Hi! I'm Sequena. As the Director of Afterschool Achievement, I manage both YES and High Achievers which are grant sponsored programs of Georgia College. I have over 20 years of service at Georgia College and 16 years of experience managing grant funded programs in respect to compliance, fiscal and staff management. Youth programs are my passion because I love to help people strive to reach their full potential.
Credentials: Bachelors Business 04', Masters Public Administration 08', Educational Specialist 18'.
Hello, I'm Dimitra Burney Veal. I currently teach and serve as a leader at OHMS. I have a Bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education, a Master's degree in Teacher Leadership, and a second Master's degree in Educational Leadership. I hold a Ed.S in Curriculum and Instruction and currently pursuing a Ed.D from Kennesaw State University. I have served as co-coordinator at OHMS and as interim coordinator for LVA YES program. I currently serve as the Education Coordinator for YES at Lakeview Academy. I enjoy eating, traveling, reading, fishing and spending time with my husband and kids.
SHANONA MERRELL-SETTLES
With two decades of experience in education, I currently serve as a sixth-grade teacher at Oak Hill Middle School. My passion lies in fostering academic success and personal growth in students. Outside of the classroom, I am an ordained minister and an entrepreneur, owning my own tax company. My husband and I are blessed with seven children. In my free time, I enjoy attending church, deepening my understanding of faith, spending quality time with my family, and engaging in opportunities to educate others. I am eager to contribute to the YES program, supporting students in achieving their full potential in both their academic pursuits and enrichment courses.
Bermisha Smith
Restorative Behavior Analyst
I am a mother to a beautiful daughter Faith whom I adore. I graduated from Albany State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education in School Counseling. I have served as an inclusion co-teacher for Special Education in Language Arts and Social Studies. As our YES Program Restorative Behavior Analyst, my desire is to help students advocate for themselves, become emotionally cognizant of their emotions, and improve social awareness skills in a fun and impactful way.
Kori Rucker
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Rucker and I started working with the YES program here at LVA just last year and I really enjoy it. This is my 20th year teaching with 8 years at LVA as a 4th grade teacher. It has forever changed my life and I know that my calling has been revealed.
I received a bachelor's degree in Human Development & Family Studies from Oakwood University in Huntsville AL. I completed my master's in Middle Grades with concentrations in Math and Science from Georgia College and State University in 2022.
Diondrea Whipple
Teacher
Greetings, I am a 4th grade teacher at Lakeview Academy. I joined the YES team in Fall 2021 and have continued to help our students succeed during our academic hour and embrace entrepreneurial opportunities. As Lakeview Academy's 2024 Teacher of the Year, I strive to celebrate and educate on a holistic level.
Cynthia Morgan
Teacher
Hello, I am Mrs. Cynthia Morgan. I am a 30 year veteran elementary teacher. I am the proud graduate of Georgia College & State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Currently, I am a kindergarten teacher at Midway Hills Primary School. I have been a YES program instructor for several years. I am the honored mother of three children who are all in graduate or undergraduate schools at various universities in Georgia. My hobbies include riding motorcycles and hanging out with my husband of 25 years.
Priscilla Hll
Teacher
My name is Priscilla R. Hill. I am a retired educator. Since my retirement, I have worked for teachers who have been absent for more than six weeks, and worked the YES program for more than ten years. I love working with children. I am the district coordinator for five youth chapters in the Middle Georgia, president of youth group in my church, and director of a youth group in Milledgeville. Being around young children, helps me understand them better and allows me to help them to be the best they can be.
Nichelle Stevens
Teacher
I am a devoted wife of 18 years, and I am a proud parent to my stepdaughter and granddaughter. I am well educated, which includes an Associate’s Degree in General Education, a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, and two Master’s Degrees (General Psychology and Human Factors Psychology). I am a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-I) as well. My interests are reading, cooking, and family time. I enjoy every minute of being with my family.
Cornelius Waller
Teacher
Hello, my name is Mr. Waller, and I’m a 6-year educator teaching at both Baldwin High School and currently at Oak Hill Middle School for 7th grade. I joined the YES team in the fall of 2024. I’m dedicated to helping our students thrive during both academic and enrichment hours.
