Administrative Team

Nick Burns is acting as Head of School at Hope Christian Academy, along with being the All Levels Principal. Nick graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2014 with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education, and is certified through the Association of Christian Schools International in Administration. After graduation, Nick taught Physical Education in Calhoun County (AL) for seven years. During his tenure, he also coached Football, Baseball, and Basketball in the Junior High and Varsity levels. Nick is a husband, a father of three, and also the Head Youth Pastor at Lighthouse Church in Oxford, Alabama. In his words, Nick looks forward to “Seeing God move in all areas of a student’s life, and watching young men and women find their True Identity in Christ.”

Mrs. Burns is serving as an Administrator at Hope Christian Academy. She worked in the Calhoun County School System where she taught Physical Education, as well as served in the Pre-K Department. During her time in public education, Malorie obtained her CDA through Central Alabama Community College, and became the Founder and Executive Director of Little Lites Daycare in Oxford, Alabama. Malorie also attended Southern Union State Community College, where she was awarded a scholarship to play Volleyball. Malorie is a loving wife, a mother of three, and an Associate Youth Pastor at Lighthouse Church in Oxford. We look forward to seeing God work through Malorie at HCA.

Mr. Stone grew up in Southeast Alabama with his parents and brother. He is married to Kennedy Stone, and currently lives in Anniston, Alabama. Mr. Stone attended Arkansas State University, on a full athletic scholarship, earning a B.S. Degree in Sports Management with a minor in marketing. While at ASU he was a four-year starter on the football team and was a part of four Sunbelt Conference Championship teams. Outside of athletics, he has a passion for leading the youth of today to engage in a biblical worldview. 

Baron Sandlin is acting as an Advisor and Teacher at Hope Christian Academy.  Baron serves on the Leadership Team and is a Career Prep Advisor.  Baron has worked in the Talladega County School System for many years, assisting students of all ages to find their identity and to provide guidance toward successful life paths.  He graduated from Jacksonville State University December 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Correctional Institution and a concentration in Forensic Science. Baron attended Birmingham School of Law where he obtained a Doctor of Jurisprudence.  Baron also acquired a Doctor of Arts and Theology from Jehovah Jireh Bible Institute of Higher Learning.  Baron is currently an adjunct professor at Jacksonville State University and Jehovah Jireh Bible Institute.  He also serves at Lighthouse Church as our Program Coordinator.  Baron brings an extreme amount of knowledge and professionalism to Hope Christian Academy. We are very blessed and know Baron will be an amazing influence on every student and faculty member that is here. He is very passionate about working and developing adults and youth “Making their Best Better.” His famous quote is “Investing where it Matters.” He is married to Lakeeshia Sandlin and has an 18-year-old daughter Emilee Sandlin.

Justin Amberson is on the leadership team at Hope Christian Academy. He is a loving husband to Mindi and father of four amazing children: MaKaiyah, Aziah, Addyson, and Shiloh. Justin will be an instructor for a life skills class, as well as teaching an emphasis on culinary exploration here at HCA. After receiving a degree in Culinary Arts in Birmingham, AL, Justin worked in the restaurant business for over 15 years. During this time, he discovered a passion for mentoring students and coaching. He has coached in the community youth, junior high, and varsity levels of football, basketball, and baseball. Justin has several years of experience working in public education, including specialized training in Special Education and Behavior Support. Justin is currently pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies. Justin is a Spiritual Formation Advisor at HCA. He is looking forward to serving the students and families of HCA.

Mr. Bowman is originally from Birmingham, AL He graduated from the University of Alabama (1999) with a Bachelors Degree and Auburn University (2011) with a Masters Degree, both in Instrumental Music Education. At the Univ. of Alabama, Mr. Bowman served as Drum Major and Trumpet Section Leader of “The Million Dollar Band,” as well as Principal Trumpet of the Alabama Wind Ensemble. He later served as a Graduate Assistant with the Auburn University Bands. As a band director in North Alabama, Mr. Bowman’s bands consistently received Superior Ratings in both Marching and Concert Band, and many students went on to participate in major collegiate music programs, including: The University of Alabama, Auburn University, LSU, Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Mississippi State University, Ole Miss, Jacksonville State University, The University of North Alabama, and The University of West Alabama. Mr. Bowman has played trumpet in various community organizations and musical theater orchestras, and also serves on the Media Team at Lighthouse Church, working with both sound and special video projects. Mr. Bowman has a passion for working with young people and he is excited to begin working with the students of HCA. He is married to Mrs. Crystalea Bowman, who loves taking care of the children of the Little Lites Daycare, also at Lighthouse Church, and is excited for the life God has planned for them together. They are expecting their first child in November 2024.

Mindi Amberson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Mindi earned her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Jacksonville State University. She earned her Master's Degree and Ed. S. in Community Agency Counseling from the Education Department with Jacksonville State University. She also maintains her school counselor certification, Relaxation Based Pain Management Certification,  and National Counselor Certification.  Mindi is also AutPlay Certified and is a Global Career Counselor Facilitator.

Mindi graduated from Baylor University with her doctorate, focusing on organizational change and leadership in Education. She successfully defended her research, dissertation titled: A Case Study: Elementary Teachers' Perceptions of Play Based Learning and Its Impact on Students' Physical, Social, Cognitive, and Emotional development. This successful research is a cornerstone for our student success at HCA, as she provides ongoing support, training, and teacher development on play based learning implementation for students of all ages and grades. 

Mindi also owns and directs Orchard Road Counseling and Consulting, where she provides therapy, supervision, and consulting services. Mindi has over 17 years of social work and counseling experience. Mindi was awarded the Alabama School Counselor of the Year Award for 2017, as well as Teacher Hall of Fame for JSU 2016-2017 school year.  She enjoys speaking to counselors and educators on several topics, and loves to collaborate with stakeholders on consulting for organizational change. Mindi has presented at the local, state, national and international levels in areas of mental health and education.

Mindi is married to Justin Amberson and they have four children and is a member of Lighthouse Church.