Our team

Coi Morrison is an educator, writer, and  mom of four. With over 15 years of experience as an educator and instructional leader, Coi has served children and their families in various capacities, including as an elementary classroom teacher and instructional coach. 

After becoming disillusioned with the state of education as we know it, Coi transitioned from the K-12 education setting to a corporate role. However,  her heart remained in education, and in July of 2020 she founded The Black Inquiry Project and released the first BlackIQ – an inquiry-based curriculum that centers Black voices and the Black experience in America.  Coi was the recipient of a grant from the Abolitionist Teaching Network for her work with The Black Inquiry Project.

Coi launched The Lab School in hopes that families who value curiosity, freedom of thought, and the power that comes from self-discovery and strength of identity can rest, finally, in an empowered community. The Lab School believes every child’s humanity and innate gifts will guide them to everything they need, and with structure, and freedom of choice, they will find their path and flourish. 

Throughout her seven years in the field of education, Liz has had the opportunity to work with learners of all ages. She started her teaching career in Michigan, but moved to Memphis with her husband five years ago. Serving students as a classroom teacher, Vex Robotics Coach, and a STEM Coordinator have solidified Liz’s philosophy that children learn best when two essential things take place: 1) a positive culture is created via relationship-building, and 2) students are empowered to take ownership over their own learning. 

Liz has always believed education was her calling, but quickly found that the expectations and priorities of the traditional classroom did not align with her vision of an environment that allows for development of the whole child. Feeling frustrated, she took a break from teaching in 2021 to start a business with a fellow ex-educator. Upon realizing that the parts of her new career that she loved the most were the parts that felt like teaching, she knew she had to return to her home of education. That’s when Liz stumbled upon The Lab School! She is beyond thrilled to join this tight-knit community where she knows she will be able to help guide learners to challenge themselves and to flourish into the best versions of themselves - academically, creatively, socially, and emotionally. 

In her free time, Liz finds that outdoor adventures, traveling, crafting, cuddling with her pets, reading, and writing creatively are what allow her to recharge and be the best version of herself. She is excited to get to know the families and learners at The Lab School and to find out what motivates, inspires, and recharges them!

Britné Lauderdale is a native Memphian, wife, and mother of two. With a background deeply rooted in music and performing arts, Britné discovered a recent, yet ever-growing sentiment for early childhood education. For the last three years, Britné has worked in various administrative and instructional roles in early childhood. Britné is excited to be a part of The Lab School of Memphis.