
DR. AMANDA POWELL – Good Hope Preschool Director
Dr. Amanda Powell has served as the Director of Good Hope Preschool since its inception in January 2009. She and her husband, Wesley, are natives of Purvis and have three children; Camdyn, Cal and Case.
Amanda graduated from William Carey University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. She continued her education at The University of Southern Mississippi earning a Master’s degree in Science Education in 2003. While completing her M.S, she taught high school science classes at Forrest County Agricultural High School and evening classes at Pearl River Community College. Amanda also earned a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University in 2009. Her degrees in science education and administration have enabled her to teach through the Mississippi Virtual Community College system since 2005. She currently teaches online courses for Holmes and East Central Community Colleges.
In addition to the designation of Preschool Director, Amanda has served in many positions at Good Hope through the years, including Children’s Director, and serving as a teacher for various Sunday school, discipleship training and Girls In Action classes.
Amanda is passionate about all things Good Hope Preschool. She has a desire to use this ministry to not only minister to the preschool students, but also their families and the amazing women that work there. She aspires that the preschool serve as a place that children are shown the love of Christ and families can know that their children are loved and prayed for daily. Her background and education in school administration and her experience in church ministry has allowed her to key in on the importance of balancing an environment that calls for high expectations and goals for the overall program, while also showing love and grace and creating a community of faith-filled women that together can achieve the program’s vision!
Dr. Amanda Powell has served as the Director of Good Hope Preschool since its inception in January 2009. She and her husband, Wesley, are natives of Purvis and have three children; Camdyn, Cal and Case.
Amanda graduated from William Carey University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. She continued her education at The University of Southern Mississippi earning a Master’s degree in Science Education in 2003. While completing her M.S, she taught high school science classes at Forrest County Agricultural High School and evening classes at Pearl River Community College. Amanda also earned a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University in 2009. Her degrees in science education and administration have enabled her to teach through the Mississippi Virtual Community College system since 2005. She currently teaches online courses for Holmes and East Central Community Colleges.
In addition to the designation of Preschool Director, Amanda has served in many positions at Good Hope through the years, including Children’s Director, and serving as a teacher for various Sunday school, discipleship training and Girls In Action classes.
Amanda is passionate about all things Good Hope Preschool. She has a desire to use this ministry to not only minister to the preschool students, but also their families and the amazing women that work there. She aspires that the preschool serve as a place that children are shown the love of Christ and families can know that their children are loved and prayed for daily. Her background and education in school administration and her experience in church ministry has allowed her to key in on the importance of balancing an environment that calls for high expectations and goals for the overall program, while also showing love and grace and creating a community of faith-filled women that together can achieve the program’s vision!

KODI ATKINS
Kodi began working at Good Hope Preschool in 2018 as a substitute teacher. She accepted a full-time position in 2020 and continues to gain so many fulfillments through this ministry. Her husband, Shane, is the Associate/Student Pastor at Good Hope and they have 4 beautiful children together, all of whom have attended/are still attending Good Hope Preschool.
Besides her ministry within the preschool, she co-teaches GAs on Wednesday nights and also serves as the Children’s Church Director. Her hobbies include hand-lettering, sewing, camping, and spending any free time she has with her family. Her passion for Good Hope Preschool is that each child she encounters not only knows how much she personally loves them, but that they understand the infinite love of Jesus Christ through the ways she teaches them.
Kodi began working at Good Hope Preschool in 2018 as a substitute teacher. She accepted a full-time position in 2020 and continues to gain so many fulfillments through this ministry. Her husband, Shane, is the Associate/Student Pastor at Good Hope and they have 4 beautiful children together, all of whom have attended/are still attending Good Hope Preschool.
Besides her ministry within the preschool, she co-teaches GAs on Wednesday nights and also serves as the Children’s Church Director. Her hobbies include hand-lettering, sewing, camping, and spending any free time she has with her family. Her passion for Good Hope Preschool is that each child she encounters not only knows how much she personally loves them, but that they understand the infinite love of Jesus Christ through the ways she teaches them.

