MBA welcomes newest members of faculty and staff for 2025-26

Montgomery Bell Academy is excited to welcome to campus our newest faculty and staff members with skills and expertise covering a wide variety of areas.

Clete McLeod

Clete McLeod joins MBA as our new Director of Performance, Strength and Conditioning. A veteran strength and conditioning coach and sports nutritionist, Clete brings more than 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics, specializing in football and power-athlete development. Most recently, he served as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of South Dakota, where he also taught university courses and managed staff, facilities, and nutrition programs.

Over the course of his career, Clete has held key roles at several institutions, including the University of Nebraska, Southern Illinois University, Oregon State University, Southeast Missouri State, and Northern Illinois University. He also brings international experience as a sports medicine advisor in Bahrain and is a U.S. Army veteran. Clete holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, dual Bachelor’s degrees in Physical Education and Agriculture, and certifications from NSCA, USA Weightlifting, and USATF.

 

Brian Sneed is joining our math department and will be teaching Algebra I and Algebra II and serving as a Varsity Football Assistant Coach. He is an experienced educator, administrator, and football coach with a B.S. in Mathematics from Centre College, where he was a standout student-athlete and team captain. Brian joins us from Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, where he served as Head Football Coach and led the program to historic achievements, including its first playoff win and a state semifinal appearance. In addition to his coaching accomplishments, he has held roles as Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Athletic Director, and has taught both math and physical education.

 

 

Travis Gilmore joins us as our new Earth Science and Physics teacher. He is a geologist and educator with a B.S. and M.S. in Geology from UCLA, where he also served as a Teaching Assistant and Instructor for an interdisciplinary freshman course on the evolution of the cosmos and life on Earth. His academic and teaching experience spans a wide range of subjects, including cosmology, astronomy, geology, paleontology, and evolutionary biology. He will also be helping us develop programming around the Long Mountain observatory.

 

 

Josh Harmon joins MBA this year as a Spanish I teacher and a Varsity Football Assistant Coach. A recent graduate of Hamilton College, Josh majored in Hispanic Studies and Public Policy and played football as a quarterback-turned-wide receiver. Josh brings a deep passion for language, mentorship, and student growth to the classroom. With experience coaching youth, he is committed to shaping young people both academically and personally – drawing on the lessons of teamwork, resilience, and character he developed on and off the field.

 

 

Xander Odeneal joins MBA as a Physics teacher and will assist with Junior School Swimming. He is an experienced science teacher and educational leader with a strong background in both classroom teaching and departmental leadership at the secondary level in the UK. Most recently, he served as Deputy Head of Science and Deputy Head of Year 13 at Salesian School, where he led data-driven interventions, improved student outcomes, and implemented strategic teaching practices. He also served as Physics Subject Lead for a multi-academy trust, supporting professional development across schools. With a B.Sc. in Theoretical Physics, a PGCE in Science Education, an M.A. in Education, and ongoing doctoral work focused on student motivation, Xander brings both subject expertise and a deep commitment to student progress, teacher development, and evidence-based education.

 

 

Tyler Shaw is joining our Visual & Performing Arts Department this year as our new Choir teacher. A dedicated music educator, he holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Belmont University with a focus on vocal instruction. Most recently, he served as the Choir Director and Music Teacher at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN, where he founded and expanded a thriving middle and upper school choral program, led students to statewide honors, and organized major performances in collaboration with fellow music faculty. With experience in both middle and high school settings, Tyler brings a strong foundation in vocal technique, ensemble leadership, and music theory, and remains an active member of MTVA and NAfME.

 

 

Tanner Parker joins MBA as a Biology teacher after completing his B.S. in Biological Sciences Education at Brigham Young University this April. He will also be helping out with High School Cross Country and Track and Field. Tanner’s teaching experience includes a student teaching placement in 9th grade biology at Aldine Ninth Grade School, where he created engaging, inquiry-based lessons using the 5E and 3-Dimensional science teaching models. He has also served as an academic advisor and research director for underserved youth at Oasis Ascent, a teaching assistant in plant biology at BYU, and a Romanian immersion instructor at the Missionary Training Center.

 

 

Mauro, a member of MBA’s Class of 2021, is returning to campus to teach Introduction to Physical Science and assist with the Crew Program. He recently graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics, where his studies included advanced coursework in Quantum Mechanics, General Relativity, and the Physics of Music.

During his time at Duke, Mauro was deeply involved in the university’s music community – performing with the Duke Jazz Ensemble, organizing and playing in events through Jazz@ Duke, and composing large-ensemble jazz pieces as a Benenson Award recipient. He also played trombone in the Duke Marching Band and completed an Ethics Fellowship at the Kenan Institute for Ethics.

Daniel Childs (Athletics), Shawna McIntosh (Marketing & Communications), and Palmer Thombs (Marketing & Communications) also joined the school mid-year.