Faculty & Staff

Administration

Dr. Willie Goldsmith Jr.

Dr. Goldsmith, Head of School at Banks Academy, is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in school leadership and student development. Passionate about faith-based education, he is committed to creating Christ-centered learning environments where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

Before joining Banks Academy, Dr. Goldsmith served as a principal in Birmingham City Schools for 15 years, leading school improvement efforts and helping students, teachers, and communities thrive. He holds a Doctor of Education in Administrative Leadership from Argosy University, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, all from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Goldsmith is an active member of Refresh Family Church and a former member of the United States Army National Guard. He is dedicated to equipping students and educators with the knowledge, values, and opportunities needed to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

RODERICK BRYANT

Middle School History

Originally from Clanton, Alabama, Roderick Bryant teaches history to students in grades 6–8. He holds degrees in business administration and administrative office management from Virginia College. At Banks Academy, he strives to connect lessons from the past to students’ lives today while helping them build confidence, character, and leadership skills.

LATISHA CATLIN

Lindsey Culliver

Middle School Science

Lindsay Culliver is a Birmingham native with a Bachelor of Arts from The Art Institute of Atlanta and a Master of Science from Drexel University.

Curtis Goldsmith

Physical Education

Curtis Goldsmith is from Lowndes County, Alabama. He attended the University of South Alabama and is continuing his studies at the University of West Alabama. He teaches physical education and appreciates the warm welcome and support he has found at Banks Academy. Go Jets!

TAN GOLDSMITH

Federal Funds Coordinator

Tan Goldsmith brings 30 years of public education experience to her role as Federal Programs Coordinator. A former science teacher, graduation coach, curriculum writer, and grant coordinator, she holds degrees from Talladega College, Jacksonville State University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a PhD candidate at the University of Alabama.

Dr. kathy Jackson

Executive Assistant to the Head of School

A Birmingham native, Dr. Kathy Jackson brings experience in office administration, the legal field, and the Alabama judicial system to Banks Academy. She holds a Doctor of Biblical Exposition and a master’s degree in Biblical/Christian Counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary. A licensed and ordained minister, she values the school’s Christian mission and enjoys encouraging students as they grow.

Rev. Jermaine Johnson

High School Bible

Michelle Johnson

9th and 10th English

Michelle Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley. In her classroom, she helps students use reading and writing to think critically, express themselves, and discover the value of their voices. Originally from California, she enjoys traveling, reading, exploring new foods and cultures, and spending time with her family.

Shunta Johnson

Middle School English/Lead Teacher

Shunta Johnson has more than 20 years of experience teaching and mentoring students. She holds degrees in early childhood education from Lawson State Community College and education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and she is pursuing a master’s degree. At Banks Academy, she helped launch the middle school program and is proud to support its continued growth.

JASMINE MAGAHA

11th and 12th History/Choir

Kevin Mason

9th and 10th Science

He attended Miles College where he obtained a B.A. in Political Science and B.S. in Environmental Science. In addition to his regular teaching responsibilities, Mr. Mason teaches instruments in the SOAR Music program after school.

CHRISTINA MATHEWS

9th and 10th History

Originally from Brookside, Alabama, Christina Mathews holds a bachelor’s degree in communication management and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She brings experience in teaching, program development, leadership, and the performing arts. She values Banks Academy’s blend of faith, academics, athletics, and arts.

Kristal McKinney

Middle School Math

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Kristal McKinney holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from AUGC. She has taught at Banks Academy since 2022 and values the school’s Christ-centered environment. She enjoys helping students recognize their potential.

Shuntel McMillon

Secretary/Receptionist

Birmingham native Shuntel McMillon is a graduate of Ensley High School and has studied business administration at the University of Phoenix and American International University. She has served Banks Academy for five years, helping students and families with their day-to-day needs. Both of her children graduated from Banks Academy, making the school especially meaningful to her family.

DEWAYNE MOORE

Band and Fine Arts

Birmingham native Dewayne Moore holds a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University. He brings more than 30 years of experience teaching music at Wenonah High School, along with experience in a U.S. Army band. At Banks Academy, he looks forward to developing a band and fine arts program that brings out students’ talents.

MARY MURPHY

11th and 12th Math

Mary Murphy has loved math since elementary school. Before teaching 11th and 12th grade math at Banks Academy, she spent 29 years teaching high school math in the Birmingham City School District.

Rev. Eunice Pickens

Middle School Bible

DEBORAH REED

Dean of Scholars

Marisa Rimpsey

9th and 10th Math

JAYLON STEVENSON

11th and 12th Science

Jaylon Stevenson teaches anatomy and physiology, environmental science, nutrition, and STEM/intervention. An Alabama native, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health and Wellness from Huntingdon College. His collegiate experience in basketball and tennis shapes his emphasis on preparation, teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth.

Caleb Sears

Guidance Counselor/Director of Spiritual Formation

Mr. Sears received his bachelor’s degree from the Baptist College of Florida and a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  Before coming to Banks, Mr. Sears has 10+ years of ministry experience both in churches and nonprofits. He has a strong desire to God move in the lives of these scholars and wants to do whatever it takes to give them opportunities for it. He loves spending time with his family which consist of his wife and four children.

Aquanetta Thompson

11th and 12th English

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Aquanetta Thompson holds degrees from the University of Phoenix, the University of North Texas, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. In her seventh year of teaching, she brings experience across multiple grades and subjects. She values Banks Academy’s close-knit, Christ-centered community and is passionate about mentoring and advocating for students.

Jermaine Watson

Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

Coach Jermaine Watson played collegiate football at Jacksonville State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in American History. A graduate of Hillcrest High School in Evergreen, Alabama, he brings 19 years of high school football coaching experience to Banks Academy. In 2016, the Alabama Football Coaches Association named him its 2A Assistant Coach of the Year.