| HCA Staff |
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Click on the names below to read each biography.
Pre-kindergarten
Ms. Linda Harrison Kindergarten
Ms. Tiffany Newton Mrs. Elisa Shepherd First Grade
Ms. Othella Gray Mrs. Edith Manning Second Grade
Mr. Herbert Bowens Third Grade
Mrs. Jannette Green Fourth Grade
Mrs. Holli Means Fifth Grade Middle School
Ms. Cynthia Johnson Artis (Geography) Dr. Sheldon Bethea (Science) Mrs. Tonya Davis (Bible) Mrs. Kwana Watson (English) High School
Ms. Cynthia Johnson Artis (Geography / History) Dr. Sheldon Bethea (Science) Ms. Shirlette Chambers (Math/Spanish) Mrs. Tonya Davis (Bible) Mrs. Kwana Watson (English) Staff
Mrs. Patricia Runkle (Media) Mrs. Izetta Sims (Technology) Ms. Tiffany Wilkins (Administrative Assistant) Ms. Dorine Perry (Paraprofessional / Art) Ms. Wanda Anderson (After-Care) Mr. Conley Earls (P.E.) Name
Grade / Position
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce non massa arcu. Ut ac tellus diam. Ut massa magna, varius eget viverra sed, cursus a eros. Vivamus nec sem non magna pellentesque bibendum. Sed velit metus, mollis eget euismod sed, facilisis sit amet diam. Suspendisse potenti. Sed tincidunt aliquet massa nec pellentesque. Integer vel suscipit velit. Cras interdum ultricies dolor, non suscipit enim bibendum non. Quisque a massa aliquam nulla posuere vehicula. Vivamus quis elit eu nisi ullamcorper gravida. Sed tincidunt justo eu leo tempor eu interdum elit dictum. Aliquam erat volutpat. Ms. Patricia Runkle
Media Center
Patricia Runkle was born in Elkhart, Indiana and is an Elkhart High School graduate. She attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan studying Advertising and Management. She has lived in Buford for over 34 years and has 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great - grandchild. Ms Runkle worked in the Buford City School System for over 15 years. She was employed in the high school media center for 12 years handling duties such as teaching computers, media center work, substitute teaching and various other special duties including Homework Helpline. She has been employed at Hopewell Christian Academy for 11 years in the media center. Ms Runkle is responsible for the Eagle Reader Program and the Six Flag Six Hour Read to Succeed Program. Santa’s Christmas Shop is just one of the yearly programs that take place in the media center. A favorite verse is Psalm 18:1 "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength." ![]() Mr. Tonya Davis
1st Grade
Mrs. Tonya Davis, a native of Ohio, has been teaching since 2003. After 6 years in Business/Marketing she decided to foster her passion for education by returning to school and pursuing a degree in Education. She obtained this degree in 2003. She has been at Hopewell since 2004 as a teacher who has taught k-5 and 1st grade. ![]() Ms. Edith Manning
2nd Grade
Mrs. Edith Manning is a native of the beautiful island of Jamaica, West Indies. My family and I migrated to the United States of America more than twenty-five years ago. I have had many years of teaching experience, having taught in my homeland for several years and New York City for several years. This is my sixth year at Hopewell Christian Academy and I am excited to be here! I believe it is my role as a teacher to provide an environment and the opportunities for learning. I strive to enable every student in my class to achieve his or her fullest potential both academically and socially. My goal is to increase their academic achievement in all subjects, especially in reading, writing and mathematics. I love to read and cook. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially around holidays ![]() Mrs. Fuller/ k-4 to 5th Grade Spanish
High School
Ms. DeLoach, a native of Statesboro, Georgia, has resided in the metro Atlanta area since 1991 and currently resides in Lilburn with her daughter, Ashirah. She has a Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) degree in both English and Spanish from Georgia Southern University (1991), a Masters of Science in Education (M.S.ed) in Curriculum and Instruction from Walden University (2006)) and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) (2012) in Curriculum and Instruction from Argosy University. Ms. DeLoach has wanted to teach since she was in first grade and has been teaching since 1991; this is her tenth year at Hopewell Christian Academy. She believes that all students can learn and that students should be self-directed. Because of her belief, she prefers the student-centered setting instead of the teacher-centered setting. She enjoys implementing a variety of instructional strategies to ensure that each student learns. She bases much of her teaching style on the multiple intelligence theory. Ms. DeLoach loves the Lord and actively serves in her church, Total Grace Christian Center, in the following ministries: choir, drama, and missions. Her favorite scripture is Psalms 27 and her favorite quote is "To thine own self be true" by William Shakespeare--she absolutely loves the works of Shakespeare. ![]() Ms. Marilynn McDonald-Brooks
5th Grade
Marilynn McDonald-Brooks was born on Salina Air Force Base in Kansas. She was raised, however, in Indiana. She graduated from Purdue University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Movement and Sports Science, and Psychology. She later returned to graduate school and received a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Specialist in Education degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. Mrs. Brooks has taught in adult education, high school health and PE, preschool, kindergarten, 4th and now 5th grade in her 21 years in education. She is married to Samuel and has one son, Yanni. Mrs. Brooks believes that learning should be full of adventures and always lots of fun! ![]() Ms. Izetta C. Sims
Technology
