Our Team
Dana
Dana is excited to be the Co-Founder of Academy 7! A dream that started many years ago when she knew students should be at the center of their learning experience and that there should be more breaks, recess and endless fun.
With 17 years of experience in education, school counseling and curriculum design, she has a passion for teaching to the whole-child and project-based learning.
Academy 7 represents a long-held vision of a place where learning is not only about mastering subjects but positive mental-health and building confidence, curiosity and a love for lifelong learning! She is excited for the future of education at Academy 7!
Kentucky Educator Certificates:
Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education: Northern Kentucky University
Masters in Teacher Leadership:
University of Cumberlands
Rank 1 in School Counseling:
University of Cumberlands
Other Academic Accomplishments:
Curriculum Design Leader:
Common Assignment Study
Director of Content & Learning
Melissa
Sadie
Beth
Ellen
Melissa is excited to be the Co-Founder of Academy 7! She has always believed in the power of stories to transform lives. From her earliest days in the classroom, she knew that reading was more than just a subject, it was a gateway to imagination, empathy, and personal growth. Her passion for literacy has shaped her entire career and fueled her dedication to helping children find their voice through literacy and writing.
At the heart of her teaching is a deep commitment to the whole child. Whether she's designing a lesson around a powerful novel or guiding a student through a breakthrough moment, Melissa brings warmth, creativity, and a love of learning into everything she does.
Academy 7 is the culmination of her vision—a school where literacy is a foundation for confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Kentucky Educator Certificates:
Master of Arts in Teaching: Northern Kentucky University
Other Academic Accomplishments:
Curriculum Design Leader:
Common Assignment Study & The Fund for Transforming Education in Kentucky
English Language Arts Consultant
Bachelor of Science, Marketing: Northern Kentucky University
Project Management Professional Certification Course: University of Kentucky, Gatton College of Business
Sadie is a passionate elementary educator with four years of experience in public education, teaching 2nd and 4th grade while also gaining valuable experience in 3rd grade. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University and is committed to creating a classroom where every student feels encouraged, engaged, and excited to learn.
She believes that learning should be meaningful, hands-on, and fun. She is dedicated to helping students grow academically while building creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Her goal is to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential in a nurturing and engaging environment.
Beth is excited to return for another year at Academy 7, where she teaches mathematics and helps students discover that math can be both engaging and rewarding. With seven years of experience in public education, she has taught students in grades 3 through 8 and is passionate about building confidence and strong problem-solving skills in every learner.
Beth believes that every student can succeed in math with the right support and encouragement. She strives to create a classroom where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and developing a lifelong love of learning. She is excited to continue inspiring young learners and helping them reach their full potential at Academy 7.
Beth holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and is certified in Elementary Education and Middle Grades Mathematics.
Ellen is a lifelong learner with a passion for helping students discover the joy of learning. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she made Kentucky her home after meeting her husband of 36 years. Together they have built a wonderful family with two children and five grandchildren.
With 23 years of teaching experience, Ellen believes that every child learns in their own unique way. She is dedicated to creating an encouraging environment where curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning can flourish. Throughout her career, she has been grateful for the opportunity to teach incredible young people while building lasting relationships with students and families.
Outside of the classroom, Ellen enjoys gardening, sewing, crafting, and spending time in the sunshine. She is excited to share her experience, enthusiasm, and love of learning with the Academy 7 community.
Our Story
It all started in the halls of a traditional school. We spent several years as educators, dedicated to helping students succeed, but we felt something was missing. As proud parents of children in the traditional public school system, we know firsthand how valuable that experience can be. However, we also recognized that not every child thrives in that setting. We believe education should be more than just textbooks and tests—it should be flexible, filled with outdoor time, and centered around sparking curiosity and nurturing creativity. Each child’s unique learning journey should be celebrated, not confined by rigid schedules.
With a deep passion for academics, project-based learning, and social-emotional development, we understood the critical connection between emotional growth and academic success. This vision led us to create Academy 7—a school where learning is hands-on, personalized, and designed to inspire.
Academy 7 opened it’s doors in August of 2025 with 22 students. With a team of dedicated educators, Academy 7 is building a community where students are encouraged to explore their passions, ignite their curiosity, and grow into confident, lifelong learners. What started as a dream has become a reality. Academy 7 will be a place where every child thrives—academically, emotionally, and socially—a school where learning is dynamic, innovative, and deeply personal.
Contact us:
We’re so excited to meet you and share more about Academy 7! Whether you have questions, want to learn about our programs, or just want to see what makes our learning community special, we’d love to connect.
Reach out to us today – we can’t wait to spark a love of learning with you! You can fill out the form or reach out to info@academy7ky.com
