Staff

Rebecca Boone, Program Manager

Rebecca Boone came to work for CGA as a residential staff in May of 2001. Born and raised in Fayetteville North Carolina, Rebecca was an active member of her church from a young age, volunteering in children and youth ministries. At Southeastern University, Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and was promoted to Program Manager at CGA in 2002. While in college, she enjoyed working with the homeless community and completed her internship at the Salvation Army with the Transitional Living Center. After gaining experience with several Social Service Organizations and advocacy groups Rebecca came to realize that she can stand up for the rights of others, offer earthy possessions and kindness but if she hasn’t shared Jesus, the well-intentioned support seemed to fall just short. Rebecca is passionate about working at CGA because she is able to do just that, share Jesus. While at CGA Rebecca has continued her education by completing the Emerging Leader Program, Levels I and II and hopes to begin working towards her Master’s degree in Social Work in the near future. Rebecca is happily married and lives with her husband in the local area. Others describe Rebecca as hard working, kindhearted, determined and family oriented. In her free time Rebecca enjoys being with friends and family, walking her dogs, and taking up new projects such as making jams and gardening.

Sarah Gibson – Counselor

Through early childhood illness, Sarah learned how to trust God and has served Him faithfully since youth. She utilizes her knowledge and experience with God to lead a hurting and rebellious generation back to the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. Sarah has enjoyed the blessings of serving Christ and wants others to experience that same joy and peace. She holds a B.A. in Psychology. Sarah attended college to enhance her counseling skills and learn more about the life-transforming power of God’s Word. Through close friendships in college, Sarah was introduced to the ministry of CGA. Upon graduation in 2002, she relocated to devote her passions to the Columbus CGA family. In line with her passion, Sarah most enjoys helping students relate their life experiences with God’s reality through group and individual counseling. Prior to working with CGA Sarah worked with children and youth through after school programs and the YMCA for 4 years. She earned multiple certifications for child development through ongoing training and classes. Sarah also fulfilled an internship with the Prayer Ministry at Fellowship of Living Praise, where she knew God confirmed her purpose in the counseling field. While serving at CGA she has continued her personal development through the Emerging Leaders Program, Level I and Level II. She is known to be sociable and gentle, with an eagerness for truth and wisdom. These traits have served her well in her role at CGA as a counselor. Sarah most enjoys her free time spent with family and friends, especially her husband and son.

Kala Waddell, Counselor

Kala Waddell, who is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, first
learned about Teen Challenge after reading the book The Cross and the Switchblade while in college. The impact of reading of how God birthed a life changing ministry through prayer and simple obedience, challenged Kala to fill her desires to help young girls through the ministry of Teen Challenge at CGA.

Kala has completed her Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology from North Carolina State University, and went on to complete her Masters of Arts degree in Counseling. She brings a compassionate heart with experience working with both children and adolescents. She strives to be a servant to those in need, and shares her desire to be a voice and testimony to the Lord’s redeeming love. Kala enjoys reading the biographies of great men and women of God, writing, and meaningful relationships.

Alicia Bonner, Counselor

Alicia Bonner is a native to Phenix City, AL. Alicia has been serving God from a young age and as a teenager watched family members struggle with addiction and other life-controlling issues, which inspired her to get involved with counseling ministry. During college she interned at the Pregnancy Care Center in Springfield, MO. After graduating with a B.A. in Christian Counseling from Central Bible College, she began her graduate studies in Community Counseling. From there she and her husband served as youth pastors on the coast of Mississippi where she began her work with Teen Challenge as a Teacher/Counselor at a women’s center. Alicia also has experience working as a Case Manager for emotionally disturbed children. After several years, God brought Alicia and her husband, Jay, back to Phenix City, where they now serve as Children’s Pastors at First Assembly. Alicia’s greatest passion is to share and teach Divinely-inspired Scripture with clarity and compassion, integrating it into the people-helping field for the lost and the hurting. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, playing music and spending time with her husband and family.

Kimberly Blank, School Administrator

Kimberly Blank was born and raised in Iowa. She studied social work at Olivet Nazarene University and later transferred to Trinity College of Nursing where she graduated with her nursing degree in 2003. Dependable and caring she served in children’s ministry and youth ministry. She joined the team at CGA in June of 2006. Kimberly has completed the Emerging Leaders Program, Levels 1 and 2. Her experience and knowledge of the CGA program is very helpful in promoting a culture of responsibility in the Academy. She most enjoys being a part of assisting the students grow academically and preparing them for the future. Kimberly’s experience as a nurse is also beneficial in assessing and monitoring medical issues. Easy going and Funny, she is known to get a kick out of playing a joke or two on a friend. Kim enjoys times spent with family, coupon clipping, water aerobics, working out, and reading.

Karen Sumpter, Teacher

Karen has a BS degree in Education and an Associate’s degree in Social Services. She also brings with her experience as a probation and house arrest officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice. She has received training at the Georgia Public Safety Institute in Forsyth, GA. Prior to coming to CGA in August of 2008, Karen taught High School in the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio. She has a certification in Special Education and has taught Special Education to all grade levels. With compassionate and understanding, Karen is able to implement IEP recommendations to assist students who may have specific learning needs. She most enjoys teaching Math, Science and the Bible. Karen’s goal is to impact the youth in her classroom for Christ. She enjoys spending time with her family and has two children of her own.