KRISTIN ATKINS
Kristin has had the honor of working at Good Hope Preschool since 2017. She has been married to her husband; Chad, since 2006 and they have 2 daughters. Their oldest daughter is a proud graduate of Good Hope Preschool and she looks forward to her youngest daughter following in her footsteps. Their family attends Good Hope Baptist Church, where Kristin currently serves as the Nursery Director and her husband is the worship team’s lead guitarist.
Some of her favorite things are shopping, eating Mexican food, and soaking up every moment with her family. Her passion for Good Hope Preschool is to plant a seed in these little minds so that they grow and live in Christ and above all that they have fun while they learn.
Kristin has had the honor of working at Good Hope Preschool since 2017. She has been married to her husband; Chad, since 2006 and they have 2 daughters. Their oldest daughter is a proud graduate of Good Hope Preschool and she looks forward to her youngest daughter following in her footsteps. Their family attends Good Hope Baptist Church, where Kristin currently serves as the Nursery Director and her husband is the worship team’s lead guitarist.
Some of her favorite things are shopping, eating Mexican food, and soaking up every moment with her family. Her passion for Good Hope Preschool is to plant a seed in these little minds so that they grow and live in Christ and above all that they have fun while they learn.

ELIZABETH BRACEY
Elizabeth “Liz” joined Good Hope Preschool in January 2022. She has loved getting to meet new friends and seeing the children’s faces every week and hearing them say “Hey Mrs. Liz!”
Liz has been married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, since August 2007. They have 3 daughters; Ava, Harper and Kayte who all attend Baxterville school. They are members of Kensington Woods Church of Christ in Hattiesburg.
Liz has a surgical technologist degree from Pearl River Community College and worked in that field for 7 years before having her first child in 2011 and choosing becoming a stay-at-home mom. Liz loves to go camping and traveling, spending time outdoors, reading and being with her family. She focuses on letting her light shine at Good Hope Preschool and prays that the sweet children who attend see the love of Jesus through us all.
Elizabeth “Liz” joined Good Hope Preschool in January 2022. She has loved getting to meet new friends and seeing the children’s faces every week and hearing them say “Hey Mrs. Liz!”
Liz has been married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, since August 2007. They have 3 daughters; Ava, Harper and Kayte who all attend Baxterville school. They are members of Kensington Woods Church of Christ in Hattiesburg.
Liz has a surgical technologist degree from Pearl River Community College and worked in that field for 7 years before having her first child in 2011 and choosing becoming a stay-at-home mom. Liz loves to go camping and traveling, spending time outdoors, reading and being with her family. She focuses on letting her light shine at Good Hope Preschool and prays that the sweet children who attend see the love of Jesus through us all.

TERRA GEIGER
Terra has been married to Purvis native, Lance Geiger since 2010. They had their first child, Lakyn, in March 2013 and their baby, Laney, in 2018. She first started working with children as a VBS volunteer, as a youth student at her church. She loved seeing their little faces light up during Bible stories and fun activities. She interned at Disney World in the spring of 2003 where she was able to interact with guests, mostly children during tea parties. In the fall of 2003 she began work as a camp counselor for the Ocean Springs Parks and Recreation Commission’s after school and summer programs where she stayed through her college years.
In 2015, Terra left her corporate job to focus on her family and has been with the preschool since then. She loves to see how quickly children learn, adapt and grow through each year. She believes there is so much more to what these kids are learning at GH Preschool than academics. Yes, numbers, shapes and colors are a big part of what they do, but so much more is happening. They learn how to be friends, how to conduct themselves in a classroom setting. Seeing their faces light up as they push past what they thought they were capable of is the highlight of each preschool day for Terra.
Terra has been married to Purvis native, Lance Geiger since 2010. They had their first child, Lakyn, in March 2013 and their baby, Laney, in 2018. She first started working with children as a VBS volunteer, as a youth student at her church. She loved seeing their little faces light up during Bible stories and fun activities. She interned at Disney World in the spring of 2003 where she was able to interact with guests, mostly children during tea parties. In the fall of 2003 she began work as a camp counselor for the Ocean Springs Parks and Recreation Commission’s after school and summer programs where she stayed through her college years.
In 2015, Terra left her corporate job to focus on her family and has been with the preschool since then. She loves to see how quickly children learn, adapt and grow through each year. She believes there is so much more to what these kids are learning at GH Preschool than academics. Yes, numbers, shapes and colors are a big part of what they do, but so much more is happening. They learn how to be friends, how to conduct themselves in a classroom setting. Seeing their faces light up as they push past what they thought they were capable of is the highlight of each preschool day for Terra.

