Kristen Cooper founded TigerWings with a dream of fostering growth mindsets in children.
Kristen is a Psychologist who has spent the past six years partnering with global companies to design their talent practices. With the rapid evolution of AI and technology, the workplace of the future will look very different. We must establish the skills of curiosity, communication, connection and problem-solving now in our youngest learners.
Kristen is passionate about Positive Psychology and utilizing data to connect people to fulfilling careers where they can truly find meaning and job satisfaction. She works for SHL - a company that unlocks the possibilities of businesses through the power of people, science, and technology.
Outside of work, you can find her with her three young children, Colby (10), Haley (8), Carson (6), and husband, Mike, at any Auburn University Sporting event.
Kristen and Mike are Auburn Alumni and relocated back to Auburn in 2022 to raise their children on the Plains.
Meet Our Leadership
Sarah McKinley
Sarah McKinley is an Executive Advisor to
TigerWings. She has taught elementary school for 14 years in Atlanta, Georgia, and left the classroom this year to stay at home with her two young children.
Within the classroom, Sarah loved planning and teaching lessons in creative, collaborative, and differentiated ways. Curriculum planning is a passion of hers. She created unit outlines and individual lessons for all core subjects which were utilized by her specific grade-level at the time. Sarah really enjoys connecting student interest, real-world topics, and best teaching practices into every lesson.
Sarah received her Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University and Masters of Education from The University of Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jennifer Bailey
Jen Bailey is the Assistant Principal at Auburn Early
Education Center. She served in the classroom for several years and loves making a direct impact in the lives of children. Jen is a proud Auburn Alumni and the mother of two young boys.
Meet Our Teachers
Tre'Jiunna Yancey
Hello! I’m Tre’Jiunna
Yancey, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work as an afterschool program teacher. I currently serve as a Computer Lab Aide at Ogletree Elementary, where I’ve spent the past two years helping students grow more confident with technology and digital learning.
I hold an Associate Degree from Southern Union and am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at Western Governors University.
I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where students can continue learning, exploring, and having fun after the school day ends.
I have worked for the Cooper family, providing afterschool care in their home, since February of 2024.
Analee Masters
Hi! I’m Analee
Masters, a sophomore studying Early Childhood Education at Auburn University. I’m passionate about helping young children grow in confidence and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences. I love being part of the early stages of their development and watching them discover the world around them. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with my family.
Claire Street
I will be attending
Auburn university in the fall of 2026 and I aspire to be a second grade teacher! I love to paint, read, and ride my horse! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends!
Gabbi Chiodo
Hey there! My name
is Gabbi, and I’m a junior nursing student at Auburn University. I am originally from North Carolina, but moved to North Alabama in high school. I come from a big family and thrive on chaos! One thing about me is that I love an adventure—whether that’s traveling to new places, skydiving, trying delicious food, or simply having a cozy movie night with friends.
I’ve known for as long as I can remember that I wanted a career centered around helping others, and nursing felt like the perfect fit. My biggest inspiration? The incredible Mother Teresa. Her selfless devotion to serving others reminds me that life is meant to be simple—we’re here to love and serve. In a world full of distractions, she’s a shining example of what it means to live with pure purpose, and that’s exactly what I strive for. Knowing I can make even a small difference in someone’s life is what truly fulfills me, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
Madison White
Hi! My name is Madison White,
and i’m currently a freshman at Auburn University, majoring in Elementary Education. I’m from Mobile, AL and I’m so excited to be in Auburn! Working with kids is probably the best thing ever and something I’ve always wanted to do. I had the honour of working at a recreation camp over the summer as a camp counsellor and it was the best time ever! I hope to transfer the skills I learned there to Tigerwings. My long term goal is to eventually be a principal which I hope to accomplish sooner than later.
In my free time I enjoy playing basketball, pickle ball and hanging out with my cousins. My favorite season is summer and my favorite holiday is Christmas (I know it’s kinda an anomaly since my favorite season is summer) I rather be warm than cold any day of the week. I love to travel but I also love a cozy weekend at home.
Mary Allen Barranco
Hi! My name is Mary Allen
Barranco. I’m currently a sophomore at Auburn University, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. I’ve always had a heart for kids and have loved spending time with them—whether it’s been during summers at Camp All-American and Pine Cove, playing with kids in Tanzania, or serving at church, as well as doing life with my two younger brothers, who I’ve had a blast growing up alongside.
