Aja, Donna: 1st
Grade
B.S. in Education with a major in business
education and a minor in management; thirty-three hours of bachelor’s degree in
elementary courses to obtain elementary teaching certification; four years as
Director of Education and classroom teacher at International Business
School; Outstanding Teacher Award; nine
years as first grade teacher at Metropolitan Christian School, two years as fourth grade teacher at
McKinney Christian Academy; LCA elementary teacher since August, 2005.
Certification – State of Oklahoma, K-12;
Association of Christian Schools International
Aja, René: Facilities, Athletic Director,
Football Coach
Attended Tennessee Temple University
majoring in Biblical Studies; twenty-one years experience coaching varsity and
junior high levels; sixteen years experience as athletic director; served as
TAAPS district president, secretary and treasurer for six years; joined LCA
staff in July, 2005.
Allen, Lucy: Dean of Student Life
B.A. in History from the University of Texas
at Austin (Dean’s List); Master of Arts in English from Texas Women’s
University; marketing assistant and intern at two different companies; middle
school teacher at Tyler Street Christian Academy; university English teacher in
the People’s Republic of China; freshman English teacher at Brookhaven
Community College; team leader for DK Family learning where she set a national
record for most recruits in a month and won a trip for outstanding sales and
leadership; various leadership roles in her church including children’s worship
leader/teacher, VBS coordinator, and life group leader; coordinator for the LCA
Partners’ Dinner Celebration in 2005; joined the LCA staff in June, 2006.
Armenta, Rita: 10th Spanish I,
Foreign Language Department Head
Music Therapy/Psychology major from Texas Woman’s University; worship leader at Prestonwood Spanish mission church; lead keyboard player in praise band at New Hope Christian Church, Wylie, TX; extensive training in flute, piano, guitar and voice; four years Spanish teaching experience in the classroom; LCA teacher since August, 2003.
Atkins, Helen: 2nd Grade
B.S. in Education of the Deaf from the
University of Southern Mississippi; M.S. in audiology from the University of
Texas at Dallas; certified audiologist; working on teaching certification for
Early Childhood-Fourth Grade (expected completion, May 2008); five years
teaching experience in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 2nd
grades; actively involved in her church as technical director, stage manager,
AWANA director, programming team, and member of the Local Board of
Administration; LCA 2nd grade teacher since August, 2007.
Black, Beth: Childcare Coordinator
Home
economics degree from Oklahoma State University; enjoyed babysitting during her
junior high and senior high school years; has taught pre-school, kindergarten,
and first grade Sunday school; originally volunteered in the LCA nursery; joined
the LCA childcare staff in August, 2002.
Bouska, Heather: Curriculum
Coordinator, Registrar Assistant
Legal secretary certificate from the
Executive Secretarial School; Coordinator of LCA Elementary Grade Level
Coordinators from August, 2005 to present; joined the LCA staff June, 2007.
Bruce, Cyndi: Bookkeeper
Previous Co-Dean of Program Support at Wylie
Preparatory Academy (UMS) with experience in registration of students,
organization and maintenance of student files, family communication,
supervision of office staff; coordination of admission meetings, placement
testing, and family interviews, and ordering of supplies and equipment;
Co-administrator of a home school co-op for three years; treasurer of home
school co-op; joined the LCA staff in July, 2006 as the curriculum coordinator
and assistant in the admissions and registration department; LCA bookkeeper
beginning August, 2007.
Byrd, Rebecca: 7th
English, 9th Geography/Introduction to Western Civilization
B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in
English from Pensacola Christian College; taught one year at Temple Christian in
Ft. Worth, Texas; taught four years at Garland Christian Academy; LCA teacher
since August, 2001.
Certification: Association of Christian
Schools International
Cheshire,
Charlie: Soccer Coach
Chong,
Francesca: 11th Spanish II, 1st-3rd Spanish
Bethany Christian School Pre-K-6th
Spanish teacher for two years.
Chrasta, Kathy:
Main Office Administrative Assistant
Attended college
at the University of Massachusetts; various drafting jobs in San Jose, CA;
served as secretary for two churches and a counseling center; active volunteer
at a previous school and LCA; joined the LCA staff in March, 2006.
