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.”
Rachelle Edwards, M.Ed,
is a veteran teacher who retired after 22 years in the Public. School System. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master's in Education in General Education. Mrs. Edwards is certified to teach Economics, Government, U.S. History, World History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, AP U.S. History, AP Economics, AP Psychology and she holds a Gifted endorsement. Her life verse is Psalm 84:11 KJV “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: The LORD will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
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."
Lynne Golovan, BS,
taught for 25 years in various public schools, states, and grade levels. She returned to teaching after being retired for 13 years so she could teach at Thrive Academy of Augusta. What a blessing! Mrs. Golovan has been married for 40 years! She has five children and 17 grandchildren! She loves being in the mountains with her family as well as reading while eating dark chocolate-covered nuts! Mrs. Golovan graduated from Concord University in Athens, WV, with a Bachelor of Science in Education K-8. Her life verse is II Timothy 1:7 KJV "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Josh Caines, MA,
Serves as Thrive Academy's Chaplain and has been a pastor for 14 years. He also currently serves as pastor at Hopeful Baptist Church in Burke Co. Pastor Caines received his Bachelor of Arts in Christianity from Brewton-Parker College and obtained his Master of Arts Degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. He has been married to his wife Amanda since the summer of 2010, and they share two incredible boys. Pastor Caines is known as "Pastor Josh" to all the students and teachers at Thrive Academy. He views it a privilege and pleasure to be used by God to serve him at Thrive Academy. Pastor's life verse is Psalm 37:4 KJV: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
Beth Maschmeier, BS,
is in her 9th year at Thrive Academy. She has a Bachelor of Science in Space Studies. Mrs. Maschmeier is a mom of two neurodivergent adults and has three cats and a dog; she is an Army veteran and spouse. Mrs. Maschmeier enjoys dark chocolate, Skittles, and her morning Dunkin coffee. She teaches high school math and science, sponsors the yearbook and newspaper, and heads the prom committee. Mrs. Maschmeier aims to foster a love for science and math in her students, using technology to enhance learning and projects to prove subject knowledge. Her life verse is Philippians 4:6 KJV "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
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;”
Aaron Walden, B.S.R., M.A.C.M., D.Min,
is a dedicated educator committed to academic excellence and student success. He teaches English Language Arts and Spanish at the high school level, bringing a well-rounded approach to language instruction and engaging students in broader academic disciplines. His academic credentials include a Certificate in Biblical Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Religion: Biblical and Theological Studies, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Studies. With a strong theological and linguistic education foundation, Dr. Walden fosters a dynamic and intellectually engaging learning environment that promotes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and scholarly growth within a Christian and biblical framework. Dr. Walden integrates rigorous academic instruction with a Christ-centered approach to support student achievement and personal development. His passion for teaching extends beyond curriculum standards, inspiring students to cultivate linguistic proficiency, literary analysis skills, and a lifelong appreciation for learning. Through his commitment to excellence, he contributes to the school's mission of shaping well-rounded, knowledgeable, and thoughtful individuals who are prepared for higher education, professional success, and meaningful engagement with society. Dr. Walden’s life verse is Romans 1:16-17 KJV: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”