Amber Reeves
Hixson
Summary
Dynamic and mission-driven education leader with 15+ years of experience advancing equity and access through strategic leadership in K–12, higher education, nonprofit, and community-based settings. Proven track record in designing and scaling innovative programs, securing and managing multimillion-dollar grants, and fostering cross-sector partnerships that drive student success and community impact. Adept at leading multidisciplinary teams, implementing data-informed practices, and advocating for systems-level change through statewide policy and network leadership. Combines a strong foundation in education, instructional coaching, and curriculum development with executive-level experience in organizational growth, fiscal management, and community engagement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Chair
Tennessee Community School State Network
01.2024 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership and vision for the statewide advancement of the Community Schools model, promoting equitable access to education, and wraparound support services.
- Facilitated cross-sector collaboration among school districts, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to expand and sustain community school initiatives.
- Led statewide meetings, policy discussions, and professional learning communities to build capacity among practitioners, and advocate for systems-level change.
- Supported development and dissemination of best practices, toolkits, and data-sharing frameworks to strengthen implementation and impact measurement.
- Engaged with state policymakers and educational leaders to inform and influence policy decisions supporting holistic student and family success.
- Represented the network at regional and national conferences, amplifying Tennessee’s role in the broader community schools movement.
- Advocated, crafted, and lobbied for legislation on Community School Funding across Tennessee communities.
- Fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders to promote effective policy implementation.
Chief Education Officer
Northside Neighborhood House
Chattanooga
05.2022 - 06.2025
- Led the strategic direction and execution of all education programs, serving children, youth, and adults across multiple community sites.
- Designed and implemented evidence-based educational initiatives focused on academic enrichment, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning.
- Supervised and developed a multidisciplinary team of Community School Directors, Community School Coordinators, and program staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Oversight of grant compliance, reporting, and budgeting.
- Built strategic partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and community stakeholders to expand Community School reach and effectiveness.
- Implemented data-driven evaluation methods to measure program outcomes, and inform ongoing improvements.
- Collaborated with Hamilton County Schools to facilitate resource sharing, and ensure alignment with strategic support for families.
Instructional Coach
Hamilton County Schools
Chattanooga
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led the development, implementation, and evaluation of a district-wide STEM curriculum, directly supporting instructional alignment with academic standards.
- Authored comprehensive documentation for the attainment of National Cognia STEM Certification.
- Wrote and secured grants to support innovation in STEM education, including funding for an ELab and afterschool programming in collaboration with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
- Designed and delivered cross-curricular professional development sessions, integrating STEM strategies to enhance instructional practices across content areas.
- Served as a magnet school liaison, coordinating specialized program initiatives, and ensuring fidelity to magnet program goals.
- Maintained compliance and reporting accuracy for Title I documentation and federal program monitoring.
STEM Teacher
Hamilton County Schools
Chattanooga
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Designed and delivered interdisciplinary STEM instruction aligned with state standards, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students.
- Developed project-based learning experiences integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to engage diverse learners.
- Incorporate emerging technologies, engineering design principles, and real-world applications into daily instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues across grade levels and content areas to support cross-curricular STEM integration, and instructional coherence.
- Contributed to school and district initiatives, including curriculum development, STEM nights, and grant-supported programming.
- Utilized data-driven instructional strategies to support student achievement and close learning gaps, particularly in underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
- Served as a mentor to new educators and student interns, modeling best practices in inquiry-based and student-centered teaching.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CrossFit Hixson
Hixson
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Provided strategic leadership through vision and mission development, long-term goal setting, and oversight of overall business performance.
- Directed daily operations, including facility management, staff recruitment and development, and financial planning, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
- Built and maintained a strong brand and member community through targeted marketing initiatives, engaging community events, and a focus on delivering an exceptional member experience.
- Cultivated a high-performance culture through leadership coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities for staff.
- Strengthened member retention and satisfaction through personalized engagement strategies, and consistent delivery of high-quality services.
Adjunct Professor, Health, Physical Education & Recreation
Southern Adventist University
Collegedale
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Taught undergraduate courses in health, wellness, and physical education, focusing on evidence-based practices in human performance, fitness, and health promotion.
- Developed and implemented course materials, assessments, and activities aligned with departmental and university standards.
- Fostered student engagement through interactive lectures, hands-on learning, and the application of theory to real-world settings.
- Provided academic advising, mentorship, and individualized support to students pursuing careers in health, physical education, and related fields.
- Collaborated with faculty and departmental leadership to support curriculum development and program improvement initiatives.
- Promoted a holistic approach to education, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, in alignment with the university’s mission.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership for Organizations
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH12.2022
Masters in Arts - Education
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY05.2001
Bachelors of Arts - Education Kinesiology and Health Promotion
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05.2000
Skills
- Strategic educational leadership
- Program development and implementation
- Effective communication
- Grant writing
- Cross-sector partnership building
- Data-driven decision making
- Systems alignment and professional development
- Innovation
- Policy advocacy and systems change
National Conference Presentations
- Presenter, National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference in Minneapolis Building the Framework for Success: Collaborative Leadership and Strategic Tools for Advancing Community Schools May 2025
- Presenter, National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference in Atlanta Best Practices to support a Community School Coordinator May 2024
- Presenter, American Association for Adults and Continuing Education in Milwaukee Technological literacy, Under-served families, and School Choice: A Critical Race Theory analysis October 2022
Timeline
Co-Chair
Tennessee Community School State Network
01.2024 - Current
Chief Education Officer
Northside Neighborhood House
05.2022 - 06.2025
Instructional Coach
Hamilton County Schools
01.2020 - 01.2022
STEM Teacher
Hamilton County Schools
01.2019 - 01.2022
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CrossFit Hixson
01.2012 - 01.2019
Adjunct Professor, Health, Physical Education & Recreation
Southern Adventist University
01.2010 - 01.2012
Doctor of Education - Leadership for Organizations
University of Dayton
Masters in Arts - Education
Georgetown College
Bachelors of Arts - Education Kinesiology and Health Promotion
University of Kentucky
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