Brianna Olivera
Brianna Olivera knows the halls of Hewitt-Trussville Middle School by heart. She first walked them as a student hurrying to class, later as an English teacher guiding young writers.
Now, she steps into the role of assistant principal grounded in the belief that consistency and care can change the course of a child’s day. “I say it to my son, and I say it to my students: You’re learning how to be a person,” she said with a laugh. “Middle schoolers are growing, learning and changing every day. They need adults around them who are steady, present and invested.”
After earning an undergraduate degree in healthcare administration and working for a surgeon, Olivera had what she calls a moment of clarity: “I just knew I didn’t want to do that forever.” That realization led her to Samford University for a master’s in secondary English and a long-term substitute role at HTMS, where she worked under the mentorship of sixth-grade teacher Erin Gilchrist. “I learned so much from her,” Olivera said.
“When she went on to teach at Samford, I was lucky enough to take her place. It really felt meant to be.” After several years in the classroom, a brief family move to Kentucky and a return to teaching English at HTMS, Olivera has now come full circle — stepping into the assistant principal role previously held by Goodwin Scott, who recently moved to Hewitt-Trussville High School.
She joins fellow assistant principal Erin McGuyer and Principal Jared Meads on a leadership team dedicated to supporting students, teachers and the school’s strong culture. The role of assistant principal, she explained, is part support system, part problem-solver and part encourager. “My job is to support Mr. Meads in whatever is needed,” she said.
“I’m here to help teachers do their jobs well and help students grow. That means being visible, consistent and approachable.” Relationships, she believes, are at the heart of it all. “When trust and mutual respect are already in place, students are more receptive.” With 1,200 students and a faculty of more than 60, Olivera is energized by the chance to support the whole campus. “I’m excited by the opportunity to celebrate successes, support through challenges and be part of students’ full journey from sixth to eighth grade.” HTMS, she said, is a special place — one where high expectations are matched by a strong culture of support.
“Mr. Meads always says, ‘Consistency is key,’ and he means it. Bell to bell, for every child, every day. Our students come from all walks of life and all deserve our best.” That perspective feels even more personal as the parent of a child in Trussville City Schools. Her son, Paxton, is starting second grade at Paine Elementary. “I see the full picture now,” she said. “This school system helped shape me, and now I get to be part of shaping the next generation of students.”
