Staff

Sarah Love believes deeply in developing each student’s authentic voice and recognizing the power of their contributions to a collective narrative, and she has dedicated her career to helping young people discover, craft, and share their voices throughout her thirty-one-year tenure in public education.

She began her teaching career in Shelby County at Chelsea High School before helping open Oak Mountain High School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year. Sarah later joined Spain Park High School, where she spent her last 17 years teaching both AP English Language and Composition and Essentials English for 11th- and 12th-grade students. Her commitment to equity and inclusion has remained central throughout her career, particularly in her work to ensure advanced academic programs reflected the diversity of the school community.

In addition to her classroom leadership, Sarah has trained with A+ College Ready and currently reads AP Seminar exams for The College Board. For the past five summers, she has worked with the FMJI Scholars Conference, collaborating with educators and sharing professional development strategies designed to inspire thoughtful civic engagement and meaningful classroom dialogue. Sarah is especially honored to serve as the Judge Frank M. Johnson Institute’s Program Director.

Sarah and her husband, Chris, also an educator and coach for more than 40 years, have devoted their lives to serving students and their community. Together, they are proud parents of two adult sons who are pursuing careers in the medical field.

Brandyn is the Office Manager of The Judge Johnson Institute. She has acquired experience in legal research, academic support, and student leadership through her various roles and involvement during her undergraduate studies. These roles include serving as Student Government Association President and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. She has gained invaluable lessons through study abroad programs in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Panama City, Panama, where she served as a university ambassador and translator.

Brandyn is dedicated to building lasting relationships and collaborating with individuals who strive to make meaningful change through professional and educational outreach initiatives. Her work spans communities in Georgia, where she lived and grew up for over 15 years, and Montgomery, Alabama, which she now calls home. Brandyn is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and credits her membership with providing significant exposure to and knowledge of public service and social action.

Brandyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution and Legal Studies from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, where she graduated in Spring 2025 with honors and the academic distinction of Magna Cum Laude.

Thomas Rains, Executive Director of The Judge Johnson Institute and its first employee, joined in the summer of 2019.

Previously, Thomas advocated for education policies to increase college and career readiness across Alabama. He has worked as a middle school teacher in the Mississippi Delta, a journalist covering finance in New York, and as a researcher of politics and policy in Washington, DC. He is a member of the advisory board for Teach For America-Alabama (previously Vice Chair) and is a member of the Family Guidance Center of Montgomery’s Success by Six advisory board.

Thomas is a graduate of Leadership Alabama (Class XXXIV) and Leadership Montgomery. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University and dual bachelor’s degrees in history and journalism from Boston University. An Atlanta native, Thomas was raised in Birmingham and Lanett, Alabama. He and his family have called Montgomery home since 2011.

Jennifer B. Rogers, Director of Development at The Judge Johnson Institute.

Jennifer previously served as the Director of Development at the Junior League of Montgomery, where she also served as President. Her work and service with the Junior League of Montgomery helped grow the Women’s Leadership Summit, Human Trafficking awareness, and foster leadership opportunities for women.

Jennifer has also worked with the national education grant, Gear Up, and has served as an Education Coordinator and community outreach leader for public schools. Jennifer has served on the Montgomery Catholic Strategic Planning Committee, Development and outreach committee, and a volunteer for her children’s activities. Jennifer has also led strategic planning initiatives for nonprofit schools and organizations in the Montgomery community.

She holds a Master’s in Education from Auburn University at Montgomery and an undergraduate degree in Child Development and Family Studies with a minor in Child Life from Louisiana Tech University. She and her husband Brian have enjoyed raising 3 children in Montgomery.