LCA's faculty consists of Christian, professional men and women who have a desire to academically challenge and spiritually mentor young people to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. All teachers have signed the Statement of Faith and are active in their local church. Our academic teachers are college graduates who have a working knowledge of their subject area. All elementary core academic teachers have their teaching certificates.
2009-2010 LCA Faculty & Staff
- 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. - Atkins, Helen: 2nd Grade English, History, Math and Science
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. - Bannis, Karen: Kindergarten
B.A. in Elementary Education from Southeastern Bible College; ACSI K-6; Kindergarten and 2nd grade teacher at Metropolitan Christian School; 1st grade teacher, five years, 3rd grade teacher, one year at Legacy Christian Academy; 1st grade teacher at Cornerstone Christian Academy; LCA Kindergarten teacher since August, 2009. - Beltrand, Renee: Childcare Worker
Great Falls University, Montana - degrees in Word Processing and Secretary Skills; currently working on Fine Arts degree from Collin College; taught and cared for babies and preschoolers in a Mother's Day Out group at church; taught art: K-12th at Bethany Bible School, in homeschool co-ops , and in home to elementary students. - 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. - Bowman, Kathy: 10th Biology
B.A. in Biology from State University College at Oswego, NY; B.S. in Civil Engineering from Duke University; Masters in Environmental Engineering from the University of North Carolina; additional education in Environmental Chemistry from Syracuse University, Bionomics of Freshwater Invertebrates from Cornell University; previously taught and tutored math and science at elementary level in Allen ISD and Wylie Preparatory Academy; taught math and science at the middle school level at LCA; returned to LCA faculty in August, 2008. Certification: Secondary Biology and Middle Grades Math and Science. - Boyd, Katherine: Varsity Cheerleading Coach
B.S. in Journalism from Texas A&M University; currently studying at Dallas Theological Seminary for a M.A. in Media and Communication; senior staff instructor with Christian Cheerleaders of America for three years; All-Star Cheer coach at Sulphur Springs Gymnastics for two years; coaching at LCA since 2008. Certification: AACCA Safety - Bozeman, Monica: 7th History, 9th Health/Speech, Varsity Volleyball and Girls Basketball Coach
B.S. in Kinesiology, minor in History from Texas A&M University; studied at Baylor University - ISY; taught and coached two years at First Baptist Dallas, and three years in public school; joined the LCA faculty August, 2009. Certification: State of Texas - PE: K-12th, history: 6th-12th - Brisco, Kelly: Director of Finance
North Harris College - studied Criminal Justice/Accounting; previously worked at JPMorgan Chase & Wells Fargo Banks for 17 years combined. Bookkeeping, Trust Operations, Corporate Trust and Global Investment Services. Active in church leadership; on staff at New Hope Christian Church for 5 years as Financial Administrator; joined LCA staff November, 2007. - Buchanan, Jenifer: 4th Grade English, History, Math and Science
Associate Degree from McClennan Community College; B.S. in Elementary Education, minor in math from East Texas State University; secretary and credit department/loan auditor for a bank; Bible discussion groups, nursery volunteer; Awana girls leader; instructor, administrator at Faithful Steps Academy; joined LCA faculty December, 2009. - Byrd, Rebecca: 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; taught four years at Garland Christian Academy; LCA teacher since August, 2001. Certification: Association of Christian Schools International - Cheshire, Charlie: Junior High Soccer Coach
Joined LCA athletic staff in 2007. - 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, 12th Honors Western Civilization III
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; active in church leadership; LCA teacher since August, 2002. Certification: Master Naturalist - State of Texas 2005. - Dart, Jenny: 10th Geometry
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Memphis State University; home school parent; taught Pre-Algebra at McKinney Home school co-op; active in church leadership as creative director of Children's Ministry for 6 years; active LCA volunteer; joined LCA faculty in August, 2008. - Dennis, Susan: Academic Advisor, 11th Algebra II
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; experience 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: Technical Support, Sound and Video Engineer
Joined LCA staff in 2007. - Duncan, Deborah: First Grade English, History, Math and Science
