QC Kinetix's Knee Pain & Arthritis Specialist

If you are suffering from arthritis and knee pain, you're not alone!

  • Plasma Therapy
  • Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (A2M) Therapy
  • Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Therapy
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Knee Pain & Arthritis Treatment Cunningham, TN

Knee Pain & Arthritis Specialist in Cunningham, TN

Disconcerting crunching sounds as you walk up hills. Unpredictable swelling that makes it uncomfortable to move. Chronic pains that leave you laid up and reliant on ice packs and pain medications. Knee pain is, without a doubt, one of the most common and painful conditions an adult can go through. It can affect every aspect of your daily life, from picking up the kids from soccer practice to staying on a regular workout routine so you can remain healthy and active.

If you're suffering from knee pain, you're not alone - the American Academy of Family Physicians tells us that almost 25% of all adults in the U.S. suffer from some type of knee pain. In fact, diagnosed knee pain has risen almost 65% over the last couple of decades, adding up to nearly four million visits to primary care doctors annually. That's a lot of chronic knee pain that needs to be addressed.

Unfortunately, many doctors recommend prescription pain pills and invasive surgeries as knee pain treatments instead of non-invasive alternatives. But if you're looking for a way to avoid the need for a knee replacement and pain pills, there's good news to share. QC Kinetix's regenerative medicine in Cunningham, TN, is an all-natural, effective way to help heal prevalent issues like knee arthritis and knee pain without painful surgeries or long recovery times.

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The Future of Knee Pain Treatment: Regenerative Medicine

Whether you have been fighting through osteoarthritis for years or you've only recently suffered a knee injury, you're probably wondering how regenerative medicine for knee pain works. Regenerative medicine is a revolutionary field of medical science that taps into the body's innate ability to heal and renew itself.

Its main objective is to restore the function and structure of damaged or diseased tissues and organs by either boosting the body's own repair mechanisms or creating new healthy cells to replace the sick ones. For instance, in regenerative ophthalmology, doctors are using retinal progenitor cells to replace damaged retinal cells and combat some causes of blindness.

Regenerative medicine aims to provide a viable alternative to conventional treatments that often involve invasive procedures or long-term medication use. These treatments can cause significant pain and harm to the patient, leading to complications, excessive scarring, and drug dependency. In contrast, regenerative medicine seeks to treat degenerative diseases, injuries, and age-related deterioration by activating the body's natural healing processes and prioritizing the body's inherent capabilities.

 Best Regenerative Medicine Cunningham, TN
 Knee Pain Treatment Cunningham, TN

Regenerative medicine for knee pain can provide a long list of benefits for men and women who deal with daily pain and discomfort. Some of the symptoms that knee pain can help reduce may include the following:

  • Knee Weakness
  • Knee Popping
  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Knee Swelling
  • Knee Arthritis
  • Knee Inflammation
  • Knee Pain
  • Much More

Does Regenerative Medicine Really Work as a Knee Pain Treatment in Cunningham, TN?

The benefits of regenerative medicine have been proven through numerous scientific studies and clinical trials. Patients who have undergone regenerative therapies like PRP and stem cell treatment have reported substantial relief from chronic pain, according to a study published in The Journal of Pain Research.

Today, regenerative medicine treatments are being pursued by prestigious institutions like Harvard and the Mayo Clinic. In fact, the National Institute of Health recognizes the field of regenerative medicine as holding great promise for treating and even curing various injuries and diseases.

Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, maintain strict oversight of regenerative therapies to ensure they adhere to high safety and efficacy standards. Additionally, professional organizations such as the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) promote ethical practices and ongoing advancements in the field of regenerative medicine.

