Meet the team

Founder & CEO
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.
"I have been married for almost 25 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.

Program Director & Hiring Agent
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

Substitute & Chef
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 (three) I bring them to work with me sometimes. I do homework with the 1st graders; I love them all… I started volunteering about a year 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.
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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Second Grade Class Leader
Dee Hodges
I attended Hope Hohenwald as a kid and always wanted the opportunity to work for Hope. This is my first year as a staff member. I work with the K-2nd grade group and love every second of it.
Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Front Desk Manager
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

Dyslexic Tutor
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

Substitute
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 12 years ago and then a full time for the Summer Camp Program and After School Program! After accepting a position with the Special Education Department at School I stayed on as a Sub during the School Year and still working the Summer Day Camp! Every time that I get called in or work in the Summer it feels like coming Home! It is my favorite place to be!
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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Fourth Grade Class Leader
chloe stewart
Hi, my name is Chloe Stewart. I am a Junior at Lewis County High School. I started working at Hope in October of 2022 as the 3rd grade class leader. I love seeing the kids everyday and being a part of a program that ministers to so many needs in the community.
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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Community Connections Manager
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

Kindergarten - First Grade Class Leader
Mya Woodward
Hey! My name is Mya Woodward. I am currently the middle school class leader in the Summer Camp Program. 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 and at the age of 17 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

Substitute
crystal smith
My name is Crystal Smith, I've been married (to Bill) for almost 26 years, we have 5 grown children and 5 grandchildren. I began volunteering with Hope for The Holidays several years ago and love every minute of it. About 3 years ago I came to Tonya and told her I wanted to be more involved than just during Christmas. She brought me on as a sub and I love it! I get to help all the teachers, sometimes tutor, and help with anything else the Hope staff needs.
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Attends The Dwelling Place Church

Kindergarten - First Grade Class Leader
addie morgan
I just finished my sophomore year at LCHS. I remember how much I loved being a Hope kid and now I work there. I love everything about the program and what it stands for. I help Mrs. Simone with the second grade class.
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Attends Freedom Holy Temple

Third Grade Class Leader
destiny hensley
Hey! I am the 3rd grade class leader this school year.
I attended Hope until I aged out after 8th grade. It has always been like home to me and I am so thankful to be back for my second school year doing what I love.
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