Staff
Sharon Scott, Director
I am so excited and grateful to be part of the MTSU Home and Community Based Early Intervention Program as Director. I am a Texas native and have lived in Dallas, Texas for the past 20 years. My passion of working with children with special needs began with Head Start of Greater Dallas and then with Dallas Independent School District, where I received my Early Intervention certification. As an early interventionist, I provided Developmental Therapy, Service Coordination, and Evaluation services to children 0-3 years old for more than 14 years.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A& M University-Commerce, Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. I obtained my Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Tennessee State University, which has allowed me to enhance and develop my knowledge base and clinical experiences to best serve families of diverse backgrounds.
I love the nature of Tennessee and is excited to experience it! I enjoy exercising (xtreme hip-hop step), reading, and sharing time with my 13yr old lab, Barrett Jackson. He brings me joy! You can reach me at Sharon.E.Scott@mtsu.edu
Lacey Curtis
My name is Lacey Curtis and I was born and raised in Smyrna, TN. I currently live
in Rockvale, TN with my husband, Jeremy, and our daughter, Kamdyn, and our son, Kase.
I graduated from MTSU with my bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies
in 2008. While in college, I worked as a preschool teacher and then once I graduated
I was an Assistant Director of a large preschool for three years. In 2011 I took a
position with the state as a caseworker helping low income families in need of assistance.
I did this until 2014 when I transferred departments and took a position as a Program
Evaluator in Child Care Licensing. In March of 2017 we had our son, Kase, 2 months
early at a tiny 2 pounds 5 ounces. It was during his NICU stay and immediately after
that I learned more about TEIS and early intervention and knew this is what I was
meant to do. In August of 2017 I began working with MTSU HCBEI as an Early Interventionist.
I have loved every minute of working with the most amazing families and guiding them
down the path of helping their children reach their full potential through their everyday
routines. You can reach me at lacey.curtis@mtsu.edu.
Kim Williamson 
I earned a bachelor’s degree from MTSU back in 2002! I began my journey working with children and families through a behavior intervention program called Regional Intervention Program (RIP). I trained parents on positive behavior techniques to help with their children’s behavior. It was there that my passion grew for working with not only children but the entire family. I left RIP to stay at home with my son and it was when he was about 2 yrs. old that I learned about TEIS and began getting speech services through them. We later became a part of the pre-k program through the school system when he turned 3. I have personally experienced how life changing early intervention services can be, so of course when I got an opportunity to be a part of that community I was thrilled. You can reach me at kimberly.williamson@mtsu.edu
Tracey DeLong
I am married with 2 teenage girls. I am originally from Ohio but have lived in the
Nashville area for over 20 years. I have a Master’s degree in Child Development &
Family Studies, from MTSU. Prior to joining MTSU HCBEI, I was a pre-school teacher
for 3 and 4-year old children. I also spent time as a substitute teacher and volunteered
at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, at my church in the Children’s Ministry Department,
and with tutoring children at our local elementary school. I also retired from the
Air National Guard as a Chaplain Assistant. I have a heart for serving children with
developmental delays or disabilities and I have a deep respect for their caregivers.
Both of my daughters required several surgeries and hospitalizations at a very young
age. You can reach me at Tracey.DeLong@mtsu.edu.
Regan Arcomano 
Hello! My name is Regan Arcomano and I am a Murfreesboro native. I graduated earlier this year from MTSU with my bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies. I have worked with children in both volunteer and professional capacities for several years. In 2021, I married my high school sweetheart, and we have one sweet kitty named Timmy. I have a passion for working hands-on with children and their families to support them and facilitate their growth and development. You can reach me at Regan.Arcomano@mtsu.edu
Diane Kincade
I’m a graduate from MTSU with a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught
3rd grade at Edmondson Elementary in Williamson County, before having four children of
my own. I have taught in preschools, child care centers, the YMCA and worked for the
Brentwood Library. I have worked as an Early Interventionist in Developmental Therapy
for the past three years with the MTSU HCBEI program. I enjoy meeting families at
home, working in child care centers or working with children in a variety of settings
in the community. It is a privilege working alongside families to guide, coach and
help implement meaningful strategies to meet the individualized needs of their children.
You can reach me at Diane.kincade@mtsu.edu.
Lauren Groth 
My name is Lauren Groth. I am originally from northern Ohio and my husband, son and I moved to Murfreesboro in 2013. I worked in the childcare field as a teacher and then assistant director for about 10 years. I recently graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development. I have always enjoyed working with children and their families, and I am so excited to be a part of MTSU’s HCBEI program. You can reach me at Lauren.Groth@mtsu.edu.