The benefits of regenerative therapies for issues like knee pain are both promising and exciting, and can alleviate symptoms without:

  • Knee Weakness
  • Knee Popping
  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Knee Swelling
  • Knee Arthritis
  • Knee Inflammation
  • Knee Pain
  • Much More
 Regenerative Medicine Cunningham, TN

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Knee Pain

The knee joint is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Bursae, which are small sacs filled with fluid, help cushion the moving parts of the knee and prevent friction. Knee pain can occur due to various reasons like injury, aging, repeated stress, wear and tear on the joint, or inflammation of the bursa. Knee bursitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the bursae and leads people to seek knee pain treatments.

Sports activities are a common cause of knee injury as they exert tremendous force on the knee joint. Although the knee can usually handle this stress, it can also cause painful injuries. Some athletes may need knee surgery to repair the damage, while others may delay surgery for years until arthritis develops due to the injury and becomes unbearable. The same goes for average men and women whose minor sprains eventually lead to osteoarthritis and other issues. Fortunately for both parties, regenerative medicine in Cunningham, TN represents a more cost-effective, non-surgical solution for knee pain.

 Prevent Knee Replacement Surgery Cunningham, TN

Because of the knee joint's complexity, it is susceptible to a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common knee injuries include the following:

Arthritis

Arthritis

Degeneration and inflammation can impact the knees with chronic and debilitating pain, as seen in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery may be used in severe cases, but for many, finding ways to manage the pain is the only option. However, there is hope in regenerative knee pain therapy, which can provide authentic pain relief, enhance mobility, and lead to a more active lifestyle. Contact QC Kinetix today to learn more about our revolutionary regenerative medicines for knee pain.

Fractures

Fractures

Severe pain in the knee may result from the patella ( the kneecap), the connecting thigh bone, or one of the shin bones being fractured. Such fractures are usually caused by abrupt, high-energy impacts like falls from high altitudes or car accidents. The usual treatment for these injuries is to physically reset the broken bone. In some cases, plasma-rich growth factors can be used to help speed up the healing process associated with fractures.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis

Excessive strain on the knee tendons through activities such as running, jumping, or cycling can result in the tendons becoming inflamed (tendonitis). While rest, ice, knee brace compression, and elevation are commonly used to treat tendonitis, there are other non-surgical and proactive options available for knee pain treatment in Cunningham, TN.

Dislocations

Dislocations

When the bones in the knee shift out of place due to a traumatic fall, twisting of the knee, or high-impact collisions, it causes an injury called dislocation. It is essential to put the dislocated knee back into place, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Cartilage Tears

Cartilage Tears

Injuries to the knee can result in the tearing of the cartilage or meniscus, which serves as a cushioning pad and shock absorber. Although conventional treatment options are restricted to wearing braces or undergoing surgery, regenerative knee pain therapy can be a promising solution for this type of injury.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and Strains

When the ligaments or tendons in the knee are overstretched or torn, it can result in a knee sprain or strain. This kind of injury is usually caused by sudden twists and can be quite painful. It often results in swelling and makes it difficult to walk. To help alleviate the pain, it's recommended to apply ice, elevate the knee, and rest. Another option for treatment is regenerative knee pain therapy.

Can Regenerative Medicine in Cunningham, TN, Prevent Knee Replacement Surgery?

Our non-surgical knee pain treatments can resolve your pain and restore your mobility, so it's worth exploring your options with us. During your Request Appointment, we will assess your current condition and needs with the utmost care and consideration. We understand the impact of pain, and we don't want to prolong your discomfort with ineffective treatments.

If we determine that surgery is the best option for you, we will advise you accordingly to avoid any delays in your recovery. However, if we believe that our regenerative knee pain therapy is a good fit for your needs, we will discuss your options with you in detail.

Three Reasons to Re-Think a Knee Replacement Surgery

If you're under the impression that a total knee replacement is the only answer to your knee pain problems, think carefully about these potential downfalls first:

Knee Pain & Arthritis Treatment Cunningham, TN

Chronic Knee Pain

When people experience chronic knee pain, they often turn to knee replacement surgery as a solution. However, there are cases where the surgery can actually exacerbate the pain. Research has revealed that a substantial number of patients experience mild pain after the procedure, while others suffer from pain that is either equal to or more intense than their previous chronic knee pain. In some cases, patients have reported that their pain worsens even years after having undergone knee replacement surgery.

