Qualified Teachers
Ann Worley, BS,
has been teaching at Thrive Academy for 10 years, where she works to inspire and encourage her colleagues and students to share a joyful journey into a love for learning. She has a Bachelor of Religious Education degree from Tennessee Temple University, home-schooled five sons for 20+ years, and tutored Foundation students in a local Classical Conversations Community. Mrs. Worley and her husband, Ron, have been heirs together of the grace of life for 36 years. They have five sons, five daughters-in-law, and 11 wonderful grandchildren. They share a sweet fellowship with some dear brothers and sisters in Christ at West Town Community Church in Evans. Mrs. Worley’s life verse is Psalms 143:8 NKJV “Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for in you do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.”
Cecilia Barber, BA,
has taught at Thrive Academy for three years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clemson University. She brings her passion for teaching to the classroom, where she inspires her students to grow spiritually, academically, and socially. Mrs. Barber is a member of Westside Baptist Church in Martinez. Her life verse is Isaish 26:3 KJV: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Vincente Esparza, BS
is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina–Aiken with a degree in Mathematics. His passion for math began in 8th grade, thanks to a Pre-Algebra teacher who showed him the beauty and logic of the subject—and who left him with a phrase that has stuck with him ever since: "Math will love you if you love it." That moment inspired a lifelong goal to become a mathematics teacher, and one day, God willing, a professor. Mr. Esparza specializes in Algebra and its many applications. He is committed to helping students build a strong foundation—whether they're pursuing higher education or developing problem-solving skills for everyday life. Mr. Esparza aims to provide a fair, challenging, and rewarding learning experience. He is thrilled to be part of the Thrive Academy community and looks forward to making a positive academic and spiritual impact. His life verse is Matthew 11:28 KJV. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Stephanie Baker,
is Thrive's Secretary and Administrator. She has been with Thrive for eight years. Mrs. Baker serves on the board of trustees for Thrive Academy as Chief Operating Officer. She also teaches Art and Science to high school students. Mrs. Bakers life verse is Psalm 46:10 KJV: "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
James D. Halbert, Ph.D.,
is the Headmaster of Thrive Academy; he also serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at Adler University. He has a strong background in clinical research, in which most of his focus has been on cardiovascular disease and mental stress. As an Industrial Organizational Psychologist, he enjoys bringing research and business together. Dr. Halbert (Dr. JD) has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Augusta University in Augusta, GA, a Master's in General Psychology from Kaplan University in Des Moines, IA, and a Doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN. His life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Rev. Pastor Andrews, Senior Pastor, Canaan Baptist Church – Augusta, Georgia
He will also serve as Thrive's Chaplain this year. Born in Brunswick, Georgia, Pastor Andrews was saved on March 6, 1991, at Bible Baptist Church in Brunswick. In 1993, he moved to North Augusta, South Carolina, to attend Victory Bible College, where he graduated in 1996. Shortly after, he answered the call to pastor Crossroads Baptist Church in Burke County, Georgia, and has been faithfully serving there for 11 years. In 2008, following the Lord's leading, Pastor Andrews founded Canaan Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia, where he continues to serve as pastor. His heart is for preaching the Word of God, reaching souls with the Gospel, and leading others in faithful Christian service. His life verse is Psalm 71:18 KJV "Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."
Joseph Gerard, BA
is excited to begin his first year as a school teacher, drawing from years of experience teaching Bible to his church's middle and high school students. His background in leading youth Bible studies has fueled a deep passion for helping young people grow both academically and spiritually. He holds a Bachelor of Pastoral Theology from Victory Baptist College and is dedicated to creating a positive, encouraging classroom environment where students feel valued and challenged. Outside the classroom, Mr. Gerard enjoys spending time with his family, studying God's Word, and serving in various church ministries. His life verse is Psalm 37:23 KJV "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way."
Christi Perry
attended Augusta Tech for Early Childhood Education and BOL where she obtained her CMA certification. She has 6 kids ranging from age twenty to age eight. Mrs. Perry taught 4 years at Victory Christian School in North Augusta and worked at the Learning Center before she decided to homeschool her kids and become a SAHM. She enjoys working with kids and watching them conquer their struggles. Her family serves the Lord at Berean Baptist church, where they sing, and her husband is the Youth Pastor. They also travel to sing and preach at other churches several times a month. Mrs Perry's life verse is Colossians 3:23 KJV, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Connie T. Coggins,
attended Augusta Technical College for Accounting. She has been with Thrive for eight years. She also has micro-credentials from Providence Bible Institute. Mrs. Coggins is retired from the United States Postal Service, which she served for almost 33 years. Mrs. Coggins and her husband, Larry Coggins, serve the Lord faithfully through the Awana, bus, and nursery ministries. She has also taught Sunday school for teens and young adults, while her husband, Larry Coggins, is the Youth Pastor at Providence Baptist Church. Her life verse is I Timothy 1:12 KJV “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”