Bachelor of Music Education from East Texas State University; taught Kindergarten at Greenville Christian School and Lone Oak ISD for 2 years; AWANA leader and director for 10 years; home schooling parent for 11 years; joined LCA faculty in August, 2008. Certification: Kindergarten - Evans, Elizabeth: 7th English, 11th Honors Western Civilization II, English and History Department Head
B.S. in Secondary Education from Baylor University; LCA teacher since August, 2000. Certification: Secondary English and history - Gray, J'Aime: 9th Grade English
B.S. in Elementary Education and minors in English and Psychology from Liberty University; Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Regent University; taught 6th grade math and Track Coach at Prestonwood Christian Academy; Director of Education and Center Director for Sylvan Learning Centers in Washington, DC and Dallas; Teen Mothers of Preschoolers coordinator for three years; joined LCA faculty in August, 2008. Certification: Elementary Education K-8 in Virginia and Elementary Education 1st thru 8th in Texas - Greiner, Claudia: 6th Grade English, History, Math and Science
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; and LCA 6th grade teacher since August, 2003. Certification: Elementary Education - 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 18 years experience in education from preschool to high school including special education; eight years of administrative experience in the field of education; joined the LCA staff in June, 2006. Certification: Texas Elem. 1st-8th - Hargrave, Stewart: Facilities Engineer
Joined LCA staff in January 2008. - Hauser, Alisa: 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.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. - Holstead, Tanya: SAT Prep, Math Models, Teacher's Aide Department Head
M.S. in Technology and Education from Texas Wesleyan University; B.B.A. in Secondary Education from Baylor University; Director of private Christian Pre-school; 6th grade and middle/high school teacher in Lovejoy ISD; 2007-08 Lovejoy ISD High School Teacher of the Year; coached recreational softball and basketball; joined LCA faculty in August, 2008. Certified: Grades 6-12 Business Education; K-6 Elementary Education; Secondary Math and K-12 Physical Education. - Huckabee, Kim: 5th Grade English, History, Math, Science
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, Study Hall Monitor, Technology Applications Department Head
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Cameron University; active church leadership as Preschool teacher for four years; LCA teacher since August, 2002. - Jagoda, Stephanie: 8th & 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; active church leadership as 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 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; LCA teacher since August, 2006. - Jensen, Teri: 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; LCA teacher since August, 2000. Certification: Physical Therapist - 1993 to present - Johnson, Sherry: Elementary Recess Monitor
LaCrosse School of Beauty in LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher and Day Care Home provider in Canadian, Texas; Houseparents for Girls Home ages 3-11 years; joined LCA staff in August, 2008. Certification: Cosmetology - Johnston, Amanda: 10th English/History
B.A. Literary Studies from University of Texas at Dallas; studied Secondary Education/English at Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University; Special Education Aide/Substitute, GISD; ministry intern at church for two years; joined LCA faculty August, 2008. - Kenney, Kayla: Junior High Cheerleading Coach, Asst. Varsity Cheerleading Coach
Kayla currently attends the University of North Texas working towards a Bachelors Degree in ESL and Early Childhood K-6th. She received an AA in early childhood education from Trinity Valley Community College. She has cheered at High School and College level and has coached gymnastics. Joined LCA staff in August, 2008 - Kenney, Stephanie: 7th-12th Drama, 7th-12th Theatre Production and Fine Arts Department Head
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from University of North Texas with minor in Secondary Education; active church leadership as Youth Ministry Internship for 3 years; various roles through Dallas Theatre; joined LCA faculty in August, 2008. - Lamoureux, Stephanie: 4th-6th Theatre Production, 4th-6th Chapel Coordinator, 7th-8th Praise Band
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 - Layman, Nathan: Jr. High Football and Boys Basketball Coach
Joined LCA athletic staff in 2008. - McFarland, Jennifer: 1st - 6th Spanish, Elementary Recess/Chapel
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 - Montgomery, Julie: Administrator, Interim Dean of Academics
