Our Team

God has blessed us with an amazing team and we wanted parents and others to see more about each team member who serves here at Fishers of Men. We began to pray Luke 10:2 for God to send workers for us here at Fishers and He has been faithful to send us kingdom workers.

Luke 10:2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field

Beth Johnson

Executive Director/ Founder

The Lord called me to start Fishers of Men when I approached my 40th birthday. I have been working in advertising sales for over 10 years. I started my own advertising agency to be available to follow His leading. God answered so many prayers and led me to West Laurel Baptist. I am a mother of three children and I firmly believe in the call and importance of passing on the knowledge of God’s faithfulness and mighty acts to future generations. We must on purpose teach them of the deeds of the Lord, between work, sports, house duties, it’s so easy to not do this consistently. I believe we are putting Bible back in school so to speak, after school, summer, and school breaks.

I was brought up in church. I was saved July 26, 1996, going into my senior year of high school. However, I had an experience, a renewed commitment when I turned 40, with Jesus as LORD. After a period of fasting, God called me with a purpose to start Fishers of Men. We are now a member of West Laurel Baptist church and committed to this important work. We hope to open many more centers with other church partners.

Psalm 78:6-7 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. ⁷Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Kendra Anderson

Teacher / Tutor

My name is Kendra Anderson. I received Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 8 years old. Since then I been an active member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. I am the youth choir director and Dance Ministry leader. I’m in the inspirational choir, sing on our praise team, help with homecoming, programs, teach VBS and work with our youth ministry. When I’m not serving at the church, I’m a sports mom. I have one son, Laken Anderson, who keeps me busy with year round travel sports.
I’ve been in education for 9 years. I started at Nora Davis Magnet School, which is now Laurel Magnet School of the Arts, as a reading interventionist. I worked 3 years as a 4K assistant. After receiving my early childhood certification, I moved to 5k and I’m currently working on my bachelor degree in Elementary Education. Fishers of men is a hidden gem in this community. My job at fishers is an answered prayer. I prayed for specific things and out the blue someone told me to apply for this job. I thought I was interviewing for a tutoring position but this is so much more. GOD has blessed me with the opportunity to teach children about Christ and share his love. My favorite scripture is “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Grenda Moore

Teacher / Cook

Hi, I’m mother of two children and I have one granddaughter. I received God into my heart at an early age. In my 20’s, God spoke to my spirit telling me to start a new journey in his will for his Glory. As I studied His word, I learned more of who God is and his purpose for my life. I was called to be a youth minister. I started the youth ministry at my home church and after being there for good portion of my life, God called me to go help another church established their youth ministry. As God told Abraham to go to a place he didn’t know, I went to a church where I didn’t know anyone or anything about it. That’s when God tested my faith, to see if I would be faithful to His will. I can say my faith has grown from a mustard seed to a tree, with strong roots. Now, my family and I attend United M.B. Church in Laurel, where I’m looking for God’s Glory to be as mighty as ever.
I worked in the school system for over 15 years. I resigned to be a caregiver for my mother til her death. After being a caregiver for years, God told me it was time to get back to doing what I loved to do which is working with and ministering to children. I prayed about it and He lead me to Fishers of Men Bible and Music Center. I have truly been blessed with opportunities to learn new things here. “Glory to God.”
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Jennifer Ratliff

Teacher / Tutor / Designee

I hold my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education K- 4 from the University of Southern Mississippi. I have 17 years of experiences in public school setting teaching grades PreK through 2nd grade self-contained classrooms.

I have always been a part of a church. As a baby, I attended and became a member of First Assembly of God, Natchez MS until I graduated college. When I became a teacher and moved here to Laurel in 2007. I began attending Kingston Assembly of God. I was saved at the age of 14 during summer church camp. The Holy Spirit moved one night, moved in a way that I had never experience and just sat back and thought I want more God. Kids my age began speaking tongues, then you heard crying, and then a wave of laughter fill the place. I left changed, and knew God had plans for my life.

I became interested in Fisher of Men last summer, at the end of the school term wanting a second job that would not be too much to handle. I worked with a co-worker that was working here at the center, and as we talked, I became more interested and loved the fact that this was a center geared towards teaching kids about Christ. I have always enjoyed working with small kids, and now being able to share the love of Jesus to them like I was taught, makes it more special.