I’m especially passionate about understanding how children grow and how their early experiences shape who they become. My dream is to work in youth ministry one day, combining my love for kids with my desire to share the love of Jesus.
In my free time, I love trying new coffee shops, reading, taking long walks, and hanging out with friends and family.
Madison Hanchey
Hi! My name is Madison
Hanchey, and I’m currently a Sophomore at Auburn University, majoring in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. I’ve always had a heart for helping others, and my experiences growing up as an athlete have shown me the value of hard work, teamwork, and supporting people in reaching their goals. Playing softball has been a huge part of my life, and it has shaped me into someone who is determined, resilient, and passionate about making a difference. I’m especially excited about pursuing a career as a pediatric occupational therapist, where I can combine my love for kids with my desire to help them overcome challenges and thrive.
My dream is to create an encouraging and supportive environment for children and families, giving them the tools they need to succeed. In my free time, I love playing softball and golf, spending time at the piano, reading, and capturing little moments through photography.
Carmen Kinder
I'm Carmen Kinder.
I currently work at Ogletree Elementary as the PE Aide and absolutely love being active and creative in the gym with children!
Adalyn O'Neal
I’m Adalyn O’Neal,
and I’m so excited to be joining the Tiger Wings team! I’m from Elba, Alabama, and currently a sophomore at Auburn University, where I’m majoring in Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies. I’ve always been passionate about working in the medical field or with children, so I’m really excited to be taking steps toward my dream of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. In my free time, I run my own baking business, where I enjoy decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops. I also love attending church and spending quality time with my friends and family. Kids have always played a big role in my life, whether through babysitting or building meaningful relationships with them throughout my leadership roles in high school. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to make a positive impact on these children!
Gunner McFayden
Hi! My name is Gunner
McFayden and I just moved to the auburn area almost a year ago from Maryland.I currently work at ogle tree elementary school as a special needs assistant. I love to workout and play videogames and hunt and fish and I love sports.
Kelley Brooke Brown
Hi everyone! My
name is Kelley Brooke Brown, I am from Jasper, Alabama, I am currently a Sophomore at Auburn University majoring in Elementary Education. I am so excited to be a part of the Tiger Wings team. For as long as I can remember I have always had a love for teaching and wanting to help kids. From a young age I have always loved helping others, sharing ideas, and watching someone light up with understanding. Having ADHD myself has inspired me to help students with disabilities by creating a learning environment where every child feels understood, supported, and capable of success. Teaching has always come naturally; it’s not only something I want to do, but also something that feels like it is a part of who I am. I have gained valuable experience working at summer camps, church camps, babysitting and tutoring centers, where I have been able to share my passion for helping children learn and grow. Working at the Tigerwings After-School Program will help me follow my dream of becoming a teacher by giving me more experience working with kids and helping them learn and grow. In my free time, I enjoy baking and cooking, experimenting with new recipes and sharing them with others. I also love spending time with my friends and family, making memories and enjoying each other’s company. I am truly grateful and excited for the opportunity to work with children and positively impact their lives.
Sarah Loftus
Hi everyone!
My name is Sarah Loftus, and I'm thrilled to be a freshman at Auburn University, majoring in Elementary Education. Coming from Birmingham, Alabama, Auburn holds a very special place in my heart as both my parents and siblings are proud alumni – it truly has always felt like home to me. This deep connection to the Auburn community fosters a strong sense of belonging that I am excited to share.
Throughout high school, I had various jobs, but my time spent babysitting was always the absolute best! It was during these experiences that I discovered my genuine passion for working with children. I loved creating engaging activities, helping them with their homework, and simply being a positive and reliable presence in their lives. These moments solidified my lifelong passion for serving others and my heartfelt commitment to education.
My educational journey at Auburn is just the beginning. I plan to continue my studies to earn a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. My ultimate goal is to work as a school counselor in an elementary school, combining my love for teaching with a desire to support children's emotional well-being. I believe that fostering a nurturing and understanding environment is key to a child's holistic development, and I'm eager to contribute to that.
I am incredibly excited to be joining the TigerWings team! I'm looking forward to connecting with the children, helping them learn and grow in a fun and supportive setting, and contributing to the wonderful community here. Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, venturing out to the lake, hiking new trails, and traveling to explore new places. I am so grateful for this opportunity to make a positive impact!