Renette Hall
Teacher
Hello, my name is Renette Hall. I currently teach 3rd grade here at LVA. This is my 15th year in education. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, shopping, and arts and crafts. I previously taught 4th grade at the YES program.
Shania Duncan
Teacher
My name is Shania Duncan. I teach Personal Finance and Economics at Baldwin High School. I love teaching at the same school I graduated from years ago. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Economics with an emphasis in Financial Planning at the University of Georgia. Teaching is my way of giving back to my community, the same community that has poured into me for many years. I am so happy that I joined the YES LVA family. This experience has been nothing short of amazing.
Luein Reeves
Teacher
I am from Milledgeville,Ga. This is my tenth year working in the Baldwin County School System. During my ten year tenure I have worked with grade levels 3rd through 5th. This will be my first year working the YES program, in which I will be looking forward to having the opportunity to further engage students in academic, social, and physical activities beyond school hours.
Dorothy Turner
Paraprofessional
My name is Dorothy Turner and I am a retired employee of the Baldwin County School System. I have been working with the YES Program for a number of years. I enjoy helping the students in the YES Program and look forward to working many more years with the YES Program.
Chanita Grier
Paraprofessional
My name is Chanita Grier.I enjoy working with the YES Program. I am a humble and grateful person that enjoys helping kids broaden their horizons and I am very excited to see what is to come! I am a substitute teacher in Baldwin Co school district for all school grade levels. I am here to encourage all students and assist teachers in their needs.I enjoy anything dealing with ART! My free time is spent traveling and attending concerts.
Jalyn Glenn
Paraprofessional
My name is Mr. Glenn and I am ecstatic to join the LVA YES family. As a 2016 Baldwin High Alum, I thrive on helping our future scholars to develop socially, academically and emotionally. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and friends. My greatest joy is venturing into the entrepreneurship of arts and crafts.
Lakessia Webb
Paraprofessional
I has been working in the school system for over 15 years. I have held numerous positions. I am currently employed at LVA as a paraprofessional in the PEC Department for 3 years. I love working with children to help shape and mold them to become independent individuals as they grow in life. This includes working on social emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, math, arts, science, and social studies skills. I enjoy braiding hair, being creative with art, singing, listening to music, and spending time with my children and grandchild.
Allen Edwards
GC Student Tutor
Allen Edwards is a Milledgeville native, a proud Georgia College & State University (GCSU) alumni, and a dedicated community advocate. Passionate about making a difference, he actively works to support and uplift his local community.
Steven Lewis
Teacher
Hello! My name is Steven Lewis and I teach Life Science in 7th grade at Oak Hill Middle School. I have always been a huge admirer of science and that admiration took me on a cross-country roadtrip which spanned the length of two summers. I went to over half of the 63 National Parks that our country boasts in over 35 states. I hope to help my students fall in love with science the same way I did in school!
Barbara Swint
Paraprofessional
My name is Barbara Swint. I am a resident of Baldwin County. I was born and raised in Hancock County where I attended the public school system in Hancock County. Where I graduated from Hancock Central High School. in 1980. I attended American Inter Continental University Also Grand Canyon University. Where I received an Associate Degree in Arts and Business Administration. I am a mother of three adult daughters. One is an RN, Social Worker and a CNA. I have always had a passion for young people and our elderly citizens. I am a retired educator from the Baldwin County Public School System. I have served the systems for thirty plus years.
Centerica Walker
Paraprofessional
My name is Centerica Walker. I am a passionate educator and self-published author dedicated to inspiring and uplifting others through my creative work. I hold an Associate's degree in Business Administration and Medical Assisting, and a TCC (Technical Certificate of Credit) in Early Childhood Education. With a strong background in both health and education, I combine my expertise and creativity to make a meaningful impact, especially in the lives of children. My love for working with kids and my artistic talents shine through in everything I do, from teaching to mentoring to creating imaginative and empowering stories as a children’s author.