 Best Regenerative Medicine Cunningham, TN

Risk of Heart Attack

Reports suggest that those who are above 60 years old are at a greater risk of experiencing a heart attack after undergoing surgery. But why? The truth is that the stress and trauma that come with knee replacement surgery can be quite intense, which leads to an increased possibility of heart attacks. If you have heart disease, have had a heart attack, have a history of heart disease in your family, or are over the age of 60, it might be time to consider regenerative medicine.

 Knee Pain Treatment Cunningham, TN

Metal Ion Damage

After undergoing knee replacement surgery, there is a risk of wear particles causing harm to your body. These particles are small fragments of plastic, metal, or ceramic that break off from the replaced joint and can cause irritation to the surrounding tissue. In some cases, wear particles can even enter your bloodstream and lead to metal toxicity or the formation of pseudotumors at a genetic level.

 Regenerative Medicine Cunningham, TN

Popular Regenerative Medicine Options for Knee Pain Treatment in Cunningham, TN

Maintaining strong and healthy knees is essential for everyday activities such as walking, running, standing, or even just getting up from a seated position. Unfortunately, knee pain can significantly impact one's quality of life, making it difficult to perform simple tasks like bathing or dressing oneself.

Furthermore, it can prevent people from participating in enjoyable activities like hiking, biking, or gardening. It can even keep them from getting a good night's rest. Although knee surgery is a painful and extensive process, regenerative knee pain therapies can often provide relief without the need for surgery. These non-surgical treatments are accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking relief from knee pain.

At QC Kinetix, we offer patients several regenerative medicine options to help treat and ultimately eliminate knee pain symptoms. Some of the most popular therapies our patients choose to help with knee pain like osteoarthritis include the following:

 Prevent Knee Replacement Surgery Cunningham, TN

Plasma Therapy

You can think of plasma therapy as preparation for the other regenerative treatments we use to treat knee pain. As part of a non-surgical regeneration plan, plasma contains incredible growth healing factors that can help decrease inflammation in your knees and across your body. Once inflammation goes down, your pain is reduced, and you become more receptive to additional forms of regenerative medicine in Cunningham, TN.

Knee Pain & Arthritis Treatment Cunningham, TN

Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (A2M) Therapy

Research indicates that A2M has the ability to alleviate knee pain by disabling particular enzymes that have the potential to deteriorate cartilage cells. When the cells in the cartilage of the knee begin to break down, the bones that combine to form the knee joint are subjected to greater friction during movement, leading to the inflammation of tissues and irritation of nerves.

 Best Regenerative Medicine Cunningham, TN

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Therapy

BMAC is a concentration of regenerative cells obtained from the soft, spongy tissue found in the center of bones, called your marrow. Marrow is often found in areas such as the hips or pelvic bone. These specialized cells can replicate themselves into various types of tissues and promote tissue growth, boosting the body's natural healing abilities to speed up the healing process. By allowing your treatment area to heal naturally and more rapidly, you can find relief from knee pain quickly and more effectively.

 Knee Pain Treatment Cunningham, TN

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

In order for the body to heal an injury, it requires blood flow to provide the necessary cells and nutrients. Unfortunately, certain areas within the body have limited blood flow, making it more challenging to heal when injured. This is particularly true when it comes to the meniscus and cartilage in your knees, which have poor blood flow. So, how can you enhance the healing potential of tissues with inadequate blood flow? One option is to utilize PRP, which involves injecting concentrated platelets that contain high volumes of growth factors and proteins. This signals and drives the body's natural healing responses. When used as part of a personalized non-surgical regeneration plan by QC Kinetix, PRP therapy is often an MVP in regenerative medicine treatments.

