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
High School Dean of Students
Student Housing Director
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 Principal
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.
Middle School Bible Teacher
School Worship Leader
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.
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 & Social Studies Teacher
High School Lecturer
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.
Art Teacher
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.
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.
Orton-Gillingham (OG) Teacher & 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. During our first year as a school, she helped Thrive with our dyslexic students, and she continues this work today.
Judy teaches and helps manage our high school courses and schedule, helping to ensure each student graduates with success.
Food Service Director
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!
