Tanya Best received her Bachelor's degree from AUM in 1995. She taught at Landmark Preschool for eight years before coming to ACA in August 2007. She and her husband, Archie, have been married since 1991. They have two daughters who attend ACA. Mrs. Best enjoys art, sewing, cooking, interior design and collecting china. She said that she feels so blessed to be at ACA.

(Posted August 2009)

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Mr. Doug Black was born in the state of Ohio, but attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He received his B.A. and Master's degree in Elementary/Administration from Harding. With two years of experience at Fitzpatrick Elementary, he joined the ACA family in 1993.

Mr. Black met his wife while going to school in Arkansas, and they were married after they had both completed graduate school. They, then, moved to Montgomery to be close to his wife's family. He and his wife have two sons who currently attend ACA.

(Updated August 2009)

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Ms. Janet Brolund is originally from Mobile, AL. She received her B.S. in Secondary Education from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. She has taught school in Lee County and Opelika, as well as in the Montgomery Public Schools.

Ms. Brolund has three children who all graduated from ACA, and was blessed to be an “at-home” mom for several years. She returned to teaching after getting her Master's degree in Elementary Education and feels that returning to the field after raising her own children has given her a much better perspective on what is important for her students to learn and experience.

In August 2008, Ms. Brolund “graduated” to the second grade after having taught first graders for nine years. She is very excited about her move and is enjoying the change. It has offered her an opportunity to grow in her teaching experience. Ms, Brolund has now taught every grade in elementary school as well as the 6th grade.

Ms. Brolund truly enjoys her children she teaches and feels that it is essential for learning to be a positive and joyful experience. She loves to laugh with her students and she especially enjoys using music throughout the day in her teaching. Among Ms. Brolund's greatest thrills are the hugs and visits that she receives from former students and expressions of gratitude from their parents. She feels that these make her job worthwhile and fulfilling.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Michelle Clifton is originally from Adamsville, Alabama. She moved to Montgomery in 1983 to attend Alabama Christian College, and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts. Mrs. Clifton completed her Masters in Education from Faulkner University in 2009. She taught pre-kindergarten at ACA's Preschool Program for twelve years, and worked here as kindergarten aide from 2002 – 2009. As of 2009, she began serving as a reading resource teacher for kindergarten and first grade.

Mrs. Clifton has been married to Gregg Clifton. They have two children that attend ACA. She enjoys music, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Mrs. Clifton's favorite thing to do, however, is watching the ACA Marching Eagle Band.

(Updated August 2009)

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Ms. Denise Gentry teaches fourth grade and is the Elementary Technology Coordinator for the school. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and her Master of Arts in Education many years later at the University of Central Florida. She taught at a technology rich elementary school in Palm Bay, Florida for ten years before coming to the fifth grade at ACA in 2002.

Ms. Gentry believes that the goal of education should be to prepare students to love learning in all its many facets and be motivated to continue learning throughout their lifetimes. Technology plays an important part in her classroom, but only as the tool by which the many curricular areas can be explored. “I am also thrilled to be teaching in an environment where Christ is the focus of everything that goes on in the classroom! What a wonderful way to impact a child's life.”

Her daughter, the joy of Ms. Gentry's life, graduated from the University of Florida (GO GATORS!!). She is now married and living in Gainesville, Florida. Ms. Gentry is widowed and lives with her two faithful dogs, Zoe and Zaccheus.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Anita Hartzog received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Auburn University. She later earned a master's degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University in Montgomery and another in Counseling from Troy University in Montgomery. Mrs. Hartzog has been with ACA since 1986 as a classroom teacher and with the 2005-06 school year became the school's first, full-time elementary counselor.

Mrs. Hartzog is married to a handsome UPS man, Louis. They have two children of their own and two by marriage. The oldest, Allison, is a CPA and is married to ACA's own Coach Guice. Their son, Clay, is a youth minister and lives with his wife, Lori, in Knoxville, TN.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Rachel Hatcher received her undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN and her Master's degree from Troy State University in Montgomery. She has been teaching school since 1990. Mrs. Hatcher joined ACA's faculty in August 2003.

