Since receiving the Milken Educator Award in 1998, Della took a sabbatical from teaching in 2001 to earn a Master of Divinity Degree from the Candler School of Theology/Emory University in 2004. While at Emory, she was one of four graduating seniors named to the Who's Who Among American Students in American Universities and Colleges. In addition, she also received the prestigious Candler School of Theology Community Service Award given to a graduating senior.
After graduation, she moved to Nashville, TN to complete a year-long clinical residency for chaplaincy at Baptist Hospital. Afterwards, she joined the pastoral care staff of the Saint Thomas Healthcare System, serving as a staff chaplain. In 2006, Della's passion for teaching led her return to the classroom as a teacher in the Metro Nashville Public Schools. In 2014, she was named Teacher of the Year at Thomas Edison Elementary School, where she taught kindergarten for 8 years. In August 2020, Della was selected to fill a newly created position at Paragon Mills Elementary as a Social Emotional Learning Teacher. In 2021, she was named Teacher of the Year at Paragon Mills Elementary School. She earned a Specialist in Accountability and Instructional Leadership (EdS) degree in 2019 from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. Della completed her doctoral dissertation on "Trauma Informed Practices" as a candidate in the Leadership and Professional Practice Program at Trevecca Nazarene University on May 7, 2021.
2019 Ed.S., Specialist in Accountability and Instructional Leadership, Trevecca Nazarene University
2004 M. Div., Theology, Emory University
1994 M.A., Individual and Family Development, South Carolina State University
1987 B.A., Early Childhood Education, South Carolina State University
The Miracle of Metamorphosis: From Chicken to Eagle
2021 EdD, Doctor of Education - Leadership and Professional Practice, Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN
