“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8
Laura May
Wife, mom of 5 and Mimi to 20. She began homeschooling in 1989, when her oldest child was in the 2nd grade. God has given Mrs. Laura a great desire to serve, teach, and encourage young ladies. Growing in Grace began as a simple class for her daughters and a few of their friends in 2012. They would meet, learn, study, laugh, cry, dance, sing and act crazy. Together they grew spiritually and learned of God’s purpose for their lives. While her goal is still the same, she is encouraged to see how the Lord has grown Growing in Grace and brought women alongside her to pursue the goal of loving these girls and teaching them about Christ.
“I have been blessed beyond measure with the privilege of watching some of the most precious young ladies grow in their love for the Lord, build lifetime friendships, and I look forward to seeing who else He will place in my life to love and encourage. May my life be a reflection of HIM and I pray they leave knowing how much they are loved by our Creator! “
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15
Mona Cobb
Mona started her homeschooling journey in 1992. Wife to Jake, mother to five children, and Mimi to five grandchildren. Mona is passionate about the history of our county and His creation. She loves to incorporate drama, re-enactments and music into her classes.
“To have a small part in raising up the next generation to be strong in who they are in Christ, who they are as American Citizens and to understand “His Story” through history is a tremendous privilege.”
“Love never fails.” -1 Corinthians 13
Christy Devereux
Christy teaches Science & Bible at Growing in Grace. She is also a licensed Cosmetologist and currently a college student herself. Her three children (all grown) were all homeschooled at some point. She has 3 sweet grand-daughters too. Christy has been a teacher with Growing in Grace since 2019, she believes that science proves the existence of a creator and that creator is God.
“Jesus is the center of my life and I try to reveal Him in all of creation. From the smallest molecule to the farthest galaxy, you can’t deny there is a creator!“
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. with you.” -Philippians 4: 4-9
Josephine D. Rose
Josephine is a follower of Christ who is passionate about sharing God’s faithfulness through writing and teaching. She is faithful in loving and helping out whenever she is needed. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on biblical studies. Josephine has written for various ministries over the years and is thankful to be publishing her first Bible study project next spring. She’s excited to serve Growing in Grace this semester by teaching Bible and English classes.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.” -Romans 12:1
Deanna Potts
Deanna is a Christ follower, wife, and mom to seven children, she has had 3 daughters already graduate with Growing in Grace and one to go. Deanna manages our sales and inventory, facilitates study hall and creative arts, and administers regulatory services. She is a counselor and guide for our students and substitutes whenever needed. Deanna has a servants heart and is always willing to jump in wherever and whenever the need arises. She will is such a blessing to our ministry!
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
-Proverbs 31:26
Tracy Robinson
Tracy is our tech support for Growing in Grace. She creates online content for virtually every classroom as well and publishing books for many classes. Tracy has created over 200 hours of mathematics videos for our online instruction. She administers our online systems, website, and school app. Together with her husband of 22 years they have homeschooled their two children since 2013. In “pre-mommy” life she wrote data base applications and provided streamlining and organizational services for various startup companies.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, …” Colossians 3:23
Tiffany May
I am thrilled to announce that Tiffany will be back agin this year. She graduated from Ole Miss with her Bachelors in Education in May 2013. She has been married to her husband, Phillip, since 2008 and a mom to 4 girls and 1 boy. She is an excellent home-maker and baker.
She will be teaching Foundations of Math and English to our 7th-8th graders. She has been such a blessing to our staff and our students!
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good”-Romans 12:9
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6
Chitquita Black
We are so blessed to have “Quita” as a part of Growing in Grace again this year. She serves in the kitchen and will be teaching Home Economics and facilitating our Basic Life Skills class. She is a faithful follower of Christ and loves being a wife and momma to her 5 children. Quita has been around for a few years and has always had such a servants heart.
“Let all that you do be done in love” -1 Corinthians 16:14
Vanessa Sluder
Vanessa is a dedicated nurse practitioner with over 31 years of experience in various healthcare settings. She started her career as a registered sleep study technician. She then graduated with her Bachelors in Nursing in 2003 from Baptist College of Health Sciences and with her Masters in Nursing in 2009 from the University of Memphis.
She has been happily married to her husband, David, for 21 years. Vanessa’s home is filled with the joy of her beloved pets, including two dogs, Duke and Rusty, four cats, and ten chickens.
