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About us

our MISSION: REACH + EQUIP + SEND

In partnership with community organizations, we REACH students with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, EQUIP them to be effective leaders, and SEND them to impact their communities.

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"​I joined GP Thomasville’s efforts because I was called by God. God used my childhood connection to The Gathering Place and several people in my life, including my wife, to make it clear that I was supposed to help plant The GP in Thomasville and serve. Serving has been rewarding and joyful in many ways — seeing God transform lives and witnessing His power first hand."

Dr. Bob Miles, Cardiologist & Founding Chairman

GP Thomasville is a faith-based youth development organization in Thomasville, Georgia that works with at-risk middle and high school students that need the right learning environment to grow and thrive. Established as an expansion of The Gathering Place in Brunswick, GA under the leadership of past GP CEO, Lucas Ramirez, past Thomasville Executive Director, Adrian Burns, and Founding Chair, Dr. Robert Miles, GP Thomasville was founded in 2018 transforming the lives of youth in our community ever since.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GATHERING PLACE

our LEADERSHIP

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Mina Thomson

Executive Director Mina Thomson joined GP Thomasville as Interim Executive Director in 2025, and then, as Executive Director in 2026. A product of a family owned business, her career has spanned across the nonprofit, corporate, small business, and academic sectors. In all her roles, she’s been passionate about enabling growth and development. She earned her Master's in Business Administration from Valdosta State University, is a proud alumna of Leadership Thomas, and remains deeply involved in the community. She has lived in Thomasville since 2005, and loves spending time with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Nestor.

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Robert Donald Miles, Jr., MD

Founding Chair / Board Member Dr. Bob Miles is the Founding Chairman of GP Thomasville. He was born and raised in Saint Simons Island, GA, and has been practicing cardiology in Thomasville, GA since 2005. A devout Christian, his calling to help others through his profession and philanthropy has been evident throughout his life. He’s married to his wonderful wife, Laura, and has three children, Thompson, Emmett, and Bosie.

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Mayor Todd Mobley

Board Member Todd Mobley has been a dedicated champion and Board Member of GP Thomasville since 2018. Born and raised in Thomasville, GA, he’s a retired Thomasville High School Principal, a member of the Thomasville City Council, and most recently, Mayor of Thomasville.

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Leon Smith

Campus Director Leon served in the United States Marine Corps, and lived overseas in Iwakuni, Japan. A lifelong learner, he obtained two university degrees in Education after his military career. He is a proud father of two beautiful young women, who are presently blazing a trail in their lives and careers in a manner that brings both honor and glory to their father.

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Brandi Warren, DO

Board Treasurer Dr. Brandi Warren has been an active member of GP Thomasville since 2019, serving on the Board, providing a worksite for the leadership program, and welcoming GP students to her family practice clinic for the summer program. She has lived in Thomasville since 2008, where she and her husband Jesse have raised their two sons.

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Arthur Wigfall

Board Member Arthur Wigfall is a retired federal employee with 29 years of distinguished service in law enforcement. Born in Charleston, SC, he is an active member of the Rotary Club of Thomasville and a proud graduate of the Leadership Thomas Leadership Development Program. Arthur is passionate about fostering a progressive and inclusive community with a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens—regardless of background or demographics. He loves spending time with his three daughters, Ariel, Mckenzy, and Meghan.

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André Hadley Marria, M.S., LPC, CPCS

Board Chair André Hadley Marria is a licensed therapist, CEO, and community leader. She serves as a therapist with the City of Thomasville Employee Assistance Program and as CEO of Marria’s Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting Services, LLC. Prior to that, she held several influential roles in her 34 year career with the Georgia Department of Human Resources. She has received numerous prestigious awards and recognition for her dedicated service and accomplishments with the Georgia Association of Licensed Professional Counselors, the Toastmasters, and the Rotary Club, where she most recently served as District Governor, was awarded United Rotary Women of Impact Lifetime Achievement Award, and was recognized as one of six “People of Action: Champions of Inclusion” by the Rotary International President. Notably, in 2024, she was awarded the Thomasville/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce “Woman of the Year” Community Impact Award for her tireless passion serving our community. She has enjoyed a long marriage to Evangelist Walter Marria, Jr., and they are blessed with four children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

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Dr. Tina McBride

Board Member A native of Thomasville, GA and a 1991 graduate of Thomasville High School, Dr. Tina McBride worked in Thomasville City Schools for 28 years. Now, as a retired educator and an active community member, she continues to serve our youth as a part time Educator in the P-12 sector and as an Adjunct University Professor. She’s married to her husband, Stanley, and has three sons, Gavin, Eddie, and William.

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Angela Williamson

Board Member Angela Williamson has built a diverse and service-driven career spanning childcare, administration, eldercare, and nonprofit work. A Valdosta State University graduate, she currently works with Williams CPA, and has recently launched her own ice cream truck business, The Ice Cream Girl. She is committed to a life of service, is deeply involved in the Thomasville community through Rotary, church leadership, and volunteer work, and is a proud alumna of Leadership Thomas Class 41. Angela enjoys spending family time and traveling with her husband, Ron, their three children, and one grandchild.

“Since 2017, the Watkins Christian Foundation has partnered with the Gathering Place in Thomasville because their mission reflects our heart for advancing God’s Kingdom. Our vision is to empower Christian organizations that impact youth through Christ, and GP does this by surrounding teens with mentorship, faith formation, and leadership experiences that build a foundation of spirituality for life. We believe in investing where lives are transformed, and we encourage others to support missions that matter to them, because together we can make an eternal impact.”

Watkins Christian Foundation

GP THOMASVILLE

204A South Broad Street, Suite 4

Thomasville, Georgia 31792 

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©2025-2026 by GP Thomasville | Site Design by Eva Louie Creative

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