Denise Ainsworth – Mrs. Denise Ainsworth has been a teacher at ACA since 1985. Originally, Mrs. Ainsworth was employed to teach science and elementary physical education. Over the years she has held many positions including cheerleader sponsor, basketball coach, biology and sports psychology teacher, head of the magazine drive, class sponsor and various committee memberships. Currently, Mrs. Ainsworth is serving as Athletic Director, volleyball coach, softball coach and health teacher.

“Coach” Ainsworth received her B.S. from the University of North Alabama and her M.S. from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is married to Ralph W. Ainsworth who is the Division Chief of Unclaimed Property for the Department of Treasury for the State of Alabama. She has two daughters, Carlie and Audrey. Carlie is attending AUM on an academic and athletic scholarship. Audrey is a student at ACA and participates on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams.

Mrs. Ainsworth teaches because she had teachers who had such a positive impact on her life that she wants to do the same for others. The people who have influenced her the most and from whom she developed her philosophy of teaching and coaching have been her dad, Kenneth Rhodes, her high school coach, Ms. Linda Quigley and the principal at ACA who first hired her, Mr. Ronnie Sewell. These three people have taught her a lot about teaching and coaching but mostly they’ve taught her about life.

(Updated August 2007)

Allen Ammons - Mr. Allen Ammons started to work at ACA in the fall of 1969 and has taught here longer than any other active classroom teacher. He also serves as one of the preachers for the Panama Street Church of Christ, a position he has held since 1980. Mr. Ammons’ hobbies include traveling, reading history books and studying the Bible daily. He hopes to be at ACA for 50 years.

(Updated August 2007)

Donna Armstrong received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin and has taught secondary English since 1979 at several Christian schools across the South. Since August 2007, she has been serving in the guidance department as the college and career coordinator. She and her husband, John have two children and six grandchildren. Mrs. Armstrong enjoys reading Christian fiction, playing with her grandchildren and lounging on her porch at Lake Jordan.

(Posted August 2007)

Lindsey Bagwell – Mrs. Lindsey Bagwell began teaching at ACA in August 2006. Beginning in August 2007, she taught all of the computer classes and served as the Yearbook sponsor. She loves working at ACA and being able to influence the lives of teenagers. Mrs. Bagwell and her husband, Jeremy, attend Landmark Church of Christ where Jeremy is the media and technology minister. She graduated from Troy University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism and a minor in Spanish. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education. Outside of school Mrs. Bagwell enjoys photography, reading, mission work and running. She is enjoying her work at ACA and is looking forward to many years to come.

(Updated August 2007)

Matthew Beasley - Mr. Matthew Beasley received a Bachelor’s degree in Bible from Faulkner University in 2003. He received a Master of Arts degree in the New Testament from Faulkner University in May 2007. Mr. Beasley is teaching 11th and 12th grade Bible along with 7:00 a.m. Bible this year. He currently attends the Eastern Meadows church in Montgomery. Mr. Beasley has plans to pursue another degree in Theological Studies after he finishes his Master’s degree.

(Updated August 2007)

Sherry Beazley - Mrs. Sherry Beazley teaches 6th & 7th grade English and ACT PREP in English. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UAB. After completing twenty-five years in the public schools of Jefferson County, she moved to Montgomery and began teaching at ACA in August, 1997. Mrs. Beazley especially enjoys being able to work in a Christian environment and having the freedom to sing, pray, and participate in chapel. She finds the students at ACA very bright and enthusiastic and enjoys getting to know them as individuals. Away from school, she enjoys church activities, photography, creating videos, and flying with her husband, Phillip.

(Updated August 2007)

Julie Berube – Mrs. Julie Berube teaches 6th grade social studies and English. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. After moving around the states and the world via the U.S.A.F., she and her family settled in Montgomery in 2001. Mrs. Berube enjoys working in a Christian school where she is encouraged as a Christian teacher and can encourage those around her. When not involved in school activities, Mrs. Berube enjoys spending time encouraging her own children, working in the house and the yard with her husband, walking Dusty, her dog, and swimming.

