“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
Founder & Administrator
Laura May is the founder and director of Growing in Grace. A wife, mother of five, and “Mimi” to twenty-one grandchildren, she has been homeschooling since 1989 when her oldest child was in second grade. Her passion for mentoring young women led her to begin Growing in Grace in 2012 with just a handful of girls meeting together to study God’s Word, build friendships, and encourage one another.
What began as a small gathering has grown into a thriving ministry, yet Laura’s mission has remained unchanged: to disciple students, equip families, and create an environment where young people are deeply loved while learning to love 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
Emma Barnett
Emma has been married to her absolute favorite person for almost ten years, and together they have three amazing kids. They are passionate about God’s Word, discipleship, and hospitality!
Emma has a Bachelor’s degree in General Education from Ole Miss, where she minored in English. She loves literature and writing and hopes her students will give her the opportunity to help them love it too.
She will be teaching 10, 11th & 12th grade English, Public Speaking and Discipleship.
Hey there, I’m Emma! I am absolutely overflowing with love for Jesus, soaking up the sunshine, savoring the deliciousness of chocolate chip cookies, and getting hooked on Survivor.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Christy Devereux
Science Department
Christy Devereux has been a valued member of the Growing in Grace staff since 2019. A licensed cosmetologist and lifelong learner, she has homeschooled her three children and is now blessed with five grandchildren.
“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
Tiffany May
Mathematics Department
Tiffany May earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Mississippi and has been teaching mathematics for many years. As a wife, homeschooling mother of five, and gifted baker, she brings patience, encouragement, and excellence into every classroom.
She teaches Foundations, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra II, helping students develop confidence while building strong mathematical skills.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” -Romans 12:9
“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
Gari Marie Smith
Gari Marie 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 will be teaching a Hand Embroidery Class!
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18
Deanna Potts
Student Services & Lunch Supervisor
Deanna Potts is a wife, mother of seven, and longtime homeschooling parent. Having watched four daughters graduate from Growing in Grace, she understands firsthand the value of Christ-centered education.
Deanna serves in many roles throughout the ministry, including study hall supervision, creative arts, student support, inventory management, and substitute when needed. Her servant’s heart and willingness to meet every need make her an invaluable part of Growing in Grace.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
-Proverbs 31:26
“Let all that you do be done in love” -1 Corinthians 16:14
Hannah Allen
History • Personal Finance
Hannah Allen has been married for nineteen years and is the homeschooling mother of five daughters. After earning her degree in Dental Hygiene from Northeast Mississippi Community College, she worked as a dental hygienist for many years before choosing to devote her time to homeschooling and investing in her family.
At Growing in Grace, Hannah teaches History and Personal Finance, helping students understand the lessons of the past while equipping them with practical skills for the future. She desires to encourage students to approach every subject with wisdom, integrity, and a biblical perspective.
“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
Brittany May
World Geography • Biblical Apologetics
Brittany May is a wife, homeschooling mother of five, and a second-generation homeschooling parent. Having homeschooled for over thirteen years, she believes that education begins in the home and that all truth is found in God’s Word.
She is passionate about helping students understand God’s world through geography while equipping them to confidently defend their faith through Biblical Apologetics. Brittany enjoys encouraging students to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and build a firm foundation in Scripture.
“Sanctify them in Truth, your Word is Truth.” -John 17:17
Tracy Robinson
Virtual Math Director – Tech Director
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 24 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
Madi Baranuk
High School Bible
Madi Baraniuk earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University. Before becoming a full-time mother, she served in case management for a Community Mental Health Center. She and her husband, Vlad, faithfully serve at Longview Heights Baptist Church.or 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 us again teaching High School Bible.
“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
Emma Crick
Choir
Emma Crick is delighted to join the Growing in Grace staff this year as our Choir Director. A lifelong singer with a passion for vocal performance and musical theater, Emma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Mississippi College. She enjoys helping students develop both their musical abilities and the confidence to use their gifts for the glory of God.
Emma and her husband, Dustin, have two wonderful children and make their home in Southaven. In addition to teaching at Growing in Grace, she offers private voice lessons and loves encouraging students of all ages to grow in their musical talents.
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day.” 1 Chronicles 16:23
Leslie Simpson
Graphic Design & Art Classes
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
Leanna Flores
Leanna has been married to her husband, Ruben, for 11+ years and together they have 7 children , 6 grandchildren and another on the way. They have lived in Independence since 2017 and continue to work on our ‘fixer upper’. She has been a member of Lifepoint Baptist Church since November 2007.
She worked at FedEx for 20 years and retired in 2005, she then started at Northwest MS Community College working in the Financial Aid Department until 2024. While working in Financial Aid, she also worked with Recruiting and went into schools giving presentations and helping students and parents with the financial aid process. One of her greatest joys is helping & counseling the students and their guardians with the process of getting into college.
In her spare time, Leanna helps her husband with renovations (or clean up). She enjoys counted cross stitch projects for gifts but is hoping to branch out this year. She will be teaching ACT Prep and Cross-Stitch class this year!
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”….Psalm 46:10
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.
Chitquita Black
