16th Annual Bob Raitz Memorial Golf Tournament-Monday, August 3, 2026

Teaching Faculty

We are proud of our highly qualified teachers here at Learning Tree. We are thankful not only for their professional knowledge and experience, but especially because of their infectious love for Jesus and their dedication to helping our students learn both about God and the world that He made for us.

As they are actively instructing or assisting students throughout the school day, please reach out to faculty via email for any specific needs or questions. Some may also be contacted directly via text message. If you have an immediate need, please reach Mr. Knowlton or Mrs. Phillips first. The teachers will respond to email or text as they are able.

Tim Knowlton

10th Year at Learning Tree Elementary School

Principal

B.A. in History with Teaching Endorsements in Math, Bible, Junior Academy & Secondary Education
Standard Teaching Certificate from North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists

tiknowlton@learningtreeschool.org

Cell: 423.902.4835 (Call or text 7 AM to 5 PM)

Welcome to Learning Tree Elementary School! In the forest of educational choices, you will find valuable treasure under the refreshing shade of Learning Tree—the treasure of learning to love God, the treasure of being taught to think, the treasure of being equipped to serve, and the treasure of showing Jesus to everyone. according to this purpose.

Tim Knowlton feels strongly that God has called him to teach and he has spent the last eight years serving Him in that capacity. After graduating from Southern Adventist University, Tim was hired at Atlanta Adventist Academy to teach Math, Bible and Drama. After teaching there four years, he and his wife moved their young family up to Chattanooga to be closer to their extended families. For four years Tim taught 8th grade Math and Algebra 1 at East Ridge Middle School. He has him to serve at Learning Tree and he looks forward to a great year teaching young people about God’s world and His desire to be an active part of their lives.

Tim is married to his high school sweetheart, Niki, and God has blessed them with a son, Reid and twin daughters, Avery and Olivia. Tim’s free time is spent enjoying sports, board games, and spending quality time with his family. He loves his church family at Dalton Seventh-day Adventist Church and looks forward to being a part of the school family at Learning Tree this year and for years to come.

Crystal Phillips

5th Year at Learning Tree Elementary School

Secretary

secretary@learningtreeschool.org

School Office: 706-278-6731

Crystal Phillips started at Learning Tree Elementary School four years ago and immediately knew that she loved it here. She saw the Lord's hand in placing her and her daughter, Layla, at this school.

Prior to moving to Chattanooga in January of 2022, the Phillips family have been moving around the country for the past ten years as she and her husband served in ministry. During her free time, Crystal enjoys reading, traveling, playing board games, going for walks, watching movies and plays, and enjoying time outdoors.

Niki Knowlton

12th Year at Learning Tree Elementary School

5th & 6th Homeroom & Music 5-8 / Yearbook Editor

B.A. in Liberal Arts Education, Minors in Voice & Piano
Elementary Education Certification with Music Minor
Standard Teaching Certificate from North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists

niknowlton@learningtreeschool.org

Niki Knowlton began serving God through music at a young age, spending most of her school years accompanying musical groups on piano, singing in choirs, leading song services and playing oboe in band. She also spent seven summers mentoring children at Camp Au Sable in Michigan. While still attending college, Niki taught middle school music part-time and offered private lessons to her students. After graduating from Southern Adventist University, she spent six years as a full-time classroom teacher in the Georgia Cumberland Conference while continuing to teach classroom music, organize concerts and direct musical programs and plays. She has directed one high school and two middle school touring choirs that have performed throughout the United States. For 18 years, Mrs. Knowlton taught private piano and voice lessons as well. She has been part of Learning Tree's staff in multiple capacities since 2014. Mrs. Knowlton especially loves the privilege of sharing God with her students and helping them to discover more about His character through scripture and the world around them.

Ivonne Bisono

2nd Year at Learning Tree Elementary School

3rd & 4th Grade Homeroom / 1st-4th Grade Music

B.S. in Elementary Education
Masters in Outdoor Education
Standard Teaching Certificate from North American Division of SDA

ivbisono@learningtreeschool.org

Mrs. Bisono is thrilled to be joining the Learning Tree staff this August as the 3rd & 4th grade teacher. Growing up in New York amidst the vibrant culture and in Puerto Rico amongst the natural beauty, she develeped a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and the environment. For the past few years, she's been teaching in Illinoise, striving to inspire and emower her students every day.

Her husband, Gustavo and she are blessed with two delightful daughters. As a family, they cherish spending time outdoors-camping under the stars, kayaking, fishing, exploring hiking trails, biking and snorkeling in clear waters.

Tonda Smith

5th Year at Learning Tree Elementary School

1st & 2nd Grade Homeroom, Acros

B.S. Elementary Education with Junior Academy Endorsements in Bible & PE
Standard Teaching Certificate from North American Division of SDA

tosmith@learningtreeschool.org

Tonda Smith, loves being a member of the Learning Tree teaching team and the teacher for 1st & 2nd grades. She enjoys being active and enjoys riding the unicycle and doing gymnastics.

Taylor Anderson

3rd Year at Learning Tree Elementary School

Forest Pre-K & Kindergarten Homeroom

Bachelor of Education
Standard Teaching Certificate from North American Division of SDA

taanderson@learningtreeschool.org

Taylor is a qualified and professional teacher with four years of diverse teaching experience from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Her goal is to create a positive and engaging learning environment for students. Taylor is dedicated to fostering academic growth, social development, and a love for learning while promoting a collaborative and inclusive classroom community where the students are in-charge of their learning.

Taylor lived in Timor-Leste where she taught third grade for two years.

Other Staff & Volunteers

The Learning Tree Elementary School Board understands the work of volunteers is essential to a successful educational program. The administration is responsible to select, screen and manage trustworthy individuals to fill all volunteer positions—including drivers—needed for educational activities. All volunteers must complete the Volunteer Screening Process. Please click below to see how you can volunteer at Learning Tree.

Click to Find Out How You Can Become a Volunteer >>