Cathryn Ellen comes from a long line of teachers and preachers from Illinois to California, so she comes by her high value of education quite naturally. She is a true product of the 60’s generation in “radical” California, which just may explain her passion for truth, justice and fairness in all things and her love of diversity. She began teaching in the 70’s, earning her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a graduate degree in education from California State University at Bakersfield, California. She has taught college continuing education classes in Holistic Health and tutored for the Adult Literacy council in California.  She also attended UCLA and Pepperdine University (working on an MBA program). 

Ms. Ellen has lived in the following cities and countries:
        California: Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Santa Monica, Long Beach
        Colorado: Denver
        Georgia: Lithonia, Decatur, Atlanta
        Tennessee: Antioch, Nashville, Madison 
        Spain: Mallorca
        Switzerland: Interlaken

Ms. Ellen is an active  member of the Tennessee School Librarians Association (TASL) and serves on the Volunteer State Book Awards Committee, both since 2003.

After seeking her fortune in the oil & gas industry and the culinary arts publishing field, Ms. Ellen moved across the country to join the rest of her family here in Nashville in the early 1980’s. Cathryn’s hobbies have included golf, world travel, and a private pilot’s license but now she also enjoys reading, puzzling, and has started a free-lance writing business.  Her older son graduated from UT @ Martin, cum laude in Psychology, and recently married.  Her youngest son has just graduated from MTSU, in Philosophy, and is now job hunting.   She is working toward a PhD in Transpersonal Counseling and Life Coaching. 

While her two children attended Metro Nashville Public Schools, she began teaching again in 1999. She taught English and reading at Wright Middle School until earning her Masters degree in Library and Information Science from Trevecca Nazarene University. At that time, Ms. Ellen accepted a library position at H.G. Hill Middle and the next year was asked to move to W.H. Oliver Middle to open that school’s new library. In 2008, she eagerly moved up to the high school level at Maplewood with its many opportunities to help students achieve college readiness and successful community integration. 

“I am passionate about offering the best library program possible and about the role the library program can play in achieving our shared goals for EOC, ACT and GPA, along with increased graduation rates, and the highest 21st century literacy and media standards.  We are, after all, providing support for young adults transitioning into higher learning and their/our community as successful citizens!”  

Ms. Ellen’s email is: Cathryn.ellen@mnps.org and her phone number is 259-5571 or extension 3030, on campus.