The Abeka Academy Teachers
Curriculum Content Delivery Faculty
Kindergarten
Mrs. Samantha Stewart’s greatest priority as a teacher is sharing the love of Jesus Christ with her students, whom she often refers to as her “Sweet Peas.” Samantha earned a degree in early childhood education and has used it to teach kindergarten for over 20 years.
During the summers, Mrs. Stewart enjoys learning more about history as she travels to famous places and landmarks. Additionally, she loves visiting new coffee shops, spending quality time with her family, and scrapbooking when she gets the chance.
Mrs. Crystal Turner is well suited to educate curious minds with an earned degree in elementary education as well as over 18 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Turner’s summers remain busy as she travels to speak at conventions and works at Abeka. When presented with the opportunity to relax, Mrs. Turner enjoys visiting the beach, sipping a cup of chai tea, and spending time with her family.
Elementary
Miss Emily Howe uses her outgoing personality to make 1st-grade students feel at home in her classroom. Because Emily recognizes that many of her students are new to the Abeka curriculum, she takes extra care to make sure students understand concepts.
Miss Howe has a tender heart for young children and volunteers to help in youth-related ministries. She has participated in both children’s Sunday school and evening Bible clubs and has worked as a team leader for summer camps.
Mrs. Jadine Chappell combines care for her students and knowledge of the subject matter in her 2nd-grade classroom. Jadine graduated with a degree in elementary education and English and has taught both K4 and 2nd grade.
Mrs. Chappell loves to receive cards and letters from her Academy students and their parents. When not preparing for a lesson or interacting with her students, she participates in the church choir and helps out as a summer day camp leader.
After graduating high school from Pensacola Christian Academy (where Abeka Academy lessons are filmed), Miss Laura Heindel went on to earn a degree in elementary education. Laura’s ability coupled with her great desire to work with children make her an enthusiastic and dedicated third-grade teacher.
In addition to her love for teaching, Miss Heindel enjoys serving in church by playing the piano and the violin. She spends her free time outdoors hiking, watching baseball, and relaxing on the beach where she can watch the beautiful sunset.
Begin dates starting August 9, 2021
Miss Chaeli Gutierrez combines her love for reading and her enthusiastic spirit to bring fascinating stories to life for her students. Miss Gutierrez gained an appreciation for learning at an early age and went on to earn a degree in elementary education.
Growing up, Miss Gutierrez participated in many dramatic productions which she believes fed her passion for storytelling. Her hobbies include baking, reading, and playing with her puppy, Cocoa. Most of all, she has a desire to see her students grow in the Lord and find their purpose in serving Him.
Begin dates through July 31, 2021 include Reading
With a desire to train children effectively, Mrs. Barbie Tupua is a dedicated 4th- and 6th-grade Abeka Academy teacher. Her class is consistently prepared for new material and is ready to achieve to the best of their ability. Mrs. Tupua received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has also earned her master’s degree in educational administration.
Mrs. Tupua uses her talent as a summer camp Bible teacher, and she has also served as a children’s church teacher and Bible club leader. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys scrapbooking and cooking for her family.
Science/Health, and Bible
5th History/Geography, Science/Health and Bible
Abeka Academy students can look forward to learning new and exciting subjects with Miss Amy Amsbaugh. Miss Amsbaugh earned a degree in elementary education and has used it to teach 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.
While Miss Amsbaugh appreciates the refreshment that summer vacation allows, she also takes the time to attend educational conferences and clinics to learn more about how to motivate and inspire her students the next year.
Mrs. Katie (Burns) Nagel enjoys teaching 5th-grade language arts for Abeka Academy. Influenced by her youth pastor to use her gifts for the Lord, Mrs. (Burns) Nagel pursued a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She uses her experience as an Abeka Academy graduate to impact the lives of her students.
In addition to her love for teaching, Mrs. (Burns) Nagel enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, biking, and jogging and has used her heart for youth in camp ministry, children’s church, VBS program, and a summer missions trip to South America.
A classroom favorite of both students and their parents, Mr. David Howe has taught in Christian school ministries for over thirty years. Always willing to go “above and beyond” to guide his students through new and familiar material, he maintains their full attention. Mr. Howe received his master’s degree in elementary education and has been part of Abeka Academy since the video program began.
