Dr. Pasteia Garth, Advisory Committee Member

pasteiagarth@yahoo.com/ (662)523-5915

Dr. Pasteia Garth is an assistant principal at Tupelo High School where she oversees special education, 504, and English I and II. During her 21 years in the education profession, she has served as an English language arts teacher, special education director, and educational consultant.

She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Mississippi State University.  She also earned a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in  English Education and a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Teacher Education from the University of Mississippi.

Her commitment to inclusivity and diversity stems from her belief that everyone is unique and  has value, and when both are celebrated, harmonious beauty is created. I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve the community that is home.

Jennifer Johnson, Advisory Committee President

jjohnson@nettleton.k12.ms.us/ (662)891-6854

Jennifer Johnson is a veteran teacher who has strong ties to the Nettleton School District as well as the community.  She is a lifelong resident of Nettleton and a 1993 honors graduate of Nettleton High School. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, Jennifer worked in the Aberdeen School District for 2 years before returning to her alma mater to teach first grade.  While at Nettleton, in addition to teaching first grade she earned her master’s degree from the University of Mississippi as well.  She taught second through 7th grade special education before accepting her current position as the gifted and talented teacher for the district.  She was awarded Teacher of the Year for Nettleton Intermediate School for the 2021-2022 school year.

When she is not at school,  Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and their boxer, Zeke.  She also enjoys traveling.  She is the mother of 4 grown children.  

Jennifer wants to see the school district and community to continue to nurture and grow students who are prepared for life after graduating from Nettleton High School. 

Angela Smith, Advisory Committee Secretary

asmith@nettleton.k12.ms.us/ (662)963-7411

Angela W. Smith is a 1987 graduate of Amory High and a 1992 graduate of the University of Mississippi. In 2013 she received her Master of Counselor Education. She is currently employed at Nettleton School District. She is a National Certified Counselor and a National Certified School Counselor.

She worked 14 years for Lift,Inc., CDI, and MAP Head Start. She’s a member of American School Counselor Association, Mississippi Counseling Association, Ole Miss Alumni Association, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.

She serves as youth director at New Prospect M.B. Church. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and listening to gospel music. She has one daughter.

Grant Gardner, Advisory Committee Member

ggardner@nettleton.k12.ms.us/ (662) 963-2306

Grant Gardner is the head boys' high school basketball coach at Nettleton High School. Having just turned 50 years old, he is currently serving as the assistant principal at Nettleton High School.

Fresh off the 2022-2023 season, Coach Gardner was selected as Coach of the Year in Division 4-3A. He has been in education for 27 years, with stops at Blue Mountain, Jackson Callaway, Kossuth, Ripley, Belmont, and Nettleton.

Throughout his coaching and educational career, he has acquired numerous honors and has been privileged to coach in the North/South Mississippi All Star game for two stints. He currently holds a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Mississippi and master's degree in educational leadership from Mississippi College.

Coach Gardner enjoys watching history documentaries and weight lifting in his spare time. He is the husband to Laura Jo Gardner and the father to Grady (24), Graham (21), and Melly(19).

Jennifer King, Advisory Committee Member

jennifergking1982@gmail.com/ (662)801-9812

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, Master’s Degree of Curriculum and Instruction, and a Specialist Degree in Special Education from the University of Mississippi.  As a retired public school educator/administrator, retention of current teachers and recruitment of new teachers, especially minority teachers, is of the utmost importance for a successful school district to reach all students, and Jennifer is excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this committee.

Jennifer currently works at a psychiatric treatment facility for youth with  Education Admissions and IEP Coordination. As a former Principal and Special Education Director, Jennifer has formed many lasting connections and relationships within the education community across the state. Her 30 plus years of experience bring a strong knowledge of general  education, special education and services, as well as an administrative perspective to the importance of providing an inclusive environment for all teachers, students, parents and the community.

Nettleton has been her family’s home since 2005 and both her daughters graduated from Nettleton High School with an excellent education that enabled them to become a speech pathologist and a 4th grade teacher.  Education continues to be a very important part of everyday life for Jennifer. 

Farren Berryhill, Advisory Committee Member

fberryhill@nettleton.k12.ms.us/ (662)963-7400

Farren Berryhill, a longtime resident of Verona, is a 2005 graduate of Shannon High School. After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi. Farren began her teaching career with the Tupelo Public School District as a special education teacher.

She is currently employed at Nettleton School District as a 7th grade U.S. History teacher. When Farren is away from the classroom, she enjoys cheering her son on at football games, going to the movies, and spending time with her family. She has one son, Brayden, who attends Nettleton High School.

Farren is proud to be a part of a committee that promotes inclusivity, growth, and ensures the needs of all students are being met.