VSA Leadership

MARK SHIVERS, PH.D.

Director of Residential and Secondary Programs
mark.shivers@vanderbilt.edu

As a full-time member of the Programs for Talented Youth team and Director of Vanderbilt Summer Academy, Mark manages and oversees the academic, student support, operations, activities, and residential life channels that form the unique VSA 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 VSA 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 Residential and Secondary Programs/VSA Head of Student Support
martina.johnson@vanderbilt.edu

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.

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.