Chrasta, Dr. Michael: Dean of Family
Education, Spiritual Development Department Head, 12th Honors
Western Civilization III, Western Civilization Department Head
BA in English and
Reading, University of Iowa; MA English, University of Wisconsin; MA Public
Policy, Regent University; Ph.D., Humanities-History of Ideas, UTD; instructor
for English and American literature for high schools and colleges in Wisconsin,
Virginia, and Texas; Literary Analysis and Composition at UTD; African-American
Literature, African-American History, Minority Literature, and 20th
Century American Literature, Fitchburg State College, MA; Outstanding Teacher Award, State of
Virginia, 1990; Master Naturalist Certification, State of Texas, 2005; LCA
teacher since August, 2002.
Dennis, Susan:
Dean of Academics, 11th Algebra II, 11th Honors Algebra
II, 12th Personal Finance
(fall semester)
B.A. in Political Science from East Texas
State University; M.S. in Political Science from East Texas State University;
Mid-management Certification from Texas A & M Commerce; eight years in classroom teaching secondary
math; three years as assistant principal at Greenville Middle School, three
years experience teaching government at Paris Junior College; joined LCA staff
in July, 2003.
Certification: Secondary Math and Government
Dollar, Daniel: Sound and Video Engineer
Dollar, Doug: 7th
Math
B.A. in Finance and M.A. in English from Stephen
F. Austin State University; M.A. in Counseling from Amberton University; taught
English at Stephen F. Austin State University for six years (two as a teaching
assistant); taught high school English at Lexington Academy for one year;
tutored math part time at Sylvan Learning Centers; LCA teacher since August,
2002.
Evans,
Elizabeth: 11th Honors Western Civilization II, 12th
English IV, English Department Head
B.S. in Secondary Education from Baylor
University; LCA teacher since August, 2000.
Certification: Secondary English and history
Feckley, Suzanne: 8th
Earth Science, 9th Introduction to Physics & Chemistry
B.S. in Natural Science from the University
of Wyoming; post-baccalaureate work in
microbiology at Baylor University; microbiology technician and professional
registered sanitarian for the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District;
taught Biology, Earth Science, and Introduction to Physics and Chemistry at LCA
from August, 2000 to May, 2004; returned to LCA in August, 2006.
Fischer, Joanne: 7th/8th
Speak Out Proudly, 10th English II, 10th Western Civ.
World History
Bachelor of Arts
in Secondary Education from University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (Speech
Communications and English); M.B.A. in Organizational Behavior and
Administration from Southern Methodist University; Precept Upon Precept Leader
(over 200 hours leadership training and led/taught over 100 courses); extensive
volunteer and leadership experience; LCA teacher since August, 2003.
Greiner, Claudia: 6th Morning
Block (English and History)
Graduated Summa
Cum Laude with B.S. in Bible and Christian Education from Arlington Baptist
College in Arlington, TX; taught 5th grade at Canyon Creek Christian
Academy for six years; home schooled daughter through high school; LCA 6th
grade teacher since August, 2003.
Certification: Elementary Education
Hansen, Jim: Facilities Engineer
Hargrave, Jill: Elementary Director
B.S., M.S. in Communication Disorders from
Murray State University (summa cum laude graduate); director and teacher, hospital-based
preschool in Florida; preschool teacher
in Wylie and Plano; teacher for kindergarten, 1st, combined 1st/2nd, and music
in Sachse for four years;
academic supervisor in Sachse for five years
with duties including curriculum development, supervising and evaluating
teachers, serving as assistant principal, teaching all middle school sciences,
and teaching 4th grade; over 15 years experience in education from preschool to
high school including special education; five years of administrative experience
in the field of education; joined the LCA staff in June, 2006.
Certification: Texas Elem. 1st-8th; ACSI Elementary
Hauser, Alisa: 9th English I, 11th
English III
B.A. in Communication Studies, minor in English; Graduate studies toward
elementary education Masters degree, 1994-1996; experienced in media relations
and technical writing; home school teacher; LCA teacher since August, 2005.
Haynes, JeRaye: Main Office Administrative
Assistant
Previously worked as an assistant property
manager, dental assistant, nursery department manager, and team manager
requiring skills in organization, supervision of personnel, coordination of
schedules, management of financial accounts, ordering of supplies, and
interaction with clients and parents, home schooled three children for seven years; joined the LCA staff in April, 2003.
Herman, Dawn: Elementary Recess Coordinator
Huckabee, Kim: 5th Grade
B.A. in Elementary Education with a Reading
Emphasis from Wartburg College; Allen ISD 5th grade teacher for ten
years; Allen ISD 6th grade teacher for one year; three years
teaching in 1st and 3rd grades; substitute teacher for
approximately two years in Iowa and South Dakota; Allen ISD1998-1999 Bell
Ringer Award; Allen ISD 2000-2001 Teacher of the Year; 2004-2005 Who’s Who
Among America’s Teachers; LCA elementary teacher since August, 2007.
