I’m Kimberly Lott, a resident of Douglas, GA. I was born and raised in the small town of Willacoochee, GA. I was raised in the church and became saved at the young age of 11. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that my walk with Christ strengthened and flourished. As my family endured the word “cancer” in multiple reports with my dad, I was nothing less than shattered. God placed me in that valley to help me understand that nothing can be done in my human strength or with any earthly resources,  but only through his strength. Through that season of my life, I grew closer to Christ and developed a passion for spreading God’s word and educating this generation through him.

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My love for education started when I was a child. I would pretend to play school for hours upon hours.  I earned my bachelor's and master’s degree in Early Childhood interrelated Special Education from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. I am currently pursuing a specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

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For eleven years, I gained classroom teaching experience with various ages and grades. I had planned to retire as a special education teacher, and working in administration was never a desire of mine. However, God had a different plan for me.

Four years ago, God led me to First Academy. At the time, I was unsure if remaining in education was the best choice for my family. I was at a rocky place within my career and sought God’s provision. I pressed forward and trusted God. I became a member of the First Academy Family in July of 2016. Since then, I have served as the Pre-School Director, Interim School Director, and I’m currently serving my second school year as the official School Director. God continues to equip me with all the qualities to fulfill the duties, and I continue to allow God to guide me. As I reflect, God knew that I needed First Academy, and I am blessed beyond belief for the opportunity to lead and grow a school for Christ.

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My husband, Clay Lott, and I dated for eight years, and in addition to that, we have now been married for 7 years. Clay’s family owns and operates Lott Builders Supply Company. He is the 5th generation of the family to work there. We have a three-year-old son, Fisher and a six-year-old chihuahua, Paxie. We are active members of First Baptist Church. In our spare time, we enjoy taking family trips to Atlanta to cheer on the Yellow Jackets!

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I eagerly look  forward to the years to come and am excited to be a part of what God has in store for First Academy and First Baptist Church.

Hi, my name is Katie Winge. I am married to Jeffery Winge. I am originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana but moved to Douglas in 2008. I am the school nurse here at First Academy. I have been an RN since 2004. I worked in the Emergency Room for over l0 years until I decided to stay home with my children. God had other plans. He led me to First Academy, where my two children attend. Mia is in 5th grade, and Reid is in 1st. I loved it so much I started volunteering, subbing, and eventually came on full time. I have worked in the classroom but now am serving as a full-time school nurse. I love this school and consider every student my own. We are a family. While working here, we starting attending First Baptist Church. First Academy and First Baptist Church have changed my life. I gave my life to Christ at 38 years old and couldn't be happier. To God Be The Glory!

Hello, My name is April Nicolelli

Hello, My name is Kevin Bounds, and I teach Middle & High School Bible, Geography, and American Literature. I'm married to Amber Bounds, and we have two children, Jakson and Lila. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lee University with a B.S. in Bible and Theology. I have three years' previous teaching experience. Before entering Christian Education, I served in pastoral ministry for over 16 years. As an ordained minister, I feel called to equip believers to defend the biblical worldview.  

My name is Paul Scheeser and I teach 7th grade History, 8th and 9th grade ELA, and 6th and 7th grade Bible at First Academy. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and bleed black and gold. I attended Grove City College (GCC) in northwest PA where I double majored in Biblical and Religious Studies and Sociology. It was at GCC, one of the nation's top Christian liberal arts colleges, that I fell in love with and understood the importance of a Biblically based, academically excellent education. Before coming to First Academy I spent 10 years in full-time youth ministry and then 5 years in higher education where I most recently served in academic advising. My wife Hayley and I are the proud parents of the two cutest blonde-haired little boys, Warren and Wallace (Wally). I am passionate about helping the next generation develop a Biblical worldview and am excited and humbled to continue doing this at First Academy.

My name is Amber Ware, and I have enjoyed teaching math for many years.  It is such a blessing to watch students grow and learn to complete tasks that they thought were not possible at the beginning.  However, my greatest blessing is to see them grow and blossom into Godly adults with a dream and a purpose to fulfill God’s vision in their lives.  First Academy gives me the opportunity to walk into an environment on a daily basis where God’s spirit is felt, and his word is proclaimed to be true. This is our mission in a world that is changing minute by minute. We stand on the unchanging, ever-present word of God. 

