Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Z, as she loves to be called, knew at age 3 that she would grow up to be a teacher. Mrs. Mayes was born in Texas, but grew up all over the US, in places such as Michigan, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Kansas, and Missouri. In college, as a part of her Spanish studies, she lived in Spain as an exchange student. Mrs. Z is married to Charles, and they chase after three bubbly boys on the regular: Charles (Chaz), Elliott (Jai), and Oliver (Obi). Outside of teaching and family, Mrs. Mayes finds joy in singing and listening to music, completing DIY projects and arts & crafts, traveling to new places, and engaging in competitive contests such as board games, trivia, and sports contest.

Course Load This Year:

Math (Grades 1-8)

Social Studies, with a Language Arts Emphasis (Grades 1-8)

Technology Media and Design

(Bio and Picture Coming Soon!)

Course Load This Year:

Physical Education (Grades 1-8)

Science, with a Language Arts Emphasis (Grades 1-8)

(Bio and Picture Coming Soon!)

Course Load This Year:

Language Arts (Grades 1-8)

Bible (Grades 1-8)

Every school needs to have a person like Mrs. Iris! She is the true embodiment of ‘Southern Hospitality.’ Hailing from Memphis, TN, Mrs. Iris brings warmth, comfort, and discoveries to the Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten classroom. She has blessed our space for the past three years. For some students, she may be considered the “Birthday Lady”, as she ensures every student in our school gets a school-wide involved birthday song. She is married to Calvin and mom to Aviel, a graduate of SWAJA. Mrs. Iris truly enjoys people and learning. Come see for yourself!

Course Load This Year:

Montessori Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten

Life Skills (Grades Pre-K through 8)

Mr. Thibodeaux serves as the Office Manager here at SWAJA. He is the longest serving staff member, having served in the same position for a time in the 90s and returning to us a few years ago. “Mr.T” enjoys organization and is task oriented. He assists our families directly with their financial records. Teachers, parents, and students alike are blessed by his ‘can do’ attitude and positive disposition. He is married to Laura, and they have an adult son who afforded them the opportunity to be grandparents. If you are in need of encouragement, a yummy juice recipe, an idea for accomplishing a DIY project, or just a smile and a prayer, Team Thibodeaux is where you should go!

Mrs. Martin is such an amazing artist that also possesses the ability to teach children how to appreciate and create masterpieces of their own. She believes that ‘we were created to create’ and exposes our students to a plethora of ways in which we can live out this purpose. She has two daughters and is blessed to have extremely supportive parents, who visit our campus from time to time. We are confident that you will be amazed by what your student comes up with as a result of her tutelage.

Course Load This Year:

Art (Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth)

The Home & School Association is akin to the Parent Teacher Association. Home & School functions to ensure that the desires and values of the home align with the environment and teachings within the school. This function is pivotal to the partnership that we believe is invaluable to student success. Home & School meets for the purposes of parent education, community building, fundraising, and personal growth. We are grateful that Joy chooses to use her gifts of communication and fostering relationships to build our school. She is married to Peter, and excitedly mothers Joanna (a graduate of SWAJA) and Arielle. If you are in need of resources to navigate the home or school life, contact Joy.