud and feisty-fun chaos that is their daily life, devotedly supporting their children in all of their unique passions. If she is not catching up on 12 loads of laundry, you can find her cooking fancy meals, hiking to waterfalls, and at the symphony, opera, or theater basking in the transformative performance arts.

Mr. Tim has been involved with WEB since 2016 when his youngest daughter enrolled for 6th grade. In 2021, Mr. Tim started the Dungeons & Dragons club and has continued running it even after she graduated from WEB in 2023. Outside of D&D, Mr. Tim is the Accounting Manager for a non-profit, plays drums in a Rolling Stones tribute band, is a DJ for private parties & events, and assists his wife Kimberly Clo with her Sacred Geometry art & speaking career.

John holds advanced degrees in both religion and politics, so he’s not allowed to talk at cocktail parties or family gatherings. His undergrad was from Miami University, where he studied philosophy, economics, astronomy, and physics. He later earned multiple graduate degrees, from Xavier University and Marquette University, in the fields of theology, history, political science and international affairs. Before moving to Nashville, John served as the Philosophy and Religion Chair at Chatfield College and was a member of the philosophy faculty at Wilmington College. He also has decades of experience teaching ballroom dancing and personal self-defense. Simply put, he just loves to learn and share knowledge with others.

Outside of the academic world, he is an entrepreneur who has built and developed multiple companies. He currently owns and runs a private security firm operating throughout Middle and Eastern Tennessee. In his free time, John loves to travel. Having roamed through more than 40 countries on five continents, he claims his greatest education has come from his adventures. He hasn’t traveled much lately though — he’s mostly been wiping butts and changing diapers. He and his wife are expecting their fourth child, which will make four kiddos under the age of 4. And if “stupid is, as stupid does” then maybe he’s not so smart after all?? Their house is filled with beauty, joy and so much love! And… more than a bit of madness!!

Jansen Gibson has been an educator for the past 7 years. After attending Vanderbilt University with a focus in geology and environmental sciences, he found a passion for relating science and math to students. Since then, he has worked in all major middle and high school math and science subjects, as a teacher and a tutor. In particular, Jansen finds enjoyment in working with students who face executive functioning or behavioral disabilities, and working with these learners to build confidence and passion for the science of the world around them. Outside class, Jansen spends time with his family, cooking, drawing, reading, and trying to tame his silly bulldog, Ferguson.

Becky was raised in Nashville and attended public schools. She is wife to Stefan and mom to Maddie and Lucas. Becky is a Belmont graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Masters of Accounting and has work experience in public accounting and large corporate tax departments. After her son was diagnosed with autism, Becky left the corporate world and worked for a time as a special education assistant, substitute teacher, and later a tutor. A former homeschool parent, Becky found her passion for helping students learn math and is excited to teach Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Computer Science again this year.

Amanda grew up in Southwest Florida among the orange trees and alligators. She was homeschooled in the ‘90s, when it definitely wasn’t cool, and received a full scholarship to attend Belmont University, which was pretty cool. Amanda graduated from Belmont with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and began her teaching career shortly thereafter. She has taught multiple subjects in a wide variety of educational settings, served as a school administrator, and has homeschooled her daughters for over a decade. She has provided editing services for individuals and businesses, and has written for secular and religious publications. When she’s not editing essays or writing college recommendations for students, you can find her reading or listening to an audiobook. If you ask her, “Have you read…?,” the answer is probably yes.

Originally from Austin, Texas, Brenda Houck graduated from the University of Texas with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. She taught a variety of science college courses during her time as an Assistant Professor at Hendrix College in Arkansas. After settling here in Tennessee in the summer of 2019, she continued her professorship at Volunteer State Community College. Brenda has two children, Cailyn and Andrew. She thoroughly enjoys coordinating science outreach events for elementary and middle students to help students better understand the scientific process. Brenda is excited to share her passion for science, psychology, wellness, and fitness with WEB students through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Dr. Charles “LowKey” Key aka Jamersonsgc, a native of Los Angeles, California grew fond of art in middle school and was greatly inspired by his father the late Charles Sr. who was also an artist. He holds a B.A. in Engineering and a Doctorate in Fine Arts and Philanthropy. His creative background started with comic books then grew into portraits and now graffiti and murals just to name a few. You can find Jamersonsgc’s large scale murals in many places such as Nashville, Venice Beach Los Angeles, New York City and Multi-cities in  NC. Outside of his multiple local news appearances, Charles is mostly known for his murals of Chadwick Boseman and George Floyd. Charles’s inspiration stems from motivation to encourage and empower. He looks forward to another year of inspiring and creating with WEB students.

