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 Schenck School.  After two years of Orton-Gillingham training he could read proficiently.  In 2005 he graduated from The Lovett School with honors, and in 2009 he graduated from Washington & Lee University.

Right before college Hammond had an encounter with Jesus which was the starting point for the work he is now doing.  Hammond began to discover God's heart for the poor and the fatherless and upon graduating from Washington & Lee he took a job with an inner-city ministry H.I.S Bridgebuilders in Dallas Texas.  
Hammond  founded Thrive Academy in 2019 and is excited to be pioneering a boarding school model in the inner-city where kids are experiencing real transformation and hope.  Students are going from illiterate to strong readers, and students in the housing program are experiencing radical life transformation.  Hammond has worked with inner-city youth for over 10 years and is gripped with a passion to bring real hope to kids in poverty.  Hammond lives in the neighborhood he serves with his wife and three children. 

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.