PRINCIPAL

Dr. Melinda Ford Rainey

Email: melindarainey@sevier.org

Dr. Melinda Ford Rainey brings over two decades of extensive experience in educational leadership and special education to her role as Principal at Seymour Primary School. She leads with a mission of "building relationships to inspire learning," believing that strong connections are the foundation for academic and personal growth. Driven by a commitment to support, encourage, and coach others toward their goals, she focuses on empowering students and staff to achieve their full potential.

Professional Experience

Since 2017, Dr. Rainey has served as the Principal of Seymour Primary School, building upon her previous leadership roles within Sevier County Schools. Her background includes serving as the district RTI2 Lead Administrator, Assistant Principal at Seymour Primary School, and district Special Education Consultant.  Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles in special education consultation, transition coordination, and classroom instruction, including positions with the Tennessee State Department of Education and Knox County Schools.

• Doctorate of Education, East Tennessee State University 
• Educational Specialist, Administration and Supervision, University of Tennessee
• Master of Science, Special Education, University of Tennessee
• Bachelor of Science, Special Education (With Honors), University of Tennessee

   

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Dr. Carissa Mitchell

Email: carissamitchell@sevier.org

Dr. Carissa Mitchell has dedicated the past 22 years to education, including 10 years teaching special education. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is passionate about helping every student reach their full potential. Carissa believes that the best learning happens when students feel valued, supported, and inspired to take on new challenges. She strives to create a classroom where curiosity is encouraged, relationships matter, and every child has the opportunity to succeed. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, and spending quality time with her family.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Mr. Wendell Joel Wolfe

Email: joelwolfe@sevier.org

Mr. Joel Wolfe brings more than 20 years of experience in elementary education and educational leadership to Seymour Primary School. A lifelong member of the Seymour community, Mr. Wolfe takes great pride in serving the school that helped shape his own journey. Having attended Seymour schools and graduated from Seymour High School in 2000, he considers it a privilege to give back to the students, families, and educators of his hometown.

Mr. Wolfe is passionate about fostering a positive school culture where every child feels valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. His leadership is centered on building strong relationships, supporting the success of every learner, and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment where students can thrive.

Professional Experience

Mr. Wolfe has served as Assistant Principal of Seymour Primary School since 2022. Prior to returning to Seymour, he spent two years as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Sevierville Middle School. His administrative experience is complemented by fourteen years of classroom teaching in Sevier County Schools, providing him with a strong foundation in instruction, student support, and school leadership.

Outside of school, Mr. Wolfe enjoys spending time with his family. His wife, Christie, is a first-grade teacher at Boyds Creek Elementary School, and together they are the proud parents of two children, Adalyn and Walker.

Education

• Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Tennessee Technological University

• Master of Education (M.Ed.), University of Tennessee