When asked why she chose to teach at ACA, Mrs. Hatcher replied, “I graduated from ACA and I feel like this is my home. Teaching students about God and how to become productive Christian citizens is what I love.”

Mrs. Hatcher is married and has two daughters who attend ACA. Her hobbies include reading, growing flowers and cross-stitching.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Ellen Herring attended Auburn University at Montgomery where she received her BSED. She worked at Dannelly Elementary where she taught third grade. Mrs. Herring is certified in Early Childhood Education. Before coming to ACA she taught four year olds at Eastmont Preschool.

Mrs. Herring loves to help children grow in all areas of their lives through exciting and memorable experiences. She is married to Jon Herring. Both are graduates of ACA. They have two children. She enjoys shopping, watching movies, tennis and spending time with her family.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Cassee Horn joined the ACA family in August 2008 as an office aide in the elementary and business offices. She comes to us from Crowley's Ridge Academy in Paragould, Arkansas. There she taught in that school's pre-school program for many years. Mrs. Horn is married to Dale Horn who serves as ACA's Spiritual Life Director. She and her husband have four children. Their youngest two children attend ACA. Mrs. Horn enjoys spending time with her family and reading Christian-based novels.

(Posted August 2009)

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Mrs. Tish Housley is one of the fifth grade teachers at ACA. She attended college for her undergraduate degree at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. She later received a Master's degree in Learning Disabilities from Auburn University at Montgomery. She has been teaching since 1980, though she took several years off to stay at home with her children.

From the time she was in elementary school, she has wanted to be a teacher. “My best friend and I would play school by teaching her little sister. By the time she was in kindergarten, she knew so much she was bored,” says Mrs. Housley. “I love working with children and seeing their faces when the proverbial light comes on, and they understand a concept.”

Mrs. Housley's husband is the minister of the Eastern Meadows Church of Christ. They have three children. Well, one of them, Poncho, is really a dog, but he seems like one of the family. Her children are ACA and Faulkner alumni.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Dawn Howell graduated from Freed-Hardeman University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She is native of Madison, AL and taught for six years in that city's Madison Academy. She began teaching here at ACA in August 2006.

Mrs. Howell has a passion for teaching children and helping them succeed in all aspects of life. She is married to Chris Howell who is a graduate of ACA. They have a young son, Brady. She enjoys volleyball, reading, watching movies and making cakes.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Teresa Ingram received a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University at Montgomery. She has been teaching since 1974, when she began her career in Elmore County. She took three years off to begin a family, but has been with ACA since 1984.

When asked what made her decide to start teaching, Mrs. Ingram replied, “I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in kindergarten. I have always enjoyed school.” Mrs. Ingram said that the best part of teaching is helping children who really want to learn.

Mrs. Ingram is married and has one son and a lovely daughter-in-law. Her hobbies include home decorating and growing flowers. She also enjoys reading for quiet time.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Julie Johnston has served as ACA's elementary school secretary since 1997. She is an ACA alumnus. Mrs. Johnston is married to Jack Johnston, and they have three children who currently attend the Academy. She enjoys camping with her family and friends, participating in Bible studies, and reading recreationally.

(Updated August 2009)

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Ms. Monica Kachelman graduated from Faulkner University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at ACA in August 2003. Mrs. Kachelman is an ACA alumnus who graduated in 1996. Under her maiden name of Monica Willis, she received the honor of Miss Citizenship while a student at her alma mater.

Mrs. Kachelman loves teaching kindergarten because the students are so excited about coming to school. She believes in a firm, but fair policy in her classroom. She also feels that structure and consistency are very important with children. She is married to John Kachelman and they recently had a baby girl. She also enjoys shopping, decorating and crafts.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Haley Nichols graduated from Lipscomb University with undergraduate and Master's degrees in Elementary Education. She taught first grade for 10 years before coming to K4 at ACA in August 2007. In August of 2009, Mrs. Nichols returned to teaching first graders.

Mrs. Nichols is so excited to be at ACA. She loves working in a strong Christian atmosphere with great Christian colleagues. She enjoys being able to help train the four-year olds to make good choices and have strong morals.

