Melinda's faith journey began in Hudson, N.C., with a pivotal moment of baptism in Johns River at a young age. Her profound relationship with Jesus deepened at 16 during a Freddie Gage Crusade. After graduating from Hudson High in 1976, Melinda pursued music at Gardner-Webb University, specializing in Voice. Singing was her lifelong passion, nurtured from an early age.

She expanded her musical horizons by participating as a majorette and clarinetist during high school and college. College also saw her engage in Opera Workshops and Musicals, setting the stage for her role in church music ministry.

Stepping away from public education, Melinda answered God's call to ministry, defying societal norms. She shared her musical and spiritual passion by teaching voice and piano.

In church, she wore multiple hats, including Choir Director, Minister of Music, and coordinator for various choirs, impacting congregations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland. Since 1996, Athens, Georgia, has been her home, and she joined Prince Avenue Baptist Church in 1997, where she excelled in leadership roles, notably as Children's Choir Coordinator and Co-Director of The Singing Christmas Tree of Athens.

Beyond the church, she ventured into local Christian theater and continued teaching private music lessons. She also balanced her role as a supportive mom for her daughters' sports endeavors.

In recent years, retirement beckoned, leading Melinda to Cornerstone Church, where she serves on the Hospitality Team and contributes to the praise team.

Melinda shares an enduring 42-year marriage with her high school sweetheart, and they've been blessed with three daughters, now calling Athens home. Their family joy expanded with the arrival of grandchildren, who hold a special place in their hearts.

Her daughter Danielle introduced her to the impactful ministry of FCA Cheer, and Melinda shares a passion for travel, often to be with her grandkids. This season of life is a testament to the richness of God's love, with her grandchildren as the cherished jewels.

Why FCA Cheer?

Marilou's passion for cheerleaders at camp inspired Melinda. She attended a Board Retreat and discovered the need for a chairman. Despite initial intimidation, Melinda felt a calling to step up. God's preparation in her administrative skills, honed from directing choirs and The Singing Christmas Tree, made this transition possible. While balancing family life, Melinda is driven to serve and help reach hearts. It's a joy and privilege for her to contribute.

Adrienne Shales, a passionate advocate for evangelism, brings over two decades of ministry experience to FCA Cheer camps. With a background in social work, sociology, and global missions, she offers a broad perspective. As a former cheerleader and FCA President in Texas, her dedication to FCA Cheer is evident.



Adrienne is a Baylor University graduate and serves on the Board of Advocates at Baylor in Waco, Texas, and the Area Regional Council for Baylor Alumni Atlanta. Alongside her husband John, she pastors at Hope of the Generations Church and is part of the Executive Team at Be in Health in Thomaston, Georgia, where they've made their home for nearly 20 years, raising six adventurous children.New Paragraph

Brandon earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from The University of Georgia, where he was a cheerleader for two years under Coach Marilou Braswell. Brandon also served as Coach Braswell’s assistant cheerleading coach for two additional years during graduate school. Brandon is a Licensed Psychologist in Georgia and in South Carolina. He is the owner of Hampton Valley Psychological Services in Bogart, Georgia, and the Staff Psychologist at AnMed Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Anderson, South Carolina. Brandon and his wife, Erin, have one daughter, Claire, who is 13 years-old, and a cheerleader at Franklin County Middle School in Carnesville, Georgia. They attend Clark’s Creek Baptist Church in Martin, Georgia.New Paragraph

Jennifer is currently a Partner and the COO of Triaxia Partners in the Atlanta. She works with both corporations and nonprofits, including organizations like Marriott, Inspire Brands, Invesco, CapinCrouse, Alpha International, CRU, and Operation Mobilisation. Prior to working with Triaxia Partners, Jennifer was with Deloitte Consulting in their Strategy & Operations practice, focusing in corporate and marketing strategy. She worked with organizations like Walmart, Verizon, Coca-Cola, SunTrust, Wells Fargo, the IRS, the Department of Defense, Johnson & Johnson, and American Airlines. Jennifer's undergraduate degree is from The University of Florida, and she received an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School. Jennifer and her husband Harold live in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood in midtown Atlanta, and she is a member of Trinity Anglican Mission.

Laura graduated from the University of Georgia in 2001 and presently serves as an adviser at Trillium Partners, a division of UBS. With a marital union spanning 22 years, Laura is married to Rob Wellon, and together, they are blessed with four children, namely Parks, Tyler, Porter, and Carson. Their household is further enriched by the presence of three beloved canine companions named Milly, Sam, and Belle. Laura and her family reside in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

Why FCA Cheer?

Laura loves Marilou!

Missy, an Atlanta native, graduated from Westminster Schools and later earned degrees in Agricultural Economics and Statistics from the University of Georgia. She initially worked as a stock analyst before transitioning to a career in education, ultimately obtaining a Masters in Secondary Mathematics Education. Missy, married to Randy Collins, taught at various institutions, including high schools, Brewton Parker College, and Southeastern Technical College, with a total of 36 years in education. She received numerous accolades, including multiple Star Teacher recognitions.

Missy has been actively involved with The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for over 20 years, even serving as Georgia State Organization President. Additionally, she has served on the boards of Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters, Standard Candy Co., StandCan LLC, and GooGoo LLC in Nashville, TN, often representing her family's interests.

Missy and her husband have two adult sons, and they actively participate in community service, including roles in FCA, Legacy Outdoor Ministries, youth/children church ministries, and Relay for Life. She divides her time between Wheeler County, GA, and Highlands, NC, and is a member of Alamo First Baptist Church. Her favorite verse is Psalms 46:10.

Vesta Jones was a college and guidance counselor at Whitefield Academy in Smyrna, Ga, and is now an Independent Consultant and District Manager with Arbonne International.

In addition to FCA Cheerleading, she serves on the Board of the School of Education at Georgia State University. Vesta is a member of The Community Bible Church in Highlands NC where she is actively involved in the SHALOM ministry and in teaching Sunday school.

Mr. Thompson, owner of Latitude 32 Development, boasts 17+ years of real estate development experience in the Carolinas, Mississippi, and Virginia. He began his real estate journey as a partner with Kassinger Development in 2005, focusing on multi-family and mixed-use projects. Since 2014, he's pursued his own development goals, emphasizing "Class A" market rate properties with energy efficiency, sustainability, and architectural harmony with the local landscape. His portfolio includes Garden Style and Mid-rise multi-family developments, often exceeding 250 units.

Beyond his business expertise, Mr. Thompson spent 26+ years in telecommunications, technology, and software sectors, holding executive roles with MCI Telecommunications and various technology startups.

He's an active member of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, where he's been involved in leadership roles for over 14 years. His faith journey began in middle school and continued through high school and college, where he engaged with FCA and even cheered alongside Marilou and Denise at UGA.

Mr. Thompson is deeply honored to join the FCA Cheer Board, driven by his respect for Marilou and her mission to bring Christ to youth. He eagerly anticipates serving alongside fellow Board Members to fulfill this vision.