Trust QC Kinetix for Non-Invasive Regenerative Medicine in Cunningham, TN

Many of the physicians and regenerative health providers at QC Kinetix have a background in sports medicine, where they worked with professional athletes to mend broken bones and repair torn ligaments and tendons. It can be incredibly fulfilling to help these individuals recover, but unfortunately, many people - not just athletes - are eager to return to their activities before they have fully healed from surgery. This can be problematic because surgery can often cause more harm than good, leading to a long and painful recovery period.

Regenerative medicine for knee pain takes a different approach by tapping into your body's own healing and repair abilities to address knee pain and damage. During your free consultation, we will assess your current condition and needs and recommend the best course of recovery for your unique body. We prioritize effective treatments and minimizing pain, so if surgery is the best option, we will let you know upfront. However, if our regenerative knee pain therapy is a good match for your needs, we will explain your options in detail, so you can get relief as soon as possible.

If you're sick and tired of your knees holding you back on a daily basis, it's time to reduce your pain and reclaim your mobility. Contact QC Kinetix today to take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

Latest News in Cunningham, TN

Zach Cunningham to make Tennessee Titans debut in Week 15 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Zach Cunningham is set to make his Tennessee Titans debut.Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that the veteran inside linebacker will play for the Titans (9-4) Sunday (noon CT, CBS) against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6-1) at Heinz Field.The Titans claimed Cunningham off waivers from the Houston Texans last wee...

Zach Cunningham is set to make his Tennessee Titans debut.

Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that the veteran inside linebacker will play for the Titans (9-4) Sunday (noon CT, CBS) against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6-1) at Heinz Field.

The Titans claimed Cunningham off waivers from the Houston Texans last week.

“It seems like he’s excited to be here,” Vrabel said Friday. “I don’t want to speak for Zach, but I felt like his attitude, his demeanor in meetings and on the practice field, communicating and playing football with his teammates. Obviously, the other stuff is going to take some time in terms of just getting to know teammates and some of the guys he’s playing with. But hopefully, he can help in some capacity on Sunday.

“He’ll probably help us on special teams and various situations on defense.”

BREAKING DOWN THE 2021 TITANS:How do 2021 Tennessee Titans compare with most successful teams of Titans era?

JULIO JONES:How Tennessee Titans will manage Julio Jones' injury for end of season, playoff run

While how much Cunningham plays in his first game with Tennessee is unclear, he’s seen as a major addition down the stretch. He led the NFL with 164 tackles in 2020. And in 10 games with Houston this season, Cunningham had 67 tackles (four for loss), three passes defended, a quarterback hit and a forced fumble.

He shores up the Titans' depth at inside linebacker. Starter David Long Jr. will miss his fifth straight game and rookie third-rounder Monty Rice was placed on injured reserve Nov. 30. Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown have also missed five games apiece this season.

Cunningham said he feels like he’s a better fit in the Titans’ defense than the Texans’. Vrabel was the Texans defensive coordinator when he was a rookie in 2017. Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was also a defensive assistant on that staff.

“It’s a scheme I’ve played in before,” Cunningham said, “So a lot of stuff I went over, I’m able to pick up easier.”

Cunningham joins the Titans looking for a fresh start.

He signed a four-year, $58 million deal with the Texans in 2020 but was waived by Houston after disciplinary issues. He was suspended for the Texans’ Week 13 game against the Colts for missing a scheduled COVID-19 test and was benched for the first quarter of Week 2 vs. the Browns for recurring tardiness.

“I don’t really want to go into too many details about it,” Cunningham said of the end of his tenure with the Texans. “Right now, I’m just focusing on the Titans and where I’m at now.”

Familiar faces are easing his transition. Outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi is a friend of his. Fullback Khari Blasingame, who was his college teammate at Vanderbilt, gave him No. 41, which he wore with the Texans and Commodores.

