Meet Our Team

Where Passion and Dedication Meet

Jeron Devonté

Executive and Artistic Director of BE

Jeron received his bachelor of music in vocal music education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He also has a master of sacred music in vocal performance from the University of Notre Dame. As a multifaceted musician, Jeron is a talented choral conductor and vocal instructor. Jeron has received numerous awards and recognition for his musical talents and has been featured in publications such as RISE Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s alumni magazine. The music department of music at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has previously advertised its program utilizing the likes of Jeron's talents. As he works alongside his choral teacher from high school, Ms. Neshawn Calloway, he aspires to afford underserved community members the experience of participating in meaningful vocal music opportunities just as Ms. Calloway afforded them to him. Learn more about Jeron at jerondevonte.com.

Neshawn Calloway

Artistic Director of the Sogno Choir

Neshawn received her bachelor of music from the University of Memphis with a concentration in choral music. She obtained her master's in music education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she worked with and was mentored by distinguished composer, Roland Carter. As a choral director Neshawn conducts six vocal ensembles. Her groups have consistently scored superior ratings at local, regional and state festivals as well as festivals abroad. Neshawn has experience conducting major works with chorus and orchestra. She served as assistant director for the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Songs for 10 years. She currently serves as the choral director at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts. Neshawn has also served as music director for several shows at the Chattanooga Theater Center. Learn more about Neshawn at https://neshawn.net/

Meet The Board

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Carissa Parker

Carissa Parker is the Operations Projects Manager at Franklin Wealth Management in Hixson, TN. She has a background in music and theater and performed with groups and churches in Chattanooga and Cleveland. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in English Literature with a minor in Religion. Carissa is working to grow her mobile notary business. She serves as TBA's VP and an active member of the B.A.T.T.L.E. Ensemble. She is also the Sogno Choir Community Relations Coordinator.

Anthony Zermeño

Anthony is a California native with a yearning for education; He currently teaches math for Hamilton County, with experience in teaching Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Precalculus/Trigonometry. He has been involved in music since he was a young child, playing (at one point) 5 different instruments. Anthony loves singing and performing. BATTLE has offered him a plethora of opportunities to share his gifts. Anthony has a passion for music, knowledge, and public speaking.

Naomi Self

The Facilitator of Chattanooga Singing Circle, Naomi Self is a Chattanooga native and lover of music who sings regularly and passionately. Currently practicing Being more than Doing, Naomi longs for a world in which we listen deeply to one another, celebrate diversity, and promote peace and justice as together we create thoughtful melodies and harmonies that make our lives and our world a more nurturing space for all.

Tyson Jones

A Social Media specialist and storyteller by trade, Tyson Jones is a Dalton, GA-born Chattanooga native with a passion for lending aid and encouraging growth. Tyson majored in Communications at King University in Bristol, TN, and minored in Security & Intelligence studies. Tyson held positions assisting the youth in Chattanooga and currently plies his trade at the Tennessee Aquarium as the Marketing & Communications Administrative Assistant.

Freda McCray

Freda McCray was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating from CCA, she received her undergraduate degree from MTSU she pursued her Master of Science degree in School Counseling. Freda has passion for students, their academic, as well as social/emotional achievement, and the power of community. She currently serves as a school counselor at CCA, and loves spending time with her puppy, Flex.

Evelyn Harris

Evelyn Harris is a 5th-generation Methodist pastor, serving at St. Luke UMC in Stuart Heights, where her mother served over 25 years ago as an associate minister. Affectionately named Rev. Ev by the Rivermont community, she is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the University of the South-Sewanee. Her passions include horticulture, music, and serving in the community. Her core values are diversity, respect, and partnership.