Meagan Brocato is a Kindergarten teacher at Tharptown Elementary School. She began her teaching career in 2024 and joined the TES family in 2025. Mrs. Brocato earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K–6) after attending Wallace State Community College and graduating from Athens State University in 2024. She is also trained in LETRS, strengthening her ability to support early literacy development. Prior to teaching in elementary school, she spent three years as a preschool teacher, an experience that helped prepare her for working with young learners and building strong classroom foundations. Mrs. Brocato was inspired to pursue education because of her deep love for children and her desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives. She believes in creating a supportive and inclusive classroom where every student feels valued. By building strong relationships and providing engaging learning experiences, she works to foster confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Originally from Cullman, Alabama, Mrs. Brocato is proud to be part of a school community that is kind, supportive, and dedicated to doing what is best for students. She is married to her husband, Matthew, and they have a sweet dog named Millie.

Stacey Gallos teaches Kindergarten at Tharptown Elementary School and began both her teaching career and her time at TES in 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Athens State University and Northwest-Shoals Community College. Stacey is also LETRS certified, which supports her work in building strong literacy foundations for young learners. Although she is early in her teaching career, she brings valuable life experience and a strong commitment to communication, respect, and personal growth that help guide her work with students. Stacey believes teaching young children is both a profession and a calling. Her goal is not only to teach foundational skills in literacy and math, but also to help students develop character, responsibility, and compassion. She appreciates the collaborative and supportive environment at Tharptown Elementary, where teachers continually learn and grow together to better serve their students. Stacey is grateful to be part of the TES team. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her adult daughter, Cambridge, who continues to be the joy of her life.

Lorena Hernandez is a Kindergarten teacher at Tharptown Elementary School and has been part of the TES family since 2020. She began her teaching career the same year and holds a degree in Elementary and Collaborative Special Education (K–6). Mrs. Hernandez graduated from Athens State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also holds an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) certification for grades K–12, equipping her to effectively support multilingual learners. Mrs. Hernandez has experience in reading intervention and working with English Learners, which has strengthened her ability to meet students where they are academically and linguistically. She was inspired to pursue education after seeing firsthand how guidance and encouragement can positively change someone’s path. Her teaching philosophy centers on adapting instruction to connect with each learner’s background, goals, and learning style. She believes education has the power to open doors, reduce inequality, and empower communities. Mrs. Hernandez values the strong support teachers receive at TES and is proud to be part of a collaborative school environment. She is married and has a son.

Misty Terry is a Kindergarten teacher at Tharptown Elementary School, where she began serving in 2025. She started her teaching career in 2015 and brings a decade of experience in early childhood education to her classroom. Mrs. Terry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in English as a Second Language, and an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She studied at Athens State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Throughout her career, she has worked with diverse learners, including multilingual students, and has focused on designing developmentally appropriate instruction that supports both academic growth and language development. She remains committed to professional growth through ongoing study of research-based strategies and innovative instructional practices. Mrs. Terry was inspired to pursue education because of her passion for working with children and her desire to help build a strong foundation for their future success. She believes early education lays the groundwork for lifelong achievement and is dedicated to creating a structured, engaging, and inclusive classroom where students feel safe, valued, and capable. Through strong relationships, high expectations, and meaningful instruction, she strives to foster confidence, character, and curiosity in her students. She values open communication with families and believes that strong home-school partnerships are essential, recognizing that parents and guardians are a child’s first and most important teachers. Mrs. Terry loves the welcoming, family-like atmosphere at TES, where both small and big victories are celebrated. Outside of school, she enjoys an active family life supporting her son’s involvement in sports and spending quality time hosting friends, playing games, and making lasting memories together.