Tammy Simmons
I completed my undergraduate degree at Western Kentucky University with a bachelors
degree in Early Childhood Development. I completed my masters degree at Trevecca
Nazarene University in Instructional Effectiveness. I taught kindergarten for six
years at a public school in TN. I have taught in many different child care centers
and preschools. I have worked for TIPS and TEIS. I have worked for the MTSU Home
and Community Based Program since it began in 2010. I absolutely love my position
as a developmental therapist and cherish the many relationships I have built with
families over the years. You can reach me at Tammy.Simmons@mtsu.edu.
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Laura Anne Smith
I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN, but have lived in the Nashville area since 1993. From the time that I was a small child, I knew that I wanted to work with young children. Throughout college, I worked afternoons in a child care center, graduating from The University of TN, Knoxville with a B.S. in Elementary Education (K-8th grade).
Over the next few years, I worked as a preschool director, nursery director, and taught Kindergarten in a variety of school settings. In 1993, I had the opportunity to attend Vanderbilt University full-time, where I focused on early childhood, working with English language learners and working with children with special needs. I earned a M. Ed. In Early Childhood Education (preK-3rd grade). My husband and I homeschooled our two sons for the past sixteen years. The oldest has graduated from MTSU, and our youngest son enrolled at Bob Jones University in the fall of 2020. In January 2020, I began working with the MTSU HCBEI program. It is an honor to come alongside families, helping to coach and encourage parents who are working so hard to help their children grow to become all that they can be. I enjoy sharing ideas and meaningful strategies to help children and families. I can be reached at Laura-Anne.Smith@mtsu.edu.
Carrie Neill
My name is Carrie Neill, and I was born and raised in Shelbyville, TN. I have always
had a passion for working with children. I graduated from Motlow State Community College
with my Associa
tes in Early Childhood Education, and I then went on to graduate from MTSU with my
Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-5). After graduating, I started my career
teaching elementary school in various grade levels as well as one-on-one tutoring.
During that time, I learned just how impactful early intervention and parent support
could be for children in achieving their goals. I am thrilled to work as an Early
Interventionist with MTSU’s HCBEI Program because I get to build closer relationships
with families and guide them in helping their young child achieve their goals through
fun, everyday routines and activities. You can reach me at Carrie.Neill@mtsu.edu
Hannah Vantrease
I am so grateful to be a part of the MTSU HCBEI team! I’ve been in Early Intervention for 10 years as of 2022! Prior to my career in Early Intervention, I’ve served families and children in varying capacities including some time in the school system working in the special education department. I am a Texan and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Shortly after graduating, I moved to the beautiful state of Tennessee. I married my sweet husband Rob in 2016, and in 2018 became a momma to the sweetest momma’s boy there is in 2018. As a family we love to travel, camp, sports of all kinds… and my husband has finally made a VOLS fan out of this Texas girl! My very favorite part of working in Early Intervention is getting to be boots on the ground to helping families achieve their dreams for their kiddos. I’ve seen children walk when doctors said they wouldn’t, and families overwhelmed at the joy of hearing their children’s first words. There is truly a joy when I hear from families that they are seeing their children succeed and make wonderful progress. You can reach me at Hannah.Vantrease@mtsu.edu
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Sara Meador
I have lived in Rutherford County all of my life and married my high school sweetheart
in 2017.
In 2018 I received my degree from MTSU in Child Development and Family Studies. My husband and I have one sweet baby girl, Georgia, and 2 crazy Australian Shepherds. My hobbies include anything related to art, spending time with family, and watching movies! I previously worked in childcare management until discovering Early Intervention! I have loved working with families in our program since 2021. You can reach me at smeador@mtsu.edu
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Shawn Newport 
I am originally from Michigan and have lived in Rutherford County for the last 20 years. I am an MTSU Alumni and have my degree in Social Work. I have served children and families for many years through the school system, adoption and homeless agencies, and early intervention. I volunteer at my church's special needs ministry and have loved doing so for over 15 years. I participated in building a respite program for children with special needs, Respite Night, at my church, which has grown to now serve over 60 children and their families. I served at TEIS as a Service Coordinator for 12 years before transitioning to Developmental Therapy. I have 2 girls, ages 20 and 22, a son-in-law, and 3 kitties. I love working with families and their children and am so excited to be walking alongside them. You can reach me at Shawn.Newport@mtsu.edu.
