Special Services

At Rockford we are able to offer a number of support services to our students and families. We have academic supports, English language learners, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and emotional and behavioral support all offered within our school. Below you will see our team that works with our students.

Mr. Jordan Allen

Jordan Allen - School Psychologist

  • Bachelors from University of Tennessee
  • Masters in counseling from Carson Newman
  • EdS in School Psychology from University of Kentucky.
  • I am married to Hope for 11 years, have a daughter Annie (5), and a son Barrow (1), and a cat named Marshall.
  • I enjoy being outside, spending time with friends and family.

Mrs. Lisa Griffin

Lisa Griffin - Inclusion Teacher

  • BS in Special Education from East Tennessee State University
    Taught 17 years, with 13 years at Rockford
  • Married to David, with 3 children, and 1 grandchild.
  • I have a dog, a cat, and nine chickens.
  • I enjoy gardening, reading (Mystery stories are my favorite.), cooking, and watching movies. 

Classroom Library

Mrs. Morgan Mason

Morgan Mason - Comprehensive Development Classroom Teacher

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Biblical studies from Johnson University, 2016.
  • I was a special education assistant at John Sevier Elementary from 2017-2018.
    2018 - Present  at Rockford Elementary 
  • My husband’s name is Drew and we have two cats named Little Cat and Pizza Guy
  • I love to run, read, play piano, eat ice cream, and teach at the best school in the world!

Classroom Library

Mrs. Dawn Borden

Dawn Borden - Speech Pathologist

  • I have lived in Blount County all of my life! I graduated from WBHS and attended the University of Tennessee for undergraduate and graduate school. #Vol4Life.
  • After graduation I worked in Monroe County Schools  for 6 years then came home to Blount County and have been here ever since! 31 school years and counting!
  • I have a wonderful husband, Rusty, a fantastic son, Zack, and two dogs, Whiskey and Miller.
  • I enjoy reading, digging in the dirt, and cheering on UT sports.

Classroom Library

Mrs. Hope Hixon

Hope Hixson - English Language Learner Teacher

  • I have a B.S. in Teacher Education from Johnson University.
  • I earned my M.S. in Foreign Language/ESL Education from the University of Tennessee.
  • I taught ESL in China for 5 years. I have been an ESL teacher in Blount County since 2010.
  • I am married to Matt and we have 3 adult children; Naomi, Luke, Jared.
  • I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling and learning new things.

Classroom Library

Mrs. Sherri Garrison

Sheri Garrison - Interventionist

  • BA from Maryville College with my teaching degree in 2008.
  • Reading Specialist Degree from Carson Newman in 2016.
  • Education Specialist Degree & Administrative License from LMU in 2018
  • I taught 5th grade for 10 years. This is my 4th year as a Title 1 Interventionist and my 8th year at RES.
  • My husband, Tim, and I have 4 kids. Erin~26, Emily~22, Kayla~20, and Chris~ 14. We also have two cats: Mosey & Finley (Fin)
  • I love to read, swim, watch movies, and spend time with my friends,

Classroom Library

Mrs. Kim Ott

Mrs. Kim Ott - Inclusion Teacher

  • BA Psychology
    Masters Special Education
  • I taught 19 years here is Blount County, serving William Blount Middle, Porter, and Rockford.
  • I am married to Randy. We have 4 adult children: Erin, Tara, Miranda, and Drew, and 7 grandchildren.
  • I love spending time with family/friends, helping at church and missions, and gardening.