Staff
Year at BCA: The 2009-10 is my second year with the BCA.
Qualifications: I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Kent State University, and a Master's Degree in Education from Syracuse University. Even though this is my first year as administrator, I am no stranger to the BCA! For the past two years I have been the Director of Children's Ministries at Brice Church. In addition to my duties on Sundays, I have had the opportunity to sub and help out at the BCA, everywhere from the classrooms to the lunchroom! In addition, I have been a member of the BCA School Board during my time at Brice.
Christan Testimony: I grew up in a Christian household, and have known Jesus Christ as my Savior all my life! Since being married, I have grown so much in my faith and participation in our local church. I have come to recognize the necessity of a daily walk with Jesus, as opposed to just a "Sunday morning faith". I consider the time I can spend in prayer and study to be a gift, and enjoying sharing that treat with others in Bible Studies and small groups. I believe that while none of us is perfect, we are called to share His perfect love in what we say and do, and it is toward that goal that I aim!
Philosophy of Christian Education: I believe that our children are the future, but without Jesus Christ in their lives, that future is bleak! I understand the importance of a quality education, and the impact that it has on the lives of our children. I do believe that Christian schools should not be a refuge from the world in which we live, but a tool to better equip our children to live in that world as happy, productive, confident and Christ-centered leaders.
Personal Life: I have been married for twenty years to David! We have three children, Ryan (25), Garrett (13) and Courtney (11). We are also the servant staff to 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 lizards, two fish, and a guinea pig, each of which believe that that he or she is really the one in charge!
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs Johnson's 4th year at BCA.
Qualifications: Mrs. Johnson has served in the field of Christian Education for over 28 years - 8 years in the capacity of classroom teacher and for 20 years as the Founder-Administrator of Southeast Christian Academy. Mrs. Johnson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Cheyney State University. Upon graduation, she was awarded a scholarship and earned her Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from The Ohio State University.
Christian Testimony- I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior in the year of 1961. Since then I strived to live the Christian life by allowing the Holy Spirit to direct my path as I seek to live out God's purpose for my life.
Philosophy of Christian Education- Our number one responsibility, as stewards of our children, is to inspire them to conform to the image of Jesus Christ. In summary, my Philosophy of Christian Education calls for an educational process that places the Bible in the center and asks the faculty, staff, and students to evaluate all polices, procedures, curriculum, and programming by the standards of God's Word. Students should be taught to extend this practice beyond the walls of the school and see the world through a Biblical perspective. In addition, I accept each child as a unique creation of God and that He has a special purpose and plan for each one. (Romans 12:6a) "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them..."
Personal Life- Married to Rev. Joshua Johnson, Pastor of the Rushcreek Charge, in Bellefontaine, OH where she is active in the spiritual development of the church, particularly in youth ministries and evangelism. Mrs. Johnson has four children and four grandchildren. She says "I can say as the Apostle John...I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." III John 4
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Stewart's 7th year at BCA.
Qualifications: 11 years secretarial experience; attended Columbus State Community College for business.
Christian Testimony: I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior shortly after my husband and I started dating in 1992. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me". ~Galations 2:20
Personal info: Mrs. Stewart resides in Pickerington with her husband Frank, and 2 sons Jordan and Joshua. She attends C3Church in Pickerington.
Ms. Robbin Smith - Full Day Kindergarten Teacher
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Smith's 14th year at Brice Christian Academy.
Qualifications: Mrs. Smith has a Bachelors degree in Elementary education from the University of Toledo. Specialization in Early Childhood Education.
Personal info: Resides in Canal Winchester with her two daughters Jacquie and Sarah.
Teaching Philosophy: "I believe that children are a God given gift and we need to do everything possible to make learning successful for EVERY child."
Email: rsmith@BriceChristianAcademy.com
Mr. Matthew Newcomer - Full Day Kindergarten
Years at BCA: This is Mr. Newcomer's first year at BCA.
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Mrs. Danielle Kidwell - 1/2 Day Kindergarten Teacher
Years at BCA: This is Mrs. Kidwell's first year at BCA.
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Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Ackley's 6th year at Brice Christian Academy.
Qualifications: Mrs. Ackley graduated from Bowling Green State University in Education and received dual certification: K-3 and 1-8.
Christian Testimony: I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior when I was in Jr. Hi. Since that time, Jesus has not only become my rock, but my friend. My family and I are members of Sycamore Creek Church, and involved with the worship ministry.
Teaching Philosophy: Every child is uniquely created by God with his or her own gifts and life purpose. It is my role as a classroom teacher to nurture and develop within that child his or her academic, social, emotional, as well as spiritual world, using a variety of teaching styles and resources meeting each child at his/her level.