Certification: Elementary
Education, grades 1-8; Elementary Reading, grades 1-8
Huffaker, Sandy: 9th Basic
Computer Applications, 12th Personal Finance (spring semester),
Communication Department Head,
Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach
Bachelor of
Science in Computer Information Systems, Cameron University; Preschool teacher
for four years at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church; LCA teacher since August,
2002.
Jagoda, Stephanie: 9th Algebra I
B.S. in Education
from Texas Christian University; Weatherford ISD 7th-9th grade teacher for two
years; Allen ISD preschool and 1st grade teacher for two years;
Allen Bible Church Sunday School teacher for four years; LCA teacher since August,
2007.
Certification:
Special Education, grades Pre-K-12th; General Education, grades 1-8
Jensen, Kerri: 7th – 12th Praise Band I and II
Associate of
Applied Science in Commercial Music from Collin County Community College –
magna cum laude graduate; graduate of the School of Worship and Technical Arts
at Christ for the Nations; areas of study include music theory, audio
engineering, and music technology; children’s programming coordinator and
creative arts ministry assistant at Legacy Church; volunteer at New Hope Church
in the areas of worship band, worship planning, small group worship leader, and
the ministry leadership training track; LCA teacher since August, 2006.
Jensen, Teri: 10th Biology, 12th Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Science Department Head
Bachelor of Applied Science from the
University of Minnesota; B.S. in Physical Therapy, University of
Texas Southwestern Medical School; Certified physical therapist from
1993-present;
LCA teacher since
August, 2000.
Kuhnast, Claudia: 11th American
History, Academic Counselor, History Department Head
Graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in
History and Education from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY; taught history ten
years, eight of which were in missionary and international schools in Brazil; received MEd. in counseling from the
University of North Texas in 2002; joined LCA staff in January, 2001.
Certification: History 6-8; History 9-12, and School Counseling K-12.
Lamoureux, Stephanie: 4th-6th
Theatre Production, 4th-6th Chapel Coordinator
B.S. in Psychology and B.S. in Biblical
Studies from Dallas Christian College (suma cum laude); attended Collin College
and studied theatre; Chamberlain Performing Arts musical theatre teacher for
four years; private voice and piano teacher for four years; children’s minister
for one year; American College Theatre Festival Acting Award; The Column Award
– Dallas – Best Actress in a Musical (Baby); LCA graduate-Class of 2001; LCA teacher since August, 2007.
Layman, Renee: 3rd
Grade, 1st-3rd Chapel Coordinator
B.S. from East Texas State University;
Farmersville ISD (FISD) kindergarten teacher for four years; First Baptist
Church, Farmersville preschool director and teacher for one year; FISD
part-time tutorial teacher in math, reading, and writing for five months; FISD
5th grade reading teacher for one year; FISD mentor teacher to new
teachers; FISD Teacher of the Year, Tatum Elementary, 2001-2002; LCA teacher
since August, 2006.
Certification: Grades 1-8, Reading 1-8,
Kindergarten
McCosky,
Tina: 11th Chemistry, 11th Honors Chemistry
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University; worked for
Millipore Corporation for four years managing technical sales of and customer
training in chemical filtration and pressure measurement equipment for Texas
Instruments; LCA teacher since August, 2006.
McFarland, Jennifer: 4th-6th
Spanish
B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Texas Tech
University; attended the University of North Texas studying counseling; Plano
ISD Pre-K Spanish/ESL teacher for eight years; Plano ISD JV cheerleading coach
for one year; Allen Young Life volunteer leader for one year; Plano ISD Teacher
of the Year (Jupiter Center) – 1997; LCA teacher since August, 2007.
Certification: Early Childhood Education,
Spanish Bilingual and ESL, Pre-K-8th
Meyers, Laura: Administrative Assistant –
Athletics, JV and Varsity Volleyball Coach, Varsity
Girls’ Assistant Basketball Coach
B.S. in Kinesiology and Sports Studies with
a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M, Commerce; studied
physical education and athletic training at the University of West Florida;
Greenville Christian School junior high and high school coach for three years;
group exercise coordinator and personal trainer, L-3 Communications Total
Wellness Center for two years.
