meet our founder, president and administrator
Hi, I´m Andrea Mefford
God has given me a passion to help others understand that God created them exactly how He wanted them to be, that He loves them, and that He has a purpose for their lives. He has also given me a passion to reach out specifically to people with exceptional needs and help them find and fulfill His purpose and plan for them.
Starting this organization is a desire God placed on my heart over 17 years ago. When choosing a child's educational path, everyone deserves to have a Christian school environment as an option.
I have been waiting patiently for God to open doors and have been doing everything I can to prepare myself for when He does.
In 2021, some unexpected doors opened, and we were able to begin developing Fearfully & Wonderfully Made! We have grown so much over the past several years, and I know God has big plans for us in His time!
My Experience:
In addition to helping my own children with various needs, I have worked in the realm of special needs for over seventeen years in a variety of capacities.
-Direct care through A Small Miracle, Inc. and Autism Society of NC.
-Exceptional Students Teacher Assistant for NC Public Schools.
-Training Coordinator and Community Services Coordinator for Autism Society of NC.
-Exceptional Students Elementary Teacher and Exceptional Students Program Director at Bethel Christian Academy.
-Tutoring and homeschool resource classes for children who need extra support.
-Currently organizing a homeschool co-operative and running a small Christian school both of which provide support for children and teens of all ability levels and their families.
My Education:
-B.A. in Education from Southeastern FWB College
-B.S. in Psychology and Counseling from Liberty University
-M.A.T. in Special Education from Welch College
God has given me a passion to help others understand that God created them exactly how He wanted them to be, that He loves them, and that He has a purpose for their lives. He has also given me a passion to reach out specifically to people with exceptional needs and help them find and fulfill His purpose and plan for them.
Starting this organization is a desire God placed on my heart over 17 years ago. When choosing a child's educational path, everyone deserves to have a Christian school environment as an option.
I have been waiting patiently for God to open doors and have been doing everything I can to prepare myself for when He does.
In 2021, some unexpected doors opened, and we were able to begin developing Fearfully & Wonderfully Made! We have grown so much over the past several years, and I know God has big plans for us in His time!
My Experience:
In addition to helping my own children with various needs, I have worked in the realm of special needs for over seventeen years in a variety of capacities.
-Direct care through A Small Miracle, Inc. and Autism Society of NC.
-Exceptional Students Teacher Assistant for NC Public Schools.
-Training Coordinator and Community Services Coordinator for Autism Society of NC.
-Exceptional Students Elementary Teacher and Exceptional Students Program Director at Bethel Christian Academy.
-Tutoring and homeschool resource classes for children who need extra support.
-Currently organizing a homeschool co-operative and running a small Christian school both of which provide support for children and teens of all ability levels and their families.
My Education:
-B.A. in Education from Southeastern FWB College
-B.S. in Psychology and Counseling from Liberty University
-M.A.T. in Special Education from Welch College
SUSAN LOCOCO
Lower Elementary Teacher and Administrative Assistant/Finances
Susan is a mother of four that has two children with special needs. She is married to Matthew Lococo who is an instructional coach for a local county school system as well as ESL teacher at a Community college. She has an Associate Business Degree and an early childhood administration certificate. she has several years of experience in childcare as well as a children’s director in a church. She has spent a number of years as a homeschool mom and understands the importance of Christian education for children with special needs.
DAVETTE HARWARD
ELEMENTARY TEACHER AND EARLYCARE DIRECTOR
Davette is a second-year teacher. She graduated & earned a BS in Business Administration with honors. She is a retired Court Reporter for the State of North Carolina, where she earned State and national certifications in court reporting. She is married to Mike Harward, who is a high school and ESP teacher, along with coaching at Bethel Christian Academy. She feels god has brought her to Fearfully and wonderfully made academy to help students who need a Christian education that is uniquely tailored to fit their individual needs.
jennifer lewis
math and p.e. teacher
Jennifer Lewis has a heart for teaching and encouraging children as they grow academically and personally. Before joining the staff at Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Academy, she homeschooled her son for several years, gaining valuable experience in creating engaging lessons and helping students learn in ways that work best for them. Jennifer also serves as the Children and Family Pastor at Faith Fellowship Church in Kinston, where she is passionate about guiding children and families in their faith and personal growth. She enjoys creating a positive, supportive learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged to do their best. Jennifer is married and loves investing in children, families, and her community.
CAROLINA PEYTON
SPANISH AND COMPUTER TEACHER
She is a first-year teacher at FWMA . Carolina is from Mexico. She is married to Sean Peyton, she is a native Spanish speaker, and her specialty is Graphic Design, she has several years working as a freelance designer. She seeks to be better in life and to be able to help students achieve their student goals.
Meet our board of directors
teresa petty
Secretary
Teresa is a pastor’s wife with over 25 years of experience in the education field. She is passionate about providing children with a quality education that has a biblical worldview while meeting their individual educational learning needs. With a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a background of teaching in kindergarten and preschool, she possesses a deep understanding of child development, special education, and the importance of meeting the needs of both students and their families.
She is also the mother of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made’s Founder and has been working and praying behind the scenes for many years before becoming part of the board.
She is also the mother of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made’s Founder and has been working and praying behind the scenes for many years before becoming part of the board.
margo rivero
Treasurer
Margo is a retired Christian school educator with almost 15 years of experience teaching in both North Carolina and Florida. With a master’s degree in Christian education and an undergraduate degree in psychology, She brings a strong educational background to our board. she also spent a number of years as a homeschool parent and a Christian preschool director.
She worked alongside our founder for several years and saw the benefit of helping students of all ability levels succeed. With her years of education and work experience, she Plays an important role in understanding the operational efficiency of our ministry along with her commitment to the success of our students and staff.
She worked alongside our founder for several years and saw the benefit of helping students of all ability levels succeed. With her years of education and work experience, she Plays an important role in understanding the operational efficiency of our ministry along with her commitment to the success of our students and staff.
HERMANDA BUTLER
Parent Representative
Hermanda is the mother of one of our high school students who has sought support from multiple sources. She has researched resources in our area and is able to give wonderful ideas and feedback regarding meeting our school´s mission and vision. Her experience, knowledge, and giving heart has been a wonderful asset to our board.
Here is her Parent Testimony: It is difficult to express how thankful and blessed we are to be a part of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Our son Jase has struggled with the world around him, especially academics, due to his diagnosis of Autism. We have literally explored any and all options available to ensure he receives his education. We tried public school, home school with several costly academic programs, and a Montessori online school.
Here is her Parent Testimony: It is difficult to express how thankful and blessed we are to be a part of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Our son Jase has struggled with the world around him, especially academics, due to his diagnosis of Autism. We have literally explored any and all options available to ensure he receives his education. We tried public school, home school with several costly academic programs, and a Montessori online school.