I am Renee Roberson, a retired teacher of 30 years as a UGA Extension Agent and Coffee High School teacher.  I am happily married to my high school sweetheart Terry Roberson, and we have two sons Clay (29) and Russ (27).  We are happy members of First Baptist Church.  Teaching now at this awesome school has allowed me to spread the gospel and prepare my students for their future.  I am excited to be a part of an awesome family of God’s people preparing for tomorrow.

My name is Teresa Holliday, and I teach 6th-grade math, ELA, and history. I also teach 7th-grade ELA and math at First Academy. I received a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education in 1989 from Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. My teaching experience covers nineteen years of public, private, and Christian education. I have been married to BJ Holliday for thirty-one years, and we have two children, Katie (Holliday) Johnson and Jonathon Holliday. BJ and I have been in ministry together for all of our married lives, and currently, we serve at Reedy Branch Baptist Church in Broxton, Georgia, where BJ is the pastor. It is a joy for me to teach alongside some gifted and godly teachers at First Academy as we train the next generation to have a Biblical worldview. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, playing piano, traveling, or rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs! 

Cheyenne W

I am Marilyn Commins, wife, mother, Nana, and daughter of the King of Kings.  I am from Long Island in New York.   I was also born into a church and raised in church, and I have been teaching Sunday School since I was 17.  Then after college, I went on to teach professionally, having achieved my bachelor’s and master’s Degrees in Education.  I married a wonderful man in 1977.   We have two amazing children who married wonderful godly people, and we have two beautiful grandchildren.  My husband was called to become a pastor in 1999, and it is this path that brought us to Douglas, GA.  I was so thankful to find a teaching position at First Academy.  It is a godly, scripture, and prayer driven school with a solid Biblical Worldview.  We all love Jesus and strive to teach and emulate Him daily.  I had a student a couple of years ago that loved this school but also thought he wanted to experience public school with larger class sizes.  I told him I was so sad to see him leave but that I would pray for him, asking the Lord to guide him.  The following school year, after Christmas break, he was back!  He entered my class, realizing that the “grass wasn’t greener on the other side."  I was so excited to see him return!  He said to me, “You were praying for me, weren’t you, Mrs. Marilyn?”  I said, “Yes, I sure was!  I told you I would.”  He just smiled.

My name is Cherie Rutland. I have taught 3rd grade at First Academy for two years.   As a First Academy teacher, I consider myself blessed to be able to educate students through a biblical worldview lens . I love the freedom to teach christian values and principles.   One of my favorite parts of teaching at First Academy is our classroom prayer and praise report time. During this special  time of sharing, I am able to build relationships with my students and  really get to know them and their families. We learn together, laugh together, and pray together.  Prior to teaching at First Academy, I taught and retired from the Coffee County school system. During my career, I had the opportunity to teach all subjects kindergarten through fourth grade. In addition to being a teacher, I am also a pastor’s wife.  I am married to Pastor Matt Rutland of  the First Congregational Christian Church. We have two children, Jonathan (13) and  Claire (11).  I am grateful the Lord led us to Douglas 20 years ago and even more grateful that our journey allowed me to  become  part of the FA family!

I am Alissa Evans.  This is my third year teaching second grade at First Academy.  I also have twelve years of experience teaching first and second grades at Eastside Elementary in Douglas, Georgia.  I am married to Gabe Evans, and we have two sons, Reese and Brennan.  My family and I are members of St. Andrews Anglican Church.  Teaching at First Academy has been a true joy and blessing.  FA teachers are allowed to follow their passion and just teach; no red tape necessary.  It is a wonderful, positive environment to work in every day, and I am truly thankful!

My name is Janet Pridgen, and I teach First Grade at First Academy.  I have been involved in education since 1991.  I began my career as a special education teacher.  For the last eight years, I have taught at First Academy in First Grade.  I am married to Derek Pridgen, and we have two wonderful children.  Emily recently graduated from the University of North Georgia.  Stephen is currently working and going to South Georgia State College.  Derek and I lead an adult Sunday School Class here at  First Baptist Church.  Teaching at First Academy is a delight and an incredible opportunity to teach not only academics but to share the name of Jesus every day!  I am so thankful that First Baptist Church has dedicated its facilities to a truly Christ-centered school.