Growing up in Mississippi, Erin Kice could usually be found daydreaming, drawing and painting, or playing in the woods—still her favorite activities today. After earning degrees in Journalism and Photography from the University of Southern Mississippi, she relocated to Nashville nearly 20 years ago. She began her career directing educational programs and fundraising events in the nonprofit sector before shifting her focus back to photography. She co-founded the Nashville Community Darkroom in 2013 and continues to work as a photography instructor, freelancer, and fine art printmaker. Erin lives in East Nashville with her husband and two children—one in public school and the other part of the vibrant homeschool community at WEB.

Leslie has lived in Nashville since 2012 and previously during high school. She holds a degree in Middle Grades Education from Covenant College and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas. She has taught middle school math, 5th grade (all subjects), current events, health, and tutored math across many grade levels. She has taught middle schoolers at WEB since 2019 and been the Assistant Director since 2022. Leslie lives in East Nashville with her four children. When not running around to kids sporting events and other kid activities, she loves to travel or explore the great outdoors.

Fleming McWilliams has lived in Nashville for almost four decades. She attended Belmont University where she studied Vocal Performance. She and her husband spent the nineties making music as the duo Fleming and John. Fleming home schooled her two children for many years and was part of the inaugural group of WEB families. Fleming is also the founder and director of Voice Up Loud, a singing program for middle and high school students, offering camps, workshops, and private vocal coaching. She believes music is a powerful force in the lives of young people and that everybody should sing!

Heather received her associates degree in ASL interpreting from Cincinnati State Technical & Community College and her bachelor's degree in education from Lipscomb University. She is nationally certified through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). She has been interpreting in Nashville for the past 19 years and specializes in medical, educational, and mental health interpreting. She combined her passion and love for sign language and teaching and started the Nashville Sign Language Club in 2017. She has lived in East Nashville for the past 16 years with her husband Erick and three children, Izzy, Ash, and Piper. When she isn’t interpreting or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, hiking, scrapbooking, and fostering kittens through the Nashville Cat Rescue.

John Mark Painter has been a professional musician, arranger, producer, and educator for decades. A multi-instrumentalist since the age of 10, he studied music at Belmont University after beginning dual enrollment at Miami Dade South Junior College at just 13 years old. As one half of the acclaimed band Fleming & John, he signed a publishing deal with EMI Music and a recording contract with Universal Records. Throughout his career, John has performed and recorded across a wide range of genres, contributed to albums, film and television soundtracks, commercial music, and advertising projects, and worked extensively as an arranger, producer, and recording engineer. Since 2018, he has served as an Adjunct Professor at Lipscomb University, teaching courses in studio arranging, improvisation, music for visual media, commercial ensemble, recording studio ensemble, and pep band. John brings a wealth of real-world experience and a passion for helping students develop their musical skills and confidence and is excited to work with the creative students of WEB.

Rachel is a University of Tennessee graduate with a BA in Creative Writing. She is a certified yoga teacher receiving her 200-hr RYT from Sanctuary for Yoga and holds a SEL teaching certification from Northwestern University. She has been guiding adults and children in their yoga and dance practices for over a decade and is passionate about creating community and teaching the positive effects of mindfulness and movement. In her performing life, she has danced with Princess Cruise Line Productions, Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Opera, and various theater, film, and TV projects. A lover of sunshine and nature, you can find her playing in the flowers, taking long walks and short runs, and loving on her fur baby, Dottie. She is also the proud new momma to her sweet baby boy, Roscoe.

Megan Roggendorff believes that access to the performing arts is vital, and every child should have the opportunity to experience theater. She holds a BA in Theater from Auburn University, and has performed on stages here in Nashville, as well as nationally, including at the Kennedy Center. Two of her original plays have been staged in Nashville. Megan worked in the marketing department at Washington DC’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre, and she served two terms as the Marketing Committee Chair on the Board of Directors for Nashville’s Street Theatre Company. In addition to serving as a theater camp counselor, she has taught performance and technical theater and has experience as a stage director and performance competition adjudicator in various schools. She has also served as a script writer and supervisor, as well as an on-site film acting coach for adults and children. When she’s not practicing Drama Desk Award speeches in the mirror, Megan is probably cooking or reading. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, two kiddos, dog, and cat.

