Our Team

THOMAS & SAMANTHA BURNETT

Area Director

& Administrative Assistant

My name is Thomas Burnett, born in Spartanburg, SC, in 1980. Shortly after birth, my family relocated to Jackson County, GA, where I spent my formative years and eventually graduated from Commerce High School in 1999. During my time there, I was active in sports, playing football and participating in track and field, specifically throwing shot put and discus.

In the summer of 1998, a pivotal moment reshaped my life when I surrendered to Christ. This profound experience instilled in me a strong calling to devote my life to full-time ministry after high school.

Fast forward to 2007, I married my wonderful wife, Samantha, in Fort Payne, Alabama. Together, we followed in obedience to a calling to ministry full-time. Our family grew with the addition of three beautiful children: Ela ('08), Harley ('09), and Bryce ('13).

In 2020, after serving in church ministry for 8 years, I felt a shift in my ministry journey and resigned from full-time pastoral work. I stepped into a new calling with FCA, where I now serve as the Area Director for Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens County in North Georgia. My family and I have been rooted in Habersham County for over a decade, actively living in and serving our community.

Samantha is an integral part of our ministry, serving as the Georgia Mountains FCA Administrative Assistant. Additionally, she teaches high school Special Education in Habersham County, passionately supporting students both in and out of the classroom throughout the year.

APRIL AKRIDGE

My name is April Akridge. I am a coach's wife of eighteen years, former school teacher, and a mother to four very active boys. Over the past several years my husband, Chris, and I, along with our boys, have participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes camps and huddles as a coaching family. Since being involved with FCA, we have seen firsthand the impact FCA can have on the coach, family, and athlete.

After years of thinking and praying about joining the FCA team, in the fall of 2021, I become an Area Representative for Habersham FCA. As an area rep, I serve and minister to all of our female coaches, athletes, and coaches' wives in Habersham county.

I love the Lord and sharing His love with others. I also love Habersham athletics! Being in this role as an Area Rep with Habersham FCA combines these two loves into my dream job.

Trey Ciresi

Ambassador

My name is Trey Ciresi. I am a local youth pastor and have been pastoring for the past 10 years. I am married to Stanton, and together we have 3 children (Sutton, Iverson, and Bennett). We moved to Habersham just this past year from Jacksonville, FL. God has called us to this area to reach middle school and high school students for Jesus. 

We are just now starting the FCA journey, and are currently raising support! My role with FCA will be an Area Representative for Habersham. We are very excited to see God continue to move here through Habersham FCA.

I played football at Berry College, and I have a love for all sports! FCA provides me with an opportunity to be around sports and minister to coaches and athletes in a unique way!

Lacey Walden

Ambassador

My name is Lacey Walden. I moved from the Blue Ridge Mountains after God called me to Habersham County in 2023. Currently, I am a full-time teacher, and I also work part-time with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. My involvement with FCA began in high school and continued throughout college, where I discovered my passion for ministry and mentorship.

Before settling in Habersham, I had the opportunity to work part-time with FCA in Fannin County for a year. Now in my second year with Habersham FCA, I am excited to continue this journey.

My passion is to reach the lost with the gospel and to encourage discipline and authentic walks of faith for fellow followers of Jesus. It is truly a privilege to work with high school and college-aged women, and I cherish every moment spent with them. I am incredibly thankful to be a part of this amazing team, and I look forward to what God has in store for this ministry!

Hannah Flowers

My name is Hannah Flowers. I have been a coach’s wife for almost 8 years. We have two wild littles, Porter (4) & Ada Claire (1), and a third on the way. Throughout our marriage we have been blessed to serve in a volunteer capacity with FCA and to be served by FCA as a coaching family. As a coach’s wife I have a huge heart for athletes and coaches and view athletics as a ministry our entire family can be a part of. When the opportunity for me to come on staff with FCA arose, it seemed to be the next right thing to do. As Area Representative for Stephens County my desire is for every coach and athlete to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

CROSBY HARBIN

My name is Crosby Harbin and I have the pleasure of serving as the student pastor at Ebenezer Baptist church in Toccoa Georgia. I have been serving in student ministry for the past seven years and I have been a volunteer for FCA for seven years as well. As an ambassador for FCA I will have the opportunity to reach students in their schools weekly and share the good news of the gospel. I am married with 3 wonderful children. Jackson is 5 years old and full of energy and compassion. Emmy is my spunky 3 year old who keeps us laughing, and Addy will be 1 in April. 

Chairman:
Kelly and Melissa Woodall

Brad and Lauren Crane

Derek & Merideth Shaw

Katie & Justin Ledford

Matt and Jenn
Smith

Andrew & Stacey Gailey

Scott and Holly
Smith

Tom and Connie Wilbanks

Adam and Sam Pipkin

Ben & Katie
Jordan

Stevie & Alice Stephens

Jim and Laura Peeples