Meet The Team

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.

Thomas Blackmon

Thomas has a unique story of being impacted by a ministry similar to Thrive at a young age.  He has a valuable work history serving inner-city youth and is helping maintain a standard of behavior and academic excellence with all of our middle school students.  Thomas is also gifted in working one on one with students who are having social and emotional challenges.    

Hayley Fields

Hayley is greatly loved by staff and students alike and brings a passion to her work which is invaluable to Thrive Academy as a school.  Not only is Hayley a gifted teacher who helps all her students succeed, she is an extremely gifted worship leader.  Hayley helps students experience God's presence in life-changing ways during our times of school worship.

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. 

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.

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.

Jordan Williams

Jordan graduated from Tuskegee University and has a passion for education.  It is amazing to watch students grow and engage in his class.  Often students come to Thrive with remedial challenges in English, and Jordan works hard to help students advance and grow in this critical area.  Jordan does a great job building personal relationships with the students while still maintaining the teacher/student dynamic.

Siobhan Johnson

The love and joy Siobhan brings to campus are greatly needed and appreciated.  Siobhan brightens up the kids' days as she creates art projects that are easily accessible for all students. Under her leadership and care, students are growing in their understanding of art and how to express themselves through different mediums.  

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.

Judy Hannon

Judy made a career change late in life and went back to school and earned a graduate degree in teaching. During our first year as a school, she helped Thrive with our dyslexic students, and she continues this work today.

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Judy also helps manage our high school courses and schedule, helping to ensure each student graduates with success.  

Candace Pelzer

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. Candace does an excellent job helping us do this day in and day out.  She works hard to manage the menu and serve great food to the students.  She also oversees meal service for student housing.  We thank God for Candace!