Staff
Years at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year is Mrs Johnson's 2nd 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 2007-2008 school year is Mrs. Stewart's 5th year at BCA.
Qualifications: 8 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 is a member of Turn Point Church in Groveport.
Years at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year is Mrs. Justice's 2nd year at BCA.
Qualifications:
Christian Testimony:
Personal Life:
Robbin Smith - Full Day Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Smith also serves as Brice Christian Academy's Intervention Assistance Team Coordinator.
Years at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year is Mrs. Smith's 12th 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 husband, David and her two children 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."
Years at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year is Mrs. Neer's 9th year at Brice Christian Academy.
Qualifications: Mrs. Neer has taught for 20 years with the majority of them being in Kindergarten at Christian Schools. She has an Elementary Education degree with a Kindegarten endorsement from Taylor University in Upland IN.
Philosophy of Christian education: When children and adults enter my classroom I want
them to have a sense of security, calmness and stability. This is the atmosphere in which I can best teach and I believe in which young children can best learn. In presenting material, I believe children learn through all five senses: sight, touch, sound, smell and aste. Each student benefits from sensory learning and each has a dominant learning style. In my teaching I strive to present the material in as many ways as possible. I want the subject to be taught holistically-as each subject relates to another and above all how each subject relates to our relationship to a living and personal God.
Christian Testimony: As a child, I accepted Christ as my Savior. My parents, Sunday school and Christian school teachers encouraged me as a young believer. As an adult, through the good times and struggles of life I have found and continue to learn that: God can be trusted, His word is true, and that people are His treasures.
Personal Life: Mrs. Neer resides in Columbus with her husband, Kelly Joseph Neer and two wonderful children Patrick and Abby.
Tiffany Allison - 1st Grade Teacher
Years at BCA: Mrs.Young is currently in her sixth year of teaching at BCA.
Qualifications: Mrs. Young has served in the field of education for nine years, teaching in the areas of preschool, second, and third grades. She moved to Ohio in 2002, from her homestate of Georgia.
Mrs.Young holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and a Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Christian Testimony: After actively growing up and serving in church with my family, I made the decision to accept Christ as my personal Savior as I went off to college, leaving home for the first time. Since then, my relationship with the Lord has deepened, as I've learned and live by Philippians 4:13, in that God is indeed my daily strength, leading me in the direction that He has set for my life.
Philosophy of Christian Education: I believe that all children have God-given gifts and talents, and can strongly benefit from a Christ-centered education that teaches them to love themselves, and others just as Christ loves us all. Children must be taught that they are all special and unique individuals who can reach their greatest potential through learning and living God's word in their daily lives.
Personal Life: Mrs. Young is married to Rev. Drew Young, pastor of Community of Faith UM Church, and they have two sons, ages 6 and 1year. Mrs. Young supports the ministry in various ways, serving
through the youth activities, dance, and music ministries.
Years at BCA: The 2007 -2008 school year is Mrs. Carney's 7th 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 married to Brent Carney. They have one son, Brent II and they reside in Baltimore, Ohio. The Carneys are members of Peace United Methodist Church in Pickerington. Brent and Marlene participated in the Emmaus Walk through the Reynoldsburg Emmaus Community in 2002.
Years at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year is Ms. Koch's 3rd 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: The 2007-2008 is Mrs. Leistikow’s 2nd 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 - This is is her third year at Brice Christian Academy as a full time teacher. Before that she was a substitute in the building for two years.
Qualifications - Mrs. Kimmet has served in the educational field for over twenty years. She has served in pre-school education as both a classroom teacher and a director of christian pre-school. She also worked for Columbus City Schools as a classroom teacher for ten years, working five years at the junior high level and five at the elementary level. She recieved her associates degree from Mount Vernon University in Psychology, her bachelor's degree in education from The Ohio State University and currently holds a license to serve kindergarten - eighth grade. At present she has completed 55 hours of graduate work at The Ohio State University.
Christian Testimony - I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior as a child and made a recommitment to him in 1985. Since then it has been my desire to love and serve him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. One of my daily prayers is Romans 12: 1-2.
Philosophy of Christian Education - My prayer is that I can be a Godly role model to my students encouraging them to be all that God calls them to be. I work to instill in them God's truth and try to help them become wise, discerning young people stable in all their ways.
Personal Life - Married with three children. Active in church at Eastside Vineyard. Likes dogs, reading, the buckeye's, and travel!
Dave Steger - 5th/6th Grade Teacher
Years at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year will be Mr. Steger's 4th year at BCA
Qualifications: Mr. Steger has a B.A. in Religion and Theology from Circleville Bible College. Obtained state licensure through Ashland University. Currently attending Ashland University, working towards a Masters of Education in Literacy
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.
Year at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year is Mrs. Campbell's 2nd year with Brice Christian Academy.
Qualifications: Mrs. Campbell graduated from Youngstown State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a concentration studies in the Sciences.
Christan Testimony: I grew up in Boardman, Ohio, a suburb of Youngstown. My parents did their best to raise me in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and I am so thankful now for all that they did. I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior when I was in 5th grade, and I believe that is why I love to teach 5th and 6th graders. I remember vividly how God touched my heart, and helped me to see how much He loved me. It is wonderful to see God move and work in my life today. I need Him more every day, and how awesome to know that He delights in being with us!
Philosophy of Christian Education: Christian Education is the process of learning about all that God has provided for us, so that students are fully equipped to go out into the world and be who God meant for them to be. I am so excited to be able to take part in that process by including scriptures within Science lessons and others expeiences in a school day. Christian Education gives students the opportunity to understand our world in the light of eternity, something that is not possible in any other school setting.
