Born and raised in Memphis, Jennifer absolutely loves her city. Jennifer considers herself a life-long learner. Jennifer always knew that she wanted to become an educator at an early age because her mother was a high school teacher and she would talk about her students and loved what she did every day. Jennifer attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Upon completion, she returned to Memphis and began her career in education. Jennifer decided to further her education and attended Union University and received two additional degrees. In 2001 she received a Master’s Degree in Education and in 2004 she received an Education Specialist’s Degree in Administration and Supervision. She is currently working on her Doctorate degree.

Jennifer’s hopes and dreams for all scholars at Aspire Hanley Elementary is that they continue to grow academically, socially and develop a love of learning.

Jennifer is has been married to her wonderful and supportive husband, Darin for 20 years. They have two beautiful children, Chloe and Caleb.

Welcomed into the world by a loving but financially disadvantaged family, April’s mother and grandmother strongly urged her to allow education to be the key out of economic disparity. Pushed academically from a very young age, she matriculated as a Hanley Elementary Tiger, Melrose High Golden Wildcat, and a degreed Tennessee State University Tiger. April went on to pursue a Masters of Education through the Memphis Teacher Residency program, by way of Union University.

As a lifelong learner, she plans to continue to develop professionally while serving the students and families in Memphis. April is a proud native of the Orange Mound community where she continues to worship and work. She enjoys working, learning, loving, and sharing her beacon of light with those who, once similar to her, face disadvantages.

April has served the Hanley family for the past 10 years in various capacities such as K-1 Educator, Intervention Specialist, Extended Learning After School Director, Assistant Principal of Student Services, and currently as the Assistant Principal of Instruction for K-2.

Evangela Hill truly loves being an educator. She is passionate about serving families in urban communities. Evangela is truly driven by providing supports needed in urban schools and communities. Aspire’s vision and mission inspires her daily.

Evangela began her college journey at Jackson State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Disorders. She also attended the University of Memphis and is certified in Special Education. An educator for 18+ years, Evangela has served in various capacities in education which include: Speech Language Therapist, Special Education Teacher, and Assistant Principal. Evangela’s six years with Aspire have given purpose in her journey, and she looks forward to an amazing school year.

“I believe that EVERY CHILD IS A STAR and I am dedicated in helping them to SHINE BRIGHTLY.”

A Native Memphian, Ms. Parks’ journey as an educator started 10 years ago with Memphis City Schools, now formerly known as Shelby County Schools. She is a graduate of Lane College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Because of her life-long passion for education and commitment to changing the narrative for students in low-income communities, she pursued her Master’s Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Freed-Hardeman University.
In 2015, Ms. Parks joined the Aspire Hanley family, as a 5th grade teacher. At Hanley, she served as an educator, mentor teacher, and 3-5 Math instructional lead for four years. She also worked very closely with the regional team in the K-8 Math Working Group for Phase I and Phase II. In 2018, she was selected as Teacher of the Year. Currently, she is serving as the Development Coach of Instruction for Math and Science for 3rd-5th grades.
Ms. Parks stands firmly on the belief of creating and being the change we want to see in order to change the narrative for our students. She loves teaching and building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders. She is a strong advocate for creating life-long memories with students!