In addition to his vital role in ABA, Mr. Howe enjoys contributing to his community and often participates in committees that serve local citizens. Never one to pass up a good deal, he is an avid bargain shopper. Mr. Howe also enjoys a good meal at his favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A.
Miss Melissa Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with the goal of making a difference in students’ lives. Before becoming one of Abeka Academy’s 6th-grade teachers, Miss Lewis taught several other grades.
Even during the summers, she invests in young lives as a summer camp counselor. When she’s not working with children and teens, she enjoys reading historical books, visiting museums, and savoring a nice cup of coffee.
High School
Miss Leticia de Lima holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in biology and a master’s degree in educational leadership. She values the opportunity to share her love of science with her students.
In addition to teaching her students about their wise Creator, Miss de Lima enjoys ministry opportunities through camps, Sunday school, and missions trips to places such as Australia, France, and Brazil. Her hobbies center on being active, learning new languages, and traveling.
Miss Connie Armstrong teaches family/consumer sciences. Miss Armstrong’s examples and firsthand knowledge of her topics makes this class a favorite. Miss Armstrong received her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and uses her understanding to keep her students actively involved in each lesson.
Outside the classroom, Miss Armstrong has volunteered her time and talents to coordinate special events such as banquets, wedding receptions, and honorary dinners. She also serves as an assistant Sunday school teacher.
Miss Rhonda Autrey is our high school speech teacher. In each class, Miss Autrey wants the students not only to memorize and recite important information, but also to enjoy and appreciate the satisfying effort that goes into a performance. Prepared with a master’s of education in reading and story arts plus years of experience teaching speech at the college level, Miss Autrey has been able to help both nervous and confident students improve their speaking abilities.
Miss Autrey takes the opportunity to travel during the summer and has visited nine European countries. She has also been invited by several camp ministries to participate in their summer programs.
Students and parents will immediately recognize the care and preparation that Mrs. Karmen Baker brings to each lesson. Whether teaching grammar, literature, or vocabulary, Mrs. Baker is eager not only to have her students learn the material but also to understand its usefulness to their lives. With a degree in secondary education (mathematics/English), Mrs. Baker skillfully instructs and encourages her students.
Mrs. Baker enjoys traveling with her family and has spent some summers working in a camp ministry. Mrs. Baker also helps in her church’s nursery program.
Miss Esther Barnhart’s enthusiasm for learning is proudly displayed with each lesson she teaches. Esther holds degrees in both math and science education as well as teaching experience in all secondary grades.
In addition to her love for teaching, Miss Barnhart enjoys outdoor activities such as sailing and kayaking. She also likes to travel in the summer months to the Pacific Northwest to visit friends and hike in national parks.
Mr. Joshua Birx desires to give his students a solid foundation in Scriptural truth through his Bible doctrines class, where he gives accurate and applicable insight from his Bible–based lessons.
Mr. Birx’s hobbies include reading historical books, following baseball, and doing home improvement projects. He has served both in nursery and nursing home ministries and teaches an adult Sunday school class. Equipped with an education specialist degree, he also serves as administrator of Pensacola Christian Academy.
Mr. Ryan Bucy teaches grammar and literature for 7th, 9th, and 12th grades. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and English education along with a master’s in educational administration and uses his comprehensive training to sharpen his students’ interest in these important subjects.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Bucy enjoys playing percussion in church orchestra and has continued to reach young people throughout the summer as a camp counselor. His hobbies include traveling, reading, and surfing the FlowRider at Pensacola Christian College’s Sports Center. Mr. Bucy currently serves as principal of grades 9–12 at Pensacola Christian Academy.
Miss Lynlee Burns welcomes the opportunity to teach geography and health to her students. Her desire is for her class to master the information and to share her love for the material. Miss Burns has a bachelor’s degree in history education and music (piano), as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership.
Miss Burns contributes to her church’s ministry through helping both as the children’s choir director and as a children’s church teacher. During her vacations, she enjoys camping and has traveled in the United States and Canada.
Miss Burns currently serves as principal of grades 7 and 8 at Pensacola Christian Academy.
