Meet your Neighbors: Monica Collier, Fellowship Academy

We know the Kennedale Area

Chamber of Commerce is full of an

amazing mix of people.. your friends and neighbors all doing their best to build

a business that helps both their family and our community grow. We’re thrilled

to launch a new feature in 2016, giving you a little more in depth look at some

of our members so you can get to know them beyond the business card. {{more:[read more}]}}

We would like to introduce you to Monica Collier, Head Administrator at Kennedale Fellowship Academy.

Tell us about yourself …

I?m originally from Abilene and went to Hardin Simmons University. I moved to Fort Worth to get my Master?s in Christian School Administration at Southwest Baptist Theological. I?ve been married to my husband Jeff for 28 years; he was in the printing business and is now happily on staff for me at FCA, working as director of facilities. Our two kids, Katey and Christopher, live in Florida, so any free time we have is visiting them and spending time together.

What is something that would surprise people to learn about you?

I am proud to be a cancer survivor, going on 18 years now.

Favorite movie? Book? Food? Sports team?

My favorite movies are probably Steel Magnolias and It?s a Wonderful Life. We love the Christmas movies on Hallmark, too. I don?t watch a lot of sports but like to unwind with crossword puzzles.

Tell us about your business.

Fellowship Academy is a PreK-12th grade private Christian school; our primary goal is to offer a Christian alternative that is financially affordable, not focused on only the academically or financially elite. I founded Fellowship Academy in August of 2000, and we built the current location in Kennedale in June 2012. Before that, I taught 2nd grade at a Christian school for 7 years, but this was always my dream. I always knew I wanted to be teacher, and God put it on my heart to meet this need for Christian education that just wasn?t available. He put me in the right place and time to make it all come together.

 

Who is your target market?

Our school currently serves kids from over 9 different cities, including Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Arlington, Midlothian, Benbrook, and of course, Kennedale. We love having a great mix of families from all backgrounds, areas, and experiences. I knew from the beginning we wanted to have diversity but still a home for everyone. We want every child, and every parent, to have a school environment where they can feel safe, loved, and have fun. School should be enjoyable, not stressful!

What do you like about doing business in the Kennedale area?

The City of Kennedale has been so welcoming from the very beginning; we really appreciate the small town feeling that comes with knowing so many people and being a part of the community.

Why do you choose to be involved in your Chamber?

Our goal always been to contribute to and be an important part of the community. The chamber allowed me to get to know different people and for them to get to know us, as well. Often people have preconceived ideas of what Christian schools are about, whether based on past experiences or other ideas they may have. By getting to know people personally, they can see exactly who we are and what we believe in, and most importantly see that we are involved and invested in community.

What are your biggest challenges in business right now, and what?s next for you?

Our biggest challenge right now is a great one.. we are running out of space! Our school has grown tremendously since first construction and we desperately need more room to accommodate the number of families we already have, and the prospective ones we have waiting. We?re beginning a campaign to raise the funds for an addition to our campus, but even though we know fundraising takes longer than we would like, God always provides and we aren?t worried. We?ve got a great master plan that we are moving steadily towards, and can?t wait to see the school reach our full vision.

 

LINKS:

Fellowship

Academy

Kennedale Area

Chamber of Commerce