Hello! My name is Meghan Lewis, and I am the 5th Grade teacher at First Academy.  I also run the First Academy social media accounts and create the yearbook. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!  This is my second year on staff at First Academy.  Last year, I taught Technology in the Upper School. Before that, I taught in public school for 11 years. I am a lifelong member of First Baptist Church. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my dogs, reading, and soccer.  I have always felt a calling in my life to work with children and have been so blessed to be a part of First Academy.   I am excited to teach my students what it means to glorify and serve the Lord as we learn and grow together.

My name is Hollie Jackson, and this is my first year at First Academy. I am excited to be working with the first-grade team this year. I am married to my husband Ronnie, and we have two children named Lizzy and Brandon.

My name is Amanda Spears.  I teach Kindergarten at First Academy, and I have worked here for seven years.  I have my bachelor's of education from Western Governors University, and I love to teach.  I have a loving husband, Greg Spears, and two precious girls, Aubrie Spears and Lacie Spears. Both attend First Academy.  Aubrie is in 9th grade, and Lacie is in 5th grade.  They love learning in a more intimate class size and enhancing their biblical education.  I love that my children are learning God’s word through all subjects here at First Academy.  On a daily basis, I am able to pray for my students and their prayer requests.  We strive to give the best education we can at First Academy and meet their biblical and spiritual needs. 

My name is Ashley Wooten. I am married to Ben Wooten. We have two girls named Avery and Kaylee and are expecting a little boy to be born in November. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from Albany State University. This is my second year as a teacher at First Academy. I fell in love with First Academy when my oldest daughter attended the mother’s morning out program.

Hello everyone! My name is Cassie Crisp, and I am the Bible teacher and Fine Arts Director here at First Academy. Each day I teach our students about the importance of God's Word and sing and dance with them all on the same day! I am married to Chad Crisp, and together we serve as the Worship Pastors at the Sanctuary Church. I am the mother of three beautiful children who all love attending school at FA. Growing up, I was blessed to receive a Christian education and continued my learning at a Christian College where I received a Bachelors in Church Music with a minor in Biblical Studies and Psychology. I know firsthand the importance of learning through a Biblical worldview, and that is why I am so thankful to be a part of the staff here at FA. I am dedicated to teaching the importance of Biblical literacy at a young age and to see these kids grow in their relationship with Christ. As a Fine Arts Director, I also have the opportunity of seeing students use their talents on the stage. They get the opportunity to lead in worship weekly, as well as perform in drama through our state GAPPS competitions. My passion is seeing students not only know Christ but to use their talents to honor Him. I have served in the ministry and as a teacher for over 15 years, and there is no greater joy than influencing the world by teaching students. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, trying new foods, going to concerts, and hanging out with my family.

My name is Diane Roberson. I have been married to Stacy Roberson for almost 28 years, and we have three children: Erica (and Cody) Prichard, Molly Roberson, and Gillis Roberson. I am currently the Preschool and Children’s Ministry Director at First Baptist Church. I also lead the weekly Chapel services for First Academy. I am a 1993 graduate of Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, with a BA in Biology and a minor in Business. I have volunteered with children’s ministry in local churches for about twenty years while working in medical, administrative, and educational vocations. For the past eleven years, I have been called to serve in full-time ministry at FBC, Douglas.

My name is Mrs. Jackie Troupe, and I teach PE for Kindergarten through 10th grade. This is my 4th year teaching. I have been a paraprofessional in preschool and pre k before teaching PE. My husband is Chad Troupe, and we have two boys, Garrett and Wyatt. I love to cook, be outside, and spend time with my family! I love teaching in a Christian environment because I can talk about how AWESOME our God is and pray over our children at school. I fell in love with FA and teaching after quitting my job at a bank over four years ago. I was stuck in a hard place trying to figure out what to do next in my life. I was approached to be a paraprofessional in preschool. I was a little scared because I was stepping out of my comfort zone. I remember praying for God to lead me in the right direction and giving Him all my worries off my shoulders. It has been four years, and I'm truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful FA family! 

My name is Shannon McDuffie. I am the preschool director at First Academy. I received my bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and my master’s from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I am married to Jonathan McDuffie, who is the student pastor at First Baptist Church. We have two boys, and we are currently in the progress of adopting a child from India. I am excited to see children learn and grow in Christ this year at First Academy! 

Hello, my name is Hollie Jackson, and I am a Pre-k Teacher at First Academy. I am married to Ronnie Jackson, and we have two awesome children. Lizzy is 11, and she is a 6th grader at First Academy. Brandon is 17 and is an 11th grader at Wiregrass. He is working on his high school diploma as well as his welding degree. I am so blessed to be a part of the First Academy family and teach with a biblical worldview to the children who are the future of our world. 