(Updated 2007)

Barbara Bondly - Mrs. Barbara Bondly received a Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. She recently retired from the Montgomery Public Schools in 2002 after having taught at Morningview School for 28 years. While at Morningview, she served in various capacities including chairman of the Accreditation Steering Committee. During that time she spent 13 years being an involved ACA parent. Her daughter, Brooke, graduated in 1997 and is now doing a pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Mrs. Bondly is currently teaching seventh and eighth grade science and is the Junior High cheerleader coach. She is also an 8th grade class sponsor and past president of the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, a city-wide chapter of an international honor sorority for women educators. She is a member of the Catoma Street Church of Christ.

(Updated August 2007)

(Posted September 2007)

Sara Corolla – Ms. Sara Corolla earned her Bachelor’s degree from Troy University in 1994. She is the owner and instructor of ‘The Art Studio’ in Luverne, where she teaches basic drawing, painting and portraiture and also does commissioned portraits. She enjoys teaching others how to ‘re-create’ God’s creation for others to enjoy and remember.

Ms. Corolla has also practiced nursing in hospital, nursing home and home health settings. She has two children, Summer and Logan, whom she home schooled for twelve years, along with Sparkplug, a Boston Terrier. She has three ‘Marmie babies’; Emmie, Jackson and Jackson, and a fourth one on the way. She is a member of Landmark Church of Christ.

(Posted August 2007)

Angela Dickson – Mrs. Angela Dickson has a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Faulkner University and a Master’s of Fine Arts degree from the University of Alabama. She has been teaching since 1989 and is truly passionate about the connection of Arts Education and student achievement. She may be seen around Montgomery in many capacities including performing, directing, and teaching AUM’s Youth College classes and working with Camp Shakespeare and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre. She can also be seen regularly singing with Leslie Bailey. Mrs. Dickson began teaching at ACA in August 27, 2005. She is very happy to be a part of such a caring community. She is married to Matt Dickson, the facilities manager at the Vaughn Park Church of Christ where they are members. They have two sons, Jared and Aidan.

(Updated August 2007)

Melinda Estes – Mrs. Melinda Estes received a Bachelor’s degree in Math Education in 1995 and her Master’s of Business Administration from Auburn University in Montgomery in 2001. She teaches Algebra 2 and Finite Math. Mrs. Estes currently attends the Hoover Church of Christ with her husband and 2 daughters.

(Posted August 2007)

Marla Evans - Mrs. Marla Evans has a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Faulkner University. She has been an English and history teacher at ACA since first being hired in August, 1998. Currently, she is teaching 11th grade U.S. and A.P. History. Mrs. Evans is the SGA sponsor. She enjoys working at a school where she can incorporate Christian principles along with her educational lessons. She is married to ACA alumnus, Paul Evans. They have two sons, Samuel and Steven, who presently attend ACA.

(Updated August 2007)

(Posted September 2007)

Paul Fisher – Mr. Paul Fisher came to ACA in August 2007 from Georgia where he spent 22 years in private school education as teacher, coach, and administrator. Mr. Fisher is joined at ACA with his wife, Karen, and daughter, Claire. They have a son who attends Faulkner University. Mr. Fisher received his undergraduate degree from Mercer University and has a Master’s degree with a Leadership addition from Piedmont College and the University of Georgia respectively. He spends time in the outdoors enjoying camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. Mr. Fisher and his family attend the University Church of Christ.

(Posted August 2007)

Don Gilliam - Coach Don Gilliam has been teaching and coaching at ACA since 1991. He teaches seventh grade Bible and Middle School P.E. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University in December, 1990. Coach Gilliam is currently serving as the head Junior High football coach and as head coach in the varsity baseball program. Teaching and coaching are things that he loves. Coach Gilliam knows that God has blessed him with the opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives. Spending time with his wife, Kelli, and their son, Devin, is very important to him. His hobbies are fishing and playing the guitar. His favorite verse in the Bible is Colossians 3:17.

