Berean Christian Junior Academy is overseen by an 8-member appointed board, who are members of the Adventist community dedicated to quality Christian education.

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School Board Members play an integral part in the success of the Academy through their exceptional experiences and backgrounds as they guide the academy towards the future.  The board sets an example in personal giving, by actively participating in the fundraising process and serving as ambassadors and advocates the Berean Christian Junior Academy.

 

High expectations are placed on all board members who are committed to educational excellence, financial sustainability and institutional integrity. The Board actively seeks opportunities for philanthropic giving in partnership with community and corporate stakeholders.

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About the Board Members

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Mrs. Jacqueline Winston, Chair

Mrs. Jacqueline Brooks-Winston is an educator with over 35 years of experience in both teaching
and administration, specializing in the education of children and adults. She has worked in
various capacities in private and public elementary schools.
Certified by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), Jacqueline has developed
researched and relevant curricula for a variety of trainings and workshops. Her work includes
training foster care parents, professionals, and paraprofessionals, as well as child welfare
workers for the city of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Council for Children, Youth and Family
Services. Additionally, she has worked with church leaders and parishioners, and has partnered
with Durham Technical Community College to provide educational opportunities for
incarcerated individuals to reduce recidivism.
Jacqueline served as the lead researcher for a project with the Cooperative Extension
Department at North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, further demonstrating her
commitment to educational research and community development. In Philadelphia, she played
a crucial role in the creation of a new charter school, where she served as the Behavior and
Instructional Specialist, focusing on enhancing student behavior and instructional practices.
As a passionate musician, Jacqueline has conducted numerous choirs, including the Pine Forge
Academy Choir in Pennsylvania, showcasing her dedication to the arts. She earned her
undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Columbia Union College (now Washington
Adventist University) in Takoma Park, MD, and a master's degree in Elementary Education from
Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA.
Jacqueline has also served on and chaired church school boards in Philadelphia, PA, and
Atlanta, GA. Currently, she is an active board member of the Berean Village in Atlanta, GA, and
is a strong supporter of Berean Christian Junior Academy.
Mrs. Brooks-Winston is married to Dr. James Winston, and together they have three adult
children and six grandchildren.

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​Ms. Joy Walker

Joy Walker is an accomplished attorney and educator with a diverse background in public health, law, and leadership. She earned her B.S. from Oakwood University, an M.P.H. from the University of Alabama, and a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Her career spans private practice, academia, and public service, including roles as Senior Public Defender for Atlanta and Chief Judge of DeKalb County’s Recorders Court. A passionate educator, she has held leadership and teaching positions at multiple institutions, while also leading her consulting firm. Currently, she serves as Director of Special Projects for the Georgia Public Defender Council, overseeing recruitment, appellate advocacy, and conflict defense management. A member of both the State Bar of Georgia and the D.C. Bar, she is also a graduate of the University of Georgia Public Defender Leadership Academy. 

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Mr. Michael Smith

Dr. Michael Smith was born the oldest of three children to Augustus and Ruby Smith in Greenwood, Mississippi. His formal education was in the Greenwood Public School District.  After graduating from high school, he went to Delta State University and earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After completing his B.S., he went to Tuskegee University and completed a master’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Cytogenetics. After completing his degree at Tuskegee, he was employed at Mississippi Valley State University as a Biology instructor.  After a brief stint at Mississippi Valley State, he was employed as a site coordinator for a National Science Foundation grant at Delta State University. After 6 years at Delta State, he was hired as a program director at the University of Mississippi. While working at the University of Mississippi, he earned a Ph.D. in Biology with an emphasis in Aquatic Toxicology.  After completing a Ph.D. at the University of Mississippi, Dr. Smith was hired at Life University in Marietta as the Associate Dean in the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and currently serves as the Dean of Students at Life University.