Beyond her professional life, Vanessa is a devout follower of the Lord Jesus since the age of 7, finding strength and inspiration in her faith and spending time with fellow believers. She is also an avid fiber artist, with a passion for crocheting, knitting, sewing, and vinyl projects. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for crafting, creating, and lifelong learning.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” -Isaiah 41:10
Gari Marie Smith
Gari Marie, a graduate of Ole Miss, is a former educator who taught locally and overseas in Kenya for ten years. She has a love for teaching and sharing the good news of the Gospel through the faithful proclamation of God’s word. She is married to Brad and they serve and worship at Gospel Life Church in Cockrum. They have a married daughter, and two spoiled dogs. She is excited for the opportunity to slip back into the classroom and teach Spanish! ¡Vamos a aprender español!
“”For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us”. -Romans 8:18
Sara Flowers
Sara, along with her husband, Michael, and their family, calls Olive Branch home and is deeply connected to Great Commission Church. From the very beginning, she has found joy in serving—whether through small groups, children’s ministries, the prayer team, or any opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Her faith is her foundation, and she is continually growing in her walk with the Lord, ever grateful for His boundless love and grace, no matter life’s imperfections. He alone saves!
Teaching has always been a passion for Sara. She previously taught at Center Hill High in DeSoto County, MS, where her five children have attended—three of whom have graduated. As an alumna of the University of Mississippi, she has a deep love for her state and is dedicated to strengthening math education across Mississippi. Over the years, she has taught elementary and middle school math, as well as Algebra 1. Since June 2020, she has been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Math Nation, excited to bring this valuable resource to GIG math classrooms. More than anything, she looks forward to working with students again—helping them grow not just in math, but in faith as well.
Madi Baranuk
Madi Baraniuk graduated from Liberty University with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree. She and her husband, Vlad, attend Longview Heights Baptist Church where he currently serves on the staff. Prior to becoming a mother, Madi spent several years working in case management for a Community Mental Health Center. Madi has spoken occasionally for Growing in Grace in years past, and has been a part of The Girls Retreat each October since 2018. For the past 2 years, Madi has had the privilege of being a stay at home mom, but she is so excited to join the teaching team this fall.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” –II Timothy 3:16-17
Hannah Allen
Hannah has been married for 18 years and has 5 daughters; two of which have been a part of our program for the past two years. She has been homeschooling for the past 8 years. She will join us to teach science and personal finance.
Hannah graduated from NEMCC in 2007 with a degree in Dental hygiene, and worked as a Dental hygienist from 2007- 2021. In 2021, Hannah stepped away to focus on her family and only work occasionally. Her family loves Jesus and spending time together.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Brittany May
Brittany is a follower of Christ, wife to Gavin for 21 years and homeschooling mom for the past 12 years to five children7. As a second generation homeschooling family she believes that all education begins in the home, and that the source of all knowledge and truth is the Word of God. She is excited to join GiG this year and come alongside parents and students as they pursue their educational goals. She will be teaching logic and history for junior high.
“Sanctify them in Truth, your Word is Truth.” -John 17:17
Jeanine Tippins
I am so excited to add this year my sweet, longtime friend, Jeanine. She was a homeschool mom with 25 years experience. Jeanine has taught at several cottage schools over the past six years. She is a member of Wyatte Church where she and serves faithfully. She is married to Bill and they have four daughters, one grand daughter and another one on the way.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..” – Jeremiah 29:11
Kaeleigh Whitehead
Kaeleigh, a former student and Class of 2025, will be taking a ‘gap’ year this fall to our team teaching Sign Language I. She has taken American Sign Language for the past 4 years and will be taking over for our previous instructor. Kaeleigh is excited and feels so blessed for this opportunity at GIG!
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Leslie Simpson
Leslie is a 41 year old Christian and believer of Jesus Christ, her Risen Savior who has blessed her with so many passions and career paths/experiences. She is an aunt of seven wonderful nieces and nephews and a member of The Grove Baptist Church.
She has worked in Emergency Medical Services for 18 years and is a retired National and State Registered Paramedic. She is also a multi media artist, and graphic designer. Leslie enjoys sharing and teaching others, “never waste talents or passions that God created you to have, no matter what life’s path(s) you choose. God will always guide you if you follow His Light. “
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength they soar on wings like eagles.” -Isaiah 40:31