Tanya Best grew up in Cordova, Alabama. She attended The University of North Alabama in Florence for two years before moving to Montgomery and attending both AUM and Auburn University. She completed her B.A. degree at AU in General Studies specializing in Interior Design. In 1991, Mrs. Best married her husband, Archie. After having two daughters, she began teaching K/4 at the Landmark Preschool. She joined the ACA faculty in 2007 and completed a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Faulkner University in April of 2011. Mrs. Best currently teaches third grade.

Mrs. Best's oldest daughter is a member of the ACA band program and is part of the varsity color guard. Her youngest daughter is a cheerleader for the middle school cheer squad. Friday night football games are a favorite activity for her family. They enjoy spending time with their friends and showing their support for ACA. She feels as though Alabama Christian Academy is the "Best" fit for them.

Mrs. Best and her family attend the Landmark Church of Christ and live in Wetumpka. She feels as though one of God's greatest gifts to her is the opportunity to surround herself daily with co-workers and students who adore Him. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acabest.weebly.com

Ms. Janet Brolund is originally from Mobile, AL. She received her B.S. in Elementary 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 earning 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 2012)

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Site: acabrolund.weebly.com

Mrs. Michelle Clifton is originally from Adamsville Alabama. She moved to Montgomery to attend Faulkner University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities. In Dec. 2010, she completed her Master's degree in Elementary Education from Faulkner University. Mrs. Clifton has been at Alabama Christian since 2002. She has served as kindergarten aide, first grade aide, reading coach and fourth grade teacher.  She is currently teaching pre-kindergarten.

Mrs. Clifton feels very blessed to teach at ACA where Christian values are emphasized to students throughout their elementary and high school years. She is glad to have a chance to help her fourth graders grow spiritually as well as academically.

Mrs. Clifton is married to Gregg Clifton. They have two children.  One is a high school student at ACA and the other attends Faulkner University.  Mrs. Clifton enjoys music, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.  Her favorite thing to do, however, is to watch the ACA Marching Eagle Band. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acaclifton.weebly.com

Lindsey Donaldson was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated from Auburn University -Montgomery in 2008 with a B.S. in Childhood Education. Mrs. Donaldson previously taught first, third, and fifth grades at Dalraida Elementary. She joined the ACA staff in August 2011 and currently teaches fifth grade.

Mrs. Donaldson enjoys teaching and has known that this is the career she wanted to pursue since being in elementary school herself. She feels that a teacher can play such an important role in the lives of children and looks forward to making a difference in many lives. She is very excited to have the opportunity to teach at ACA and knows it will provide a great career environment for her.

Mrs. Donaldson is married to Adam, a 1997 ACA graduate and the Director of Alumni Relations at Faulkner University. They married in May of 2008 and in December of 2010 had a son, Caden. (Posted August 2012)

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Site: acadonaldson.weebly.com

Ms. Denise Gentry 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 2012)

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Site: acagentry.weebly.com

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 2012)

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Site: acahatcher.weebly.com

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 high school principal. She and her husband have four children. Their youngest one attends ACA. Mrs. Horn enjoys spending time with her family and reading Christian-based novels. (Updated August 2012)

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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 has been teaching fourth grade at ACA since August 2006.

Mrs. Howell has a passion for teaching children and helping them succeed in all aspects of life. She has an adorable young son named Brady. She enjoys volleyball, reading, watching movies and baking. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acahowell.weebly.com

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 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 particularly enjoys ACA's sense of family.