Izetta C. Sims was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from Mississippi State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. She took the scenic route to teaching via Corporate America before becoming a teacher here at Hopewell Christian Academy. She received her Masters Degree in Education from American Intercontinental University. Recently she was certified for grades K-12 in Special Education. She loves seeing children achieve their best no matter what level that may be. One of her quotes is James 1:19, and it states, "Wherefore , my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." ![]() Ms. Holli Means
4th Grade
Holli Means is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. Having been a teacher for approximately 9 years, Holli has great compassion and enthusiasm for educating children in their academics and life skill attributes. She is married to Darcy Means and has two beautiful daughters, Hayli and DariElle Means. Holli possess a Bachelors Degree of Science in Religious Studies, with a minor in Computer Technology, from Martin University. Holli obtained her Masters of Art in Teaching from Oakland City University in Oakland City, Indiana; majoring in Early Childhood Education. Holli is certified by the state of Georgia to teach grades 1st through 5th and Middle School Life Science and Language Arts. She and her husband, Darcy Means, are founders of the "Christian Mentoring Program" for school age children which promotes development in Christian morality, leadership qualities, improvement in academic subjects and much more. Holli’s philosophy of education is that all children can learn and will learn in a caring and nurturing environment which allows them to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. ![]() Ms. Jannette Green
3rd Grade
Jannette Green has been teaching many, many years. She spent most of her career teaching in Mt. Vernon Public School System in Westchester County ,New York. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. Mrs. Green earned a Master's degree from Fordham University in New York in Curriculum and Teaching. Mrs. Green has had experience teaching K-8th grades. She feels teaching is her gift from God and she loves working with children to help them reach their highest potential and express their awesome creative talents. Mrs. Green also believes that she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her. She is married to her soul mate, Fred and they have one daughter, Hannah. ![]() Ms. Shirlette Chambers
5th Grade / Middle and High School
Ms. Chambers, a native of North Carolina, is a certified Math teacher who received her B.S. degree in Mathematics with a minor in Spanish from Winston-Salem State University. She has also studied at the Universidad de Alicante during her cultural immersion in Spain. Ms. Chambers has served for two years with the AmeriCorps, a National Service organization, as a bilingual literacy tutor and a mathematics service leader during which she developed her passion for serving those in need and helping others to achieve educational success. She has realized that God has blessed her with gifts that are to be shared with others, which is why she has pursued a career in education. She welcomes each day with 2nd Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by Faith, not by sight. ![]() Ms. Tiffany Newton
Kindergarten
Tiffany Newton is a native Georgian. She attended the University of West Georgia and graduated with a Bachelors degree. This is the start of her third year here at Hopewell Christian Academy. She loves teaching and serving the LORD. She knows that HCA is raising academic and moral giants. One of her favorite scriptures is Isaiah 40:31. GO EAGLES! ![]() Mrs. Linda Rainge Harrison
Pre-kindergarten
Ms. Rainge - Harrison is a native of South Carolina. She is a graduate of the Atlanta University Center where she earned her B. A. degree. She has taught in adult education, special education, and Early Childhood Education for many years. Ms. Harrison began working on her master’s degree at Georgia State University. She has one daughter who is graduating from high school in May, class of 2011. Ms. Rainge Harrison‘s goal is to help students to become independent thinkers and to challenge all students to reach their highest potential. Ms. Rainge – Harrison feels privileged and most of all blessed to be a part of HCA. ![]() Mrs. Cynthia Johnson Artis
Middle and High School
I am an enthusiastic educator who believes that all children, as well as, adults can learn and thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating, comforting, and appropriate to their abilities. I received my B.S. Degree from Miles College, Fairfield, Al.; my Certification in Education from Mercer University, Atlanta, Ga.; my Masters of Arts in Instruction and Specialist of Education from Central Michigan University also here in Atlanta, Ga. I am presently teaching Adult Education through Gwinnett Tech at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. ![]() Dr. Sheldon Bethea
Middle School
Dr. Sheldon Bethea is a native of South Carolina, and has been teaching for seven years. He is a doctoral graduate from Life University, and continues to practice chiropractic in his wellness center in Snellville, GA. Working with children has always been a passion and is the passion that brought him to teaching 7 years ago. His teaching style encourages students to learn material instead of memorization. Hopewell Christian Academy has allowed Dr. Bethea to grow personally and, spiritually and share his blessings with others. "HCA allows me to teach like I care". ![]() Mrs. Elisa Nicole Shepherd
Kindergarten
Elisa Nicole Shepherd began teaching first grade in New Orleans Public Schools in 200. She started her career at Hopewell Christian Academy as a kindergarten teacher, after relocating to Atlanta in 2002. Mrs, Shepherd believes learning should be fun and encourages students to do their best at all times. ![]() Mrs. Kawanna Watson
2nd Grade