AMANDA JONES
Amanda is a native of Purvis and graduate of Purvis High School. She earned a cosmetology license from Pearl River Community College, but ultimately decided to pursue a career in child care. She has completed classes in playground safety, childcare regulations and licensing, and Directors orientation with the MSDH Child Care Facilities Licensure branch. Amanda has past experience working as an assistant director at Kid’s Kampus in Purvis and joined Good Hope Preschool in the fall of 2015, as a K3 teacher.
Amanda has been happily married to her high school sweetheart since June 16, 2007. They have three sons; two are graduates of Good Hope Preschool and one is currently enrolled. She is a member of Corinth Baptist Church. Her favorite color is purple and she loves animals (especially cats), camping and traveling.
Amanda is a native of Purvis and graduate of Purvis High School. She earned a cosmetology license from Pearl River Community College, but ultimately decided to pursue a career in child care. She has completed classes in playground safety, childcare regulations and licensing, and Directors orientation with the MSDH Child Care Facilities Licensure branch. Amanda has past experience working as an assistant director at Kid’s Kampus in Purvis and joined Good Hope Preschool in the fall of 2015, as a K3 teacher.
Amanda has been happily married to her high school sweetheart since June 16, 2007. They have three sons; two are graduates of Good Hope Preschool and one is currently enrolled. She is a member of Corinth Baptist Church. Her favorite color is purple and she loves animals (especially cats), camping and traveling.

SARAH LYNCHARD
Sarah is originally from the MS Delta, but moved to Hattiesburg in 2007 where she attended the University of Southern Mississippi and obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Child and Family Studies and a Master’s of Science degree in Early Intervention. After college, she worked as a Special Instructor for children ages 0-3 years with developmental delays or disabilities for 5 years. She also worked as a Parent Educator with the Parents As Teachers program for the Petal School System for 2 years, and has taught Christian preschool since 2018.
She married her husband, BJ, in 2009 and they have 3 beautiful children. Sarah became a Jesus follower at the age of 7. It is her passion in life to encourage positive development in children, grow in Jesus, and show Him to those around her through love.
Sarah is originally from the MS Delta, but moved to Hattiesburg in 2007 where she attended the University of Southern Mississippi and obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Child and Family Studies and a Master’s of Science degree in Early Intervention. After college, she worked as a Special Instructor for children ages 0-3 years with developmental delays or disabilities for 5 years. She also worked as a Parent Educator with the Parents As Teachers program for the Petal School System for 2 years, and has taught Christian preschool since 2018.
She married her husband, BJ, in 2009 and they have 3 beautiful children. Sarah became a Jesus follower at the age of 7. It is her passion in life to encourage positive development in children, grow in Jesus, and show Him to those around her through love.

TERRI MCRANEY
Terri is married to Archie McRaney and they have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. She is a member of Good Hope Baptist Church and is the most tenured teacher at the preschool. She has an Associate’s Degree in Science, which she applied as a registered respiratory therapist working at Forrest General Hospital for 18 years with 12 years dedicated to the ICU. She also was employed at Lamar Christian School for 6 years.
Terri has had the pleasure of being on the Good Hope Preschool staff since 2011. She enjoys working with children, loves spending time with her family, being outdoors enjoying God’s creation and traveling.
Terri is married to Archie McRaney and they have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. She is a member of Good Hope Baptist Church and is the most tenured teacher at the preschool. She has an Associate’s Degree in Science, which she applied as a registered respiratory therapist working at Forrest General Hospital for 18 years with 12 years dedicated to the ICU. She also was employed at Lamar Christian School for 6 years.
Terri has had the pleasure of being on the Good Hope Preschool staff since 2011. She enjoys working with children, loves spending time with her family, being outdoors enjoying God’s creation and traveling.

