Executive Board

Melissa Hodges Smithson 

President

My name is Melissa Hodges Smithson.  My husband, Rob, and I are the proud parents of our first grader, Madeline.  I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a warm and welcoming school community and am continually inspired by the dedicated teachers, staff, and volunteers who make Percy Priest such a special place.  As a member of the PTO board, I’m passionate about building meaningful community connections, supporting inclusive events and joyful opportunities, and helping every family feel at home at Percy Priest.  When I’m not at school, you can find me working as a Business Development Manager in the private equity sector, planning my family’s next travel adventure, or cheering on Vanderbilt at a sports event.  I’m honored to serve alongside such an amazing group of parents and excited for a wonderful school year ahead in our new space!
My favorite thing about PPE is just how far-reaching our school community is. I don’t go a day without talking to a current or former parent or PPE alum and they always have a favorite story to share!

Gillian Stewart 

Co-Vice President

Hi! I’m Gillian Stewart, and I’m excited to serve as Co-Vice President of the Percy Priest Elementary PTO this year. My family has been part of the Percy Priest community for several years, and I have three children who attend the school. We have Noah in 5th grade, Conley in 3rd and Loftin in 1st. I love bringing people together, planning events, and finding ways to make our school an even more welcoming place for students, families, and staff. I look forward to working alongside our amazing volunteers and helping make this a fun and successful school year!

 

Grace Bryan 

Co-Vice President

My name is Grace Bryan. My husband, Justin, and I have 2 daughters at Percy Priest, along with a JT Moore middle schooler. We have a 5th grader, Lainey, a 3rd grader, Saylah, and a 7th grader, Lyla. Our family has loved being part of this incredible PPE community over the last 7 years. The staff and families we’ve met have made such a huge difference in my life and the life of my kids. I believe that high parental involvement makes a big impact and am excited to be a part of that by serving our wonderful school this year. In addition to enjoying helping at Percy Priest, I also like tennis, hiking, and traveling with my family and friends. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve Percy Priest as co Vice President!

 

Eva Frasca, MSN, APRN-BC

Treasurer

Eva Frasca is the mother of 3 children, grades 2, 4, and 6.  She is an advanced practice nurse specializing in hospital quality and safety.

Hayden Wilson

Assistant Treasurer

 Hayden Wilson serves as a PTO Assistant Treasurer, bringing a passion for community involvement, organization, and supporting student success. As a small business owner and etiquette consultant, Hayden enjoys supporting the PTO team by sharing her experience in leadership, professionalism, and fostering positive relationships within the community. As a dedicated parent, Hayden is committed to strengthening the connection between families, educators, and the school community while helping ensure the PTO’s resources are managed responsibly and effectively. 
 

McKenzie Kleinhenz

Community Events Chair
 
My name is McKenzie Kleinhenz, and my husband Nick and I have two daughers at PPE – Camille is in 3rd grade and Maeve is in 1st grade.  I joined the Percy Priest PTO Board to give back to a school and community that have been incredibly welcoming and enriching for our family.  Professionally, I work as a Financial Planner and Recruiter.  What I love most about PPE is the positive energy that fills the school and the inclusive, connected spirit that makes everyone feel at home.
 

Rachel Schultz

Fundraising Chair

Hi! I am Rachel Schultz, my husband Bob and I have 2 girls; Caroline is a PPE alum who is now in 6th grade and Kaia is in 4th grade.  We have lived in 11 states and our oldest attended multiple schools but PPE is by far our favorite.  We love going on adventures both near and far.  I am a typeA creative whit a background in event planning and design, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to create backdrops for PPE events!  I am always in awe of the creativity, the kindness and the community that exists within Percy Priest and so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the school we love so much.

 

Susan Horton

Secretary & VP of Administration

My name is Susan Horton and my husband, Nathan, and I are thrilled to have both of our daughters at Percy Priest this year.  Lilah is in the 4th grade and Eloise is one of our newest Tigers in Kindergarten.  I joined the Executive Board to give back to this wonderful school community.  In my professional life I manage an analytics team for a large healthcare organization.  My Favorite Percy Priest event is Read-A-Thon because stories still bring me so much joy and I love having dedicated time to share that with my children.

Annie Rivera

Communications Chair

Hello!  I’m Annie Rivera.  I have a 2nd grader named Olive, a kindergartener named Maggie, and a 3 year old named Calvin.  I have a background in tech and communications and can’t wait to bring this skill set to the PTO.

Jenny Alfrey

Past President

My name is Jenny Alfrey and my husband Brett and I have two awesome girls: Honor is in 6th grade at Valor and Maggie is in 4th grade at PPE.  I was thrilled and honored to join the PPE Executive Board so that I could give back to this awesome community and school.  Outside of helping the PTO, I am a Marketing Director for a biotech company and travel for work (and fun!) often.  My favorite thing about PPE is the spirit and pride from the community; go Tigers!

Russell Young

Percy Priest Elementary Principal

My name is Russell Young and I’m the principal at Percy Priest Elementary. My educational career began as a classroom teacher and coach in Massachusetts before moving to Nashville in 2012.  During my time in Nashville, I have served as a teacher at The Cohn Learning Center, an assistant principal at Hunters Lane High School, and as the executive principal at West End Middle School prior to coming to Percy Priest in the Fall of 2020.  

My wife Tiffany and I are also proud Percy Priest parents with all three of our children attending our wonderful school.  I am honored to have the opportunity to serve and to lead in the Percy Priest community.

Brooke Temple

Ed.S, Assistant Principal

My name is Brooke Temple and I am the assistant principal at Percy Priest Elementary. I joined the PTO Executive Board as a way to connect with families and collaborate with parents and other stakeholders towards a common goal of school improvement. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management, a Masters degree in Learning and Teaching, and an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Leadership. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Adam and three children, Ivy, Elle, and Miles. My favorite Percy Priest memory is always the Back to School Family Picnic! It’s always so wonderful getting to spend time together with the school community at this fun family event! I’m looking forward to continuing to build relationships with students and families this school year!

Christie Brumleve

Teacher Representative

My name is Christie Brumleve and I am a teacher representative on the PTO Executive Board.  I currently teach first grade.  I have been a teacher at Percy Priest since 2005.  I love the family atmosphere at Percy Priest!

Emily Cary

Teacher Representative

Hi, I am Emily Cary, and I serve as a teacher representative for the PTO Executive Board.  I have been a 4th Grade teacher at PPE since 2012.  I enjoy this role, and I value the collaboration with the PTO and teachers.

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