Personnel
Faculty
Shirley Cravens—Bible, History, & Literature
My name is Shirley Cravens wife to my husband, Josh Cravens for 15 years now. Together we have a 9-year-old boy, Julius "JuJu" Cravens, whom I have homeschooled for the last 4 years. I taught for 10 years at USD 259, where I also served as an interpreter for the same. I have also served in urban youth ministries totaling 18 years. I have a passion for teaching and ministry, so I am extremely excited to be able to serve the kids and families of Hope Academy.
From the moment I connected with Hope, I knew it was something special. This is a school that truly meets kids where they are — academically, emotionally, and spiritually — and that aligns so deeply with my heart as an educator.
With years of teaching experience, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when children feel known, loved, and supported. At Hope, I get to be part of a community that puts Christ at the center and believes in the potential of every child.
As a wife and mom of two, I’m excited to pour into my students the same care and encouragement I give my own children. I can’t wait to start this new chapter, walk alongside these amazing kids, and be part of the incredible work God is doing here.
Felicia Gallegos—Junior Kinder / Kindergarten
Julie Dyson—Math, Science, & Reading, Literacy Intervention
Hello, my name is Julie Dyson, and I am so grateful to be teaching at Hope Academy! I am a wife to Josh and mom to Deacon, Noelle, Daisy and Lucy. Math and science have always been loves of mine, but I am new to a love of words and spelling, thanks to EBLI. I started my EBLI literacy training in March 2025 and, as a person who has struggled with spelling my entire life, finally understand things in the English language that have never made sense before! Don’t tell the students, but it can actually be fun to figure out how to read and spell words correctly! I have been tutoring kids this past spring and summer and am looking forward to sharing this hope with even more kids, especially those who may struggle like myself!
My prayer for my students is they taste and see the goodness of God and His creation in math, reading, poetry, science, history, geography, art, music, ect., and are formed by Gods infinite love for them and set free to flourish in their Fathers rich, joyful and extravagant world.
Staff
Mr. Cravens brings to Hope Academy a varied and diverse history and background. He has over 20 years of experience in education ranging from emergency substitute, substitute para-professional, long term sub and auxillary aid as well as PE teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University. He was also a Division I athlete in baseball during his time at K-State.
In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, wife, Mariah and children, Kaiah and Malakai. He also enjoys spending time outdoors either hunting, gardening, and barbecuing or even just relaxing in God's creation.
Quinn Cravens—Campus Lead
Josh Dyson—Head of School
Josh Dyson has most recently served as the Headmaster at Classical School of Wichita (CSW), a classical Christian school in Wichita, KS. He served as Headmaster for almost seven years after serving for four years as the CSW Director of Operations. Prior to these almost eleven years in administration at CSW, Josh taught Bible and served as the school chaplain for Houston’s First Baptist Academy for four years. Additionally, Josh serves on the Board of Academic Advisors for the Classic Learning Test and as an Arete Fellow for the Society for Classical Learning. He did his undergraduate work at Houston Christian University (HCU). He took graduate courses at HCU and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary prior to completing his Masters of Classical & Christian Studies from Knox Theological Seminary. He and his wife Julie have been married since 2006, and have four children—Deacon, Noelle, Daisy, and Lucy.
Board of Directors
Hope Academy is overseen by the Board of Directors of C5 Urban School Initiative.