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Diana Clarady 
After growing up in Middle Tennessee, I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Kentucky. I received my Masters of Arts in Education from the University of Kentucky as my husband and I trained and worked as foster parents with the Department of Community Based Services. My teaching experience began with training college students and continued by teaching English Language Arts to high school students and then creative arts to elementary children. I’ve spent the last 5 years teaching preschool children of all ages in every capacity, including Spanish. Through all of this, intervention work with the children and families has been a focus and passion of mine. I look forward to sharing this passion as an Early Intervention Specialist with HCBEI.
You can reach me at Diana.Clarady@mtsu.edu
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Kathie Muto
Hi all,
I am originally from Upstate New York. My family roots grow deep in New York including: generations of families, multiple donated family historical sites and family traditions. Our family loves traveling back to our home town of New York to stay connected with our family and friends. We chose to move our immediate family to Murfreesboro, TN about 5.50 years ago. We did this for new opportunities and life experiences! My educational background includes an Associate degree in Social Science. Additionally, I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. In this degree my initial New York State Teaching License was earned. I recently, earned my Tennessee State Permitted License to teach Kindergarten-Fith grade. I have multiple years of in-classroom teaching experience. Including, grades; Kindergarten through 12th grade along with Special Education. To continue, I have three years of Middle School/Modified coaching experience. My husband, Kevin and I have four uniquely different children: Dyllon, 15yrs, lucky, 12yrs, Sean, 10yrs and Siciliana, 9yrs. We also have two adorable dogs, Neko, 11yrs and Titan, 3yrs old. On my down time I enjoy working out, spending time with family and friends and traveling . You can reach me at kathie.muto@mtsu.edu
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Debbie Estes 
My name is Debbie Estes. I am married with a 12-year-old granddaughter who has lived
most of her life with me. I play an active role in her growth and development which
can be quite challenging at times. I have 2 adult children and 10 grandchildren. I
enjoy spending time with them which gives me “hands on “experience in relating to
families and children with various needs. I was born and raised in Murfreesboro leaving for several years to later return. I
received my B.S. in Social Work at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, and my
Master of Social Work at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I also have my American
Montessori International (AMI) certification I received in Phoenix, Arizona.
I have many years of experience in working with children and their families. I have done family counseling, taught pre-school Montessori, been a family services coordinator at a low-income daycare, and been a Social Worker in developmental pre-school centers including the Ann Campbell Early Learning Center, formerly Project HELP.
Most recently, I retired form Tennessee’s Early Intervention System (TEIS) as a Service Coordinator after 22 years. After a brief break to travel and do some things I hadn’t had the time for, I returned to what I love doing and joined MTSU/HCBEI as a Developmental Therapist. I missed the families and children I served as well as being involved in something meaningful that would have its impact on others. It is an honor now to be invited into family’s homes and be engaged in their lives. I have a deep appreciation for the challenges families face and it’s a joy to work alongside them supporting them and watching their children progress.
In my spare time, I love to read. I also enjoy all types of outdoor activities-hiking and boating and just being out in nature. I have traveled and spent time at many of the Tennessee State Parks, some of the National Parks and the beaches of Florida. I recently have taken up pickleball. I also am involved in several programs and activities at my church.
I’m excited to be a part of the MTSU/HCBEI team and look forward to building relationships with children and their families. You can reach me at debbie.estes@mtsu.edu
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Sarah Dee, Intern
Hi! My name is Sarah Dee and I am a senior studying Child and Family Development at MTSU. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with children, especially those between birth to 5 years old. I am fascinated with child development and interning with the MTSU Home and Community-Based Early Intervention will allow me to utilize the information I have learned over the past 4 years! I am grateful for this experience and excited to see what I can achieve! You can reach me at sbd3i@mtmail.mtsu.edu.
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Stacy Ballentine 
Hi my name is Stacy Ballentine. I am originally from San Francisco, CA. I lived in New Jersey for 6 years before moving to Tennessee with my family in late 2018. My husband and four young children live in Manchester, TN. I graduated with my BA from San Francisco State University. After graduating I worked in the preschool setting working directly with young children and families. Over the last five years I have worked closely with the family unit in a variety of setting including the education field, providing domestic violence services and mental health services. I am thrilled to be a part of the MTSU HCBEI team. I look forward to providing quality care to families to reach each individual goal and meet the unique needs for each family. I can be reached at Stacy.ballentine@mtsu.edu
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Chanan Catlin
Jessica Futrell
