Hammond McEver
Founder and Head of School
Hammond McEver grew up in Atlanta, and his personal story has deeply shaped his calling and leadership. Diagnosed with dyslexia in kindergarten, Hammond struggled early with reading until his parents enrolled him at The Schenck School, where he received intensive Orton-Gillingham instruction. Within two years, he became a proficient reader—an experience that now fuels his passion to help students overcome similar challenges.
Hammond graduated with honors from The Lovett School in 2005 and went on to earn his degree from Washington and Lee University in 2009. In 2020, he completed a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies at Reformed Theological Seminary.
Just before college, Hammond had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ that reshaped the trajectory of his life. Through that experience, he began to understand God’s heart for the poor and the fatherless. After graduating from college, he moved to Dallas, Texas, to serve with H.I.S. Bridgebuilders, where his passion for ministry and education in underserved communities took root.
In 2019, Hammond founded Thrive Academy, where he now serves as Head of School. Under his leadership, Thrive is pioneering a unique inner-city boarding school model—one that combines academic rigor, discipleship, and relational accountability.
With over a decade of experience working with inner-city youth, Hammond is driven by a conviction to bring real hope to students living in poverty—hope that is both practical and spiritual. He lives in the community Thrive serves with his wife and their three children.
Address
543 Woodlawn Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone
404-422-0692
Meet The Team
Middle School Principal
Chris Miller
Chris brings a wise and loving leadership to the middle school and works hard to keep Thrive aligned with our mission statement. He is thoughtful and caring in all that he does and we are fortunate to have him serving on the Thrive team.
High School Dean of Students
Student Housing Leader
Jay'R Robertson
Loved by students and staff alike, Jay'R has a unique ability to build rapport with the students, and he works hard to help students in housing succeed. Jay'R has a youth ministry background which makes his spiritual leadership invaluable at the school. He is truly helping to change lives with his work at Thrive Academy.
Middle School Dean of Students
Devron Woodruff
Devron has a passion for the gospel and a valuable work history serving inner-city youth. He is gifted with administrative skills and is helping Thrive maintain a standard of excellence with our middle school operations. Devron is gifted at working with students and holding them accountable. He teaches Bible class once a week and also leads our Creative Arts class in the afternoon.
Female Dean of Students & Worship Leader
Hayley Fields
Hayley is greatly loved by staff and students alike and brings a passion to her work. It is valuable to have a female leader who is able to be a touch point with all the female students in whatever way she is needed.
Hayley helps students experience God's presence in life-changing ways during our times of school worship and we are grateful for her presence at Thrive.
Middle School Math Teacher & High School Teacher
Magnia George
Magnia came to Thrive with a graduate degree in education and over 20 years of teaching experience. Thrive is incredibly fortunate to have someone with her qualifications and expertise. 14 of her 20 years of teaching were in a Christian school setting, and we thank God for her spiritual maturity. She is truly making Thrive a place of true learning and measurable student progress.
Orton-Gillingham (OG) Teacher & Middle School Science Teacher
Cynthia Williams
Cynthia has been teaching at Thrive since our very first year. Cynthia supports our special education (OG) class in the morning and teaches Middle School Science in the afternoons. Cynthia brings a wealth of spiritual wisdom to her work and carries the Thrive mission in her heart, having served here year in and year out.
PE Coach & Athletic Director
Darren Dowdell
Known as Coach D on campus, we are grateful for Darren and all of the love he brings to Thrive Academy. All students feel the care that Coach D has for each one of them, and the students are fortunate to have a coach with his level of athletic knowledge and ability. Coach D also leads our after-school sports program, serving a critical role as students develop in their character and confidence through competitive sports.
Middle School English and Social Student Teacher
Christina Pickett
Christina brings valuable experience from over a decade teaching in the inner city of Philadelphia. Christina is gifted at maintaining calm and composure amidst the behavior challenges that often arise in the classroom. We are thankful for her work to help Thrive provide an excellent education.
School Administrator
Laura McEver
Laura brings to Thrive her project management and administrative skills, built during seven years of experience with a large Atlanta non-profit. She is critical in Thrive operating successfully. Laura manages all of the parent communication, registration information, and student data. Laura helps ensure we execute everything administratively to succeed as a school and non-profit.
High School Teacher
Judy Hannon
Judy made a career change late in life and went back to school and earned a graduate degree in teaching.
Judy teaches and helps manage our high school courses and schedule, helping to ensure each student graduates with success.
Food Service Director
Thomas Niedhardt
Nutritious, enjoyable food is critical to Thrive's success. It is one important way we show kids the goodness of God and love of Christ. Thomas does an excellent job helping us do this day in and day out. He works hard to manage the menu and serve great food to the students. We thank God for Thomas!
Girls Student Housing Leader
Alyssa Weston
Alyssa brings incredible passion and leadership to the girls student housing. She serves from a powerful personal story and testimony of knowing and growing in Christ and she does an excellent job creating a housing environment conducive to growth. Providing student housing is not possible without God raising up leaders like Alyssa.