Mrs. Watson, a native of Mississippi is the daughter of a pastor and a certified "free spirit" (her mom). As an educator who is convinced that God has called her to a divine position, she relishes in the instruction and nurturing of the minds and hearts of children. Furthermore, she is focused on imparting GOD’s Wisdom and design into her disciples and carving the imprint of GOD’s Greatness into every mind and heart. She believes firmly in love, discipline and hard work; but she is also convinced the GOD constructed the earth for HIS enjoyment and expects HIS children to revel in its mystic. In essence, Mrs. Watson is an avid reader who believes in the discipline and elevation of spirit, mind and body. As an instructor, she emphasizes repetition, rather than memorization; working hard so all may play hard; and exhibiting GOD’s Best in all that is created and presented. ![]() Ms. Othella H. Gray
Middle and High School
Othella H. Gray is a native Georgian. She graduated from Wheeler County High school, Alamo, GA. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from National University in Evanston, Illinois. Very soon, she learned that Psychology wasn’t it. She then went back to school and became the teacher she was called to be. She then received a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grade education. She has been teaching 20+ years. She has taught both in public and private schools. She has also taught all grades except second. Her goal is to help her students become independent thinkers, and help them reach their highest potential. She believes learning should be challenging and fun. ![]() Minister Dorine Perry
Paraprofessional / Art
Minister Dorine Perry was born and raised in South Haven, Michigan. She attended Lake Michigan College before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. She is currently enrolled in Ashworth University pursuing a B. A in Early Childhood Education, and plans to attend Carver Bible College to obtain a Master’s in Theology. She also fulfilled the requirements of the Hopewell Bible Institute. God has anointed her to bless His people in major and minor ways. She has been a member of Hopewell Baptist Church for over 21 years and has worked as a Paraprofessional at HCA for 11 years. When she is not teaching or preaching she enjoys attending movies and plays. Minister Perry has been blessed with a special gift of love for children. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths”. ![]() Tiffany Wilkins
Administrative Assistant
Tiffany Monique Wilkins was born in Birmingham, Alabama, lived in Illinois and in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She graduated from Collins Hill High School where her passion for children and education began. She began working with The Hopewell Give Us Hope After Care and Summer Camp program and also tutored students during high school. She has worked at Hopewell Christian Academy in various areas/positions since 1999. She has been the administrative assistant for the past four years. Known to all as Ms. Tiffany, she loves, cares, and nurtures all students. Ms. Tiffany attends Grand Canyon University and plans to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 53:5 “……. By His Stripes We Are Healed” ![]() Cecilia Fuller
K-4 to 5th Grade Spanish
Mrs. Cecilia Fuller was born and raised in Torreon, Mexico. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Autonomy in 1993. She has worked as a human resources representative, a social worker, and as a pre-school teacher. Mrs. Fuller has also taught at the high, middle, and collegiate levels in Mexico. Mrs. Fuller moved to the United States in 2001. She is married and enjoys spending time with her husband and her two wonderful children, Anthony and Allison. Mrs. Fuller has worked for the City of Hope Child Development Center for eight years. She loves teaching Spanish and working with children. Mrs. Fuller believes that students learn Spanish through having fun. ![]() Herbert Bowens
2nd Grade
Herbert Bowens, Jr. hails from Albany, Ga. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bowens, Sr. and Mrs. Jeanette Bowens. Herbert attended Highland Magnet Middle School and Westover Comprehensive High School. After high school, he matriculated at FAMU where he received his Bachelors of Education in Elementary Education. During that time at FAMU, Herbert appeared on television’s Amateur Night at the Apollo with Hip- Hop group Trigger Run Production hosted by Host Steve Harvey. He marched four years in the Marching 100 where he played snare drum and studied accounting and professional development in the School of Business and Industry. Herbert was a member of Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre and the Playmaker’s Guild. In the Playmaker’s Guild, Herbert developed his acting ability and earned the lead role in the University’s play ‘On Toby’ Time and the Scarecrow in ‘The Wiz’. Herbert has always pursued his passions and believes that one of the responsibilities of education is to equip the student with the awareness and the encouragement to bring forth their gifts and talents. These latent abilities must be cultivated, for in that, the world will be served. Herbert believes they must be brought forth with sincere, focused discipline. During his time in Atlanta, Herbert has been Teacher of the Year, has appeared in the movies: Boycott, Drumline (A & T Drummer), Stomp The Yard( Theta Nu Theta Stepper), Sunday Morning Rapture and has appeared in several ads and magazines. Mr. Bowens has written, produced, and directed The Carousel, a poetry-based musical. The Carousel is Hopewell’s first musical production focusing on Performing arts and education. ![]() Mr. Conley Earls
Physical Education
My name is Conley Earls I’ve been teaching Physical Education and Health at Hopewell Christian Academy for 7yrs.. I have been the basketball Coach at Hopewell for 6yrs. It has always been my passion to teach and coach students, so that they grow into respectable young men and women. I attended Mississippi State University were I received a bachelor’s degree in Educational Psychology and a minor in Physical Education. I was a 4yr lettermen in football and a 1yr lettermen in Track and field. ![]() |