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| Mrs.
Keri Alford joined the ACA staff in August 2007 as
the K/4 teacher’s aide. She graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor’s
degree from AUM. Since then, Mrs. Alford has worked with pre-school
aged children at several K3/K4 programs. She graduated from
ACA and married Lee Alford, also an ACA graduate. They have
two children who attend ACA as well.
Mrs. Alford is excited to be at ACA because of
the Christian environment, the wonderful staff, and because
it is nice for her to be at school everyday with her boys.
(Posted August 2008)
Email Keri
Alford |
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| 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 2008)
Email Tanya
Best |
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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 2008)
Email Doug Black |
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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 2008)
Email Janet Brolund |
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| Mrs.
Michelle Cliftonis originally from Adamsville, Alabama.
She came to Montgomery to attend Alabama Christian College in
1983, and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal
Arts. She taught pre-kindergarten at ACA’s Preschool Program
for twelve years. She has worked here as kindergarten aide since
2002.
Mrs. Clifton has always loved working with children.
She feels blessed to be able to work with children and watch
them grow physically and spiritually.
Mrs. Clifton has been married since 1990. She
and her husband have two children that attend ACA. She enjoys
music, reading, spending time with her family, and watching
her son play ball.
(Updated August 2008)
Email
Michelle
Clifton |
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| Ms.
Denise Gentryteaches 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 Gainsville, Florida. Ms. Gentry is widowed and
lives with her two faithful dogs, Zoe and Zaccheus.
(Updated August 2008)
Email Denise
Gentry |
|
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 2008)
Email Anita Hartzog |
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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 2008)
Email Ms.
Hatcher |
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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 2008)
Email Ellen
Herring |
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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 2008)
Email Cassee
Horn |
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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 2008)
Email Tish
Housley |
|
| 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. She enjoys volleyball,
reading, watching movies and making cakes.
(Updated August 2008)
Email Dawn
Howell |
|
| 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 2008)
Email Teresa Ingram |
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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 2008)
Email Julie Johnston |
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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 and has two dogs, Molly and Maggie. She also
enjoys shopping, decorating and crafts.
(Updated August 2008)
Email Monica Kachelman |
|
| 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 K/4 at
ACA in August 2007.
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 2008)
Email Haley Nichols |
|
| Mrs.
Sarah Olesen has been teaching at ACA since 2003. She
came to us from the Montgomery Public Schools where she taught
first and second grades for eight years before finding her niche
in kindergarten. She taught kindergarten in the public schools
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 loves teaching kindergarten! She
believes that the drive to learn is important and needs to be
instilled at an early age. She likes to make learning fun and
believes that variety in teaching allows each child to learn
in his own way. She loves to read and enjoys the thrill that
children experience when it dawns on them that they can read,
too.
Mrs. Olesen is married and has two sons. One
is an ACA graduate and the other a current student. Her hobbies
include reading, camping, listening to relaxing music, collecting
frogs and working in her classroom.
(Updated August 2008)
Email Sarah Olesen |
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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.
With a daughter attending high school at ACA
and a son in college, extra curricular activities keep Mrs.
Oliver very involved outside of the classroom.
(Updated August 2008)
Email Peggy Oliver |
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| Ms.
Gena 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 2008)
Email Gina Kaye Phillips |
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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 2008)
Email Cecilia Porterfield |
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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 2008)
Email Dawn Ritter
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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 K/4 – 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 2008)
Email Mrs.
Sanderson |
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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 2008)
Email Allison Sansom |
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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 2008)
Email Jane Sewell |
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| Mrs.
Linda Slauson teaches American history and science
to her fifth grade students. She received her Bachelor’s and
Master’s degrees from the University of Alabama. She has been
teaching since 1968, although she took some years off to raise
her children. Before coming to ACA, she taught in Montgomery,
Elmore County, and Selma, Alabama. Mrs. Slauson started the
Gifted and Talented Program in Selma and taught in that program
for 16 years.
Mrs. Slauson loves American History and science
and enjoys sharing it with her students. Her goal is to make
her students love history as much as she does.
Mrs. Slauson is married to Dr. Milton Slauson,
ACA’s superintendent. The Slauson’s have two daughters and one
son and are enjoying their three grandsons. The Slausons are
big “Bama” fans.
(Updated August 2008)
Email Linda Slauson
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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 2008)
Email Mitzi Speigner |
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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, 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 four grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, gardening,
and going for walks.
(Updated August 2008)
Email Ms.
Stowe |
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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 2008)
Email Tammy
Tolliver |
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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
taught first grade at ACA beginning in 1990 and, then, moved
to second grade.
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 2008)
Email Linda Torode |
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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 (K/4-5th). 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 2008)
Email Patti Turner |
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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 K/4 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 2008)
Email Mr.
Art Williams |
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