Our Team

Ashley’s first experience at Inglewood Elementary was as a student teacher in 2008, and this school community has held a special place in her heart since then. She started her career as a middle school teacher in East Nashville, where her promise, passion, and results led her to being recognized by the Tennessee Education Association as their Distinguished New Middle School Educator in 2013. Before returning to her dream job at Inglewood as principal in 2019, Ashley served as an intern with Boston Public Schools, an administrator in DC Public Schools, and as an instructional coach and school director with Teach for America.

Ashley holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and an Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard University. When she’s not hugging kids in the halls of Inglewood, you can find Ashley hiking, running, kayaking, or just generally spending time with her husband Tim and furbabies Jasper and Jolene.

“I believe that our role as teachers is to make children feel empowered by their education, to enable them to lead lives full of choice and meaning.”

Mrs. Mathews is very excited to be an Inglewood Eagle! She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Evansville and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University-Portland. She is now pursuing an Education Specialist degree in Accountability and Instructional Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.

In her 15 years of experience, Mrs. Mathews has served as an elementary and middle school English Language Arts teacher, mentor for teachers of English Language Learners, Literacy Coach, and Dean of Instruction. As the Assistant Principal, she looks forward to partnering with Principal Croft, our staff, and our families to provide a joyful educational experience at Inglewood Elementary.

In her spare time, Mrs. Mathews enjoys spending time with her husband, Hiram, and son, Tyson. She also enjoys learning new skills, spending time outdoors, and quality time with family and friends.

Sara believes that fostering curiosity is the key to growing a child’s love of learning. After receiving a B.A. in International Studies from Virginia Tech, Sara moved overseas to teach English and found her passion for early childhood and elementary education. After four years in South Korea and Turkey, she moved to Nashville and received her M.A. in Teaching from Belmont University. Now in her 5th year at Inglewood Elementary, Sara has seen the school’s evolution first-hand and is incredibly proud to be working alongside teachers and staff dedicated to serving the Inglewood students, families, and community.

“It is my hope that every Inglewood student will leave more equipped with the knowledge and skills that will prepare them to lead lives of opportunity, and with the courage to make a positive impact on their world.”

Dr. Michelle Hendricks is a long-time resident of Inglewood and has been an educator with MNPS for 20+ years. Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Reading Specialist endorsement from Tennessee State University, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee State University. During her tenure with MNPS, she has been an elementary and middle school classroom teacher; a literacy coach at the elementary, middle, and high school tiers; and an elementary and middle school administrator. Michelle’s greatest accomplishment is being the mother of three amazing children, Adriana, Noah and Grace. Together, they spend their free time living out their family motto “Experiences over things.” Michelle loves reading books and spending time outside in the sunshine and near the water (the lake, the ocean, the pool).

“I have the perfect job as literacy coach at Inglewood! Our students and families are the best. Our staff is exceptional. Our community is amazing, and being able to support teachers helping students learn to read at Inglewood is a dream come true!”

Cherifa is a passionate educator that is dedicated to creating and supporting a positive culture and learning environment for all students and educators. She joined the Inglewood family in 2018, as the Magnet Schools Assistance Program Site Coordinator, after 8 years of teaching and coaching. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and French from UW-Stevens Point, a Master of Education degree in Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools at Vanderbilt University, and most recently an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership at Lipscomb University. Cherifa continues to pursue her love for education with the important magnet work of diversity, theme integration, academic excellence, and family and community partnerships.

“It takes a village to ensure every single student grows, learns, and feels safe and loved daily. I am fortunate to be a part of one of those strong and supportive villages of students, families, educators, leaders, and community partners at Inglewood Elementary!”

Now in her sixth year as our Community Achieves Site Manager, Leigh draws on nearly three decades’ experience in partnerships, advocacy, nonprofits, marketing, event management, and public relations. She greatly enjoys activating her extensive network to promote equity in access to social, cultural and educational opportunities. A native Tennessean, Leigh is a graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts and the University of Evansville, and studied at Belmont’s graduate English program. Leigh has lived in Inglewood for 20 years.

“My work at Inglewood Elementary is not just a job – it has become a lifestyle for me and my family. I am honored and delighted to help connect our school with the abundant resources in our beautiful, diverse community.”