Personal info: I have been married for 16 years to my very supportive husband, Paul. All three of our children have attended BCA: Carrie for 5 years, Josh for 5 years, and Joe is still a student at Brice. Our home is in Pickerington, Ohio and we share it with our dog, Obi; a firebelly toad, Spotty, two goldfish, Clyde and Slapshot; and one beta fish, Lillie. Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do. I also enjoy watching my kiddos (and hubby too) out on the ice (whether it be figure skating or hockey). We are 'rink rats'!
Years at BCA: This is Mrs. Smith's first year at BCA.
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Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 is Mrs. Leistikow’s 4th year at BCA.
Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Education - Interdisciplinary PreK – 8th
Christian Testimony: I have been a Christian my entire life, but accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and as an integral part of my daily life in my early twenties. I am actively involved in the Children’s Ministry at my home church and believe that God’s plan for my life includes working with children. Only through the direction and guidance of Jesus Christ have I been able to achieve my degree in Education and fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.
Philosophy of Christian Education: I believe that every child in my classroom deserves the opportunity to build and explore their relationship with Christ in an environment that nurtures and models the beliefs and attitudes taught by Paul in the New Testament. I believe that a strong foundation in Christian principles is essential to putting the feet of our children on the path that will lead them to a greater understanding of our Lord as well as the purposes that He has for our lives. I feel that children need to perceive God as a real presence in their lives and that it is my job as their classroom teacher to show them how real He can be.
Personal Life: I have been married for 18 years to a wonderful, Christian man and we have two children, Sheridan, who attended BCA for 6 years, and Thomas, who will be in the second grade at BCA. I enjoy reading, my horses, and playing video games with my children.
Years at BCA: The 2009 -2010 school year is Mrs. Carney's 9th year at BCA.
Qualifications: Mrs. Carney earned her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University. She is licensed to teach Kindergarten thru eighth grade. She spent three years teaching pre-school and three years substitute teaching in the public schools.
Christian Testimony: I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior in 1978. By reaching to the Holy Spirit, He guides me daily and influences my direction in life.
Philosophy of Christian Education: I believe that each and every child in our classroom is a miraculous gift from God. It is our mission to instill Biblical teachings in all areas of the curriculum. I believe we must reach each child and inspire him/her to maximize their potential as Jesus has taught us to do while we are His stewards on earth.
Personal Life: Mrs. Carney is the proud mother of a 14 year old son. and enjoys wathching him as he participates in wrestling. The Carneys are members of Peace United Methodist Church in Pickerington. Mrs. Carney participated in the Emmaus Walk through the Reynoldsburg Emmaus Community in 2002.
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Ms. Koch's 5th year at BCA.
Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Special and Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Remedial Reading
20 years experience
Christian Testimony: I accepted Christ as a teen and immediately got involved in many church activities to help me grow. Throughout college and my working years, I have participated in a variety of ministries that I felt God had lead me to, both here and overseas in missionary communities. During my faith journey, I have encountered many ups and downs and have been strengthened because of these. I look forward to serving Christ for another year at BCA.
Philosophy of Christian Education: The basis of Christian Education is the authority of Jesus in all we believe, say, and do. I need to help students develop a relationship with Christ through teaching the basic doctrines, and establish a Christian worldview by integrating the Bible with life and the academic subjects. Each student is a unique individual made in God's image, so I want to help him or her develop his or her abilities and learn to love, respect, and serve others.
Personal Life: My hobbies are reading, biking, and traveling. I enjoy participating in Bible studies and visiting shut-ins from my church.
Years at BCA: This is Mrs. Widlicka's third year at BCA.
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Mrs. Cindy McVey - 4th Grade Teacher
Years at BCA: This is Mrs. McVey's first year at BCA.
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Mrs. Brandy Cox - 5th Grade Teacher
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Cox first year at BCA.
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Mr. Dave Steger - 6th/7th Grade Teacher
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year will be Mr. Steger's 6th year at BCA
Qualifications: Mr. Steger has a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Theology from Ohio Christian University and a Master's of Education in Literacy from Ashland University.
Christian Testimony: I accepted the Lord at a youth camp meeting when I was a teenager. Since then, I have put my confidence in my Saviour and have let Him guide my paths. "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." -Psalm 118:8
Philosophy of Christian Education: God has given every student many gifts and abilities. It is up to the teacher to find that gift and spark an interest for the student to explore. The main focus in the classroom should be on the Lord and that will carry over to other subjects being taught.
Personal Life: I am married to Cheryl and live in Canal Winchester. You can find me on Sundays at Fellowship Baptist Church, usually ushering or playing with puppets. During the week I am either teaching at school or at home playing with Batman toys.
