Barby Magness, Principal 
Mrs. Barby Magness, St. Matthew School's founding principal, has brought more than 25 years of teaching and administrative experience to the school. In addition to her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with Kindergarten certification and a Child Development minor from Middle Tennessee State University, Mrs. Magness earned a master's degree in Administration and Supervision at MTSU. Her own three R's for Education ~ React and Respond to Children with Respect ~ is embodied in the successful discipline program she created and implemented in several Nashville-area schools called "The Triple P" (Preventive, Productive, and Positive Approach).Mrs. Magness is, simply put, a teacher of teachers. She co-authored a learning strategies workshop, entitled "Hooked on Learning", which has been presented locally, statewide and at the National Middle School Conference in Indianapolis. Additionally, she was appointed one of seven mentors for all new teachers in the Metropolitan Nashville (TN) School System. In this role, she helped pilot a program called PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership and Support).As assistant principal at Cumberland Elementary School in Nashville, her mantra to her teachers was "Think Fast, Work Hard, Love True, Laugh Loud and make a difference in the life of a child." A former first runner-up for "Metro's Middle School Teacher of the Year," Mrs. Magness has taught every grade ranging from kindergarten through fifth.Her philosophy on teaching is quite simple. She is committed to helping each student set personal goals and strive to reach them no matter how difficult. Consistency is the key. In a structured and well-disciplined environment, we celebrate personal best. "All of the grammar rules, math facts and historical events are simply junk food to the brain unless children believe in themselves. Everyone has value and I believe that educators must nourish each child with the belief that "I can!" If children believe they can and you show them they can, then they will!"

Susan Hawkins, Fine Arts Director and Program Assistant
Mrs. Susan Hawkins was a student of Florida State University and a graduate of the University of Louisville (KY), where she was awarded "Outstanding Student Teacher in Music Education." Just a few years later, she was awarded "Teacher of the Year", while teaching at Melrose Park Elementary in Lake City, Florida.

In her 17 years teaching experience, Mrs. Hawkins demonstrated not only her skill as an energetic musician, but also mastery at integrating other subjects into the music curriculum. "I search for ways to 'hook' my students into their participation and involvement in the learning process. I love it when it works! I enjoy letting the children learn from each other." Mrs. Hawkins has directed children's choirs for years, as well as serving as State Music Specialist in Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. She directs the fine arts at St. Matthew School and coordinates music for school liturgies. As Program Assistant, Mrs. Hawkins facilitates the administration of school faculty and student curriculum.

Charlene Garrett, Advancement Director 
This is Charlene's eleventh year at St. Matthew.  She is currently the Advancement Director and is responsible for fundraising, recruiting, volunteer coordination and events.  Prior to that, she was the Business Manager for St. Matthew Church & School for 4 years.  Charlene is a Certified Public Accountant with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois and a Master's Degree in Finance from London School of Economics in London, England.  She has worked in a public accounting firm, a regional bank and an international manufacturing company.  She resides in Franklin with her husband Scott and two children who graduated from St. Matthew School and attend Father Ryan High School.  Of all the jobs she has had, she says that "working at St. Matthew has afforded me the opportunity to combine my technical and inter-personal skills in a faith-filled environment filled with loving people".