My favorite verse is “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. I stood on this verse a lot growing up especially moving off to college by myself. This verse helped me get through all the good and scary journeys that I faced as a child, young adult, and util this day at 42 years of age. Without God I am nothing, he is there with me always.

Kristen Pry

Teacher / Tutor/ Designee

I hold my Master’s degree in Elementary education from Grand Canyon University. I also hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Keller School of Management.

I have 8 years experience in education between Jones County Schools and Laurel City Schools.

With Jones County Schools I was a substitute teacher from K-6th grade. In 2015, I began as an assistant teacher with Laurel School District in 2nd grade and moved to Kindergarten the following year. In 2019, I did my student teacher at Mason Elementary in a 1st grade classroom. Due to Covid, I took a short break and went back in 2021 to Mason Elementary where I taught K-1st grade. Once we moved to Nora Davis Elementary in 2023 I was the interventionist for 2nd-4th and was moved this school year (24/25) to teach 2nd grade Math. I have taught ELA and Math over the course of 4 years.

I was born and raised in a Pentecostal church. In 2013, I fully surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and allowed him to use me for his kingdom which has led me into elementary education. I strongly feel the Lord led me to Fishers of Men to help spread his love to the children in and around Laurel. I am a member of Ellisville First of Assembly of God and have attended church here since 2001. Over the years I have helped with our vacation Bible school along with assisting with classes, attending youth camp as a counselor, and attending youth conferences.

Fishers of Men has been a blessing to my family and me. I felt the Lord was giving me an opportunity to serve him on a different level. Being at Fishers of Men has taught me so much about my walk with the Lord and has given me an opportunity to grow in my walk with him.

My favorite scriptures are:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Miranda Thompson

Teacher

My name is Miranda Thompson. I have over 20 years of experience working with kids. I started off babysitting and working with Head start. I’ve been a substitute teacher, worked in the cafeteria and drove buses in the Quitman school district. I was saved at a very early age. I now attend Rock of ages church, where I sing on the praise team and work with the youth choir. I enjoy working at Fishers of men because it’s not just an after school center but a ministry for children. I have 3 children of my own and recently welcomed my first grand baby.
My favorite verse is Jeremiah 17:14 “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise

Antony Nicholson

Teacher / Maintenance

I’m an outgoing guy who loves the Lord. I’ve been married for 10 years and I have 5 children. I am member of Friendship missionary Baptist Church, where I have served for 40 years. I am trustee and I’m over the Men’s Ministry. I also Coach Little League sports here in Laurel. I have passion for teaching and helping young men find Christ and grow to their full potential. I believe GOD lead me to fishers of men. I drive the vans and I help with handy work around the center.
My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Hope Kelley

Teacher / Tutor / Designee

My name is Hope Kelley.

I teach second grade at North Jones Elementary. I have 14 years experience teaching and hold a Master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Before I became a teacher, I worked at Salem Heights Aftercare and was a substitute teacher in Laurel and Jones County School districts.

I am a member of The Agape Church in downtown Laurel where I serve in Agape Kids department teaching.

I have a 12 year old daughter, who keeps me very busy with Shady Grove Youth Basketball and Magnolia Heat AAU basketball, as well as church and Beta Club events.

Lastly, over the past year, I can now say that I am a breast cancer survivor. This has shaped how I live my life and understand that each day is precious. I thank God for my gift of teaching and each student that I come in contact with, as well as my relationships with friends, family, and coworkers.

Fisher’s of Men has added meaning and purpose to my life since July of 2024. I am blessed to serve in this ministry.

My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Chris Chapin

Music Teacher: General Music

Chris Chapin (Mr. Chris) graduated from Washington State University in 1978 with a B.A. In Saxophone Performance

and a B.S. In Music Education. He taught music for 5 years in public school. He also spent 15 years in a National Guard band.

Chris has taught private music lessons for 25 years on piano, sax, clarinet and flute.

Mr. Chris because a Christian in 1973. With his wife, Elaine, he has been active in children’s ministry for 25 years.

Julie Kuykendall

Music Teacher: Piano

Julie Kuykendall is the widow of Tommy Kuykendall. Julie is the mother of Mandy Buchanan, who is one of Laurel’s Hometown artists and who received the Humanitarian Award. Julie is devoted and loves the children here at our center. Julie was saved at West Laurel Baptist Church and served at West Laurel as a Sunday School teacher and church pianist. Julie served as pianist at Salem Heights Baptist Church for 20 years. She also taught Sunday school at Salem Heights for the past 35 years. Julie has authored two books and taught Women’s Bible meetings and conferences for years. Currently, Julie teaches an audio Bible class on Facebook through Victory Hill Ministries.