(Updated August 2007)

Chris Goodman - Coach Chris Goodman has been employed at ACA since 1985. He has coached several sports, and is currently the head girls’ basketball coach and the head baseball coach. He is from Wetumpka, Alabama where he graduated from high school in 1980. He has been married to the former Leigh Medlin from Atlanta, Georgia since 1985. They have two children, Brooklyn and Bailey, who attend ACA. Coach Goodman received his B.S. degree from Faulkner University in 1984. He has been selected Capital City Conference “Coach of the Year” several times in both basketball and baseball.

He was also named the “State Coach of the Year” in 1995, 2000, and 2004, as he helped lead ACA’s baseball team to two state championships and two state runner-ups. In 2007 Coach Goodman was selected “State Softball Coach of the Year,” and his girls’ softball team claimed the 2007 State 4-A Championship in May 2007, Coach Goodman has always enjoyed being around young men and women in the hope that he can be a positive influence on them as his coaches and teachers were to him.

(Updated August 2007)

Manuel Guice - Mr. Manuel Guice graduated from the University of West Florida in December of 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He also obtained certifications in biology and middle school science. He currently teaches Biology and serves as an assistant coach for ACA’s varsity volleyball and baseball teams.

(Updated August 2007)

Kimberly Isbell – Mrs. Kimberly Isbell joined the ACA faculty in August 2005. She is currently teaching 6th grade Bible, personal finance, and keyboarding. Mrs. Isbell received a Bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University in December 2001. She worked in the business field some three and a half years before coming to the academy. She is married to Jason Isbell, also a graduate of Faulkner, and they have a very spoiled poodle, Pebbles. Mr. and Mrs. Isbell are both very involved at University Church of Christ where they attend.

Mrs. Isbell is also extensively involved in ACA’s extra curricular activities serving as the Varsity Cheer coach and the Key Club sponsor. When asked why she was interested in teaching at ACA, she said, “I love everything about the school, and can’t wait to make a difference every day in the lives of students.”

(Updated August 2007)

Renato Jimenez - Mr. Renato Jimenez is from Mexico City, Mexico. Since 1969, Mr. Jimenez has taught Spanish in several schools. He began his teaching career at the age of 18 teaching in an elementary school. After completing his second degree, he taught high school social science, history, geography, and civics for several years. Before moving to the United States, he became an assistant principal and, later, a high school principal at the Hispanoamerican University of Mexico. Mr. Jimenez taught Spanish at Central Arkansas Christian School in Little Rock, Arkansas from 1999 until 2004. Mr. Jimenez’ family includes his wife and two daughters. His oldest daughter is a teacher and lives in Mexico City with her husband and three children. His youngest daughter and wife reside with him here in Alabama.

One of his fondest memories is that of his 6th grade teacher in Mexico. What a positive impact he had on his life! In honor of this teacher, Mr. Jimenez pursued a career in teaching trying to be like his mentor.

Mr. Jimenez believes that good work habits, positive thinking and a great attitude are essential in obtaining a good education.

(Updated August 2007)

Noah Jones teaches Bible and Social Studies at ACA. He began his full-time employment with our school in August 2007. He is married to an ACA graduate, the lovely Rebekah Moon Jones. In 2004, Mr. Jones graduated from Faulkner University with a Bachelor’s degree in Bible with an emphasis in Biblical Texts. In 2006, he earned his Masters degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in New Testament, also from Faulkner University. Mr. Jones has served as the Youth Minister for the Eastern Meadows congregation in Montgomery and as an Adjunct Professor for Faulkner University.

(Posted August 2007)

Tracey Kirksey – Mrs. Tracey Kirksey started working at ACA in the fall of 2006 as the Assistant to the Guidance Counselor. Beginning in August 2007, she added to her duties that of guest teacher. Tracey and her husband, Gary, are very involved in ACA’s band program and serve as the Band Booster presidents. Mrs. Kirksey has a degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta and also works full time as a Realtor/Associate Broker for Alfa Realty.

