Explore! Team
Executive Principal
Mr. Shumaker brings a wide range of experience in education, including classroom teaching, eight years of experience as a school principal in Mississippi, work with the Mississippi Department of Education, serving as Chief Academic Officer of a charter school in Alabama, and most recently as Executive Director of a charter school network in Nashville. A Nashville resident, Mr. Shumaker is both excited and honored to continue serving the Explore! Community School family. He shared, “After working here in a consulting role since August, I have truly fallen in love with Explore! and am deeply grateful to Mr. Gish’s leadership over the last four years, and for the opportunity to serve this special community moving forward.”
Mr. Shumaker earned his bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, his Master of Education from Delta State University, and his Education Specialist degree from the University of Mississippi. Over his 18-year career, he has led schools and teams to strong outcomes, including A school ratings, top-three state rankings by U.S. News & World Report, and high growth results.
Mr. Cody Shumaker
Ms. Janell Gilbert
Lower School Principal
Janell Gilbert is an educational leader with over 12 years of experience serving students, teachers, and school communities across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Throughout her career, she has held roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, dean, and assistant principal, building a strong foundation in curriculum and instruction, instructional coaching, multilingual learner support, and school leadership.
Janell earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Elementary Education (K–6) and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL K–12). She is passionate about creating equitable learning environments where every student has access to rigorous, high-quality instruction and every educator receives the coaching and support needed to thrive.
As a leader, Janell believes that strong relationships, continuous learning, and data-informed decision-making are essential to student success. She is committed to developing teachers, strengthening instructional systems, and fostering school cultures where both children and adults can grow, achieve, and lead with confidence.
Janell is excited to continue making a meaningful impact through educational leadership while pursuing her long-term vision of prioritizing academic excellence, belonging, and opportunity for every learner.
Middle School Principal
Ms. Edmonds is a passionate and purpose-driven educator with over 12 years of experience in the field of education. A proud native of Birmingham, Alabama, Ms. Edmonds now calls Nashville her home. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University and a Master of Education from UMass Boston.
Ms. Edmonds began her career in Boston before moving to Nashville, where she served in various roles including teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal at a local charter school. Her leadership is grounded in equity, high expectations, and a deep belief in the potential of every student.
Ms. Edmonds is committed to building a joyful, and supportive learning environment. She is excited to partner with students, families, and staff to ensure every child is known, challenged, celebrated, and prepared for success in school and beyond.
