MEET THE STAFF

 Matt Ryerson is the Project Director for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative in Bradley County. Matt has an extensive history working with children through state and private agencies including the YMCA, a local psychiatric hospital, Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, and many other education and human services organizations. Upon receiving his Executive Juris Doctor, Matt committed himself to the safety and health of the children of his home community, and has become a leading figure in the educational environment of Bradley County.

Matt is married to Heather, and is the proud father of Jackson Brooks who will one day be a student in the schools his father is currently dedicated to helping.

Dr. Rodney Fitzgerald, Federal Liaison for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, is a native of Cleveland and Bradley County, and a graduate of Bradley Central High School where he served as President of his 1964 class. His collegiate degrees include a Bachelor’s from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, a Master’s and Doctorate from University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a Master’s from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

      His professional career includes serving as a counselor at Bradley High School, Director of Psychological Services for the Southeast Tennessee Educational Cooperative, Dean of Extended and Continuing Education at Cleveland State, Public Information Officer and Supervisor of After-School Programs for Cleveland City Schools, and Director of the Cleveland Education Foundation.

      An avid community volunteer, Dr. Fitzgerald received the coveted Robert Varnell Leadership Award presented by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. His volunteer spirit includes work with the following organizations: Bradley Vocational Rehabilitation, United Way, Bradley Initiative for Church and Community, Bradley/Cleveland Public Education Foundation, Kiwanis Club, Bradley/Cleveland Community Concert Association, and the Hiwassee Mental Health Center.

      Dr. Fitzgerald is an active member at First Baptist Church where he serves on the current Pastor Search Committee, is an active deacon and former deacon chair, and teaches a Sunday School class of approximately 400 members which is broadcast over the radio.

      Married to Margo Jones Fitzgerald, the National Project Director for a world-recognized language software company Rosetta Stone, the couple enjoys traveling, bicycling, reading, and doing community volunteer work.

Joyce Vanderpool,  Project Assistant, came to SS/HS with a background of work with and for children. After years of owning businesses with her husband, she decided it was easier to work for other people! She worked with the International Offices of a church to develop a marketing plan for their Sunday School curriculum and online bookstore presence.   She then assisted the President of a local private school, developing marketing strategies and promotional pieces, and assisting the Board of Directors. With her children and grandchildren grown, she enjoys helping other people’s children. Being married to Santa Claus gives her many opportunities to do so. She also is active in her church, serving as Ruling Elder and Choir Director at Northside Presbyterian Church in Cleveland.

Shonna Moore is the Financial/HR Coordinator for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative in Bradley County.  She has many years experience in bookkeeping and HR management, as well as an extensive background in medical insurance.  Shonna is currently furthering her education and hopes to have her MBA with a concentration in Accounting by March of 2008.  Along with her Southern accent, her passion for numbers, and her love of education, she and her husband David are raising three beautiful children (Chase, 9; Caden, 3; and Tyler, 2) and currently reside in the Cleveland area.  Outside of work she and her husband are a part of the volunteer staff at North Cleveland Church of God assisting in the teen ministry and youth choir.  She is also a volunteer on the athletic staff for Prospect Elementary School, mentoring and coaching young girls, grades 2-5, in cheerleading.           

Shannon Lillard is one of four School Behavior Prevention Intervention Specialists with the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative.  She brings almost fifteen years of professional experience to the group and has worked with a variety of agencies, including Bradley County Juvenile Court as a Probation Officer; the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services as a Case Manager and Team Leader; and with the Southeast Tennessee Development District as the WIA Regional Youth Coordinator.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Her professional career continues to evolve; she’s still not quite sure of what she wants to be when she grows up!

Shannon considers working with children and youth as a calling and not just a job.  Her passion is apparent in her life of service.  Her most important calling in life is that of mother to a son named Thomas.  Thomas is a student at Michigan Avenue Elementary School.  She is married to Buddy and is a member of Shiloh Baptist Church.  Shannon is active in the American Society for Public Administrators, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, and as a member of the Local Workforce Investment Area Five Youth Council.

Matthew W. Tolbert, M.S. earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Southern Adventist University after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Religion. He began his career as a chaplain/teacher of a high school in Ohio before moving into mental health. After receiving his Master’s Degree he began working at a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents and soon became an in-home family therapist. Matthew, as one of four Behavioral Prevention/Intervention Specialists, works with the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative for the sole purpose of empowering families to support and care for their children.

Matthew is married to Joey and has four “children”: two dogs, Rae and Otto, as well as two cats, Al and Jo. In addition to his love for his work, Matthew is also an accomplished singer and songwriter and spends much of his time playing his guitar and performing for area churches.

Brooke Naus, B.A.  one of the four Behavior Specialists with the Safe School Healthy Students Initiative, has an extensive background in her chosen field. Brooke has investigated child abuse and neglect for the Department of Children’s Services. She also worked with Southeast Community Services Agency providing in-home services, and has worked with the children and families of Bradley County for the past five years. Brooke earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Adventist University.

Brooke is Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory Certified. She enjoys working with law enforcement to help reduce the trauma and effects of parental drug use to children. In her spare time she enjoys being an active part of the S.H.A.R.P Hockey program. Anyone who knows Brooke can tell you that she is set apart by her spunky attitude and love of shoes.

Season Owens, B.S.
(Picture and bio not provided.)