ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
General Administration
Allen Long
Executive Director
Email: along@highhopesforkids.org
Phone: 615-550-1436​
Nan Zierden
Director of Development
Email: nzierden@highhopesforkids.org
Phone: 615-550-1443
Staci Imel
Marketing Coordinator
Email: simel@highhopesforkids.org
Phone: 615-721-5547
Consuelo Hawkins
HR and Volunteer Coordinator
Email: chawkins@highhopesforkids.org
Phone: 615-721-5572
School Administration
Meghan Coyle
Director of School
Email: mcoyle@highhopesforkids.org
Phone: 615-550-1447
Meghan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Master of Science degree in Reading Education from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Meghan joined the High Hopes team in November 2022 after 10 years of professional experience working as an elementary special education teacher in Williamson County Schools. She holds numerous certifications in NY, PA and TN in Reading Literacy, Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Special Education from newborn to 21 years of age. Meghan served as the Special Education Team Lead and Department Chair for her elementary school for 4 years. In this role she managed interventions and services for students, teachers, and support staff. She has served as a New Teacher Mentor as well as a Student Teacher Mentor at her elementary school. She was awarded the Teacher of the Year for her elementary school in 2021-2022. Meghan has extensive experience working with children requiring various levels of support She enjoys collaborating with the interdisciplinary team and has led parents, administrators, therapists, and support staff to develop the best educational plan to support the needs of each child and family. Meghan passionately advocates for everyone, securing the appropriate levels of support, while focusing on individual strengths to ensure that each child thrives and experiences success in reaching their potential.
Kelsey Montag
Assistant Director of School
Email: kmontag@highhopesforkids.org
Phone: 615-550-1444
​Kelsey Montag joined High Hopes in August 2024, bringing a deep passion for learning at all ages! She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, both from Colorado Christian University. Kelsey is a licensed educator in both Colorado and Tennessee, holding professional teaching and principal licenses in each state. With a diverse background in education, Kelsey has taught both primary and intermediate grades across various school settings, including public, private, and charter schools. Her career spans both Colorado and Tennessee, and most recently, Kelsey taught in Williamson County Schools. Kelsey’s passion lies in supporting teachers and serving as an instructional leader. Her dedication to enhancing educational practices and guiding fellow educators underscores her role at High Hopes, where she works to lead with enthusiasm and expertise. In addition, Kelsey is driven by a commitment to differentiation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and succeed.
Clinic Administration
Kristin Garner, MPT
Director of Clinical Services
Email: kgarner@highhopesforkids.org
Phone: 615-550-1445
Kristin earned her BS and MPT from Ohio University in 1997 and 2000. She has been the Director of Clinical Services at High Hopes since 2006. She has clinical experience in pediatric acute care, NICU, PCCU, outpatient pediatric clinics, home health, and school systems. Kristin has completed the Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Level A course. She works closely with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) and is co-chair of the TEIS Vendor Advisory Council.
