Welcome New Faculty

We are excited to start introducing our newest faculty members!
 
Mrs. Popovich is our middle school science teacher and will help with high school science support. 
 
"2023 marks the 25th year of my teaching career for RCS, 23 of which have been spent serving the Smyrna community (9 years at Smyrna Middle & 14 years at Smyrna High). This year is also my 25th year of marriage to Mr. Popovich (who is also a teacher). In our time we have rescued & raised ten Italian greyhounds, 1 full-size retired racing greyhound (all of whom have since passed), adopted one of my middle school students (who is now a grown woman with her own family), and currently have two rescue dogs. I have an unhealthy obsession with classic Disney and have visited the park in Florida over 50 times. I firmly believe that humor and God's Grace can be found in every situation, and it is our job to raise one another up in the worst of times and guide one another to see that."
 
Mrs. Strickland is our new Instructional Coach.
 
"Hello!! I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you this coming year!! My name is Lindsey Strickland and I will be the new instructional coach at Smyrna West. I am entering my 19th year in education. For the past 18 years, I have taught ELA. This is my 5th year in Rutherford County." 
 
Martha Gerardo, our newest EA, has worked as an EA at both Lavergne High and Rocky Fork Middle. A lover of knitting and photography, Ms. Gerardo looks forward to giving the students of Smyrna West the support they need to do better. 
 
Maranda Nave is our newest high school math teacher. We snagged her from Wilson County and are so happy to have her!
 
Paige Swanson is entering her 22nd year as a School Counselor here at SWA.

"All three of my children graduated from Blackman High School. I spent most of my years in middle school a handful in elementary and the last 5 in High School. I am a proud alumnus of MTSU and hold three degrees from there. I have my Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, and Specialist in Education. I love the SEC and two teams in particular hold my heart. I love to garden, bake, craft, and spend time on the beach. I just recently learned jewelry making and soldering. I love to read, and my favorite author is my husband. If I have downtime, I like to spend it with my family, especially my grandkids!!! I have two long hair chihuahuas who keep me and my husband in line at home, they are in charge. Please let me know if I can help in any way."

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