About Us

Dr. Rachel Harmon

Dr. Harmon is a seasoned educator and school leader with over 15 years of experience in educational roles. Dr. Harmon became principal of Hardin Valley Middle School in the summer of 2024. In this role, Dr. Harmon has focused on positive school culture and instructional leadership.

Dr. Harmon joined Knox County Schools in 2010 as a teacher at Bearden High School. In 2013, she became the TPaCK Instructional Coach at Bearden High. She began her career in administration in 2016 when she was named an assistant principal at Bearden High. She later became an assistant principal at West Valley Middle School and then served 2 years in the same role at West High School.

Dr. Harmon holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Writing, a master’s degree in Teacher Education and an education specialist degree in Education with a concentration in Education Administration, all from the University of Tennessee, as well as a doctorate degree in Leadership with a concentration in Education, from the University of the Cumberlands.

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Ara Langford

Mrs. Ara Langford is a seasoned educator with 28 years of experience in Knox County Schools, committed to fostering positive learning environments and advancing student success. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with an Elementary Add-on from Middle Tennessee State University. Her career reflects a strong dedication to leadership and instructional excellence, with a clear goal of serving as an assistant principal to broaden her impact on school communities. 

Throughout her career, Mrs. Langford has demonstrated versatility and leadership in various roles, including Assistant Administrator, 6th Grade Dean, and classroom teacher across multiple grade levels. In her current position at Hardin Valley Middle School, see oversees daily operations, leads RTI meetings, organizes school-wide initiatives, and serves as a disciplinarian for sixth-grade students. She has extensive experience conducting special education meetings, collaborating with teachers and counselors, and managing programs that support academic and behavioral growth. Her previous roles at Karns Middle School and Brickey-McCloud Elementary further highlight her ability to manage staff, coordinate schedules, and maintain strong communication among students, parents, and faculty.

Mrs. Langford's instructional background spans elementary and middle school settings, where she has taught subjects such as ELA, Social Studies, and Science. She has served on leadership teams, mentored teachers, and facilitated professional development sessions, demonstrating her commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative growth. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Langford has contributed to extracurricular programs as a basketball coach and YOKE leader, reinforcing her dedication to holistic student development. Her proven track record of leadership, instructional expertise, and community engagement shows her desire to help students reach their highest potential.

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Jennifer Maryanski

Mrs. Maryanski has served as Assistant Principal at Hardin Valley Middle School since the 2021–2022 school year. She brings over a decade of experience in education and leadership within Knox County Schools, where she has worked as an instructional coach and middle school math teacher. Mrs. Maryanski earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from East Tennessee State University.

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Scott Stooksbury

Mr. Stooksbury has served KCS since 2015 in various educational roles.  Education is a 2nd act from Mr. Stooksbury, who prior to 2016 spent his time in Real Estate and Residential Construction.  He began his experience in KCS as a substitute teacher while he obtained his teaching degree.  His first teaching job was at Vine Middle Magnet School, where he taught Math, Social Studies, Technology, and Science until he became an Assistant Administrator and Athletic Director there.  After 2 years in those roles, he moved to Hardin Valley Middle School as the 8^th Grade Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. 

Mr. Stooksbury holds an Associates Degree in Elementary Education from Pellissippi State, a bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Education from King University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.

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