Meet the team

tonya woodward

In 2008, Tonya and her family moved to Hohenwald, Tennessee and opened up the very first Hope Summer Camp. Since then she has designed and developed various programs and outreaches to benefit Lewis County's children, youth, and families. She is a MTSU graduate who received her bachelors of science in Integrated Studies with a concentration in Applied Leadership. In 2025, she trained through Texas Christian University's Karen Purvis Institute for Child Development to be a certified Practitioner in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).

      "I have been married for almost 27 years and have 3 children by birth and two by choice. One of my favorite things to do is drive the 84 passenger Hope Bus and love on my grandbabies!"

She attends The Dwelling Place Church.

christian shadix

I was a Hope kid for a short time and volunteered until I turned 16. December of 2008, I became staff and have been a part of Hope ever since. I am the Program Director and the middle school class leader in the After School Program and Summer Camp Program. Hope is home and my coworkers are family. So many have came and gone but once you have been a part of something so special, you are always a part of it. We strive to be the change in our community and in the lives of every child that comes through our program. It is our responsibility to lead them, guide them, and teach them the love of Jesus. There is no better place on Earth than right here!

Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Jaclyn Breedlove

I am a wife and mother of five. I have my older three, Joonapur, Averie, and Olistir, who all attend Hope. I have twin boys (six) who will be attending their first summer day camp. I started volunteering about 2 years and a half ago with kids’ church on Wednesday nights. After a while I wanted to be more involved and be close with my kids. I'm passionate about cooking food with real ingredients and look forward to taking care of my coworkers this summer.

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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Dee Hodges

I attended Hope Hohenwald as a kid and always wanted the opportunity to work for Hope. This is my third year as a staff member. I work with the fourth  graders and am a team lead for the 3rd and 4th grade group. I'm looking forward to a great summer

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Attends The Dwelling Place Church 

FELICIA STEWART

Hey! I'm Felicia Stewart. I have been working for Hope since 2016. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and have always had a passion for working with kids. I love being a part of an organization that pours so much love into the community. As a mom of 8, life can get a little chaotic. So, in 2020, I left for a couple of years to just be mom, but I rejoined the team in 2022. I am so glad to be back.

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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Katherin Jowers

Kathy Jowers, certified teacher 1-8. (Taught 3 years in Louisiana and 10 years in Tennessee) 13 years total in the classroom. Started Hope in 2008, worked for 11 years and retired, because our son Preston came home to live. I returned to Hope in 2019/2020. Tutoring children with dyslexia for 7 years. I came to work at Hope because I felt that was what God told me to do. 

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Attends The Dwelling Place Church
 

simone hodges

My Name is Simone Hodges. I have been married to my Husband David for 20 years. We have 6 children between us and currently have 20 grandchildren. 13 years ago, I started volunteering at Hope just to quickly learn what a great program it really is and how much good influence and help was given to the children in attendance! I quickly worked my way into a part time position 13 years ago and then a full time for the Summer Camp Program and After School Program! It is my favorite place to be!

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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

sara james

Hello! I am the wife of Justin James and the mother of 6 boys and 2 girls. Our oldest is 20 and the youngest is 2 years old. We are foster parents and have hosted 9 exchange students throughout the years. Our children have encountered all different types of schooling. Some have attended public school; private school and we are currently home schooling 2 of our children. I believe Every child learns in their own way, so we foster that! I have my Associates degree in Early Childhood and worked at the Lewis County Pre-K for seven years. I love helping teach children. My journey with Hope started when my oldest son, Dillan, attended the after-school program. Since then, I have helped with the Kindergarten through Middle School class, Summer Camp, and Hope for the Holidays. I sub when I can, but I’m not full time right now due to my role as a foster mother. I love the Hope Hohenwald program! We are connecting the Community in so many different areas to help foster any need that we see that needs met. Hope Hohenwald is the best place to work! We are changing lives!

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Attends The Well Church

Mya Woodward

Hey! My name is Mya Woodward. Unless I'm on stage or playing soccer with the campers, you'll find me with the middle school class this summer. I enjoy theater, dancing, singing, soccer, and skiing. In 2022, I received my first-degree black belt in the karate style of Wado-Ryu. I started out as a volunteer at Hope and at the age of 16 I became a class leader. I love serving others and Hope has given me the opportunity to do that in so many ways!

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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Bailey White

My name is Bailey White. I am 16 years old. I enjoy dancing, swimming, and taking care of those who need it. I have chosen Hope for my summer job because I have gone here basically my entire life and want to help the children this year to have as much fun as I did.

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

andolyn carroll

I am so excited for my first year at Hope. I will be a first grade class leader. I am most excited to get to know each kid and build a relationship with the staff.

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

Graycee Fuller

Hi! My name is Graycee Fuller. I went to Hope as a kid and volunteered after. I will be working with first grade and I'm excited to have a great summer.

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Attends Freedom Holy Temple

Lucas Nay

I've attended Hope as a kid and volunteered. I am excited for my first summer on staff. I will have second graders.

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Attends Blondy Church of God

abby mitchell

Hi, my name is Abby Mitchell and I work with the third grade class. I am 17 years old and going to be a senior at White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee, in the fall. I am excited to work here for the second summer in a row.

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Attends Christ Community Baptist Church, 

cole farr

I am a graduated Lewis County High School in 2024. I currently attend UT Martin at Parsons, sub at LC schools, and assist with coaching. I have worked for Hope the last four years, it is a super fun job. ​

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

cade lomax

I am 18 and enjoy sports. I've played basketball all of my life. I have chosen to work at Hope because it is a fun environment to work during the summers. It gives me an opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. This is my second year at Hope.

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

Ryder Ward

My name is Ryder Ward and I'm 16 years old. This is my first year here at Hope. I'll be working with the fourth graders primarily. I'm most excited to get to know the kids while having fun! I like attending church activities with my home congregation and spending time with my friends. I play golf and shoot trap. Let's have a good summer!

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

levi graham

My name is Levi Graham and this is my second summer at Hope as a staff leader. I enjoy playing football and love to fish. I look forward to what the summer has in store. 

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tuff lindsey

My name is Tuff Lindsey and I just graduated from Lewis County High School. This is my first summer working at Hope. 

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Kelsey Wix

Hello, My name is Kelsey Wix. I was a Hope kid since 4th grade, and I've never been the same since. I am so excited to finally work here and be the inspiration that inspired me. I am very eager to begin my first year as a staff with the kindergarten class.

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I attend Hope for Church

sabrina pitts

I am a wife and mother of five. My kids have attended the Dwelling Place Church Wednesday classes for years. Through this and the ministry of Hope Hohenwald, our family of adopted and biological kids have been so blessed. This summer I am so excited to get to know and adventure with the second graders

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Our family attends General Assembly Church

ariel clift

I am a wife and mother of 3. My two oldest kids started attending Hope a couple of years ago. They absolutely love the summer camp and after school program. What Hope does for the community is inspiring. Because of all this, I started volunteering a couple of years ago. This will be my second summer subbing. I want to help the kids grow, enjoy life, and see what they can teach me.