Meagan Rudman, a Chicago native, has been an educator in some form or another for over 15 years. After earning degrees in Education and History from Marquette University, she spent a year in Germany as a native English-speaking assistant before beginning her teaching career in the United States. She taught in several states before relocating to Tennessee with her husband to teach in Metro Nashville. After leaving public education to homeschool their three children, Meagan discovered WEB while searching for educational opportunities for her oldest child. Inspired by the school's mission and community, she was excited for the opportunity to return to the classroom. A lifelong learner with a passion for reading, Meagan also enjoys gardening, especially cultivating native plants, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Dawn Ruiz, PT, Cert MDT has lived in the Nashville area with her husband Carlos for 26 years. They have two awesome kids—Elena and Danny. Dawn got her degree in physical therapy from the University of New Mexico and has been a physical therapist for 28 years. She also holds a certification in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Dawn has a life-long love of learning and teaching and thinks everyone should have a little “mad scientist” in them. This is Dawn’s 9th year teaching classes at WEB!

Senae began homeschooling in 2010 and joined WEB in 2017. She homeschooled her two children through high school in partnership with WEB and has a deep appreciation for the skills that help students become confident, independent learners. She enjoys supporting students as they build organization, time management, study strategies, self-advocacy, and the confidence to navigate academic challenges. With two children's yoga certifications, Senae is also passionate about helping children and teens develop self-awareness, stress management skills, resilience, and positive self-esteem. Her background in childcare, management, and customer service, combined with years of working alongside homeschool families, helps her create a supportive, encouraging classroom where students develop lifelong learning habits.

Helena Sorensen has lived in Nashville for the last 18 years. She holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education, and she has seven years’ classroom experience teaching Middle School English, Freshman English, and American Literature. When she became a mom, she pivoted to writing. She has since written five books and published four. She also works as a freelance editor, writing coach, and mentor. Ms. H is passionate about making the creative process accessible to everyone, and she believes the stories we tell have the power to change the world. After eight years of solo homeschooling, she and her children joined the WEB community in 2022. You are always welcome to ask her for book recommendations.

Traci has been part of the Nashville area homeschool community since 2015. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education and has worked with Middle and High School students at various non-profit organizations in Missouri and Tennessee. Traci enjoys yoga, reading, watching documentaries, and learning random facts. She is super excited to spend another year with the amazing students at WEB!

Elizabeth is a native Nashvillian who attended The University School of Nashville from Nursery School through 12th grade. She attended college in La Jolla, CA, at UCSD, where she received her BA in Psychology. Elizabeth did her graduate work in Mathematics at MTSU. She started a “side-hustle” in high school, tutoring fellow students in French. After college, Elizabeth taught mathematics at the Middle School and High School levels at University School and Harpeth Hall, among others. She is passionate about teaching Mathematics, and particularly about helping students to integrate disparate knowledge into a more fundamental understanding of Mathematics in general. When she’s not teaching, Elizabeth loves riding her Ducati Monster motorcycle, both because it’s really fun, and also because no one expects a middle-aged woman to do something so cool. She also loves to read and to work with her Polish Tatra Sheepdogs, Tazia and Rue.

Mary received her nursing degree in 2009 from Belmont University. She has worked in hospitals, community health, telemedicine, as a clinical instructor, and as a camp nurse (her favorite job so far!). She currently works as a sub school nurse for MNPS, as well as teaching for WEB. She is a Colorado transplant who made Nashville her home when her husband accepted a job at Vanderbilt Medical Center conducting medical research. Mary has three children (Sarah, Emma, and David), two very spoiled cats, and an equally spoiled dog! Sarah has been homeschooled in the past, which has helped Mary to understand that all kids learn differently — there’s not a “one size fits all” way to teach. Her teaching motto is “there’s no such thing as a dumb question” and she loves learning along with her students. Mary has been teaching at WEB since 2019 and is excited to continue providing hands-on, engaging science classes to WEB students!