Mrs. Martha Martin - 6th & 7th Grade Teacher
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Martin's 2nd year at BCA.
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Years at BCA: The 2009--2010 school year is Mrs. Hood's 9th year at BCA.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts & Elementary Education from Juson College, Elgin, Illinois; Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: Literacy from Ashland University; Ohio Department of Education Teaching License Elementary (1-8); Trained in Stevenson Reading Program and DIBELS administration through COSERRC (Central Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center); Total of 14 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools.
Christian Testimony: I placed my trust in Jesus Christ for my salvation when I was a child and have been growing up in that faith ever since. He is my Hero – my Creator, Redeemer, Father, and Friend. He is my El Roi – the "God Who Sees Me," and I desire to live a life that pleases Him.
Philosophy of Christian Education: Every child is precious in the sight of God. "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:10) Every child should receive excellent instruction that meets his/her learning needs. Every teacher should strive to model Christ-like behavior at all times.
Personal Life: Mrs. Hood has been married for over 24 years to Jon Hood who is an elementary school principal in Bexley. They have two children, Hannah and Ben. They live in Canal Winchester and attend Grace Bible Church where Mrs. Hood sings and teaches Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Her favorite pastimes are spending time with her family and READING! What a surprise!
Mrs. Carolyn Felton - Educational Aide
Year at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Felton's 1st year at BCA.
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Mrs. Cyndi Tassos - Math Tutor
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Tassos 2nd year at BCA.
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Mrs. Tina Gowins - School Counselor
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Mrs. Lynn Vottero - Speech Therapist
Years at BCA: The 2009-2010 school year is Mrs. Vottero's 11th year at BCA.
Qualifications: BA from University of Toledo; M.A from the University of Tennessee; ODE Certification K-12 Speech Therapy; Ohio Licensed through Ohio Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology: Certificate of Clinical Competence from American Speech - Language - Hearing Association.
Personal info: Married to John; Son Matt and daughter Gina
Teaching Philosophy: "Understanding and using language is the basis of learning and I love that BCA teachers know this!"
Rick Ewing - Phyical Education Teacher
9
Qualifications: 34 years with Columbus Recreation & Parks Liberal Arts degree from Capital University, Political Science/History; Major Physical Education minor. Certificate from the Department of Education to teach at BCA.
Personal info: Resides in Carroll with his wife, Lynn. They have three children Keeley, Karli and Korry.
Teaching Philosophy: "Teaching should cover the students spiritual, mental and physical growth and development."
Years at BCA: 15
Qualifications: B.S. in Art Education from Northern Illinois University Masters degree in Art Therapy from the University of Louisville
Personal info: Resides in Columbus with her husband James and 3 cats. She has 5 god daughters.
Teaching Philosophy: "In the art class, students not only learn about art processes, materials and artists. The themes and activities support classroom learning, developing, thinking and problem solving; sharing ideas and opinions as well as appreciating the work of our Master Artist: God."
Senora' Irisol Stepp - Spanish Teacher
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LaJoyce Daniel-Cain - Music Teacher
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Years at BCA: The 2008-2009 school year is Miss Terri's 9th year at Brice Christian Academy.
Qualifications: I have worked with children for 16 years. I was a teacher, trainer and assistant director at a local daycare. I have attended many classes through the years as well as classes through Columbus State.
Christian Testimony: I accepted the Lord as my Savior in 1997 during a very difficult time in my life. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I had to surrender all!!! Now I know that It was the best choice I ever made. I would not be where I am now without Jesus as my ROCK!
Philosophy of Christian Education:Our goal as christian educators should be to support
the children in their walk with Christ. We should also be aware of children in their special talents and needs and accept them accordingly. I see christian educators many times go the extra mile to help a child or to support a parent in times of trouble or for a shoulder to cry on. I belive when these things are accomplished the children will take what they have been a part of and take it into the world.
Personal Life: I am a happily singled mom (married to Jesus). I have a 13 year old son, Michael, who will start in middle school this year. This means more grey hair for me! I have a Beagle named Jeni. We bought her when we went to Canada last year on vacation. I have a wonderful family that lives here in Ohio. We are very close. I belong to Brice United Methodist Church. I have been coming here since 1987 (when my parents made me) and 1996 on my own!! I have been involved with several ministries. My favorite one was a chistian comedy group!:)
Rachael DeLaTorre - Friendship Co. Assistant/Lunchroom Assistant
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JoAnn Rose - Lunchroom Assistant
Terri Lou Burch - Lunchroom Clerk
E-mail Mrs. Cathy