Mrs. Ingram is married to Duane Ingram and is the mother of Daniel Ingram.  She and her husand have two adorable bassett hounds named Molly and Ginger. Mrs. Ingram's hobbies include home decorating and shopping. She also greatly enjoys reading. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acaingram.weebly.com

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, two in college and one who attends the Academy. Jack and Julie are active foster parents with AGAPE of Central Alabama and are currently parents to twin girls who have stolen their hearts. She enjoys camping with her family and friends, participating in Bible studies, and reading. (Updated August 2012)

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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. Mrs. Kachelman is married to John Kachelman and they have two  daughters. She also enjoys shopping, making cakes, scrapbooking, decorating and crafts. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acakachelman.weebly.com

Kari Kelly is originally from Opp, AL, but moved to Montgomery to complete her studies in theatre at Faulkner University.  She was the first to graduate from Faulkner with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Musical Theatre in December 2010.  Mrs. Kelly was involved in many of the Faulkner University Dinner Theatre productions, including "The Fantasticks," "Man Day," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "All My Sons."  Her favorite role was Sara Brown in "Guys and Dolls." 

Mrs. Kelly met Chris Kelly (a 2007 ACA graduate) while attending Faulkner University.  They were married in October 2011.  Following their marriage, they moved to Shipshewana, Indiana for a temporary acting job at a dinner theatre.  After the Christmas holidays, they were, then, employed by Missoula Children's Theatre.  They toured with MCT (based in Missoula, MT) in Washington, Oregon and Idaho from January through May, staying in a different town every week and teaching children's theatre.

Mrs. Kelly began her career with ACA in August 2012 as the school elementary music teacher.

The Kellys are happy to be living back in Alabama near their families, and Mrs. Kelly is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with children in a Christian environment at Alabama Christian Academy.   (Posted  August 2012)

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Site: acakelly.weebly.com

Sharon Lyle was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama.  She graduated from the University of Montevallo, and received a Bachelor's   degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a minor in music.  She taught at ACA before her children were born, and is thrilled to be a part of the faculty once again.  Mrs. Lyle has taught several different grade levels, but most recently taught the first grade at Edgewood Academy.

Mrs. Lyle is married to Rob Lyle, ACA's Technology Coordinator.  They were married 1996, and have been blessed with two boys who both attend ACA.  Garrison enjoys playing the trumpet, and has recently joined the JV football team.  Gavin participates in the elementary school's Honor Patrol program.  He enjoys music, art, and riding anything with wheels.  The Lyle family lives in Wetumpka and attends the University Church of Christ. (Posted July 2012)

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Site: acalyle.weebly.com

Cindy Mulkey is originally from Twin City, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and is currently working on her Master's degree in Reading at the same university. Mrs. Mulkey taught 3rd grade in Swainsboro, Georgia for 5 ½ years before joining the ACA staff. She is teaching 5th grade English/Language Arts. Mrs. Mulkey is excited to be a member of the ACA family and is looking forward to teaching children in a Christian environment.

Mrs. Mulkey is married to Lindsey Mulkey who is a 1995 ACA graduate. She enjoys watching football, especially the Georgia Southern Eagles, reading, baking, and spending time with her family and her dog, Paulson.

(Updated October 2012)

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Site: acamulkey.weebly.com

Mrs. Sarah Olesen began teaching kindergarten at ACA in 2003. In August 2009, she moved to third grade. She is now the reading specialist for the children in pre-K through 2nd grade. 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 children and 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 both of whom are ACA alumni. She collects frogs and loves to read and listen to uplifting music. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acaolesen.weebly.com

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 who lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband.  Ms. Phillips has two wonderful grandchildren that are close to her heart.  She also has a Westie dog named, Maddie, "who is very spoiled." Ms. Phillips loves to read, garden, and travel. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acaphillips.weebly.com

Ms. Cecilia Porterfield graduated from Faulkner University with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and from Auburn University at Montgomery with a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. In the spring of 2012, she also completed a Master's degree from AUM in school counseling.

After teaching kindergarten for 22 years, Mrs. Porterfield is now the elementary counselor. As such, she hopes to encourage each student's academic, personal and social success. Mrs. Porterfield is enjoys getting to know all of the elementary students through classroom guidance lessons and special projects.

