Jeannie Allen is originally from Pace, Florida. She came to Montgomery to attend Faulkner University where she received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Mrs. Allen received a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from AUM and later taught there as an adjunct instructor. She has 10 years of public school teaching experience with the majority being in the kindergarten classroom.

While attending Faulkner, Mrs. Allen met her husband, Randy Allen. The Allens were married in 1989 and have 3 children: Lara, Mary-Gates and Parker. Mrs. Allen enjoys camping with her family, reading historical Christian fiction novels, attending ladies' Bible classes and worshipping at Landmark Church.

Psalm 127:3 tells us that "children are a gift from the Lord" and Mrs. Allen feels blessed to get to be with them every day at ACA as one of our kindergarten teachers.

(Posted August 2011)

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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 July 2011)

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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 2011)

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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. She has recently 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 and reading coach. She is currently teaching fourth grade math, science and Alabama history.

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 that attend ACA. She enjoys music, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Mrs. Clifton's favorite thing to do, however, is to watch the ACA Marching Eagle Band.

(Updated August 2011)

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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 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Faulkner University. They married in May of 2008 and in December of 2010 had a son, Caden.

(Posted July 2011)

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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 2011)

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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 2011)

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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 2011)

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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 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 2011)

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Sarah Housley joined the faculty of Alabama Christian Academy in August 2011 as a fifth grade teacher. Prior to coming to the Academy, she taught the third grade for one year and the second grade for three years. Originally from Scottsboro, AL, Mrs. Housley graduated from the University of Alabama in 2007 with a degree in both elementary education and special education. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in curriculum and teaching through the Reading Specialist Program at the University of Alabama.

Mrs. Housley has been married to Brooks Housley, an ACA alumnus, since 2009. Brooks is the onsite manager at a supplier to Hyundai. They live here, in Montgomery, and are members at Eastern Meadows church of Christ. Mrs. Housley and her husband enjoy traveling.

(Posted July 2011)

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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 2011)

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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 shopping. She also enjoys reading for quiet time.

(Updated August 2011)

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Mrs. Julie Johnston 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, one in college and two who attend 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 2011)

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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 one daughter. She also enjoys shopping, making cakes, scrapbooking, decorating and crafts.

(Updated August 2011)

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Travis Kaye received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Harding University in 2009. While at Harding, Mr. Kaye participated in various ensembles including the Harding Chorus and Chamber Singers. Shortly after graduation, he became an adjunct guitar instructor at Harding and also taught for the Searcy Community School of Music in Searcy, AR. Mr. Kaye is excited to be a part of the ACA community. He is married to Brooke Kaye, and his hobbies include making music, being outdoors, and traveling.

(Posted July 2011)

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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 2011)

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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, and one grandchild, who is the love of her life. She also owns a Westie dog named, Maddie, "who is very spoiled." Ms. Phillips loves to read, garden, and travel.

(Updated August 2011)

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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 is currently pursuing a Master's degree from Auburn Montgomery 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 excited about working with all of the elementary students.

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

(Updated August 2011)

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Mrs. Dawn Ritter 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 2011)

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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 an RN in the ICU at Baptist Hospital. 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 2011)

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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 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 2011)

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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 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 2011)

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Mrs. Mitzi Speigner entered the teaching profession in 1981. She attended Auburn University at Montgomery and graduated with a duel major in Elementary / Early Childhood Education with a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching here at ACA since 1991. In August of 2010, Mrs. Speigner began working in the elementary office with the INOW system, scheduling chapel and organizing service projects.

Mrs. Speigner is the proud mother of two sons. One is a senior at ACA and the other is a grad student at the University of Alabama.

(Updated August 2011)

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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 has worked for the past 6 years as a preschool teacher at the Vaughn Park Church. 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 2011)

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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 ACA. Mrs. Tolliver loves to teach, garden and shop.

(Updated August 2011)

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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 2011)

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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 two grandchildren. Mrs. Turner loves her job at ACA and considers it a blessing to be part of the ACA family.

(Updated August 2011)

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