His service to youth has expanded several decades.  He has served as a mentor in the College Discovery Program at Mississippi Valley State University, a regional youth director for the North Mississippi-West Tennessee Youth Federation, and youth director in his church for over 38 years.  He is a sought-after speaker for youth programs at churches, schools and parent organizations and founder of his college preparatory program Bridging the Gap, which provides tips for parents and students in the college preparatory process.

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Mr. Brod Boyd

Brod Boyd serves as a partner and Sr .Vice-President for Corkerbec Venture Partners based in Atlanta, GA. He brings over 20 years of professional experience via a cross section of industries including education, media, health, real estate and legal. Most recently, he served as the Director of Media overseeing station acquisition and content creation for over 600 television and radio outlets in North America, Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East. Brod began his career as a teacher and educational consultant working in elementary, and secondary schools. Brod earned a degree in Music Education from his beloved Florida A&M University, and studied Public Administration at the graduate level while also earning an MBA with a specialization in Marketing. He is active in community and civic organizations and relishes his time with family in New York, Miami and overseas.

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Ms. Carmen Duncan

Ms. Duncan brings over 35 years of professional experience as a retired educator and certified Speech-Language Pathologist to the board. She's developed curriculums for students with severe language and developmental issues. Prior to serving on this board, Ms. Duncan spent 28 years in the Cobb County school system in Georgia and was selected to bring her mastery at the state level serving for 4 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist within the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Ms. Duncan currently or previously served on the Finance and Personnel Committees of the board. She holds a Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology and spends her personal time visiting family and loved ones throughout the south east United States.

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Mr. Sam Palmer, III

Sam is an alumnus of BCJA and a member of the Berean SDA Church. With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Sam is currently employed as the Director of Examinations at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Prior to this role, he served as an Assistant Vice President at both SunTrust and CIT Banks, specializing in corporate investment banking.

A graduate of Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, Sam also completed the LSU Graduate School of Banking in Baton Rouge, LA. He currently serves on the board's finance committee and is actively involved in the community as the Head Deacon of the Berean SDA Church.

Sam is married with two children, both of whom are also proud graduates of BCJA.

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Mrs. Peggy Walker

Mrs. Walker has been a member of the Berean Christian Junior Academy (BCJA) School Board for over 5 years. Ms. Walker brings to the board over 37 years of accounting, billing and collections experience with 4 top rated law firms known Nationally and Internationally. They include: Cotton White & Palmer LLP, Troutman Sanders LLP, King & Spalding LLP and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. During her professional career as Law Firm Manager, Ms Walker exemplified the best in leadership through establishing and enforcing financial controls for offices covering nearly 700 attorneys and paralegals throughout the United States and Europe. After retirement, Ms. Walker volunteered for several non-profit organizations which included, Meal on Wheels, Senior Services of Fulton County, Georgia Usher Association, Federated Kings Daughters and more. Ms. Walker attended Atlantic Union College and Georgia State majoring in Accounting. She serves as the chair of the finance committee. Ms. Walker is supported by her husband of 45 years, Major Horace Walker, Jr. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. She is a faithful member of the Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church and truly loves the Lord.

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Ms. Marilyn Shaw

Mrs. Shaw has served on the Berean Christian Junior Academy School Board for the past 5 years. She's also served as the Education Coordinator for the Atlanta Berean SDA Church for over 5 years. Mrs. Shaw is a product of Christian Education and a graduate of Northeastern Academy, in New York, NY. She is also a graduate of College of New Rochelle, in New Rochelle, NY. Her background is in Child Psychology and Education. Currently Mrs. Shaw works in Social Services as a Case Manager for the Department of Human Services for the State of Georgia. Prior to relocating to the Atlanta area,  Mrs. Shaw worked for17 years in the Hospital and Medical Practice settings in New York as Supervisor and Administrative Assistant.  She was also the owner and Director of Gentle Care Academy for several years.  She is married to Christopher Shaw for 26 plus years, who is also a supporter of Christian Education. They have two beautiful daughters who are both proud graduates of Berean Christian Junior Academy.

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