“Being able to come back to the city, get around some more guys that I know, some coaches that I know, that was something I was really excited for,” Cunningham said.

Ben Arthur covers the Tennessee Titans for The USA TODAY Network. Contact him at barthur@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @benyarthur.

Mike Vrabel storms out of Tennessee Titans press conference over Zach Cunningham questions

Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel stormed out of his Friday press conference 90 seconds in after questions about inside linebacker Zach Cunningham, whom the Titans claimed off waivers Thursday.Initially asked about Cunningham, Vrabel said he was excited to add him to the Titans, but added that he'll talk mor...

Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel stormed out of his Friday press conference 90 seconds in after questions about inside linebacker Zach Cunningham, whom the Titans claimed off waivers Thursday.

Initially asked about Cunningham, Vrabel said he was excited to add him to the Titans, but added that he'll talk more about him next week, when he'll begin practicing with Tennessee. Vrabel confirmed that the linebacker won't play for the Titans (8-4) against the Jaguars (2-10) Sunday at Nissan Stadium (noon, CBS).

PODCAST:Talkin' Titans: What does Zach Cunningham addition mean for Tennessee's playoff hopes?

After a second question about Cunningham, in regards to when exactly he'll start practicing, Vrabel reiterated that he'll talk about him next week. Then a third question about the linebacker, inquiring about his skillset, set Vrabel off.

"This is ridiculous," said Vrabel, as he walked off. "This is so stupid. It's a waste of my time, man."

Cunningham, 27, is seen as a major boost for the Titans' defense, shoring up an injury-depleted inside linebacker room.

The Texans on Wednesday waived Cunningham, who starred at Vanderbilt, after disciplinary issues with the franchise. He was suspended for Week 13 for being late to a scheduled COVID-19 test. He was also benched for the first quarter of Week 2 after recurring tardiness.

EXPLAINING TITANS' INJURIES:Who – or what – is to blame for the Tennessee Titans' injury-plagued 2021 season? We asked a doctor.

ESTES:Whoa, the Tennessee Titans got Zach Cunningham? That was easy. Too easy? | Estes

Cunningham in 2020 led the NFL in solo tackles (106) and combined tackles (164). A 2017 second-round pick, Cunningham has 67 tackles (including four for loss), a quarterback hit, three passes defended and a forced fumble in 10 games this season.

Ben Arthur covers the Tennessee Titans for The USA TODAY Network. Contact him at barthur@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @benyarthur.

Titans schedule interview with Bears' Ian Cunningham for GM job

No compatible source was found for this media.The Tennessee Titans have made several requests for interviews with general manager candidates since the season ended, but now the team has reportedly scheduled at least one interview.According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, the Titans will interv...

No compatible source was found for this media.

The Tennessee Titans have made several requests for interviews with general manager candidates since the season ended, but now the team has reportedly scheduled at least one interview.

According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, the Titans will interview Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham for their vacancy on Saturday. Cunningham will also interview with the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday.

Here’s more on Cunningham, per our friends over at Bears Wire:

Cunningham joined the Bears last offseason, where he’s worked closely with general manager Ryan Poles. A new position — assistant GM — was created just for Cunningham, and he’s played a huge role in team moves this year.

Before Cunningham joined the Bears, he spent four years in Philadelphia, where he served a number of roles with the Eagles. He started as director of college scouting (2017), moved up to assistant director of player personnel (2019) and finally was promoted to director of player personnel (2021).

Prior to his time in Philly, Cunningham, who was formerly an undrafted free agent signing of the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2008, also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, where he worked under a highly-successful general manager in Ozzie Newsome, who had a big impact on Cunningham.

Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham will interview for the Cardinals GM job on Thursday and the Titans GM job on Saturday, per source.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 10, 2023

“The reason why I’m here is because of Ozzie,” Cunningham said earlier this year.

