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Vanderbilt Pre-College Leadership

Mark Shivers, Ph.D. | Director of Precollege Programs

Mark Shivers, Ph.D. | Director of Precollege Programs

Mark manages and oversees the academic, student support, operations, activities, and residential life channels that form the unique Precollege experience. With an extensive background in non-profit, higher education, and tech education summer programs, Mark is especially passionate about recruiting remarkable and diverse summer staff that implement the mission and vision of Vanderbilt Precollege with students from around the world. Mark holds a M.Div. and Th.M. from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Religion from Vanderbilt University, in which he focused on the intersections of rhetorical invention, communication theory, and post-structural homiletics.

Martina Johnson | Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs, Student Support and Enrollment Management

Martina Johnson | Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs, Student Support and Enrollment Management

Martina Johnson is the Head of Student Support for Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth. Martina is a professional educator with a diverse background in student programming, school counseling, and disability and foster care compliance. She holds an undergraduate degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from The University of Tennessee at Martin. As the Head of Student Support, Martina is responsible for overseeing the social, emotional, and physical needs of students participating in PTY programs, specifically Vanderbilt Summer Academy. She has a passion for student engagement and seeks to create a welcoming environment that cultivates inclusivity and individuality for students and parents alike.

Kristi Neuroth | Assistant Director of Vanderbilt Summer Academy, Residential Life and Student Experience

Kristi Neuroth | Assistant Director of Vanderbilt Summer Academy, Residential Life and Student Experience

Kristi spent nearly two decades as a teacher and educational leader in Middle Tennessee, earning multiple teaching awards, including the Tennessee Teacher of the Year for the Mid-Cumberland region in 2017. An avid explorer, Kristi has traveled to over 40 countries, conducting international workshops for teachers and designing immersive educational adventures for students.
Kristi holds a B.A. in Behavioral Science from Metropolitan State University of Denver, graduating summa cum laude, and an M.A. in Advanced Geographic Education from Arizona State University. As the Assistant Director of VSA Residential Life and Student Experience, Kristi oversees the Vanderbilt Summer Academy residential and student life experience, including year-round program development, staff recruitment, training, and supervision. Kristi enjoys working collaboratively with the PTY team to create a vibrant residential community where academically advanced students can thrive both socially and academically. 
In her free time, Kristi can be found immersed in a good book or enjoying the great outdoors through trail running, hiking, or snowboarding.
Emily Thompson, Au.D., Ph.D | Assistant Director of Summer Institutes and Virtual Programs

Emily Thompson, Au.D., Ph.D | Assistant Director of Summer Institutes and Virtual Programs

Emily Thompson currently serves as Assistant Director of Summer Institutes and Virtual Programs on the Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth leadership team. Offering extensive previous experience across collegiate residential education roles, youth mentorship, and child development research pursuits, Emily supports PTY program operations, professional staff training, and student/family engagement to foster positive, meaningful, and inclusive participation in all VSI activities. Emily earned her B.A. degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Psychology (University of Connecticut; 2015), Au.D. degree specializing in management of childhood hearing loss (Vanderbilt School of Medicine; 2019), and Ph.D. degree in translational hearing science (Vanderbilt Graduate School; 2024). Emily also maintains TN state licensure as an ASHA-certified audiologist (CCC-A), while actively facilitating community outreach initiatives, disability advocacy efforts, and interdisciplinary collaboration in pediatric healthcare fields.
Sarah DeLisle Fecht, ED.D | Executive Director, Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth

Sarah DeLisle Fecht, ED.D | Executive Director, Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth

Sarah is the Executive Director of Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth. Sarah joined PTY in 2012 after teaching in Metro Nashville Public Schools. She is a proud Vanderbilt alumna. She holds an undergraduate degree in Education and Child Studies from Vanderbilt University. Her Master’s degree is in Learning and Instruction from Vanderbilt, and her Doctorate is in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. Since joining PTY, Sarah has served in a variety of roles. As Director, Sarah oversees all K-12 programs. Sarah also speaks locally and nationally at conferences and enjoys serving as a resource for parents and educators. Sarah’s interests include working with educators to support academically advanced students and instructional strategy analysis. She especially enjoys supporting PTY students and parents.