Charity Clark

Teacher / Tutor/ Designee

My name is Charity Clark. I am a wife and mother of two college students. I teach at North Jones Elementary. This is my 23rd year of teaching. I have a Forestry Technology degree, a Bachelors in Education and my Masters in Special Education. I attended Temple Baptist Church of Laurel and have served here at Fishers of Men since October 2024.

Karen Gatlin

Substitute Teacher

My name is Karen Gatlin. I’m a wife and a mother to three children that I homeschool. I am a nurse practitioner by education and practiced medicine for ten years before returning home to fulfill a higher calling of stay-at-home mom. I served six years in the Army National Guard and spent one year in Iraq on deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I became a follower of Jesus at the age of 12 and have been devoted to serving Him since. I have been serving as Children’s MInister for seven years and I enjoy serving on the foreign mission field when possible.

Armesha Shelby

Teacher / Tutor

My name is Armesha Shelby. I am from Laurel, MS. I am the mother of 14-year-old twins, Addisyn and Christian. I work at Laurel Magnet School of the Arts where I have been employed for 8 years. I am so blessed to be able to work at Fisher’s of Men and I am glad that God called me here.

I have 10 years of experience in elementary education with a Associate degree of the Arts , Bachelor’s Degree Elementary Education . I can teach K-8th grade ELA and Math . I have committed several years of serving Jesus Christ through Young Women’s Ministry, Choir Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Summer Youth Ministry. I also consider my time as an educator as a ministry because God has allowed me to show Him through my teaching.

I am a Member of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church

I believe that I was called to serve at Fishers because God wanted to push me to minister to children outside of the classroom in an environment where I can truly be myself. I believe that God wants to move on my life unimaginably and that he has so much in store for me.

Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Kylee Hicks

Floater / Teacher

My name is Kylee Hicks. I’m a friendly, outgoing, child of God, who has a love for kids and telling people about Jesus. I’m currently at Jones College where I will graduate in May. I plan to continue my education at Southern Miss, where I will receive my masters in Speech Pathology. I have been a member of Connect church since 2020. There, I help serve with the children’s ministry. I grew up in church, but I have been committed to serving Jesus Christ since 2020. I decided to serve at Fishers of Men because it was a way I could love and care for children just as Jesus loves and cares for me. My favorite scripture is Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Clay Johnson

Music Teacher: Guitar, Drums, Ukulele

My name is Clay Johnson. Beth and I have three children. We are members of West Laurel Baptist Church. I accepted Christ in 2007. I have been actively serving the Lord since Fishers of Men was opened. I teach guitar, drums, and ukulele at the center. I started playing guitar my 9th grade year in 1993. I stopped playing music around 15 years ago. As Fishers Of Men has grown, I felt that I would better be used at the center by teaching music. So after a 15 year break, I am playing music again. On January 25, 2024 we had our first guitar lesson. These kids are getting such a head start in music at such a young age. My goal is that by the time they are teenagers, going on stage and playing at church, they will have done it so long, it will be just what they do, with no nerves. I tell all the kids, I’ve never met an adult who wishes they couldn’t play music, it’s always the other way around!

Isaiah 38:16-17 Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.

Mary Ann Bryant

Music Teacher: Piano / Volunteer

My name is Mary Ann Bryant. I came to know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior at age 9 and at age 14 knew that God had a calling on my life. I graduated from William Cary College and majored in Bible and served as a missionary journeyman in Africa for two years. After that I met and married my husband, Eddie Bryant, who was a pastor and served as a pastor’s wife for over 50 years. I am a member of Tucker Crossing Baptist Church where my husband retired in 2020 after pastoring 42 years.
I have served as a volunteer at Fishers of Men since its very beginning, helping the students with homework and group activities. Then the Lord open the door for me to be assistant to the piano teacher helping young students develop basic skills in learning to read music. I love music and it’s a joy to see children love music and learn the skills needed to play an instrument.
Fishers of Men at West Laurel Baptist Church with its emphasis on Bible and music is an amazing ministry that is growing and blessing many families in Jones County. It is a joy to serve here with such a devoted staff.