Anthony Alvarez, Director
Anthony was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. He is an ordained minister who has served in leadership with Teen Challenge for nearly 10 years, ministering in centers from New York to Florida. Anthony first heard the call to ministry while a student in the Teen Challenge program. Since graduating, he has trained with and served Teen Challenge in various capacities.
Anthony has studied at Elim Bible Institute and Christ for the Nations. He faithfully served as Admissions Coordinator at CGA for two and a half years and, since October 2025, has been honored to serve as Director. His desire is that every young person who walks through the doors encounters the love of God and finds freedom from life-controlling issues through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Anthony is passionate about walking alongside students and families as they discover hope, healing, and their God-given purpose. He enjoys spending his free time with family and friends, especially his beautiful wife and two children.
Sarah Gibson, Program Manager
Sarah graduated from Southeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and joined Columbus Girls Academy in 2002. She has faithfully served the ministry for over 20 years in roles including direct care, teacher, school administrator, counselor, and program manager. Sarah is passionate about creating a Christ centered environment where teenage girls can experience healing, structure, and hope for the future. She has been married for over 20 years and is the proud mother of two sons.
Shannon Myers, Counselor
Shannon Myers is passionate about encouraging others to “Be the Light” wherever they go. From a young age, she has been active in church and grounded her life in Proverbs 3:5–6, trusting the Lord to direct her path. Shannon holds a Master of Science in Christian Counseling with an emphasis in Substance Use and Addictive Disorders from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. She is also a U.S. Army veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
With over six years of experience providing family support, parent education, and foster care services, Shannon’s professional work is strengthened by more than twenty years of marriage and parenting an adopted daughter. Having known about Teen Challenge since childhood, she considers it a privilege to serve at Columbus Girls Academy, mentoring youth and families through biblical truth and compassionate care.
Teresa Bowman, Counselor
Teresa earned a B.A. in Health and Physical Education from Albany State University, a M.A. in Organizational Leadership, from LaGrange College, and an M.S. in Psychology and Counseling from Troy University. Teresa is also a Licensed Minister and serves as the lead counselor at her local church. She has worked with youth who face life challenges in the capacity of director of a Group Home for at-risk youth, as an educator in an Alternative High School Program, serving youth who were expelled from all traditional educational settings, as a Vocational Employment Specialist, and as a therapist for youth in the foster care system, as well as counseling in the private sector. Teresa’s goal is to assist youth with making changes by the renewing of the mind and healing of the soul from the effects of trauma. She believes it is with the extension of the love of Jesus that all people can be made whole. Teresa is the mother of four amazing children and has two grandchildren.
Merandia Alvarez, Counselor
Merandia is a graduate of Auburn University with degrees in Psychology and Nutrition Dietetics with a minor focus in Classical Languages (Ancient Greek and Latin). She first joined Teen Challenge as a residential staff at Columbus Girls Academy. During this season the Lord guided her in how to lead the girls with grace and truth. Merandia is currently working on her Master’s in Family Counseling through the University of West Alabama and currently is fulfilling the role of a counselor at Columbus Girls Academy. It is her prayer that each family that walks through the door of Columbus Girls Academy experiences the love of God and comes to know what it is to be in His presence as the Prince of Peace. Merandia enjoys spending time with her husband and children as well as continuing to learn through reading books and listening to podcasts.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Monica Ford, School Principal
Monica Ford grew up here locally in a Christian home and was always active in church, school, and the community. Monica attended The University Of Alabama where she obtained a B.A. in psychology and a minor in Social Work. During her junior year in college, the Lord revealed to her that part of her calling would be to work with the youth. Monica worked as a counselor for 4 years and then went into teaching. She has been teaching for the past 14 years. Monica likes making learning fun for her students and tries to set an example of Christ to all by having a good attitude. Her favorite saying is “Keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart”. Monica likes spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, reading, and writing books.
Candace Williams, School Administrator
Candace Williams comes to CGA after 25 years as a missionary in Europe. Her profession before her missionary career was Math Education and she has taught High School math for 15 years. Candace is certified to teach math in four states and internationally. Her last teaching position was at Evangelical Christian Academy in Madrid Spain. Candace has been acquainted with Teen Challenge since 1965 when a group of Teen Challenge men shared their testimonies in her father’s church. Candace’s husband joined the Global Teen Challenge team in August 2011 and she joined our team here at CGA in October 2011. Candace enjoys teaching math at every level. She says, “Math seems to be challenging for most, yet with encouragement and skilled instruction, the girls complete their courses successfully.” If her students could use one word to describe Mrs. Williams, it would be “inspiring”. Candace likes to spend her free time enjoying family, church, photography, and gardening.
Melanie Douglas, Teacher Assistant
Melanie Douglas is a passionate servant leader with a powerful testimony of God’s redeeming grace. Originally from Warner Robins, Georgia—home of Robins Air Force Base—Melanie overcame a difficult childhood that led to years of life controlling issues and unhealthy relationships.
