Board Members

Natasha Walker Jones, President

Natasha Walker Jones grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and was baptized as a member of the Berean SDA church at 7 years of age. She was a member of the pathfinder club under Sam Cort and a choir member under Zanetta Hairston. She studied at Oakwood University, Columbus State University, and the University of Memphis and has degrees in General Studies in Biology/Communication, and a Masters in English. She was accepted into the prestigious Emory Rollins school of Public Health and has completed one year in the Master’s in Public Health program focused on Health Education. While studying at the University of Memphis, Mrs. Walker Jones started a nonprofit organization called Living Light Ministries, a proponent of positive lifestyle integration. In 2004, Mrs. Walker Jones traveled to Zambia, Africa to promote HIV education in schools, colleges and churches. Through her nonprofit Living Light Ministries, Natasha has worked as a Consultant with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Memphis City Schools as a Health Educator. She has also worked with the Episcopal Church afterschool programs for youth and partnered with other nonprofit organizations. For more than 20 years she has also served as a nonprofit consultant and writer through her business House of David International Inc. For two years she hosted the Talking to Tasha Show© an Internet based radio show, discussing current topics through a spiritual lens. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Maryland Global Campus and an Instructor at Georgia Military College. She is the current Alumni president for BCJA/GAAA in Atlanta and is quite connected to her friends from both academies. When she is not working, Natasha loves spending time with family; her husband Pastor E. L. Jones Jr. who she nicknamed “Blue” while they were students at Oakwood College and her two children Keely-J., a budding artist and Shawn a smart, young fellow who makes Principal’s List his priority. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and writing creative non-fiction.

Anthony McKinney, Chaplain

Mr. Anthony O. McKinney is serving as Chaplain of the BCJA/GAAA Alumni Board. He is one of three siblings who all attended GAAA. He graduated from GAAA in 1988, studied Religion and Business Management at Oakwood University and has spent over 30 years in the Ministry of Encouragement and the Business of Consulting and Coaching, Funding and Training individuals, schools, churches and organizations. Freedom is his passion. “My life has been so impacted by our school. GAAA was one of the most important factors in what has shaped my life into the success it has become today. It is a true blessing to have Natasha, our Alumni President, my classmate, as well as the board members on the team. We are truly Ready, Willing and Able to serve our Alumni Association.” Anthony O. McKinney / Chaplain 4 Years at Berean Graduated from GAAA in 1988 Studies/Career: Bachelor’s Degree in Religion and a minor in Business Administration The most powerful memories are having four black male teachers as daily role models for my classmates as well as myself. In fact, the entire staff was a tremendous blessing to all of us. Additionally, at my graduation, I received the most valuable player award representing all the sports in the entire school. I will never forget that day for the rest of my life. We had the best time ever. Everyday was a good day at GAAA. I am serving on the board to lend my talents, ideas, experience and encouragement to assist in furthering the powerful legacy of GAAA.

Tim Culberson, Vice-President

Tim Culberson is serving as Vice President of the BCJA/GAAA Alumni Board. He is one of two siblings who attended Berean Jr. Academy from 1977 - 1984. He graduated high school in 1984. He attended Oakwood from 1984-86 majoring in Computer Science. After his sophomore year, he left to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) where he graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems in 1989. After graduating he began work at IBM as a systems programmer. He worked there for 4 years before leaving to work for several consulting firms and eventually starting his own consulting firm. After almost twenty years in IT, he now considers himself retired and spends his time looking for entrepreneurial endeavors and financial investments. In the words of the late Hosea Williams, he proclaims, ‘I am un-borrowed and un-bossed’. “The first half of my life was spent living selfishly for my own personal gain. The second half of my life is dedicated to God and the pursuit of salvation for others through Christian education.”

LaKeisha Lowe-Palmer, Secretary

LaKeisha Lowe-Palmer serves as the Secretary of the BCJA/GAAA Alumni Board. Her parents were determined to make sure their children were products of Adventist Education from all three sectors. She graduated from BCJA in 2002 and GAAA in 2006. Her home room teacher/English teacher was the late Catherine Jackson. She continued her education at Oakwood University receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education in 2011. She is married to Shaun Palmer and they have two beautiful children, Kevin (6) and Shanell (5). Both attend BCJA. LaKeisha has spent a career teaching At-Risk Youth and providing Youth Development training services for 10 years. “I am very thrilled to serve my Alma Mater in the compacity of being an organized Secretary for BCJA and GAAA Alumni Board. I am very honored to be a part of this amazing Team. I look forward to working with all the Board members under the direction of Mrs. Natasha Walker Jones in achieving the goals that we will set forth”.
Years attended BCJA- 8 yrs. Years attended GAAA- 4yrs. Secretarial skills: 7 yrs. BCJA Memory: PE with Mr. Jefferson was always a fun adventure. GAAA Memory: Class trip 2006 to the Bahamas. “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. -Benjamin Franklin

Matlyn Redd, Advisor

Matlyn Redd is the class secretary and salutatorian of the first graduating class of Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy. She served as the alumni president from 2000-2010. With a BS in Criminal Justice and an MBA in Organization Leadership, she serves on the advisory board of Georgia Diversity Council and is a member of the American Business Women’s Association serving two terms as President of the Airport Charter Chapter. She has received the Protégé Award and Chapter Woman of the Year. Her personal purpose is to be of genuine service to others by adding real and meaningful value to their lives.

Yvonne Jones, Social Media

Yvonne Jones is serving as Social Media Coordinator of the BCJA/GAAA Alumni Board. She is one of six siblings who attended Berean Jr. Academy & Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy in the 1970s and 1980s. Her most fond memories are of the Spring Programs, the Debutante Ball (of the mid-80s), Chapel, Saturday Night basketball games, College Days, being VP of the Student Body and having some pretty fantastic teachers. She graduated from GAAA in 1987 and studied criminology & journalism, on undergraduate & graduate levels before embarking upon a 20-year career that intertwined both fields. She is a retired law enforcement executive who is now focused on supporting students, seeking college scholarships and volunteering with the Red Cross and NoKidHungry.org. Yvonne lives in the Greater Washington, DC area with her husband. Her daughter is a senior, away in college.