(Posted August 2007)

Kristin McCants – Miss Kristen McCants joined the ACA faculty in August 2005. She graduated from Faulkner University in May 2005 with a B.S. in mathematics. She attends the University Church of Christ where she teaches 2nd grade Bible class. Currently at ACA, she is teaching geometry and ACT Prep. Ms. McCants also serves as a Key Club sponsor.

Attending Faulkner University convinced Miss McCants that Christian education was something in which she believed and of which she wanted to continue to be a part. She is very excited about teaching at ACA and hopes she can have a positive Christian influence on her students.

(Updated August 2007)

Brenda McCroskey – Mrs. Brenda McCroskey received a Bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University and a Master’s of Education degree from AUM. In addition to being an ACA math instructor since the fall of 1986, she also coached ACA’s first girls’ basketball team, coached volleyball for five years, and has sponsored various clubs and classes. She presently serves as the mathematics and business department chairperson, and teaches trigonometry, pre calculus, and Advanced Placement calculus. She and her husband, Randy, have two sons, Justin and Nathan, who are both students at ACA.

(Updated August 2007)

Tia Mitchell teaches 9th grade physical science and 12th grade English. She began working at ACA in August 2007. She majored in secondary education, English and biology at Faulkner University. She is married to Ross Mitchell, a former ACA student and current pulpit minister for the 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika, Alabama. She has two children, Clint and Maggie. Clint attends ACA. Maggie attends a school in Opelika. Mrs. Mitchell loves spending time with young people and says she is excited to be a part of the ACA family. “It is my prayer that God will mold me and make me an instrument for His Will in this place and that everyday others will see and feel my joy.”

(Posted August 2007)

Janet Morrison - Mrs. Janet Morrison became ACA’s secondary guidance counselor in July 2006 after having taught 6th grade Bible and science for three years and having served as the Instructor of the academy’s Color Guard since 1996. Previously, Mrs. Morrison had worked as a school nurse for eight years with the Montgomery Public Schools. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and a Master’s degree in Education form the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is currently doing graduate level work in counseling and guidance. Mrs. Morrison and her husband, Doug, attend the Landmark Church of Christ, along with their 2 sons, Brian and Kevin. Brian graduated from Auburn University in May 2005 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Kevin is currently a student at Auburn University.

(Updated August 2007)

Laurie Norton - Miss Laurie Norton graduated from ACHS (Alabama Christian High School) in 1971. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Education degree in English and history from David Lipscomb University in 1975, and has done additional course work in the graduate program at Troy State University. Miss Norton began her teaching career at Alabama Christian Academy in 1975 and left in 1979. From 1980 until 1990, she was a district representative and buyer for Alastar Food Service Corporation that became Springford Foods. She returned to ACA in 1990 and is currently teaching 11th grade English and Advanced Placement English. Miss Norton is also employed by the Intersouth Food Service Group part time, which she enjoys, but teaching is her favorite occupation.

(Updated August 2007)

Charlotte Patterson – Mrs. Charlotte Patterson knew in the fifth that she wanted to be a teacher. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama, Master’s degree in Elementary Education from AUM, and Master’s level certification in Library Media Education from Auburn. Prior to coming to ACA, she taught in Jackson, Tuscaloosa, and Pickens counties and at Jefferson Christian Academy in Birmingham. Since joining the ACA faculty in 1986, she has taught at several levels – sixth grade for eight years, fifth grade for five years, and seventh and eighth grade science for two years. She became librarian in the fall of 2002. Mrs. Patterson loves to see students excited about reading and helping them with research.

(Updated August 2007)

Chris Perkins – Coach Chris Perkins comes to Alabama Christian Academy after serving for two years as the head men’s basketball coach at Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould, AR. He spent 10 years as a college basketball coach at CRC, Spalding University in Louisville, KY, Bethel College in McKenzie, TN, and at Freed- Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. Coach Perkins received his degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Freed-Hardeman University in 1994. He has been married to Dalea since1993 and they have one son, Avery.

