Our Faculty

Molly Bowie Cook, Head of Tutor Programs, with her husband Rick and their three grandchildren

Molly Bowie Cook

Head of Tutorial Programs

University of Memphis- BS in Education and minor in Art. Loves working alongside her sister, Sherri Spain, in fulfilling the Bowie dream created by her father and brother over 25 years ago. Outside of Bowie, she is more than likely to be enjoying family and the joys of having three Grand Angels!

Monica Wakefield, Assistant to the Head of Tutorial Programs, with husband Chris and their son Levi

Monica Wakefield

Assistant to the Head of Tutorial Programs

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, Chris, and our son, Levi. Our favorite place to visit is the Memphis Zoo and our local park; I love watching Levi grow and explore the world. I also run a home-based bakery where I love testing out new recipes and baking yummy cookies and cupcakes!

Portrait photo of Mallory Cook, Director of Marketing

Mallory Cook

Director of Marketing

Vanderbilt University – BS in Human and Organizational Development: Health and Human Services (HOD: HHS). I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and have enjoyed 12 wonderful years at Bowie. My favorite activity is dancing with my two daughters: Brindley (8), Lyla (5), and my husband when he is willing. I am a diehard Memphis Tiger fan, and am team Penny all the way. Jane Austen and Lucille Ball are two of my closest confidants. I love to read, but you can often find me with my two pups or scaling rock faces at the climbing gym with my family in our spare time.

Meet Our Tutors

Portrait photo of tutor Sarah Appleton

Sarah Appleton

BA in Political Science, UT / DR of Jurisprudence, U of M

My favorite hobby is napping, though I also enjoy reading novels and geocaching when the weather is nice.

Photo of tutor Francis Arnan

Francis Arnan

BS in Health Science, U of FL / Pursuing DR of Optometry, SCO

Outside of school, I'm into everything music/performance related! I love singing, dancing, and playing piano, and I have a history f playing violin, double bass, ukelele, and flute. Other than that, I'm also into plant care and playing with my beautiful birds Vinnie and Terry.

Portrait of tutor Katie Avila

Katie Avila

Pursuing BA in Human Development and Learning at the U of M

I have had the incredible blessing of living all over the US, Mexico, and now in Memphis with my wonderful husband and our two kitties! When I am not studying or working, I love to read, catch up on a good show, go for a walk, eat yummy food, and travel! Working alongside children has been a long time passion of mine and I am grateful to be a part of the family here at The Bowie Center.

Katherine Bailey

B.S. in Education, MS State U.

I have taught in several states and have many years of experience in teaching. It’s very rewarding to help students reach their full potential and build self confidence. When I’m not teaching I enjoy spending time with my eight grandchildren and our animals. Estate sales and antique shops are my biggest weakness!

Photo of tutor Kristen Bergstein

Kristen Bergstein

BA in Elementary Education, U of M

I'm originally from Pittsburgh and love to read in my free time, especially with my kitten, Gus, on my lap.

Photo of tutor Elizabeth Boatwright with her dog

Elizabeth Boatwright

Child Development

I'm a native Memphian who loves books, dogs, walks, and hot tea.

Tutor Maria Bontrager sitting on a couch and holding a cat

Maria Bontrager

B.S. in Biology, Texas St U. / Dr. of Optometry, SCO

I live in a small town in central Texas near Austin. I love cats, tea, and hiking.

Photo of tutor Zach Borenstein

Zach Borenstein

BS in Math & English, GWU / MA in Teaching U of MS

In addition to working with students, I love playing, writing, recording, and performing music. I have incredible and supportive parents as well as two impressive siblings: an older brother and younger sister. I am grateful to be tutoring at The Bowie Center!

Tutor Trey Boyd posing at the Washington DC National Mall and Washington Monument

Trey Boyd

BA in Political Science, Rhodes College

I love sports and competition. I played college soccer, and now that I have graduated, I plan on shifting my focus to improving my golf game. Additionally, I love reading and learning and hope to help others find their academic passions.

Photo of tutor Nettie Ciaramitaro with her husband Michael

Nettie Ciaramitaro

BS in Psychology, ATU / MS in Educational Leadership, ATU

When I am not tutoring, I enjoy performing soul music with my cover band, The Players, and writing songs with my jazz/funk group Nettie Parr and the Peoples/Outer Ring. I also love to go on fun trips with my husband, Michael, and hope to one day finally get to Ireland. If I am not singing or traveling, I love to draw, paint, and go to live shows around Memphis. There are so many wonderful artists right here in our backyard!