Personal Life: My husband and I are in the process of finding a new home here in this area. As I am writing this, we are still house hunting, and hoping to complete that process as soon as possible. We have 4 of our 6 adult children who live in this area, so we are very much looking forward to being able to see our grandchildren more often. We are moving here from Garrison, Texas, a small town in Deep East Texas. We had lived there for just over a year. We didn't realize that it gets very cold there too! We had moved to Texas after experiencing 4 hurricanes in Melbourne, Florida during the fall of 2004. I was teaching Kindergarten there, and our building experienced a lot of damage, which makes a school year difficult to say the least. One thing I know, God is more than faithful whatever our experiences are. He has walked with us through it all, and He is a faithful father who loves his children and takes wonderful care of us. He has given us a hope and a future, and I am so excited about what is about to take place here at Brice Christian Academy in this new school year. I am very much looking forward to getting to know each of you.
Mrs. Hood also seves as Brice Christian Academy's Literacy Coordinator.
Years at BCA: The 2006-2007 school year is Mrs. Hood's 6th year at BCA.
Qualifications: Mrs. Hood has taught for 10 years. She taught for 5 years in public schools – 3 in Illinois and 2 in Bexley, Ohio - and 5 years at BCA. Mrs. Hood earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Fine Arts (vocal performance) at Judson College in Elgin, Illinois. She has taken numerous post-graduate classes and is currently working on her Masters of Education in Literacy through Ashland University. She has also received training in the Stevenson Reading Program and DIBELS administration at COSERRC (Central Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center) in Columbus.
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 20 years to Jon Hood who is an elementary school principal in Bexley. They have two children who attend BCA. Hannah will be in 6th grade this year and Ben will be in 4th grade. They live in Canal Winchester and attend Grace Bible Church. Mrs. Hood sings in the choir and on praise teams. She teaches Vacation Bible School in the summer and leads the drama classes during the Sunday school rotation program called Orbit. Her favorite pastimes are spending time with her family and READING! What a surprise!
Lynn Whetstone - Educational Aide
Tina Gowins - School Counselor
Years at BCA: The 2007-2008 school year is Mrs. Miller's 2nd year at BCA.
Qualifications:
Christian Testimony:
Personal Life:
Lynn Vottero - Speech Therapist
Years at BCA: 9
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 (16) and daughter Gina (12).
Teaching Philosophy: "Understanding and using language is the basis of learning and I love that BCA teachers know this!"
Julia Hider - Occupational Therapist
Rick Ewing - Phyical Education Teacher
Years at BCA: 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: 10
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
Senora' Irisol Stepp - Spanish Teacher
LaJoyce Daniel-Cain - Music Teacher
Mrs. Jordan also serves as the Academy's Attendance Secretary.
Years at BCA: The 2006-2007school year will be Mrs. Jordan's 2nd year at BCA
Qualifications: Mrs. Jordan is a Registered Nurse. She received an Associate Degree of Nursing from Otterbein College in 1983. Her experience includes: medical/surgical care, geriatric care, pediatric home care and 10 years pediatric care within a pediactric practice.
Christian Testimony: I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior in 1975. The Lord has brought healing and joy to my life. I seek to share His spiritual healing in the
Truth of His Word.
Philosophy of Nursing: To provide superior health care in a professional, caring manner. To address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each child.
Personal Life: Married to Steve Jordan. Mrs. Jordan has one 11 y.o. child
Her family in attending Vineyard East. A favorite passage of Mrs. Jordan's is:
Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary..He gives strength
to the weary...... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Thy will soar
on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Years at BCA: The 2006-2007 school year is Miss Terri's 7th 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!:)
Years at BCA:The 2007-2008 school year is Mrs. Gray's 4th year at BCA.
Qualifications: Mrs. Gray has certification in early childhood care and had an in-home day care for 5 years. She was also involved in children's ministry at her previous church for several years She also serves in that same capacity in her current fellowship.
Christian Testimony: I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior 30 years ago and received the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. I say "precious gift", because the Holy Spirit has been my keeping power for all of these years and there is nothing like living in Him. Jesus is the "best" thing that has ever happened to me....
Philosophy of Christian Education: I beleive that in today's world, our children are being done an injustice unless they know about Christ as an essential part of life. Christian education affords them this opportunity. I invite the opportunity to incorporate Christ in the classroom, by word, by deed and most of all by example along with assisting in educating our children to the highest degree possible.
Personal: Mrs. Gray has been the proud wife of Pastor Arthur L. Gray,Jr.for 24 years and is also the proud mother of three beautifully saved children, Taelor 22yrs., Chris 20 yrs., and Aubrey 8.5 yrs. Taelor will be a graduate of OSU this winter quarter, Chris is currently a junior at CCAD and Aubrey has attended Brice Christian Academy since preschool. Aubrey is currently entering the third grade. Mrs.Gray is a renowned and anointed lyric soprano and has traveled the U.S. and most of Europe
ministering the gospel through song, she is currently a part of her husband's gospel recording group, HighPraise Company, which have just completed their third gospel cd this August. Aside from the many hats Mrs. Gray wears, she has a strong desire to help "little people" become all they can be, enjoy and gleam from being unique and different, and most of all come to know the Lord. Her favorite scripture is, "be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only..."
Jeff Collins - Technology & Fundraising Coordinator
Years at BCA: 8
Karen McKee - Lunch Cook
Years at BCA: 7
Qualifications: I love Children.
Personal info: "3 Grandchildren attending BCA."
JoAnn Rose - Lunchroom Assistant
Dwayne Shugert - Lunchroom Assistant
Melissa Shugert - Lunchroom Assistant