Previous work experience in restaurant management and insurance; former business owner; founding member of her church and active in church leadership as membership class teacher since 2001, home team leader, 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: Athletic Director
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 as admissions/registration coordinator; promoted to Athletic Director in 2008. - Nagel, Hilary: Student Life Assistant
Studied art at California State University at Long Beach; home schooling parent for 18 years; art teacher through N-tech Home School Co-op; active in church leadership as Bible Study, small group leader and women's ministry leader; joined LCA staff in August, 2008. - Norris, Carissa: 10th Honors Western Civilization I, 12th English IV, Poets Sponsor
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 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. - Olson, Ryan: Junior Varsity Football/Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Ryan is a 2004 Lucas Christian Academy graduate and is currently employed at DSX Access Systems; played for LCA for the 2002-2004 seasons; captain of the football team; volunteered at an equestrian center for handicap children; joined the coaching team in August, 2009. - Ostertag, Mark: Jr. Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Joined LCA athletic staff in 2008. - Patterson, Leslie: Admissions/Registration Coordinator
B.A. in Communication from Pepperdine University; Admissions Coordinator at Pepperdine University; Associate Director of Admissions and Registration of Brookhaven College; LCA Chapel Coordinator and Elementary Fine Arts teacher, active church leadership as VBS Director, women's retreat director and bible study teacher; certified Precept Upon Precept Leader; LCA Mission Trip Coordinator; joined LCA staff in August, 2008. - Phipps, Laura: 8th Pre-Algebra, 12th Government/Economics, Study Hall Monitor
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: 7th-12th Art Combo
A.A. in Graphics Design from the Art Institute of Dallas; experienced art director and artist; home school teacher, former owner of design business, and classroom and private art instructor; LCA teacher since August, 2004. - Pruszynski, Karletta: 10th Honors Geometry, 12th Honors Pre-Calculus, 12th AP Calculus, Math Lab Instructor
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, Stephanie: 7th-12th Praise Band Assistant
Associate Degree from Collin College; pursuing B.A. in Literature; teaches voice and guitar privately at Matt Burk Music Studios; church worship leader for two years; joined LCA faculty August, 2008. - Rice, Victoria: 8th English, 8th History, 11th History, Secondary Yearbook Coordinator
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, 8th Earth 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; active in church drama ministry, and Women's Leader Team; LCA teacher since August, 2007. Certification: Agricultural Science & Technology, grades 6-12 - Rohr, Judy: 10th Spanish I, Foreign Language Department HeadStudied 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, 8th/9th Computer Basics, Keyboarding (spring), Lunch/Study Hall Monitor
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 and as a substitute teacher. - 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 Varsity Football Coach
Employed by City of Garland, 22 years; Garland Fire Department since 1994; Promoted to rank of Driver/Engineer, 1996; joined athletic staff in 2004. Certification: UT Southwest Medical School - Paramedic, 1997. - Talley, Laura: 9th Introduction to Physics/Chemistry, 11th Chemistry, Science Lab Monitor
B.S. in Kinesiology, minor in Business; pursuing certification for middle school science; worked at YMCA as office manager for six years; actively volunteers at church; joined LCA staff August, 2009. - Thompson, Bill: 11th Honors Algebra 2
M.S. in Physics from University of Texas at Dallas; B.S. in Engineering and Physics from University of Oklahoma; joined LCA faculty in August, 2008. - Turner, Terri: Academic Assistant
B.B.A. in Office Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University; Study Hall Monitor, theatre volunteer and grade level coordinator at LCA and in public schools; active church leadership as Sunday School teacher, Nursery coordinator, VBS, and women's ministry leader; prior work experience includes church administration, legal secretary and educational publishing; joined LCA staff in 2007 and Academic staff in 2008. - Utterback, Janice: 11th Spanish II, 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 - Willis, Leroy: Head Football Coach
Joined LCA athletic staff in 2004. - 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.
