Meet The Difference Makers

Mandy started The Grove School in 2019 and is honored to be a part of God's plan. Mandy has a passion for seeing students' lives changed through the power of education and God's amazing love. She has over 25 years of experience in many areas in the field of education. 

Carol is an amazing educator. She strives to make learning innovative and engaging. She is nationally known as a creative leader in the field of education. She loves to form relationships with each of her students to best guide them in their growth. She has over 30 years experience in the field of education.

Lydia is a lifelong learner and enjoys sharing her faith as she teaches at The Grove. Lydia grew up in a large family where teaching her younger siblings was the norm which is what inspired her love of teaching. Her over 38 years of experience  makes her an expert in her field. 

Shantel is a two time graduate of Samford with a Bachelor’s Degree in History with Spanish & Geography minors and a Master’s of Education Degree with a concentration in Social Studies. She came to The Grove with a desire to see the lives of students transformed, not solely through education, but by a true relationship with Jesus Christ. She has several years of ministry experience and is married to Trey Johnson (Mr. J) who mentors our male students. 

Rita and her husband, Mark, are both retired teachers. Rita has over 25 years of varied teaching experiences in both public and private settings. Her passion is in guiding children to become successful readers and to love God’s Word. 

Rose Ann has over 30 years in the special classroom working with preschool to high school ages. After retiring from the public school system,  she was asked to come to The Grove to assist. Working with the students and staff, she knows this is where she is meant to be. God has lead her to The Grove to fulfill her passion.

Mark is an accomplished musician, award winning lyricist and expert percussionist. Mark was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. With more than 19 years experience, Mark is an accomplished percussionist, guitarist and songwriter. Mark holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts with a concentration in Music from Jacksonville State University, and he is currently a certified D.A.D. Drum Therapist.

Mandy served as a secondary educator for thirty years, and retired from public education in 2021 to follow God's call into higher education as Academic Director/ Site Director of Southeastern University at Highlands College. A National Board Certified Teacher, Mandy has three degrees in Language Arts Education from the University of Alabama and hold Administrative Certification from UAB. In 2023, Mandy earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University. She served as Director of Student Services for Samford’s School of the Arts until she retired in June 2025. She now loves serving at The Grove School each week. 

Daria has a bachelors in music education and a masters in school counseling.  She retired after 40 years in education, but has continued helping students.  She feels her calling is to teach and help people find their gifts and talents God has given them. God opened the door for her to become a part of The Grove family after retirement and she continues to help students with direction at our school.