My name is Brenda Sweat. I am a paraprofessional with pre-k at First Academy. I have been married for 48 years to a wonderful man, John. We have two amazing daughters, Jodi and Becky. They are both married, giving us some awesome sons-in-law. We have three wonderful grandsons. They all bring a special joy to our life.
   I am a retired public school teacher from the Coffee County School system. After retiring, I wanted to continue working with children. They are so much a part of my heart and life. This is my fifth year at FA, working with the pre-k. I taught pre-K for the past four years and changed to a paraprofessional this year.
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  As a young person, I received Jesus as my Savior. My life has been blessed with God’s love, mercy, and grace. FA has given me the opportunity to share God’s precious love with others. First Academy has become more than just a job. It is a ministry. It is so special to share not only education with our students but also to read God’s word, sing, and pray with them daily. Our students and families can share their prayer requests at any time. We pray over the request as a class and school. It means so much to hear from our parents that their child is learning so much about the Bible. The ministry at FA will go with our students throughout life. It is my prayer that our students will always remember the love they found at FA.

Hello there! My name is DeLaina Wilson, and I have the awesome privilege of being the Lead Teacher for Pre-K. I am going into my tenth year of teaching and my fourth year teaching at First Academy. What an incredible opportunity I have been given to reach the next generation! My husband Darin and I have been blessed with six wonderful children, one son-in-law, and a precious granddaughter, KaroLine Jane. My husband is the Pastor of Franklin Holiness Baptist Church in Douglas, and we truly love our life together. Our whole life is committed to the ministry, and that's just one more reason why I love working at First Academy. This is an environment where Christ is lifted up and where Christian Education is taught with biblical foundations from an early age. I am looking forward to a great, successful school year!

Hello there! My name is DeLaina Wilson, and I have the awesome privilege of being the Lead Teacher for Pre-K. I am going into my tenth year of teaching and my fourth year teaching at First Academy. What an incredible opportunity I have been given to reach the next generation! My husband Darin and I have been blessed with six wonderful children, one son-in-law, and a precious granddaughter, KaroLine Jane. My husband is the Pastor of Franklin Holiness Baptist Church in Douglas, and we truly love our life together. Our whole life is committed to the ministry, and that's just one more reason why I love working at First Academy. This is an environment where Christ is lifted up and where Christian Education is taught with biblical foundations from an early age. I am looking forward to a great, successful school year!

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I messed up, and now this block is the same as DeLaina's. I cant just delete the text or it deletes all text in every teach profile box. I will need Katie's profile information again. My bad!

I, Amanda Stinson, was born and raised in Florida. My family and I moved to Georgia in 2012. My husband and I are middle school sweethearts, and we have two daughters who attend First Academy. Shelby Nicole is 16 years old and is in tenth grade. Kylie Ann is 8 years old and is in second Grade. This is my fourth year at First Academy, and I love it.

Cheyenne Doyle

I am Sonia Batten. I have been in education for twenty-five years, and sixteen of those years have been at First Academy. I enjoy working in the Christian field of teaching. Teaching young children is what I love to do.

Hi, my name is Kaylie Harper. I am so excited about teaching this year at First Academy. 

I am married to Jordan Harper, and we have a little girl, Amelia. I am a member of Cornerstone Church, where I hold the position of Children’s Director. I am honored to be used by Jesus so I can be a light in every child’s life this year!

My name is Jennifer Wills. I received my BS in Medical Technology from Medical College of Georgia, and I worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, Athens, GA, and Coffee Regional Hospital, Douglas, GA. After being blessed with two little boys, I returned to being a full-time homemaker. The blessing of two daughters soon followed. These four children were reared here at First Baptist Church Douglas, where I have served in the bed baby and creeper Sunday School for over 25 years. In 2017, my youngest child left for college, and my attention was turned to the children here at First Academy.

I have been privileged to serve the Lord through the teaching and care of children here at First Academy (one-year-old to upper grade). I consider sharing Jesus Christ and teaching a Biblical worldview to these children to be a high calling and great blessing.

My name is Nikki Braddy. I am married to Randy Braddy, and we have two sons and a daughter. Camdon is in the fourth grade, Kole is in the second grade, and Emberleigh is in the three-year-old class. I am excited to start my first year at First Academy as a paraprofessional in the three-year-old class.