“I’d go into the office of Ozzie Newsome every single night and pick his brain as I’m putting magnets up,” Cunningham added. “[I’d ask], ‘Who’d you watch today?’ Or just having conversations and learning: ‘How do you evaluate talent? What do you see in this player?’ Just learning as much as you could and soaking it in.

“And not just Ozzie, but you had Eric DeCosta, you had Joe Douglas that have come out of there and they’re GMs. I was fortunate enough to be brought up in that. That’s where I grew, that’s where I cut my teeth.”

The DeBusk Mansion, biggest house in Knox County, has 48 rooms with a historic harp and chess set of gold and silver

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Most people notice the massive home off Cunningham Road in Halls. It's the biggest home on record in Knox County. From Google Maps, the 25-acre lot of land looks like it takes up the whole block.However, the inside of the home is even more notable. It includes marble fireplaces, Waterford Crystal and Brazilian cherry wood throughout 48 rooms. The home belongs to one of the wealthiest businessmen and philanthropists in Tennessee — Pete DeBusk.He is best known for founding DeRoyal, a medical product...

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Most people notice the massive home off Cunningham Road in Halls. It's the biggest home on record in Knox County. From Google Maps, the 25-acre lot of land looks like it takes up the whole block.

However, the inside of the home is even more notable. It includes marble fireplaces, Waterford Crystal and Brazilian cherry wood throughout 48 rooms. The home belongs to one of the wealthiest businessmen and philanthropists in Tennessee — Pete DeBusk.

He is best known for founding DeRoyal, a medical products manufacturer. He said he grew the business from Fountain City to manufacturing plants around the world. Locally, he is recognized for his philanthropic efforts at Lincoln Memorial University, where he serves as the chairman of the Board of Trustees.

He said he didn't always live a life of luxury. DeBusk grew up in a mobile home in Lee County, Virginia, in the southwestern-most part of the state.

"But, I thought one day I'd like to build a house," DeBusk said.

More than 20 years ago, he started building. It took 8 years of designing and planning to get the house to the point it's at now. He said crews built out 48 rooms, each with the highest-quality materials money could buy. Many of those materials were imported from across the globe.

"We have Brazilian cherry and mahogany wood throughout the home," DeBusk said.

Brazilian cherry is one of the hardest and most durable woods. Cindi DeBusk, Pete's wife, said she takes a lot of pride in the Waterford Crystal selections.

"Most of the chandeliers are Waterford," Cindi Debusk said.

But, the most intriguing part of the home is the marble collection.

"I love marble and I got marble from all over the world. Some in Afghanistan and had it carved," DeBusk said. " There's seven or eight different kinds of marble in the house."

That marble can be seen in two fireplaces in the home.

Photos: Inside Knox County's largest known home

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Elizabeth Sims

Inside Knoxville's largest known home

DeBusk admitted that building out his dream home became an obsession.

"I got into it, got into building the house. It got bigger, and it got bigger. Then, it got really big and I thought, 'Lord, what have I done?' But I'd done it," DeBusk said.

It was a shock for Cindi, too. She remembers the day she first saw it.

"I was in awe," Cindi said. "I grew up in North Knoxville and the house I grew up in would probably fit in the kitchen, size-wise. So, I was just in awe of the marble and the architectural details."

Inside the rooms are some very special features, as well. In one of the sunrooms, there's a harp with a history so old, you can't put a price tag on it. There is also a chess set made of silver and gold.

Credit: WBIR

"It's addictive, having big rooms is addictive," Pete said.

Cindi agreed.

"I'm definitely addicted to tall ceilings now," she said.

However, taking care of a home this size requires more than just the two of them. Pete said they have three people who help maintain the home on a daily basis. They also have another team that helps maintain the landscaping of the 25-acre lot.

"We have to have a lot of help here with this house," Pete said. "We have some great people. Golly, they get to be part of your family you know."

