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
Ms. Emma
Administrator’s assistant
I am excited to join the school as the administrator’s assistant! I will be helping the students and staff wherever i am needed. i cannot wait to meet all the students and get to know them!
I am currently completing my bachelors degree in Psychology at East Carlolina University. I plan on completing a masters in School Counselling after my undergraduate. I have always loved working with kids and cannot wait to start helping at FWM!
I am currently completing my bachelors degree in Psychology at East Carlolina University. I plan on completing a masters in School Counselling after my undergraduate. I have always loved working with kids and cannot wait to start helping at FWM!
TEACHERS
SUSAN LOCOCO
Lower Elementary Teacher
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.
Latoya hobbs
Middle and Highschool teacher
B.A. in Psychology from ECU with 13+ years of experience leading youth programs and student development. Latoya teaches Math, Science, History, and P.E. She is excited to make learning fun while helping students build confidence and life skills. Latoya is married and have two wonderful sons. She enjoys reading, exercising, spending time with her family, and creating new things. She loves helping children learn and grow!
CAROLINA PEYTON
SPANISH AND COMPUTER TEACHER
This is her second year as a 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 goals.
steve Palmer
Middle School Bible Teacher
I am looking forward to teaching Middle School Bible this year and being able to connect with the students and help them grow spiritually. I have lived in Kinston for 9 months, and I moved here from Wellington, KS. I was the Children’s Church Pastor there for 15 years. I retired and my son in law took the position. My wife Tammy and I lived in Kansas all our lives. We have one daughter that lives in Kinston and one daughter with
Jesus. We have 7 grandkids and 3 live with us. I love
the Lord with all my heart!!!
Jesus. We have 7 grandkids and 3 live with us. I love
the Lord with all my heart!!!
DR. GREG kincaid
HIGH SCHOOL Apologetics Teacher
My wife, Carla, and I have three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild! We have lived in NC for over 25 years now, which the longest we’ve ever lived anywhere. For the first part of our married life, I was in the military, so we lived many different places. I am a pastor and I am retired from the USAF. I hold seven college degrees:
DMin, ThM, MDiv, MATS, and a BSR all in religion and theology and two AS in Public Health. It is my honor to teach High School students apologetics as we consider Scripture, worldview, comparative religion, and biblical archaeology.
DMin, ThM, MDiv, MATS, and a BSR all in religion and theology and two AS in Public Health. It is my honor to teach High School students apologetics as we consider Scripture, worldview, comparative religion, and biblical archaeology.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Jenny Donoho
Administrative Assistant
I will be the new Administrative Assistant at Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Academy for this upcoming school year. I am so excited to meet all of our parents and students. I am married to Chad, and we have 3 beautiful children, Anna Grace, Luke, & Emma. We also have a Golden Retriever named Wrigley. I am originally from Alabama and have lived in
Kinston, NC for 12 years. I attended Welch College in Tennessee and then moved back home to study Cosmetology /Barbering. I have been a hairstylist for 25 years.
Kinston, NC for 12 years. I attended Welch College in Tennessee and then moved back home to study Cosmetology /Barbering. I have been a hairstylist for 25 years.
Rebekah Devine
Administrative Assistant
I am joining as a new Administrative Assistant this year. I will also be assisting in some middle school classes. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and helping where I can! My husband Kevin and I have two daughters, Mackenzie and Madison. We also have 3 dogs. I have 19 years of administrative experience including finance and aviation! I also have a background in the medical field.
Mrs. Rebecca
Financial Administrator
I have a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in Behavioral Studies from UNC Wilmington. In my 13 years of teaching, I have taught every grade from K5 through 10th grade. However, middle school English is my favorite. Since my daughter was born, I have taken a step back from the classroom. This year, I will be working in the financial department at FWMA. Business and Finance have always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to being able to put these skills to use this school year!
Kimberly Moore
Finance Director
I have taken on the role of Finance Director for FWMA. I have over 30 years experience in business development and finance. I have managed the credit card program for an aviation company the past 9 years. I am looking forward to this new opportunity and I am excited about this school year. I have been married for 34 years and have 4 children and 4 grandchildren. I have lived in Kinston my whole life. I love to travel and spend time with my family. My hobbies include treasure hunting at thrift and antique stores. Always on the hunt for a rare or unusual piece.
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.