Welcome to New 25-26 Staff
FPD is proud to welcome more new faculty members for the next school year.
Mr. Tracy Hatfield joins our Upper School faculty as a Math Teacher. He is from Toledo, Washington, and currently lives in downtown Macon. Mr. Hatfield has a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Champlain College, Burlington, VT. He has an extensive background in leading technical teams and managing complex projects, which has given him a strong foundation in structure, problem-solving, and clear communication, skills that he now brings into the classroom. Throughout his career, he has also spent much time training and mentoring. He is now grateful for the opportunity to bring that same passion for growth and guidance into the lives of students. Mr. Hatfield and his wife, Amy, have three children: Reece, senior at FPD; Ronan, freshman at FPD, and Saphron, 6th Grader at FPD. Mr. Hatfield is a military veteran who served at the White House and retired from the Joint Special Operations Command in 2016. He is also a certified USA Swimming and U.S. Paralympic swim official, which has given him the joy of sharing the pool deck with his children during their swim meets. Outside of school, he enjoys going on runs with his wife, Taekwondo, and playing games with his family. “What excites me most about joining Viking Nation is the genuine love and care the staff shows for the students—it’s clear that this is a place where relationships, matters, and faith are lived out daily,” Mr. Hatfield said. “I’m drawn to the strong sense of community, the commitment to academic, spiritual growth, and the opportunity to be part of a team that’s passionate about shaping young minds and hearts.”
Mrs. Amy Patterson will teach 4th-grade math starting next school year. Mrs. Patterson grew up in Slidell, LA, which is just outside New Orleans, but now calls Macon home. She received a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, with an emphasis on Mathematics and Education, from the University of New Orleans, and has a Master’s of Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Mrs. Patterson has taught Middle School Math and Science at Crescent City Christian School in Metairie, LA, and Preschool at First Baptist Child Development Center, Slidell, LA. Her husband Stape is the Young Adult Pastor at Ingleside Baptist Church. They have a 4-year-old daughter, Taylor. Mrs. Patterson’s hobbies include reading, drawing, and cooking. She plays the flute and was the drum major in her high school marching band. She also studied ballet for 13 years and has spent the last 5 years teaching ESL online. “FPD/Viking Nation is a pillar of our local community,” Mrs. Patterson said. “We learned a great deal about the school’s values and its impact on our community when we moved to Macon two years ago. We are very excited to be a part of the Viking family!”
FPD is excited to welcome back Mrs. Lynn Strickland, who will be serving in Instructional Support and Reading Boost for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. With 28 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Strickland brings a deep love for early childhood education and a strong connection to the FPD community. Her return marks a new chapter at a school she knows well—Mrs. Strickland previously taught first grade at FPD for 13 years, from 2010 to 2023. Her passion for helping young learners grow academically and spiritually made a lasting impact during her time on campus. Mrs. Strickland has lived in Macon with her husband, Spencer, for 15 years. The Stricklands are proud parents of three daughters, all FPD graduates, and grandparents to three grandchildren. “I loved my 13 years at FPD, and I’m looking forward to returning and serving at FPD again,” Mrs. Strickland said.