But, at the end of the day, the parts that make this lifestyle opulent to most people in Knoxville make it feel like home for the DeBusks.

"It's home. It's just not a house. It's a large house with a lot of space and it's home," Cindi said.

"I'm not about to give up one inch of it. I like it. I like the space. I like the room. and it's very, very comfortable," Pete said.

Aside from investing in his home, Pete said he is also a big philanthropist. He puts a lot of his money toward Lincoln Memorial University including establishing three colleges — the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center and the Duncan College of Law.

Johnson moves to new job, Cunningham named principal at Charlotte Elementary

Longtime Charlotte Elementary School principal Dr. Malissa Johnson is now the Dickson County Schools director of special education.Sara Cunningham is the interim principal at Charlotte Elementary.Also recently announced is the appointment of Mary Wills as assistant principal at Dickson Elementary School.Malissa JohnsonJohnson began her career in education in her hometown of Beaufort, SC. She moved to TN after marrying her husband, Jay, in 1992. Johnson served as a middle school teacher in SC and i...

Longtime Charlotte Elementary School principal Dr. Malissa Johnson is now the Dickson County Schools director of special education.

Sara Cunningham is the interim principal at Charlotte Elementary.

Also recently announced is the appointment of Mary Wills as assistant principal at Dickson Elementary School.

Malissa Johnson

Johnson began her career in education in her hometown of Beaufort, SC. She moved to TN after marrying her husband, Jay, in 1992. Johnson served as a middle school teacher in SC and in Nashville for a total of six years. She also worked with students with special needs at Seven Hawks Wilderness Program in Waverly and at Dede Wallace School in Nashville. She taught 3rd grade at University School of Nashville for two years.

Upon moving to Dickson, Johnson taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Vanleer Elementary before becoming the assistant principal at Charlotte Elementary School for a short time. In August 2002, Johnson became principal at CES and has served in this role for nearly 20 years.

Johnson earned her BA in Elementary Education from Columbia College in Columbia, S.C., her M.Ed. in Special Education from Peabody College, a second M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, and her doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Johnson and her husband have three adult children and one grandson, Carson. She enjoys gardening, hunting and fishing, spending time with family and friends, and serving actively in her church community at Charlotte Fagan.

Johnson has a passion for education and growing people of all ages and abilities through positive, caring, and collaborative relationships. She is excited to continue to serve the students of Dickson County Schools in this new role.

Sara Cunningham

Cunningham was born and raised in Charlotte. She is a local resident with her husband, Trent, and three children, Jack, Macy and Mady.

Cunningham began her teaching career in Dickson County Schools in 2004 at White Bluff Elementary where she taught for four years. She moved to Vanleer Elementary School where she taught four years and spent another eight years as the instructional coach. Most recently, Cunningham has served for three years as assistant principal at Charlotte Elementary School.

Cunningham is a 1999 graduate of Dickson County High School. She earned her BA in Elementary Education from Austin Peay State University in 2004. Later, she gained her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership as an Ayers Leadership Fellow from Lipscomb University in 2017. Cunningham and her family enjoy attending sporting events, being outside and being involved in their church at Walnut Street Church of Christ. Cunningham believes in persistence and being a life-long learner. She is excited to continue to cultivate relationships with the wonderful community of Charlotte.

Mary Wills

Mary Wills is a life-long member of the Dickson County community along with her husband, Randy, and their two children. She is a graduate of Dickson County High School, received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Austin Peay State University, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She has had the opportunity to gain experience over the last 22 years working for Dickson County Schools as a teacher in various classroom and school settings, as well as serving as the Assistant Principal and RTI Manager for the former Sullivan Central Elementary during its start-up over the past three years.

Wills believes that a willingness to work together for the common goal is the key to success. Having attended schools in Dickson County herself, she has fond memories of the educators who made impressions by building relationships that nurtured learning while instilling so much more. She looks forward to continuing to pursue these types of connections with students, staff, and families.

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