Shauna began her career at KDS in 2002 as the Director of Development and Communication. She moved into the role of Assistant Executive Director in 2007, and then into Executive Director in 2020. Shauna holds a B.A. in English from Lambuth University and a M.A. in English from the University of Tennessee. Shauna is active in the Columbia Noon Rotary Club, the City of Columbia Board of Public Utilities, the Governor’s Council for Community Services, and the Columbia Counseling Ministries Board of Directors. A graduate of Leadership Maury and an active member of Columbia First United Methodist Church, Shauna and her husband, Tim, have four children.

Brian recently served as the Executive Director of The Bridge at Columbia, an assisted living facility, for nearly ten years. He has also served as Director of Social Work for Life Care Centers of America, Director and Assistant Regional Director of Social Work for National HealthCare, and Social Worker at Maury Regional Medical Center. In addition to these leadership roles, Brian also has extensive experience in care coordination, advocacy, interdisciplinary planning and communication, discharge planning, behavior planning, and patient family care. Brian holds a M.S. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, and a B.S. in Social Work from Freed-Hardeman University. He and his wife reside in Maury County with their two children, where they are active in their church, children’s schools, and in enjoying the outdoors.

Robyn holds a Business Administration and Marketing degree from MTSU. She worked in various business and management roles for 18 years prior to joining KDS in 2014 as Operations Director. She is active in the Columbia Noon Rotary Club and served as Club President for 2015-16. Robyn is a graduate and former board member of Leadership Maury as well as a member of the Youth Education Foundation Board. Robyn is active in the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance—she served as Board Chair for 2020. Robyn is also a member of the National SHRM organization. She lives in Maury County with her husband, Jeramie, and their two daughters, Emily and Maggie.

John comes to KDS following a six-year tenure at Currey-Ingram Academy, where he served as STEM Chair and Science Teacher for the co-educational school for students with learning differences. During his time at Currey-Ingram, John assisted with the launch of the school’s residential program, served on the Accreditation Committee, and was Summer Camp Co-Coordinator. John’s diverse background includes serving as a Lead Group Home Technician at Poplar Bend, a residential program for adults with intellectual disabilities, and in the Peace Corps, advancing to the position of Trainer, where he developed a training program for volunteers in Poland. John has additional experience in public school, manufacturing, and international sales environments. John holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Memphis, a post-graduate degree from the University of Alabama, as well as a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. 

Eric comes to KDS after six years at Natchez Trace Youth Academy, a residential treatment center for students with emotional and behavioral disorders, where he held roles as Director of Education and Program Director. Prior to this, he spent over 18 years in public and private school settings as teacher, Principal and Director of Academics in Middle Tennessee and California. Eric holds a Doctorate of Education from Capella University, a Master’s degree and Administrative certification from National University, a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, and teaching certifications from California and Tennessee. Eric is experienced in managing teams, data collection and behavioral intervention. Co-workers have described him as a relationship-builder who treats co-workers and students respectfully. He starts with the outcome in mind but is flexible with individuality and needs of the students. Eric lives in Columbia, TN and attends Collegevue church of Christ.

Megan is a returning member to KDS, previously serving as the Staff Training Coordinator. Megan recently received her Master’s Degree in Industrial - Organizational Psychology from Austin Peay. Megan is a native of Middle Tennessee and enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband and pets. She also volunteers with STAAR Theater.

Courtney is a proud Georgia native and newcomer to the great state of Tennessee. Courtney comes to KDS with a diverse background. She comes with experience working in group homes as a behavior specialist specializing in working with at risk and disabled youth. Her experience with family services has provided her with the knowledge and skills needed to make her successful in family planning,  family reunification, and family case management.  She has also served 14 years in various corrections roles as a counselor, educator, and rehabilitation facilitator.

Courtney graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Africana Studies and a MS in Psychology from Purdue Global University with a concentration in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology. Courtney is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Order of Eastern Star. 

With all that she has accomplished and hopes to accomplish in the future,  her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to her four children. She takes pride in being an active, supportive, and nurturing guide for her children and loved ones. She credits her successes to her faith and values. Courtney enjoys traveling, spending time with family, providing service to the community,  and crafting. 

Tanner was born and raised in Lawrence County, TN and graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1998. He holds a B.S. in Education from the University of North Alabama, and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Bethel University. Tanner started his teaching career at KDS in 2003 and most recently, held the title of Assistant Principal from 2006-2022 before becoming Principal in 2023. In January 2025, Tanner stepped into the role of Behavorial Wellness Coordinator. He has been married to his wife, Gina, and they have two amazing boys, Tyson and Mason - who are Tanner’s everything. Tanner states his main focus at KDS “is providing support for staff members and students, so they all have the resources needed to be highly successful on a daily basis.” Tanner notes that his favorite part of working at KDS is building relationships with the amazing students and staff members. In Tanner’s words, “KDS is blessed with some of the most incredible people on the planet and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to call this place my second home.”

Jessica will serve as a welcoming guide throughout the admissions process, helping families feel supported every step of the way. She will continue to assist families navigating their journey at KDS through her involvement in the Family Association. 

Throughout her career, Jessica has worked in workforce development, youth programs, education, and community engagement, always focused on helping people navigate important transitions with confidence and support. Most recently, she has served with Career Solutions at Goodwill, where she developed and led training, community partnerships, and resource connectivity in vulnerable populations. 

Jessica holds a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in hospitality from California State Polytechnic University.

Shannon graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B .S. in Recreation and Leisure with a concentration in recreational therapy and a minor is psychology. She has been with the school for over 20 years and has held the position of Recreational Therapist since 2001. During this time, she was president of Maury Magic Riders for four years. Shannon is also the Special Olympics Area Director for Maury County. Family is a big part of Shannon’s life: she enjoys spending time with her husband, children and nephew, Corbin.

Scott holds a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA from Tennessee Tech. University. He has served in various leadership roles in the area of accounting and finance throughout his career. In addition to his leadership roles, Scott has owned his own bookkeeping and tax service business for the past 15 years. He and his wife, Kirsten, have two adult sons.