Janice Hadaway – Executive Director
Always the visionary, Janice Hadaway became the founder and executive director of Destiny Independence USA in 2016 after nearly a decade of mentoring children in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood. Persuaded that group and/or one-on-one mentoring is a better way to conquer generational poverty than throwing impersonal money and programs at the problem, Janice has created a comprehensive program for these children that is committed to seeing them all the way through high school, college or job training, and into their first adult job.
Janice holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music with an emphasis in voice from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, and a Master’s in Music from the University of Arkansas. She homeschooled her two children through their high school careers while simultaneously operating a piano and voice studio in her home. She and her husband Mike have worked together in the mentoring commitment since 2009, and are members of Second Avenue Baptist Church, Rome, GA.
MIKE HADAWAY
Mike Hadaway – Business Manager
A seasoned businessman and entrepreneur, Mike is well equipped to manage the business side of fund raising for DIUSA. His career has included positions including president and vice president of multiple large companies, too numerous to name. In addition to working alongside Janice in mentoring, as time permits, and pursuing some local fundraising, his biggest role during his retirement years is that of cheerleader for Janice’s passion of seeing hundreds of kids into good paying adult jobs that will make them successful adults.
SANDY TUCKER
Sandy Tucker – College Prep Director
Mrs. Tucker has served for thirty years in multiple high schools and colleges during her career in positions such as Registrar, Dean of Student Affairs, Academic Counselor, Director of Advising Services, Director of Online Student Services, and College and Career Coach. After retirement, she taught an online academic success course required of freshmen students. She now brings to DIUSA a heart for young people who need help making good career choices that will ensure a happy and prosperous future for them and their families.
With a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown College, Master of Arts in Education from Western Kentucky University, and 43 doctoral credit hours in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation from the University of Kentucky, Sandy Tucker is uniquely qualified to serve in the position of College & Career Prep Director for DIUSA and we feel privileged to have her on our staff.
Mrs. Tucker is enjoying multiple types of mission work during her retirement and loves children. How blessed we are to have Mrs. Tucker on our staff!
ANGELA BARON
Angela Baron – Tutoring Director
As the owner and Executive Director of Sylvan Learning Center, Angela oversees the educational integrity of the Sylvan programs of both the Rome and Cartersville facilities, and manages and trains both teams of tutors. With all of her expertise in education and tutoring, we are honored that Angela directs the tutoring arm of Destiny Independence USA. With an undergraduate degree in History and Secondary Education from Berry College, and a master’s degree from Jacksonville State University, Angela brings a wealth of knowledge to all DIUSA ‘tutorees’, and is able to tutor just about every subject! Her passion for helping young people succeed academically is unsurpassed. When she isn’t tutoring (which is rare!), she is most likely writing or singing.
