Explore! Team
Executive Principal
Mr. Gish comes to us after 11 years in Williamson County Schools where he served as a teacher, assistant principal, and for the last three years, a building level principal. His entire career has been serving elementary and middle school students and he has experience starting a new school (Mill Creek Middle) and leading a K-8 school (Hillsboro Elementary/Middle). Mr. Gish lives in Nashville, and said, “Leading a diverse school community in the same neighborhood where I live is a great honor and incredible opportunity. I feel blessed to part of the Explore! community."
Mr. Gish has a degree in Music Education from Murray State and a Master of Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University. He understands the importance of multiple measures of student success, and under his leadership, has led schools that have demonstrated strong performance on TCAP/TN-Ready exams (earning Reward Status for both achievement and growth in 2018).
Mr. Cameron Gish
Ms. Jessica Talbot
Lower School Principal
Ms. Talbot works at Explore! because she believes that all little people deserve authentic learning experiences which are designed to help them uncover and rediscover their own unique gifts and passions. She wants all Explorers to feel loved and believe in the power of their ideas!
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.
Ms. Ashley Edmonds
Mr. Cody Shumaker
Incoming 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.
