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, EdD
Principal
Dr. Ortiz brings 33 years of experience in education, including 26 years as a teacher and principal in public schools. After retiring from public service, he continued his commitment to Christian education by serving as a multi-grade teaching principal in both California and now in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at Avondale SDA School.
He holds an EdD in Administration and Leadership from La Sierra University. He is deeply committed to supporting the South Central Conference’s focus on Christ, Character, and Curriculum, and he is passionate about advancing the mission of Adventist education. His dedication to serving the Lord guides his work in helping children come to know Christ while providing a safe, nurturing environment where students can grow spiritually, develop strong character, and achieve academic excellence.
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.
Ashley Acevedo
Grades 3 – 5
Ms. Ashley Acevedo is passionate about helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally while developing a lifelong love of learning. Having served as both a classroom teacher and teaching principal, she is committed to nurturing the whole child and creating a Christ-centered environment where students can thrive. Ms. Acevedo loves working with children and is deeply grateful for God’s calling to guide young people as they grow in knowledge, character, and faith. Outside the classroom, she enjoys singing, reading, spending time in nature, and learning new skills.
Janet Pride
Grades K – 2
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.
