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.

      "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.

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 (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

Dee Hodges

I attended Hope Hohenwald as a kid and always wanted the opportunity to work for Hope. This is my second year as a staff member. I work with the K-2nd grade group and love every second of it.

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 at the front desk 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 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

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

anslea emory

My name is Anslea Emory. I am 16 years old and I go to Lewis Co. I chose to work at Hope because I feel like the kids need a positive role model and I want to help them academically. 

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Attends Freedom Holy Temple Church

alauna bailey

Hi! My name is Alauna Bailey and I am working with the second grade class. I work for Hope Hohenwald because I went to Hope myself and it was always the best time. I want to help everyone have the best summer ever. 

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Attends Fairfield Baptist Church

jayden moore

My name is Jayden Moore. My parents are Justine and Michael Moore. I love playing basketball, spending time with friends and boyfriend, and I love to go shopping. I chose to work at Hope because I believe they provide so many opportunities for children and I wanted to be apart of that. 

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Attends Blondy Church of God

drew ray

My name is Drew Ray and I have the third grade class. I enjoy playing football and working out. I was a Hope kid when I was younger and I am grateful to have the opportunity to now be one of the staff. 

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Attends Blondy Church of God

abby mitchell

Hi, my name is Abby Mitchell and I work with the fourth grade class. I live in Memphis, TN. I feel I have been called to work with Hope through the Lord, and I can't wait to serve. 

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Attends Christ Community Baptist Church

nathan hamblin

My name is Nathan Hamblin and attend MTSU. 

This is my second summer with Hope in the fourth grade class. I enjoy football and anything outdoors. 

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Attends Twomey Church of Christ

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cole farr

I am a recent graduate of Lewis County High School. I plan to attend UT Martin at Parsons and coach middle school football. I have worked for Hope the last three years, it is a super fun job. 

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

cade lomax

I am 17 and enjoy sports. I've played basketball all of my life. I have chosen to work at Hope because it seems like a fun environment to work during the summer. It gives me an opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. 

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

catherine hackett

Hi everyone! My name is Catherine Hackett and I am a junior at Freed - Hardeman University. I am currently on the FHU volleyball team and love to travel. I am super excited to lead the middle school group this summer. 

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Attends Lomax Church of Christ

levi graham

My name is Levi Graham and this is my first 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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cayleb moore

My name is Cayleb Moore and I enjoy anything outdoors. Whether it be fishing, golf, spending time with my family and girlfriend, or just hanging out at home. This is my first summer working at Hope. 

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kayley shadix

My name is Kayley Shadix and I am a junior at Summertown High School. I enjoy playing softball and hanging out with friends. 

This is my second summer at Hope and I look forward to making new memories. 

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jariann barton

My name is Jariann Barton and a mother of 3. I have been a CNA for the last 10 years. Hope is giving me the opportunity to gain new experiences and giving my children the opportunity to make new friends and memories. I look forward to an amazing summer.

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Attends The Dwelling Place 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 last year. Now, I am going to substitute over the summer. I want to help the kids grow, enjoy life, and see what they can teach me.