KAYLA NICOLOSI
Kayla was born and raised in Purvis, and is happily married to Adam Nicolosi. They are blessed with 3 kids all very close in age! She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2018 in the area of Child and Family Studies focusing on Early Childhood Development. She has been a member of Good Hope Baptist church since childhood and has always thrived serving in areas of the children’s ministry!
Kayla has had the pleasure of teaching Bible at Good Hope Preschool since 2015 and has enjoyed every single year more and more. Her desire is to see students have a clear understanding of just how much God LOVES them based on Biblical truths in which these children can have a firm foundation of faith for the rest of their lives!
Kayla was born and raised in Purvis, and is happily married to Adam Nicolosi. They are blessed with 3 kids all very close in age! She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2018 in the area of Child and Family Studies focusing on Early Childhood Development. She has been a member of Good Hope Baptist church since childhood and has always thrived serving in areas of the children’s ministry!
Kayla has had the pleasure of teaching Bible at Good Hope Preschool since 2015 and has enjoyed every single year more and more. Her desire is to see students have a clear understanding of just how much God LOVES them based on Biblical truths in which these children can have a firm foundation of faith for the rest of their lives!

ASHLEY VINES
Ashley started working at Good Hope Preschool in 2021. She graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 2012, and taught Kindergarten for 2 years. Early childhood education is a huge passion for her! She enjoys teaching Christian preschool because in addition to teaching academics, she has the great pleasure and responsibility of teaching who Christ is and the importance of knowing and following Him!
In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband, Michael, and their 4 beautiful boys. She enjoys crafting, painting, playing tennis, and spending time on the beach any chance she gets. It is her hope and prayer that through working with children, she can instill a love of learning, and help children experience the love of Jesus as they learn, play, and grow together.
Ashley started working at Good Hope Preschool in 2021. She graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 2012, and taught Kindergarten for 2 years. Early childhood education is a huge passion for her! She enjoys teaching Christian preschool because in addition to teaching academics, she has the great pleasure and responsibility of teaching who Christ is and the importance of knowing and following Him!
In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband, Michael, and their 4 beautiful boys. She enjoys crafting, painting, playing tennis, and spending time on the beach any chance she gets. It is her hope and prayer that through working with children, she can instill a love of learning, and help children experience the love of Jesus as they learn, play, and grow together.

AMBER WALL
Amber is excited to be back again at Good Hope Preschool after having been here previously during the 2015-2016 academic year. She has been married since 2010 and has 2 daughters and 1 son. She enjoys scrapbooking, crocheting, reading, camping, road trips, and outdoor adventures with her family. She was born again at the age of 14 and since then has felt called to work with children.
She has experience working with young children at several different daycares and preschools since she was in her early 20s, earning many certifications along the way. Her passion lies in teaching and caring for infants and preschoolers. She believes all children benefit greatly in having a village that is dedicated to loving that child and leading them towards Christ. It is her honor to be a part of that village here at Good Hope Preschool.
Amber is excited to be back again at Good Hope Preschool after having been here previously during the 2015-2016 academic year. She has been married since 2010 and has 2 daughters and 1 son. She enjoys scrapbooking, crocheting, reading, camping, road trips, and outdoor adventures with her family. She was born again at the age of 14 and since then has felt called to work with children.
She has experience working with young children at several different daycares and preschools since she was in her early 20s, earning many certifications along the way. Her passion lies in teaching and caring for infants and preschoolers. She believes all children benefit greatly in having a village that is dedicated to loving that child and leading them towards Christ. It is her honor to be a part of that village here at Good Hope Preschool.