Mrs. Porterfield is also an ACA parent. She and her husband have two children at ACA. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acaporterfield.weebly.com

Heather Pulse is originally from Summerville, SC.  She attended Freed-Hardeman University where she met her husband, Clint, who teaches and coaches at ACA.  Mrs. Pulse began working as our elementary screener/greeter and an aide in August 2012.  She is currently working on her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education through Western Governor's University.  Mr. and Mrs. Pulse have three children with them at ACA: Jacob, Shelby and Ian.  They attend the Dalraida church of Christ.  Having been involved in volunteer work at their children's previous school, Mrs. Pulse is excited to be at ACA on a full-time basis.  (Posted August 2012)

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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.

Mrs. Ritter's youngest son graduated from ACA in May of 2011. He attends Faulkner University where he plays football. Mrs. Ritter is looking forward to seeing what God has in store for her son during his college years. She attends Landmark Church of Christ where she gets to worship with many of her ACA co-workers as well as some of her students and their families. (Updated August 2012)

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Mrs. Jill Sanderson graduated from Athens University with a degree in Elementary Education. However, the majority of her undergraduate work, three years, was completed at The University of Alabama, "Roll Tide Roll!" She began her teaching career in 1992 in Guntersville, Alabama. After moving to Montgomery in 1994 she was a stay -at -home -mom for many years. She began teaching at ACA in 2003. Besides teaching pre-K through fifth grade elementary art, she heads up the elementary math lab.

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

Mrs. Sanderson is married to Jim Sanderson, men's head basketball coach at Faulkner University. She has two children, both graduates of ACA. Her daughter graduated from Auburn University and is currently employed as the Program Director of Nursing Education for 100X Development Foundation.  Her son is a student at Faulkner University, where he received a football scholarship. Her favorite things to do include spending time with her family, going to the beach, and cheering on the ACA and Faulkner Eagles. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acasanderson.weebly.com

Mrs. Allison Sansom has been teaching since 1999. She attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She holds 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 to Steve Sansom and has a daughter who attends ACA. She is a big Auburn fan. She enjoys traveling, reading and crafts. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acasansom.weebly.com

Mrs.Jane Sewell is a native of Montgomery and graduated from Alabama Christian Academy in 1989. Afterwards she received a Bachelor of Arts in Specific Learning Disabilities K-12 from Harding University. Following graduation, Mrs. Sewell taught in the Montgomery Public Schools for five years at Highland Gardens Elementary. From 2003 until 2007, she taught at the Landmark Preschool. Mrs. Sewell served in the elementary library from 2007 until 2010. Beginning in August 2010, she became the elementary instructor for the LEAP Program. She is now the director of this program. LEAP is a personalized learning system for students seeking to enhance their academic achievement.

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

Mrs. Sewell is looking forward to working with children in the classroom again and is excited about the endless possibilities that the LEAP Program will provide both students and parents here at ACA. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acasewell.weebly.com

Lori Sullivan is originally from West Virginia. She attended the University of North Alabama before marrying her husband, Brad, in 1992. She and her family moved to Montgomery from Huntsville, AL in 2002. Brad works as the Preaching Minister at the Vaughn Park Church of Christ. Mrs. Sullivan has a photography business and worked for the 6 years as a preschool teacher at the Vaughn Park Church before coming to ACA.  She and her husband have two children, Haley and Mason, who currently attend ACA. Mrs. Sullivan enjoys spending time with her family, reading, doing photography, and drawing. (Posted August 2012)

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Mrs. Tammy Tolliver graduated from AUM in 2005 with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She received a Masters degree in Elementary Education from Troy University in 2009. During the 2005-06 school year, Mrs. Tolliver 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. One child attends the University of Montevallo and the other attends AUM. Mrs. Tolliver loves to teach, garden and shop. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acatolliver.weebly.com

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 2012)

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Site: acatorode.weebly.com

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 is currently coordinating the ACA Athletic Ambassadors Program.  She is also a member of the AL State Association for health and physical education teachers (ASAHPERD).

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 four  grandchildren. Mrs. Turner loves her job at ACA and considers it a blessing to be part of the ACA family. (Updated August 2012)

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Site: acaturner.weebly.com