Mrs. Nichols is married to Jim Nichols. They have 2 children, Gracie, a student at ACA, and a pre-school son, Peyton. Her hobbies are going to Faulkner football games, watching Auburn football, and spending time with her husband and children.

(Posted August 2009)

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Mrs. Sarah Olesen began teaching kindergarten at ACA in 2003. In August 2009, she moved to third grade level. She came to us from the Montgomery Public Schools where she taught first and second grades for eight years and kindergarten for five years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from AUM and a Master of Education degree from Troy University of Montgomery.

Mrs. Olesen is excited to be at ACA. She loves teaching in a Christian atmosphere where love for God can be expressed and taught. Being an ACA graduate, she feels she has come home.

Mrs. Olesen is married to Kent Olesen and has two sons. Her son, Daniel, graduated from ACA in 2008, and Thomas will graduate in 2010. Mrs. Olesen collects frogs and loves to read and listen to uplifting music.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Peggy Oliver graduated from Freed-Hardeman College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Florida. Beginning her career in 1982, Mrs. Oliver has taught students from kindergarten through eighth grades. She currently teaches fourth and fifth grade math (everyone's favorite subject).

Mrs. Oliver believes that every student deserves an opportunity to achieve to his fullest potential, regardless of his abilities. She feels the classroom should operate as a family with mutual respect and cooperation.

Mrs. Oliver has two children (both ACA alumni) who are now in college.

(Updated August 2009)

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Ms. Gina Kaye Phillips attended David Lipscomb College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She, then, earned her Master's degree in Supervision and Administration from Troy State University. She taught first grade for 31 years in the Montgomery Public Schools before retiring in May 2002 from Dannelly Elementary School.

Ms. Phillips has enjoyed teaching at ACA since August 2002. She “is so impressed with the Christian atmosphere and the feeling of family here.” She has a daughter that lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She also owns a Westie dog named, Maddie, “who is very spoiled.” Ms. Phillips loves to read, garden, and travel.

(Updated August 2009)

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Ms. Cecilia Porterfield graduated from Faulkner University with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She, then, graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught kindergarten at ACA since 1989.

Mrs. Porterfield has always wanted to be a teacher and work with young children. She loves the enthusiastic and creative nature of kindergarten learners. Developing positive attitudes toward school and learning subject matter are priorities in her classroom.

Mrs. Porterfield is also an ACA parent. She and her husband have two children at ACA.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Dawn Ritter has been a part of the ACA family since 2000. She works in both the elementary and middle school's physical education programs. She enjoys working with the students and considers it a blessing to be around the ACA faculty and staff.

She is a strong supporter of the athletic programs at ACA. She especially enjoys supporting her son on the varsity football and baseball teams.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Jill Sanderson received her BS degree in Elementary Education from Athens State University having completed the first three years of her major at the University of Alabama before moving to Guntersville, Alabama. In 1994, her family moved to Montgomery when her husband, Jim, returned to Faulkner University as the head basketball coach. She began teaching at ACA in 2003. Besides teaching K4 – fifth grade elementary art, she also teaches first and second grade manners.

Mrs. Sanderson believes that teachers are an extension of God's hands. “I sincerely want to use my life and classroom to help mold students into productive, young Christians. Working with children everyday in art and manners class is such a joy, and blessing to me.”

Mrs. Sanderson is married and has two children. Her daughter is a 2004 graduate of ACA and is completing a nursing degree at Auburn University. Her son is a student at ACA and a member of the junior varsity and varsity football teams. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, supporting her husband and children in their many sporting and school activities, antiques, reading and drawing.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Allison Sansom has been teaching since 1999. She attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She has a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Troy University.

Mrs. Sansom has always dreamed of being a teacher! Her inspiration to teach came from her mother, who is also in the profession. “Teaching is my passion. I want my students to become lifelong learners. It is my goal to equip my students with the academic tools and spiritual tools they need to succeed in life and make the right choices.”

Mrs. Sansom graduated from ACA in 1995, and loves working at her alma mater as a teacher. She is married and has one child. She is a big Auburn fan. She enjoys reading and crafts.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs.Jane Sewell is a native of Montgomery and graduated from Alabama Christian Academy in 1989. Afterwards she received a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Harding University. Following graduation, Mrs. Sewell taught in the Montgomery Public School System for five years at Highland Gardens Elementary. From 2003 until 2007, she taught at the Landmark Preschool.