Montgomery, Julie: Administrator
Previous work experience in restaurant
management and insurance; former business owner; founding member of New Hope
church and teacher of a membership class since 2001; has served in church
leadership of home teams, women’s ministry, and Bible studies; home school
teacher for twelve years; LCA Advisory Board from 2001-2005; LCA Advisory Board
president 2005-2006; Interim LCA Administrator April 2006-October 2006; LCA
Administrator beginning November, 2006.
Morrical, Michelle: Registrar/Admissions
Previously
worked for a Carrollton, TX newspaper and as an assistant or general store
manager for three different companies; served on the board of Wylie Preparatory
Academy (UMS) for two years; on staff at Wylie Preparatory Academy for one year
working in the registration and financial departments; joined the LCA staff in
June, 2004.
Murray,
Ronda: Administrative Assistant – Academic Office
B.B.A. with a concentration in Computer
Science from Baylor University; computer programmer/analyst for Mobil Oil for
six years; home school teacher for eight years; director of McKinney home
school enrichment classes for three years; LCA Admissions Coordinator
2000-2005; LCA Elementary Director 2005-2006.
Norris, Carissa: 10th
Honors Western Civilization I
B.A. in Cross-Cultural Ministries from
Oklahoma Baptist University; Masters in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton
College; Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary;
taught English in China from 2000-2002; has special training in the development
of curriculum, the presentation and communication of the Bible, lesson plan
development, classroom management, and teaching techniques; highly involved in
the youth ministry at her church; LCA teacher since August, 2006.
Olson, Denise: Director of
Operations
Attended Our Lady of the Lake University and
Eastfield College; received A.S. degree in Psychology from Collin County
Community College; involved in two start-up businesses and over fifteen years
in corporate administration; operated two in-home businesses; taught children’s
Sunday school for more than ten years;
preschool teacher for four years; served on several children’s committees and
leadership boards within the church and community; previous school
administrator and dean at Wylie Preparatory Academy; joined LCA staff in June,
2003.
Phipps, Laura: 8th Pre-Algebra, 12th
Government/Economics
B.B.A. in
Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington; Certified Precept Upon
Precept Leader; Sunday School teacher for 15 years; home schooled four children
for 14 years; LCA teacher since August, 2004.
Pitcher, Evelyn: 4th – 6th
Art, 7th-12th Art Combo
AA in Graphics
Design from the Art Institute of Dallas; experienced art director and artist;
home school teacher, former owner of design business, classroom and private art
instructor; LCA teacher since August, 2004.
Pruszynski, Karletta: 10th
Geometry, 10th Honors Geometry, 12th Honors Pre-Calculus, 12th AP
Calculus
B.S. in mathematics and a minor in
Chemistry/Physics from the University of Texas at Arlington; employed by General Dynamics for four years
as an engineering aide; home schooled two children for over 16 years; taught
Pre-Algebra and Geometry in the McKinney home school group; LCA teacher since
August, 2001.
Rice, Victoria:
8th English, 8th History
B.A. in Communications and German, Minor in
Sociology from Pacific Lutheran University; studied German and Sociology at
Johann-Wolfgang Goethe Universitaet; taught language arts, history, and
pre-algebra (4th-9th grades) at Starbright Academy for 2
years (now Spring Creek Academy); tutored various subjects at Tutorial Services
of Plano for 6 years; LCA teacher since August, 2000.
Robertson,
Joanna: 7th Life Science
Bachelor’s degree
in Plant and Soil Science from Texas A&M Commerce (cum laude); A.A. in
Liberal Arts from Collin College (2003) (cum laude); A.A. in Liberal Arts from
the University of Maryland (2002); Farmersville Garden Club member for seven
years, president for two years; Townsen III Dance Studio administrative
assistant for three years; New Hope Christian Church ministry actor for one
year, Women’s Leader Team for two years; LCA teacher since August, 2007.
Certification:
Agricultural Science & Technology, grades 6-12
Rohr, Judy: 1st and
6th Spanish (T/Th)
Studied Latin American Studies for three
years; fluent in Spanish; served as ESL instructional aide in the Farmersville
Independent School District for four years which included substitute teaching
in the classroom and the writing of lesson plans; LCA teacher since August,
2006.
Rush, Rebecca: Substitute Coordinator, Main Office Administrative
Assistant (T/Th)
Attended Olivet
Nazarene University and University of Southern Mississippi; has served in the
choir and ladies ministry of her church; board member of the Plano home school
group (PEACH) for eight years; joined the LCA staff in August, 2003 and has
served in the childcare area, as a substitute teacher, keyboarding teacher, and
a study hall monitor.
