Our Newest Ministry: The Shepherd School

First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Dothan is excited to announce the opening of The
Shepherd School, a specialized learning environment designed to support students with
language-based learning differences, especially those with dyslexia. Using the proven
Orton-Gillingham method, The Shepherd School provides a tailored, individualized approach to learning, helping students from first through sixth grade thrive academically. The goal is for students to attend the school for 2–4 years, after which they will be equipped to transition back to a traditional classroom setting.

This initiative has been a long-time dream of FUMC member Mary Olivia Jones, whose own
family faced the challenges of dyslexia when her oldest son was diagnosed in kindergarten.
Struggling to find adequate resources in the region, Mary Olivia was determined to bring the support her family needed—and what so many other families in Dothan were lacking. With the knowledge of specialized schools in Atlanta, she set out to make a difference. After researching various schools across the Southeast, she brought her vision to Pastor David Saliba, who enthusiastically embraced this vision, helping to make it a reality through facility resources at FUMC.

Thanks to FUMC’s support, this dream is now a reality. A section of the secure children’s wing has been converted into a dedicated classroom for The Shepherd School. Housing Dothan’s first school of this kind on campus allows students to benefit from other school facilities, including the playground and gym. The 2025–2026 school year will mark the school’s pilot year, starting with 8 students. Teachers Pam McCoy and Laurie Gilmore will lead the class, both of whom are trained in the Orton-Gillingham method.

The Shepherd School’s approach is grounded in the Orton-Gillingham Method, a structured, evidence-based approach that has proven particularly effective for students with dyslexia. Each child receives daily, intensive instruction in phonics, reading, spelling, writing, grammar, and math. In addition, students engage in science, social studies, fine arts, health, and physical education. The low student-to-teacher ratio, combined with a project-based, experiential learning approach and regular movement breaks, ensures that every student receives the attention and support they need. The flexible, non-traditional classroom environment adapts to the unique learning needs of each child.

The school will be overseen by an Executive Director, Patti Flowers, an FUMC member with 38 years of experience in teaching students with learning differences. Patti has completed over 100 hours of Orton-Gillingham training and is deeply passionate about helping children overcome academic challenges.

“I want these students to be met at the level where they are and have the opportunity to grow, to be successful, and to realize they have learning differences, not deficiencies,” Patti explains. “At the same time, we want them to be confident in themselves, knowing they are loved by God and supported by this church, with the belief that they are called to fulfill God’s will in everything they do.”

The Shepherd School is not just a ministry to students; it is a resource for families as well. It offers a nurturing and supportive environment where children can grow into confident learners, while assuring families that their children’s individual needs are being met. Each child is seen, loved, and supported in a way that allows them to thrive in their learning journey.