(Posted August 2007)

Rachel Phillips – After graduating with a B.S. in Education for Secondary Language Arts from Auburn University Montgomery, Miss Rachel Phillips began her teaching career at ACA in the spring 2003 as a long-term substitute. She currently teaches eighth and tenth grade English and is Instructor of ACA’s outstanding Color Guard. Miss Phillips is a 1996 graduate of ACA and attends the University Church of Christ. “I believe the greatest accomplishment a person can achieve with her life is to show love. That is what I hope my students feel in my classroom – love.”

(Updated August 2007)

Susan Picken - Mrs. Susan Picken attended Harding University and received her B.A. degree in social science and her M.A. in education with an emphasis in psychology. After teaching in Louisiana, she began teaching at ACA in 1984. She is currently head of the social studies department and has taught civics/geography, world history, AP European History, government, economics and psychology.

(Updated August 2007)

Cindy Savage – Mrs. Cindy Savage is one of the few Yankees at ACA. She grew up in southern Indiana but at 18 moved toward the south to attend Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. After graduating with a B.A. and a teacher’s certificate from Harding, she married and spent the next four years teaching various junior high courses in Florida and Alabama. After taking off a few years for her own children, she began teaching at ACA in the fall of 1984. Mrs. Savage completed a Master of Education degree at AUM in 1986 and the courses necessary to be SACS approved to teach chemistry in 1990. Currently, she is teaching Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, and Honors Biology. Mrs. Savage also serves as department chairperson for the science and physical education departments. She has three sons, each of whom graduated from ACA. Her husband, David, is a state supervisor with the Alabama State Department of Rehabilitation Services Children’s Division. Mrs. Savage and her husband are Members of the Vaughn Park Church of Christ.

(Updated August 2007)

Kenny Simpson - Mr. Kenny Simpson comes to ACA from Madison Academy near Huntsville, AL. There he taught junior high school social studies classes for three year and coached JV and varsity football. Additionally, Coach Simpson steered their junior high basketball team to a 65-13 record. Prior to his teaching experience at Madison Academy, he graduated from Harding University in Searcy, AR in 2003. At ACA, Mr. Simpson is teaching 12th grade economics and 10th grade history. He also serves as the head coach for the academy's varsity football team as well as the school’s head track coach. He is married to the former Jamey Jones who coaches ACA’s middle school volleyball and girls’ track team. They have a beautiful, little daughter, Avery, and are expecting a boy this year.

(Posted August 2007)

Lynne Smith - Mrs. Lynne Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree from Troy State University. Her first teaching assignment was in the Dale County Public Schools in Midland City, Alabama where she spent five years teaching second graders. Mrs. Smith came to ACA in the fall of 1986 and taught third grade for ten years and is presently teaching sixth and seventh grade math. Since being at ACA, Mrs. Smith says one of her most memorable experiences was being chosen “Teacher of the Year” in 1991. Mrs. Smith has three boys, all graduates of ACA, and all three were her former students. She credits her first grade teacher for the inspiration to follow her example in the teaching profession. Mrs. Smith believes the best part of teaching is not June, July and August, but is the lifetime of memories her students have left with her.

(Updated August 2007)

Kathy Spencer- Mrs. Kathy Spencer graduated from Robert E. Lee High in Montgomery in 1981. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Troy State University in 1985 and, then, attended the Baptist Medical Center’s School of Medical Technology. There she became a registered medical technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (MTASCP). After graduation, Mrs. Spencer worked as a clinical scientist in the chemistry department at BMC – South.

In addition to teaching chemistry and physics at ACA, Mrs. Spencer also teaches Sunday school. She and her husband Gene, have three girls, Stephanie, Rachel and Allison who all attend ACA.