Tutor Paige Clarke in her graduation gown with a bright orange Student Athlete banner

Paige Clark

B.S. Health and Human Performance, UT Martin / M.S. Education / Pursuing M.S. Speech Language Pathology, U of Memphis

I grew up playing sports and was fortunate enough to play five years of collegiate softball, therefore I love doing anything with sports. I love watching any type of games, and I have recently tried to get into golf. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and binge-watching a good show.

Photo of tutor Cameron Copeland

Cameron Copeland

BS in Biology, College of Charleston / Pursuing DR of Optometry, SCO

I enjoy hanging out with friends, visiting new places, and playing volleyball.

Tutor Claudia Gutridge on front steps of her home with her husband Riley and their two dogs

Claudia Gutridge

B.A. Child Development & Family Studies - Minor Spanish, U of M

I was born and raised in Memphis and live with my husband, Riley, and our two dogs, Abby and Granger. Outside of my work as a Certified Child Life Specialist and Bowie Tutor, I enjoy taking workout classes, spending time with family and friends, and reading.

Photo of tutor Suzanne Harvey

Suzanne Harvey

BA in English Education, U of MS / MS in English Literature, U of M

My senior year I played the role of "Sharpay" in High School Musical, and Disney invited the cast to go to Disney World and perform the show on one of their stages.

Tutor Grace Anne Hodgson posing in front of the White House

GraceAnne Hodgson

Pursuing B.A. in History w/ minor in French & B.S. in Biology; Rhodes College

Outside of work or class, I like running, painting and spending time with my cat Earl.

Photo of tutor Danian Jerry

Danian Jerry

BA in English and Philosophy, U of M / MFA in Creative Writing, U of M / PhD, Temple U

I enjoy reading fiction and writing about Memphis music.

Tutor Liz Kittle, posing in her graduation cap and gown

Liz Kittle

B.S. Sociology, Penn State

Outside of work, I love to read and spend time with my family and dog!!

Tutor Seth Massey posing with his wife

Seth Massey

BS in Chemistry, CBU

I love God, my family, food, and football. Also, just about anything super hero, sports, or Star Wars related.

Photo of tutor Laren McCormack

Laren McCormack

BS in Computer Science & Music Performance, Lipscomb U /M Div, Lipscomb U / D Min, Lipscomb U

I love to read and learn new things every day and challenge myself to expand my current knowledge and skills. When not at work, I enjoy baking and experimenting with new tea combinations to drink on my balcony.

Tutor Amanda McGee posing with a camel

Amanda McGee

BBA in Organizational Behavior, U of M

My family and I live on a working farm. We have cattle, donkeys, chickens, turkeys, horses, ponies, dogs, cats, and a camel. Besides taking care of the animals, I'm a professional singer, and I love to travel.

Photo of tutor Doug Nanney

Doug Nanney

BA in Political Science, U of M / MA Political Science & Public Administration, U of M

If there isn't a college football game or a classic movie on, I enjoy reading a good whodunnit mystery.

Caitlin Shockey

B.S. Healthcare Management - CTU / Pursuing M.S. Healthcare Management, CTU

I basically live in a zoo. Caleb and I have a German Shepherd (Midas), a Deagal (Dachshund/Beagle) (Bean), two black cats (Indigo and Sarabi), an orange kitten (Chetto Puff), a calico kitten (Kitty), a bearded dragon (Rango), a snake (Mr. Dangernoodle), and three guinea pigs.

Portrait photo of tutor Samantha Shockey

Samantha Shockey

BA in Elementary Education, U of M / MA in Education, Bethel U

I love animals. I enjoy cooking and spending time in nature.

Portrait photo of tutor Emily Thrash

Emily Thrash

BA in Philosophy and Fiction Writing, U of M / MFA in Fiction Writing, U of M / ME in Curriculum and Instructional Design, U of M

I'm an aspiring writer currently looking for a literary agent to represent my completed novels. I grow hot peppers to make hot sauce infused oil and honey.

Photo of tutor Caroline Tomlinson with her children

Caroline Tomlinson

BS in Mathematics, Harding U; MS in Education, FHU

Enjoys the outdoors, knitting, sports, gardening (flowers are my passion), reading, photography, cooking, sewing, quilting, traveling, and spending time with my five children, loving husband, and many friends.

Portrait of tutor Dennis Wiessner

Dennis Wiessner

Pursuing B.S. in Chemistry, CBU

When I'm not studying or working, I like to relax by watching YouTube, anime, playing video games, or reading.