MISSY WALKER
Melissa (Missy) Walker began working at Good Hope Preschool as a substitute teacher, but quickly moved into a full-time teaching position in 2018. She has been married to her amazing husband, Scott, since September 23, 2000, and they have 3 wonderful children. For the 2 years during her husband’s time in anesthesia school, Missy occasionally subbed as a nurse for a local high school, and she also taught preschool part-time at Shandon Baptist Church in South Carolina. It was here that Missy’s love for teaching young children grew exponentially. After moving back to South Mississippi, she happily found the balance between motherhood and teaching through Good Hope Preschool.
Missy and her family are members at Good Hope Baptist Church where they serve in the many areas that their children are involved. Beyond the preschool and church, you can find Missy supporting her children in all their athletic and academic activities. Missy loves working in her yard planting flowers and entertaining anyone and everyone at her home. Her favorite thing about teaching is being able to prepare the students for the transition from preschool to kindergarten alongside her amazing fellow teachers at Good Hope Preschool.
Melissa (Missy) Walker began working at Good Hope Preschool as a substitute teacher, but quickly moved into a full-time teaching position in 2018. She has been married to her amazing husband, Scott, since September 23, 2000, and they have 3 wonderful children. For the 2 years during her husband’s time in anesthesia school, Missy occasionally subbed as a nurse for a local high school, and she also taught preschool part-time at Shandon Baptist Church in South Carolina. It was here that Missy’s love for teaching young children grew exponentially. After moving back to South Mississippi, she happily found the balance between motherhood and teaching through Good Hope Preschool.
Missy and her family are members at Good Hope Baptist Church where they serve in the many areas that their children are involved. Beyond the preschool and church, you can find Missy supporting her children in all their athletic and academic activities. Missy loves working in her yard planting flowers and entertaining anyone and everyone at her home. Her favorite thing about teaching is being able to prepare the students for the transition from preschool to kindergarten alongside her amazing fellow teachers at Good Hope Preschool.

KIRSTEN WARD
Kirsten has been married to her husband, Daniel, who is a First Sergeant in the Air National Guard and Director of Training of NCS4 at USM, since 2011. They have 4 sons, Lane, Korbin, Grayson, and Mason. Kirsten has been a teacher at Good Hope Preschool since 2017, teaching in both the 2/3 year old class and the 3/4 year old class.
Kirsten and her family are members of Good Hope Baptist church where they are very involved in various ministries. Kirsten serves as a youth Sunday School teacher, small group leader on Wednesday nights, Children’s Church volunteer, and nursery volunteer. She has also planned and organized Good Hope’s Fall Festival since 2019. Kirsten enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her boys in all of their various activities and endeavors, shopping, and planning for Halloween and Christmas.
Kirsten’s favorite thing about being a teacher at Good Hope Preschool is getting the chance to be a stepping stone in these sweet children’s lives. She considers each year a success when she sees the children learning, loving, and knowing more about Jesus.
Kirsten has been married to her husband, Daniel, who is a First Sergeant in the Air National Guard and Director of Training of NCS4 at USM, since 2011. They have 4 sons, Lane, Korbin, Grayson, and Mason. Kirsten has been a teacher at Good Hope Preschool since 2017, teaching in both the 2/3 year old class and the 3/4 year old class.
Kirsten and her family are members of Good Hope Baptist church where they are very involved in various ministries. Kirsten serves as a youth Sunday School teacher, small group leader on Wednesday nights, Children’s Church volunteer, and nursery volunteer. She has also planned and organized Good Hope’s Fall Festival since 2019. Kirsten enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her boys in all of their various activities and endeavors, shopping, and planning for Halloween and Christmas.
Kirsten’s favorite thing about being a teacher at Good Hope Preschool is getting the chance to be a stepping stone in these sweet children’s lives. She considers each year a success when she sees the children learning, loving, and knowing more about Jesus.