OUR STAFF

Hammond grew up in Atlanta and his story has a major impact on his work with Thrive.  Hammond discovered he had Dyslexia (a reading disability) in kindergarten and his parents quickly got him the specialized help he needed at the Schenk School.  After two years of Orton-Gillingham training he could read proficiently.  In 2005 he graduated from The Lovett School, and in 2009 he graduated from Washington & Lee University.
He has worked with inner-city youth for over 10 years and is excited to make the Orton-Gillingham reading method available to kids who would otherwise be passed through the APS school system never learning to read.  

The passion for student housing came from Hammond's mentorship and discipleship of youth in the community.  Hammond came face to face with some of the harsh realities kids were facing in their home, and also realized the incredible discipleship potential in having kids live with a Christian mentor in a home structured to promote spiritual formation and character growth.
Hammond has a passion for Christian discipleship and character formation and this is at the heart of everything Thrive does.  By instilling youth with a love for God, an understanding of identity, and a sense of purpose a calling; Thrive Academy is changing lives in Atlanta’s inner city.  

Loved by students and staff alike, JAY'R brings knowledge, enthusiasm and joy to Thrive Academy ATL. As our Principal, he has been an invaluable member of the team.  JAY'R also leads the boys student housing

Energetic and driven, we were thrilled when Kwanza joined the Thrive team.  She brings a wealth of experience and skill to the academic programming at Thrive.  As our Girls Student Housing Director she is having an incredible impact on the girls in student housing.

Since joining Thrive Academy ATL, Zach Preston has consistently brought a unique edge to the work we are doing. His passion to see God move in power has greatly impacted both the students and the community.  He is gifted at leading outreach and he is also a gifted Bible and Social Studies teacher in the classroom.

Since joining Thrive Academy ATL, Cynthia has been an invaluable part of the Thrive team.  She bring years of wisdom and is dedicated to the success of each student.  She is the lead teacher for Language Arts and Science.