Candace Williams, Teacher

Annette Prim, Program Assistant

All the way from Gander Newfoundland, Canada – Annette learned about CGA through reading the several books about the ministry and watching the movie The Cross and the Switchblade. Annette left 21 years of retail experience behind to enroll in the CGA Ministry Institute for preparation to work for a CGA center. Annette joined the team in August of 2001. A wonderful example to our students, Annette has been a Christian, serving the Lord, for 29 years. She is a graduate of the Emerging Leaders Program, Level 1 and Level 2 and is certified in CGA’s specialized bible curriculum. Annette is most passionate about working with the students on their bible curriculum, praying with them and encouraging them to be beautiful and successful women of God. The motivation behind what she does at CGA is the fact that she knows she is in God’s will. Annette says “being at CGA is like living in the book of Acts!” Annette is dedicated and loyal. She has a great sense of humor, and is great at getting a good a laugh from the students and her co workers. A true Canadian, Annette enjoys cold weather, traveling and drinking hot tea.

Kate Fagin, Program Assistant

Born and raised in Washington, Missouri, Kate joined the team in February of 2008. She first learned about CGA in December 2006 from a local Pastor who took notice of this young lady who needed life changing intervention. In January of 2007 Kate entered the women’s CGA as a student in Branson, Missouri. Devoted and obedient, she came to work at CGA Columbus because she knew without a doubt that God had called her to work with adolescent girls. Having completed the CGA program herself, Kate understands the growing process that has to take place in our students. Understanding and compassionate towards each student, she knows when to listen and when to give direction. Kate says, “I don’t want to keep all that I have learned to myself, I know this program and most importantly, I know how God changes lives.” Kate has completed Emerging Leaders Programs, Level I and II as well as participated in CGA’s curriculum training. She is currently attending college with the goal of working towards a degree in a counseling related field. Kate enjoys reading, relaxing, taking walks and spending time with her friends during her free time.

Ashley Wilson, Residential Staff

Ashley Wilson was born and raised in Florida and had been involved in church growing up. But as a teen she began to struggle. That lasted for a few years until she fully surrendered her life to Christ as a student in an adult Teen Challenge program. Ashley graduated her program with honors, completed an 8 month internship which included a one year leadership training program. It was through this time of training that Ashley recalls God burdening her heart to work with teen girls. Now, serving others in full time ministry she recalls, “during my time in Teen Challenge I experienced genuine love from others that I had never knew truly existed. God revealed himself to me in such a way that has made me want to serve him more and to serve others, pouring out His love on others”. What Ashley enjoys most about serving at CGA is the opportunity to mentor young girls and speak into the lives of the
students. In her free time, Ashley enjoys being out doors, running, and staying active. Ashley describes herself as funny, compassionate, and sociable.

Heather Martin, Residential Staff

Anna Spencer, Residential Staff

Kaitlin Vied, Junior Staff

Kaitlin Vied graduated CGA two years ago and for a season went home to help her family with the family business. It wasn’t long after that Kaitlin began to sense the need to return to CGA to give back to her what was so freely given to her, a new life in Christ. While a student at CGA, Kaitlin enrolled in the Emerging Leaders Program and and after graduation completed a six month internship.

Through the ELP, she further developed her work ethic and leadership
skills that are now invaluable character qualities in her current junior staff position. Kaitlin says “Because the staff impacted me so much in my program and showed me God’s true love, I’m able to share that with the girls.” Kaitlin believes that seeing girl’s being radically transformed and truly valuing themselves is the biggest blessing in working at CGA. In her free time, Kaitlin enjoys drawing, making jewelry, crocheting and studying God’s word. Her friends describe her as bubbly, caring and sensitive.

Randy Roberts, Senior Administrator

Randy Roberts came to CGA from Springfield, Massachusetts with his family in August of 2006. Married to Debbie Roberts, who is an administrative assistant with the CGA regional headquarters, the couple have known of CGA all of their lives. Randy attended Western New England College, majoring in business and has 30 plus years experience as a Inventory/Warehousing Supervisor, piano instructor, and church pianist. He has worked with choirs as an assistant director/director for 10 years. Randy is most passionate about the opportunity to direct the CGA Choir and also enjoys providing piano lessons for our students. In his spare time, Randy enjoys spending time with his family and dog, occasional movies and gospel music concerts/events. Randy and Debbie have two children.

June Morfi, Administrative Assistant

June came to work for CGA in February 2003. Her prior experience includes working as an Administrative Assistant in a church for over 10 years in her home town of Fayetteville, NC. She holds a Secretarial Science degree from Fayetteville Technical Institute. The first time June learned of CGA was when her daughter, Rebecca Boone, called with excitement over her new position at CGA. When the opportunity arose to join the team at CGA, June came because it would give her an opportunity to fulfill a role she was capable in at a ministry that is impacting the lives of young girls, all the while being close to her oldest daughter. June feels privileged to work at a place that is ministering to girls and to see the changes that take place in their lives. June is efficient and a hard working, loyal and ready to help out at any time. When not at work, she enjoys going out to dinner with family and friends. Whenever she has the opportunity she also loves to travel to North Carolina to visit her family, especially her grandchildren.