Administration
Barbara Collins-Hopkins
Barbara was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee where she attended Hume-Fogg Comprehensive High School with a concentration in Food Management. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication and Theatre Education from Tennessee State University, where she was also a member of the Honors Society, Theatre Guild, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Barbara received her Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Studies with a concentration in Adult Learners from Walden University.
She began her career in early childhood education in 1982 and has held positions as a teacher, assistant center director, center director, professional development director, and regional director. Barbara has been a Georgia state approved child care trainer since 2002 and serves on the board for the Georgia Child Care Association. She is also currently an adjunct instructor at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in the Early Childhood Department. Her passion is caring for abused and neglected children.
Barbara is married to Robert Hopkins and is the proud mother of three adult children and four grandchildren. She is a devoted football fan, especially the Atlanta Falcons. Barbara enjoys traveling, cooking, and attending the theatre, and she is a member of Salem Bible Church in Lithonia, GA.
Eunice Campbell
Curriculum Coordinator
Eunice is the Curriculum Coordinator for Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center. She is experienced and certified in Early Childhood education with an Associate degree in Education. A true teacher, Eunice has a passion for working with children and she enjoys being a part of helping shape their lives for the future. Her goal as Curriculum Coordinator is to help provide professional development to the teaching staff, ensure that state childcare licensing procedures are being administered in the classrooms, and maintain an appropriate learning environment for the children. She works with the Executive Director to follow the center’s established guidelines and standards, consistent with Christian principles, good financial management, and in accordance with the policies set by the Open Arms Board of Directors.
Eunice has lived in Georgia for several years and enjoys hanging out with her husband, two children, and six grandchildren.
Darlene Beckman
Business Manager
Darlene has served at Open Arms and Lutheran Church of the Ascension as a volunteer and secretary since 2017, and as business manager since 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Illinois State University, and Master of Science and Educational Specialist degrees from Georgia State University. Her varied experience includes serving as executive director for the Foundation For Improvement of Justice, teaching at George Walton Academy, and in several other capacities providing individual and group services for children, adolescents, and families in Georgia. She is passionate about supporting healthy families and providing children with the tools they need to grow and thrive.
Darlene has been married to Brian for more than 30 years, and together they have two grown sons, both of whom she educated at home through elementary and middle school, and two grandchildren. In her free time, Darlene enjoys spending time with family, going to yoga classes, and attending church activities.
Rev. David V. Miller
Pastor and Chaplain
The Rev. David V. Miller has served as Pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Ascension and Chaplain of Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center of Buckhead since October 2013. He is a graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and subsequently served as Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for three years before coming to Atlanta.
His love for quality early childhood education has grown exponentially since the arrival of his daughter, Eden, and sons, Jude, Titus, and Matthias. He has been married to his wife, Jeni, since 2006, and together they take joy in their church family and in their children. Rev. Miller offers pastoral care to the families and staff of Open Arms, and welcomes any questions you may have about the church or school.