Her life changed on May 14, 2009, when she entered Columbus Women’s Home Teen Challenge. After completing the program and an internship, she served three years as Assistant Director at Louisiana Teen Challenge Mount Grace for Women. In 2019, she joined the staff at CGA, where she faithfully mentors young women with compassion and authenticity. Despite a colon cancer diagnosis four years ago, Melanie is now joyfully cancer-free. She considers CGA home and remains deeply committed to helping each young woman discover hope, healing, and purpose in Christ.
Amanda Stecenko, Admissions Coordinator
Amanda has been a member of the Teen Challenge ministry since 2016 and continues to serve as the Admissions Coordinator where she is very passionate about helping families navigate a new beginning for their girl. She works closely with prospective families throughout the admissions process, offering clarity, guidance and encouragement as they explore a therapeutic faith based approach at CGA. With a huge heart for Christian education and discipleship, Amanda values building meaningful relationships by partnering with families to embark on a beautiful path of hope, healing and adventure! Amanda says “It is a huge honor to have this opportunity to serve the Lord and witness radical change in the hearts of our girls.” Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and ministering to others.
Alecia Farlow, Program Assistant
Alecia grew up in metro Atlanta and attended Teen Challenge. Since graduating the program Alecia has trained with and worked for Teen Challenge in various capacities. Alecia desires to guide and disciple teens in ways that weren’t available to her as a young person. Alecia is considerate, understanding, ambitious and passionate. Alecia enjoys reading, fishing, and playing board games. She loves spending time with her family and watching God restore relationships.
Melissa Carragher, Lead Supervisor
Melissa Carragher serves as a supervisor at Columbus Girls Academy, where she is passionate about walking alongside teens during a formative year of growth, healing, and transformation. Grounded in her faith, Melissa believes every student is created with purpose and value, and she is committed to helping teens discover their identity, strength, and potential in Christ.
Melissa approaches her role with compassion, consistency, and grace, while also holding students to clear expectations that encourage responsibility and personal ownership. She values building authentic relationships and creating a safe, supportive environment where teens feel seen, heard, and challenged to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially.
Through mentorship, daily interaction, and intentional guidance, Melissa seeks to model Christ-centered leadership and encourage teens to develop character, resilience, and faith-based decision-making. She works closely with families and fellow staff to support lasting change and believes true transformation happens through love, accountability, and trust in God.
Melissa considers it a privilege to be part of each student’s journey and growth.
Celeste Muniz, Residential Staff
Celeste Muniz has a passion for ministry and a natural gift for nurturing teens. After a life-changing encounter with the Lord through Teen Challenge, she felt called to share the hope and healing she experienced with others. Her experience as an assistant house manager at a faith-based recovery home gave her the opportunity to mentor and guide others by providing structure, accountability, and spiritual support. Through leading Bible studies and offering compassionate care, Celeste developed a nurturing approach that now helps students at CGA feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow both spiritually and emotionally.
Shantoria Mitchell, Residential Staff
Shantoria is a graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery, where she earned her degree in Criminal Justice. Raised in a devout Christian home, she developed a strong foundation in faith, service, and community involvement. From a young age, she actively served in church ministries and outreach programs, which shaped her passion for helping others.
After graduating in 2025, Shantoria joined Teen Challenge as a residential staff member at Columbus Girls Academy. She felt called to work with young teens and is committed to mentoring and supporting them through life’s challenges. With compassion and dedication, she emphasizes faith, resilience, and personal growth, helping students rediscover hope and purpose.
Outside of her professional life, Shantoria enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends, valuing strong relationships and community as essential to a fulfilling life.
Myriyuwm Hardaway, Residential Staff
Myriyuwm Hardaway brings both lived experience and formal training to her role at Columbus Girls Academy. Her life was transformed through Teen Challenge, where she developed a strong spiritual foundation and a calling to serve struggling teens.
In addition to her personal testimony, Myriyuwm has pursued continued education and training focused on youth mentorship, faith-based counseling principles, and adolescent development. Her combined knowledge and experience equips her to guide students with wisdom, structure, and compassion.
Myriyuwm is passionate about helping young women grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. She is committed to fostering an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered.
CeeJae Fowler, Equine Specialist
We are excited to introduce you to our new equine specialist CeeJae Fowler. CeeJae is an U.S. Army Veteran and Founder/Director of CherAmi Farms Horsemanship Program, a non-profit organization in Seale, Alabama that uses Equine Education and Peer-to-Peer interaction to uplift and encourage at-risk girls. She holds a Criminal Justice Bachelor’s (B.S.) degree with an emphasis in Juvenile Delinquency from Columbus State University and is currently working on her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. CeeJae has a daughter who is currently enrolled in college. In her free time, CeeJae enjoys crafts and woodworking. We are so glad to be partnering with CeeJae and CherAmi Farms.