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'.
SHANONA MERRELL-SETTLES
Hi! I am Shanona Merrell- Settles. With over 20 years of experience in education, I currently serve as PEC Lead Teacher and PEC Department Chair at Oak Hill Middle School. I am passionate about supporting students’ academic success and personal growth. Outside the classroom, I am an ordained minister, entrepreneur, wife, and proud parent of seven. I look forward to contributing to the YES Program by helping students reach their full potential academically and through enrichment opportunities.
Diondrea Whipple
Teacher
I am excited to begin my 11th year in education and look forward to another year of helping students learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Before becoming an educator, I proudly served for 11 years as a Juvenile Probation and Parole Specialist II with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. That experience strengthened my passion for supporting and empowering young people both inside and outside the classroom. I am the proud parent of two amazing children who inspire me every day. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my family. I look forward to building strong relationships with students and families and making a positive impact throughout the school year.
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.
Cynthia Morgan
Teacher
I’m Mrs. Morgan, and I recently retired after 30 wonderful years of teaching kindergarten. Teaching has always been my passion, and I cherish the opportunity I had to inspire and nurture young learners throughout my career.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, and traveling. I am also the proud mother of two amazing sons and one amazing daughter, who bring so much joy to my life. I look forward to this new chapter while continuing to make a positive impact wherever I go.
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.
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.
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.
Latonya Knox
Teacher
Greetings,
My name is Tonya Knox, and I am excited to join the YES! Program at Lakeview Academy. I hold an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration (K–12), a Master’s in Reading, and a Reading Specialist endorsement from Wayne State University. With experience teaching grades K–8 in Detroit Public Schools and serving as a Literacy Coach and District Instruction Specialist, I am passionate about improving student achievement. I look forward to using my expertise in literacy and instruction to support our students and help prepare future leaders.
Luein Reeves
Teacher
Welcome to a brand-new school year! I am so excited to have you in our class. This is my 11th year teaching in the Baldwin County School District. I am married and enjoy working out, collecting shoes, caring for my plants, training my dog, restoring old cars, working on home improvement projects with my dad, and reading books. My favorite NBA player is Anthony Edwards. I look forward to a school year filled with learning, laughter, teamwork, and new adventures!
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.
Dorothy Turner
Paraprofessional
My name is Dorothy Turner, and I am a graduate of Washington County High School. I have proudly served as a tutor with the YES Program for the past 18 years. I truly enjoy working with children and helping them learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I look forward to an exciting year filled with learning, fun, and new experiences!
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.
Teacher
My name is Shania Duncan, and I am excited to be a part of the Oak Hill Middle School family. I currently teach sixth-grade math and have also taught high school social studies to students in grades 9–12, giving me the opportunity to work with students across a wide range of ages and learning styles. I am passionate about education and believe every student has the ability to succeed. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling and spending quality time with my family. I look forward to a school year filled with learning, growth, and success!