Avondale runs and operates because of the dedicated faculty, staff, and volunteers that serve from year-to-year. We are proud and thankful for the service of each person. Enjoy learning more about the faculty and staff. If you’d like to get in touch with a particular person, we look forward to hearing from you.
Luis Ortiz, Ed.S.
Principal
With 32 years of experience in education, Mr. Ortiz has dedicated 26 years as a teacher and principal in public schools. After retiring from public service, he has served as a multi-grade teaching principal in both California and now in Chattanooga, TN at Avondale SDA School. Mr. Ortiz holds an Ed.S. in Administration and Leadership from La Sierra University. Passionate about supporting the South Central Conference’s focus on CHRIST-CHARACTER-CURRICULUM, Mr. Ortiz is committed to advancing the mission of Adventist Education. His dedication to serving the Lord drives his efforts to bring children to Christ and provide a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow in spirit, character, and intellect.
Akeisha James
Grades 6 – 8
Teacher James has always had a passion for children and teaching and knew from an early age that she wanted to be an educator. She was born in the beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago and has lived in many states as well. She takes every opportunity to bringing her experiences to the classroom. She received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Oakwood University. When not in the classroom, Teacher James enjoys all sports but enjoys playing basketball most of all.
Brianna Moore
Grades 4 – 5
Brianna Moore is the 3-5th grades’ Homeroom teacher and teaches Social Studies and Language Arts to grades 3-8 at Avondale. Ms. Moore is a recent graduate of Southern Adventist University. She has always had a love for children and is passionate about teaching. She believes in combining socioemotional learning and Biblical values into academics for a well-rounded child. She strives to live by the Bible verse, “Let your light shine before men, that. they may see your good works, and. glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16. She is excited to start the school year and share with your child.
Janet Pride
Grades 2 – 3
Janet Pride is the 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Avondale. She has 30 years of teaching experience, mostly in the lower grades. She has also been an Interim Principal at Avondale and a Teaching principal. She received her Bachelors in Music Education from Antillian College in Mayaguez, PR. In 2015, she received her Masters of Science in Outdoor Education from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom and she believes every student can learn. Her desire is to see all her student build a strong relationship with Jesus first and foremost. She believes wisdom comes from God, so she encourages her students to seek Him daily for wisdom. I look forward to teaching your children this year.
Lydia Rose
Title 1 Instructor / Reading Interventionist
Reading interventionist, Lydia Rose, is passionate for reading mastery. She received her bachelor’s in communications from Oakwood University. Several years later, she attended and completed the undergrad requirements in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of TN, Knoxville. It was the latter training that prepared her for the work she does today.
Mrs. Rose is a trained and certified Dyslexia Practitioner with Wilson Language Training, qualifying her to teach Fundations®, the Wilson Reading System® and Just Words® curriculum.
When she’s not grooming fluent readers, Lydia enjoys spending as much time as possible visiting her grandchildren, road tripping, learning black history, reading, and collecting postcards.
Marisol Prieto
Office Manager / Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Marisol Prieto is our bilingual office manager, bringing more than 20 years of counseling experience to her role. She studied Human Services at Metropolitan College of New York and has devoted much of her career to supporting people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and life transitions after incarceration. Known for her compassion and dedication, Marisol sees helping others not just as a job, but as her life’s calling.
