Mrs. Jenks
​Hi! My name is Kristen Jenks and this will be my 10th year teaching! I have been a part of the Brighten family for 8 years. I am so excited to be leading our 3rd grade team! I live in Villa Rica with my husband, 12-year-old daughter, and our two dogs!

 I received my Bachelors of Arts degree and Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia with additional endorsements in Dyslexia, and Gifted Education.  

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Mrs. Ssebikindu
​ I am Dr. Lyne Ssebikindu, I am  currently teaching third grade. I graduated from University of Memphis with a Doctoral degree in Leadership and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have been in education for the last 28 years. The last 17 years I have been in administration. My past experience includes; principal, assistant principal, coach and classroom teacher. I am pleased to welcome you to the 2022-2023 school year! I am looking forward to having your child as a student. Third grade is such a fun year with so many wonderful learning activities to celebrate. In order to have a fun year, my most important goal is to create a family of learners in my classroom. I am committed to creating a classroom environment where your child is a valued, trusted, and integral part of our family of learners. In order to accomplish this, I have planned a variety of activities to emphasize and reinforce this goal. It is my hope that you will support and encourage this vision at home
Mrs. Bradshaw
Hi! I'm Elizabeth Bradshaw. This is me first year here at Brighten Academy.  I am teaching third grade. I have my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I graduated from the University of Phoenix with Honors. I have two amazing little boys, one is 5 and the other is 2. I have been married to my amazing husband for almost 7 years! I completed my student teaching here at Brighten Academy. So, I have begun building relationships with the teachers and administrators. Even though it is my first-year teaching here at Brighten Academy, I am already familiar with their culture and CREW atmosphere. I am so excited to welcome you and your child(ren) to the 2023-2024 school year! I cannot wait to get to know your amazing child. My goal for this year is to create a welcome, safe, and comfortable environment where each student can thrive, be successful, and be themselves! I am committed to creating relationships with my students and their families, because good communication is how we help our students succeed

Mrs. Smalley
Hello parents, my name is Herminia” Minnie” Smalley, this will be my third year as the Paraprofessional for the 3rd grade. My background is in federal law enforcement, I resigned from an almost 9-year career, to be a stay-at-home mother. Before starting at Brighten Academy I was a preschool teacher here in Douglasville. I have been happily married for 14 years and I am the mother to two handsome boys. I am looking forward to working with all of your children. My hope is to help them all achieve their educational goals this year!