(Updated August 2007)

Mike Stough – Mr. Mike Stough graduated from Wetumpka High School in 1966. From 1966 – 1970 he attended Auburn University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He began his teaching career at Rogers High School in Florence, AL and has remained in the field of education ever since. Mr. Stough also has served on the faculties of Troy University and Southern Union Community College in Opelika, AL. In April of 2007, he was elected to the Alabama Bandmaster Hall of Fame. He currently resides in Opelika, and has been married to his wife, Jennifer, since 1970. The Stoughs have two children, Catherine and Michael, and a grandson.

(Updated August 2007)

Deborah Streetman – Mrs. Deborah Streetman earned a Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a Master’s degree and an Ed.S. from AUM. She taught for twenty-five years in the Montgomery Public Schools, then, came to ACA in the fall of 2001. She teaches Pre-Algebra and Math 7. Mrs. Streetman, her husband Ricky, and their two children attend Vaughn Park Church of Christ, where they work with the youth group.

(Updated August 2007)

Michael Summers – Coach Michael Summers is a 2000 graduate of Alabama Christian Academy. He graduated from Southern Christian University in 2005. He has been married to the former Valerie Young of Lowndesboro, AL since 2002. In June 2006, they celebrated the birth of their first child, Tyson. Coach Summers has coached at ACA for several years in both baseball and football, but beginning in 2007, he shifted his attention to cross country and softball. Also beginning in August 2007, Mr. Summers began teaching middle school history and geography.

(Posted August 2007)

Beth Ward - After graduating with a B.A. in English from Harding University, Mrs. Beth Ward began her teaching career at ACA in 1981. She left ACA in 1983 to be a full- time homemaker and mom but returned to ACA in 1993. Through the years, Mrs. Ward has taught junior high and senior high English, journalism, creative writing, theater, current events and reading. She has been a senior and junior class sponsor, eighth grade sponsor, SGA sponsor, yearbook advisor, and newspaper advisor. She currently teaches 7th, 8th, and 11th grade literature. Mrs. Ward has one child at ACA –Parker. Her son, Josh, and daughter, Maribeth, graduated from ACA in 2001 and 2004 respectively. Mrs. Ward and her husband, Gordon, have three children, Josh, Maribeth and Parker, all of whom have graduated from ACA. Mrs. Ward and her husband attend church at Vaughn Park.

(Updated August 2007)

Joy Williams – Mrs. Joy Williams is not your traditional southern belle. She born and raised in Alaska where she lived happily in the cold and snow until she was 16 years old. At that time, she and her family moved to Colorado. Mrs. Williams claims both states as “home”. She still is not quite used to the heat and humidity of the south and will probably never be a big fan of grits and hominy.

Mrs. Williams earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education at Freed-Hardeman University and completed her master's degree in reading and literacy in late August 2006. After her first year of teaching the fourth grade at Middle TN Christian School in Murfreesboro, TN, she married Rob Williams in 2000. They have one, sweet dog named Phoebe. Yes, that means they do not have children. Mrs. Williams taught two years in TN, one year in Birmingham, and then, moved to GA where she taught for four years at Arlington Christian School. Here at ACA, she is currently teaching 6th and 7th grade science. With so much experience at Christian schools, Mrs. Williams has come to value the daily opportunity to share her faith as she teaches traditional academics along with God’s word.

(Posted August 2007)

Rhea Wynn – Mrs. Rhea Wynn has a Bachelor’s degree from Harding University and a Master’s degree from AUM. A teacher at ACA since 1986, Mrs. Wynn also serves as the chairperson of the language and fine arts department. Since being at ACA, she has served in a variety of capacities including coaching volleyball, tennis, and soccer, directing the school play, and producing the school yearbook. Mrs. Wynn has a daughter at ACA and a son at Faulkner University. When asked about her goals as a teacher, Mrs. Wynn replied, “I want to encourage students to exhibit respect for and responsibility to God, others, and themselves. If this goal is met, academic achievement falls into place.”

Visit Mrs. Wynn's website at http://www.alabamachristian.com/wynn/homepage.htm