First Christian Academy
Preschool Staff

At First Christian Academy all of our classrooms have teachers that are certified in CPR and First Aid.  We employ three teachers who have earned their Child Development Associate Credentials (CDA); five who are currently working on their CDA, three hold a Bachelor’s degree and six are currently enrolled in local colleges and universities.  We have very high standards and expectations for all of our staff – they serve as strong Christian role models.  Please take a moment to read our thoughts on the Ministry of Teaching.

Brown Bears 

In the mornings, our three-year-old Brown Bears are greeted by Mrs. DeDe Stephens.  We consider her enthusiastic, Christ-like spirit to be a blessing to our school.  Her bright smile and playfulness makes her a wonderful asset to the learning environment of our Brown Bears.

Miss Danielle Townsend is our afternoon teacher in the three-year-old Brown Bear class.  Miss Danielle is wonderful at planning games that the children love to play.  Her quiet devotion to the Brown Bears is seen in the Christ-like love that she shares with each child in her class.

Bumble Bees 

Ms. Jennifer Newman leads our older-three-year-old class, the Bumble Bees.  Ms. Jennifer leads the Bumble Bees with her quiet spirit and loving nature. 
 

Pre-Kindergarten Koalas 

Our Pre-K Koala class has an excellent morning teacher in Mrs. Cindy Collins, who has been with us since 2005.  Mrs. Collins has her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and has served as a missionary in Malaysia.  Mrs. Collins is just amazing to watch in the classroom; her love of Christ is modeled through each activity during the day.

Mrs. Gay Moody, who has joyfully served with us since 2004, leads our afternoon Pre-K Koala class.  Mrs. Moody is full of energy and creativity; she especially sparkles when she works with the children on special projects and holiday crafts.

Pre-Kindergarten Panda Bears 

Our Panda Bear class is being led by Mrs. Rachel Gillis.  Mrs. Rachel has been joyfully teaching preschool for eight wonderful years.  Her creativity in art projects is unparalleled, as is her desire to have her students excel.  Mrs. Rachel’s students are well equipped for the future God has prepared for them.

Miss Hannah Sackett leads the Panda Bear in the afternoon.  We all appreciate her devotion to God and her infectious joy. 

Oasis 

Oasis is our after school program.  When your child boards the bus from school, our bus driver Mrs. Joanne Whitehead will always greet them with a smile.    

Mr. Pete Collins, who holds a Bachelors Degree in Theology, is responsible for helping your children in the afternoon with their homework.  Along with the other school age staff, he ensures that your child understands and completes homework prior to your arrival 

Mr. Michaiah Bowen, Miss Britney Buxton and Mr. John Teele round out our after school program.  Their vitality and youthfulness add a much needed “Oasis” to the children enrolled in our after school program.  All three are pursuing degrees at Santa Fe Community College.