We define FRAMILY as friends we’ve chosen to be family.
Donovans
We are thrilled to be part of Three Cords Academy. A while back, we searched for a deeper understanding of our faith. Finding a supportive community changed everything, opening our eyes to a vibrant, purpose-filled life.
The corporate experience Mandi brings, combined with the business and youth leadership provided by Kris, highlighted a gap in traditional education. Schools should not just prepare students for the future; they must equip them to excel right now.
Innovation, curiosity, and active listening are vital. In a world of constant change, children need unwavering faith and the courage to trust the inner voice God provided.
We aim to model leadership at home to foster independence. This passion to see every child thrive in a nurturing environment is the driving force behind our commitment to Three Cords Academy.
Mandi
A strong work ethic, instilled by her parents in West Georgia, fueled the career Mandi built in HR Technology and Operations. For over ten years, she has used creative problem solving to drive success. Her experience spans key roles at HealthCare Staffing Inc, AMB Sports + Entertainment, and GameStop. Currently, she leads a strategic team as Director of HRIS and HR Operations at Floor and Décor in Atlanta.
Beyond her career, motherhood brings her the greatest joy. She loves supporting the sports activities of her son and serving as a dedicated team mom. Mandi is excited to bring her deep faith and professional insights to TCA. She believes in using kindness and active listening to foster a culture of understanding.
Kris
Kris built a diverse career spanning sports, art, business development, and technology. Born in Syracuse and raised in Atlanta, he pursued baseball through college and represented the USA in China and Japan.
Leadership defines his professional journey. In Miami, he operated a thriving art gallery and music network. He later helped build a staffing firm dedicated to assisting veterans with civilian careers. This passion for service continued as he launched a global consulting company, where he trained thousands of developers in e-commerce and web design.
Currently, Kris runs a marketing agency providing custom web solutions. He looks forward to helping guide school development and teaching technology to prepare students for the future.
Kilgores
As a founding family of Three Cords Academy, we bring twenty years of experience in ministry and education. Past experiences led us to break from the norm to pursue this journey of faith.
We noticed our children disengaged by busy work and outdated teaching methods. We knew we had to build something different.
We believe not every child learns the same way. Students need opportunities to explore interests, succeed, and even fail to grow into who God created them to be. We do not claim to know it all, but we follow our hearts and faith. We cannot wait to learn and grow alongside you.
Katie
Born and raised in West Georgia, Katie holds business degrees from Carroll Technical Institute and Mercer University. She spent a decade as a Real Estate Agent before fulfilling a dream to open a clothing boutique in 2004.
Later, as a Bankruptcy Paralegal, she supported families through difficult transitions. This passion for helping others led her to the education sector in 2016 as a Director of Admissions and Marketing. Most recently, she served as Director of Operations and Athletics at a learner-driven school.
Now co-founding Three Cords Academy, Katie feels called to bring this experience back to Carrollton. She will guide students through daily opportunities to grow in a safe and spiritual environment. Katie brings twenty-five years of business leadership and a deep love for people to the school.
Micah
Micah holds a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministries from Point University. With nineteen years of experience in church ministry and five years as a teacher and coach, he has dedicated his career to serving others.
He understands the challenges of leadership but believes the reward is always worth the cost. Nothing compares to the joy of seeing a child overcome an obstacle that once seemed impossible. Micah is proud to join the Three Cords Academy team and looks forward to welcoming you.
Frosts
We are excited to bring our unique perspective and life experience to the TCA team. Over the past twelve years, we blended our families and later gained custody of a granddaughter who opened our eyes to the challenges parents face in education today.
Mike successfully founded three companies, known for exceptional employee retention, and offers deep business wisdom. Connie brings over thirty years of experience serving children in ministry, emphasizing spiritual responsibility. We share a passion to see future generations become critical thinkers equipped with good judgment.
We cherish our God-ordained relationship with the founders. We welcome your questions and promise to answer with integrity. Big successes start with a big vision, and we are thankful to be part of this legacy.
Connie
Connie studied journalism at Missouri State University before working in advertising and event planning. She then spent thirty years as an ordained minister, advocating for the spiritual growth of children. Her career later expanded into public school administration at both the county and state levels, providing valuable insight for our school.
Now in her golden years, the unexpected privilege of raising a grandchild fuels her passion for education. She believes every life detail serves a greater purpose and is grateful to help build a legacy of lifelong learning for our community.
Mike
Mike spent most of his professional life in the equipment rental industry, where his family operated three companies over fifty years. He held leadership roles as President of the Atlanta Metro Rental Association and Director for the American Rental Association.
Upon retiring to his farm in Winston, Georgia, he turned a woodworking interest into a new venture. He now co-owns Urban Lumber Furnishings with Kris Donovan, where he processes lumber and builds custom furniture.
Mike finds great reward in teaching others. He believes traditional education often lacks practical application. While core subjects remain essential, he emphasizes connecting them to real life. The curriculum focuses on vital skills, such as budgeting and career preparation, ensuring students are ready for the modern world.
Tanners
Jonathan and Emily Tanner are excited to join the TCA team. Jonathan works as a UPS truck driver and is a devoted man of faith eager to support the school. They have two sons, Luke and Jake. Luke attends Carrollton High School, while Jake joins the student body this year.
Emily serves as the new ELA Learning Guide. She has homeschooled since 2018 and taught at Anchored Christian Education Center, where she led the Creative Writing Club. She has authored four books and is completing a degree in Psychology. She believes God gifted her with passions for writing, teaching, and counseling others.
Emily
Bio Coming Soon 2026
Jonathon
Bio Coming Soon 2026