Sauls,
Denisha: Assistant Track Coach
Sauls,
Terry: Track Coach
Schmer,
Dawn: 4th English, Math, History, Science
B.A. in Education
with a minor in Computer Education from Purdue University; American Red Cross
Water Safety Instructor, 1984-present; Texas ASCD Curriculum Fellow, 1991-1993;
EMT Certification, 1993; taught in Richardson ISD for eleven years; substitute
taught and tutored in Richardson ISD for two years; LCA 4th grade
teacher since August, 2003.
Certification:
Indiana State Teacher’s License; Texas Lifetime Teaching Certificate (K-8)
Shumate, Paula:
7th History, 9th English I, 7th-12th
Drama Group, 7th-12th Acting & Improvisation
A graduate of Oral
Roberts University; early childhood, pre-school, and elementary student aide;
certified
draftsman; certified in CPR/first aid; author of curriculum; theater
playwright; LCA teacher since August,
2005.
Spain, Brandy: 6th Afternoon Block (Math and
Science)
B.S. in Elementary Education from
Southeastern Oklahoma State University; taught in Allen ISD for five years; LCA
teacher since August, 2003.
Certification: Early Childhood Education
Spurgin,
Keith: 9th-12th Boy’s Basketball Coach
Graduate of Stephen F. Austin University with a bachelor’s degree in
business; served as associate pastor at Lucas Christian Church for three and a
half years; current pastor of New Hope Christian Church in Wylie; LCA coach
since Fall 2005.
Spurgin,
Susan: Childcare Coordinator
Grew
up in a family of nine children, being the second oldest; served as a nanny for
four years; has raised four children and has several grandchildren; has always
enjoyed working with young children; joined the LCA childcare staff in August,
2005.
Strickland,
Wayne: Assistant Football Coach
City of Garland, 22 years; Garland Fire
Department since 1994; Promoted to rank of Driver/Engineer, 1996; UT Southwest
Medical School – Paramedic Certification, 1997.
Swor,
Tammy: 7th/8th Cheerleading Coach
Tilford,
Maggie: 9th-12th Cheerleading Coach
LCA 2002 graduate – Valedictorian; LCA
teacher since August, 2003.
Utterback,
Janice: 12th Spanish III
B.S. in Education
with a minor in deficient vision, orientation, and mobility for the blind from
Stephen F. Austin State University (concentration area in math); M. Ed. In
Early Childhood Special Education and ESL from Georgia State University;
foreign missionary and children’s ministry leader in Argentina and Paraguay for
five years; elementary teacher in missionary schools for five years; University
of San Lorenzo English Foreign Language Lab instructor for one year; middle
school Spanish I teacher in Georgia for four years; Wylie home school co-op
Spanish teacher for one year; Canyon Creek Christian Academy Spanish I, II and
III teacher for one year; LCA Spanish II teacher in 2004-2005; home school
teacher for thirteen years; currently a Bible story teacher for ESL; LCA
Spanish III teacher since August, 2007.
Certification: Education,
grades 1-8; Visually Handicapped K-12, Orientation and Mobility (American
Association of Workers for the Blind) – all ages
Wilk, Jodie: 7th
- 12th Theatre/Musical Production, 7th-12th
Ballroom Dancing, Fine Arts Director
B.S. in Communications from the University
of Texas at Austin; member of Kilgore College Rangerettes 1983-1985; taught and
choreographed competitive, dance, cheer & drill teams in Connecticut,
Canada and Texas; taught Kilgore College Rangerette Summer Camps 8 years;
choreographed and staged numerous Broadway-style production numbers at Collin
Creek Community Church, Plano; choreographed and directed the John Knox Rox Hip
Hop Dance Team for the Celebration of Dance Presents “Now is the Time”
video; LCA teacher since January, 2003.
Willis,
Leroy: Junior High Football Coach
Withrow,
Nita: Childcare
Forty-five credit hours from Baylor with the Wee Learn preschool program; approximately four years teaching preschool (art teacher for 2-4 year olds); approximately four years substitute teaching; participated in private art classes and training; LCA elementary art teacher for two years; joined the LCA childcare staff in August, 2006.
Young, Marvin: 12th
Physics
B.S. in Physics from Southern Nazarene University; Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Arkansas; ten years of undergraduate and graduate physics classroom teaching experience.