Mrs. Sewell has been married to Steve Sewell, also an ACA alumnus, since 1994 and they have three children at ACA; Banks, Mary Vander and Norton.

Mrs. Sewell began serving in the new elementary library in August 2007. She loves to read and hopes to pass on that love to the students.

(Posted August 2009)

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Mrs. Mitzi Speigner has been teaching since 1981. She attended Auburn University at Montgomery and graduated with a duel major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching here at ACA since 1991.

Mrs. Speigner has always wanted to be a teacher – especially since her childhood when she watched her mother, also a teacher, prepare lessons and grade papers! She teaches because she loves children, and she loves teaching at ACA “because her coworkers are like family. We care about one another and work together for the benefit of the children.”

Mrs. Speigner is the proud mother of two sons. One is in the secondary school at ACA and the other attends the University of Alabama.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Nancy Stowe has been teaching at ACA since 1987. She taught third grade for five years, kindergarten for eight years, and, then, the second grade for eight years before moving back to the third grade in August 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University in Montgomery.

Mrs. Stowe believes that the desire to learn is a gift you can give children that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. “Being a part of that gift as a teacher is very rewarding. I enjoy being around children and observing their educational development.”

Mrs. Stowe is married and has three daughters and five grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and going for walks.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Tammy Tolliver graduated from AUM in 2005 with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. During the 2005-06 school year, she taught for the Montgomery Public Schools. She joined the ACA faculty in August 2006.

Mrs. Tolliver has always wanted to teach children in hopes of making a difference in their lives. She is excited to be at ACA because of the Christian atmosphere. Mrs. Tolliver and her husband have two children currently attending the academy. She loves to teach, garden and shop.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Linda Torode received her degree in Biology and Chemistry and has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She came to ACA in 1990 as a first grade teacher and, then, moved to the second grade level. Beginning in Aug. 2009, Mrs. Torode moved to educate children in ACA's k/4 program.

She enjoys teaching at ACA where she can offer not only academic instruction to the children, but hopefully, equip them with moral skills for making good choices in life, as well. “Being able to openly discuss the Bible and the teachings of Jesus with the children is such a blessing to me.”

Mrs. Torode is married and is the mother of five children. All of her children graduated from ACA and from college. Her hobbies include sewing, shopping, and reading. Having two grandchildren at ACA is a special joy for her.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mrs. Patti Turner is ACA's Physical Education Specialist. She began at ACA as a substitute teacher in 1989, before moving into Elementary Physical Education and, subsequently, into Middle School Physical Education. She currently teaches Physical Education in the elementary school (K4-5th). She has coached in ACA's athletic department since 1988 serving as a cheerleading sponsor, an assistant volleyball coach, assistant softball coach, and as a head coach in girl's basketball. She also served at the Membership Drive Coordinator for the Athletic Boosters' Club for six years. She directed the Little Dribbler basketball program in the elementary school for five years and has coordinated the Jump Rope for Heart fund-raiser along with the PTF since 2000. Mrs. Turner also serves of the board of the AL State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance as the Joint Projects Coordinator.

Mrs. Turner is a graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a minor in coaching. She has been married to her husband Dent Turner since 1976. She has three children and one granddaughter. Mrs. Turner loves her job at ACA and considers it a blessing to be part of the ACA family.

(Updated August 2009)

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Mr. Art Williams received his undergraduate degree in music education and master's degree in education from Troy University. He began teaching in 1997, and has done so at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels. Mr. Williams joined the ACA family in 2004 and serves as the school's elementary music specialist, working with students in grades K4 through 5th. “Mr. Art”, as he is known, is actively involved in the field of music education. He appears as host of “Mr. Art's Music Room” in the DVD component of Warner Brothers'/Alfred's Music Expressions curriculum.

When asked about teaching at ACA, Mr. Art said, “I love being here. It is a real ministry to be in touch with so many children each day in an environment where you can teach them about the love of Christ.” Mr. Art's hobbies include playing the piano, reading, writing, and creating works of art.

(Updated August 2009)

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