Higher mathematics courses can be intimidating to some, but Mr. Eric Collins seeks to help his students succeed by thoroughly explaining each concept and principle he teaches. With a degree in math education and over twenty years teaching experience, Mr. Collins comes prepared with a plan to effectively teach each day’s geometry and precalculus lessons.
Mr. Collins has ministered through his church choir and has traveled on summer missions trips to Arizona, Alaska, the Bahamas, and Mexico. He also enjoys construction projects. In addition to teaching, Mr. Collins is a member of the administrative team at Pensacola Christian Academy.
Begin dates starting August 9, 2021 for New Testament
Mr. Bobby Crockett engages his students in biblical truth and practical application out of a desire to encourage youth to live for the Lord. Mr. Crockett holds a bachelor’s degree in history along with master’s degrees in educational administration and Bible exposition.
Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his family and additional ministry opportunities with young people through summer camp, VBS, and working with his church’s youth group.
Both consumer math and business math are taught by Mr. Glenn Dickson. Realizing that students need practical direction when it comes to everyday decisions, Mr. Dickson teaches these courses using common examples and realistic situations.
Mr. Dickson teaches in both Sunday school and vacation Bible school. He enjoys following sports in his spare time, as well as spending time with his family.
Begin dates through July 31, 2021
In addition to teaching pre–algebra, Mrs. Judy Howe has contributed to writing some of the materials students use each day. With a master’s degree in elementary education, Mrs. Howe has faithfully used her abilities in textbook development and in the classroom.
Mrs. Howe desires to minister to others and has worked in Bible clubs and been active in neighborhood witnessing. In her free time, she also likes to read about current math instruction and the lives of famous mathematicians.
Dr. Alberto Jaffé teaches both Orchestra I and 2. A renowned violinist, Dr. Jaffé taught students for over 40 years. Originally from Brazil, Dr. Jaffé was involved in teaching both beginning and advanced music students internationally and in the U.S. Dr. Jaffé’s teaching style began when he was teaching his own children and has now been included in school and collegiate programs.
Dr. Jaffé and his wife, Daisy, worked together to bring their love and enjoyment of music to students of all ages. Dr. Jaffé also served as an artist in residence at Pensacola Christian College.
Students will quickly develop their keyboarding and document processing skills with Dr. Donna Marion. Teaching both courses allows Dr. Marion the opportunity to give her students the complete picture of how these skills can support them in their chosen fields. Dr. Marion received her doctoral degree in educational technology and actively seeks new ways to develop her students’ abilities in these areas.
In her free time, Dr. Marion enjoys relaxing with her family, reading, and cooking. She has also served in the church nursery ministry, and she now leads the business department at Pensacola Christian College.
Begin dates through July 31, 2021 for New Testament and U.S. History 11
Mr. Denis McBride, a well–loved instructor, teaches several high school history and Bible courses for Abeka Academy. Known for his ability to relate content simply and clearly, Mr. McBride consistently expects his students to demonstrate full knowledge and application of the material they have been taught.
Mr. McBride has great affection for missions work, having been able to travel to Haiti, Mexico, and Honduras. As a sought–after speaker, Mr. McBride has frequently served as a workshop leader at conferences and clinics around the country. He also served as pastor of the Campus Church at Pensacola Christian College.
Begin dates through July 31, 2021 for Spanish 1
Mrs. Debi McLamb uses creative ideas and insightful techniques to help her students develop their Spanish language skills. Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and English education and over thirty years of classroom experience, Mrs. McLamb teaches both Spanish I and II.
Mrs. McLamb enjoys reading and traveling, particularly to Spanish–speaking countries where she can practice using the language. She has also spent the summer as a camp youth counselor and has been a keynote speaker at ladies retreats.
Begin dates starting August 9, 2021
Mrs. Cassandra Odom prepares her students for higher mathematic learning with the foundational instruction involved in pre-algebra. Her desire is for her class to master the information and to share her passion for math and learning. Mrs. Odom holds a bachelor’s degree in math education and uses her training to skillfully instruct and inspire her students.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Odom enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, shopping, and working in her youth group. She likes to involve herself in hands-on ministries through church and school much like she did during her childhood.
Begin dates starting August 9, 2021
While learning a new language can be intimidating, Miss Cindy Quinlan strives to help studentsgrasp the details of Spanish grammar in order to enhance their understanding of the Spanish language. Miss Quinlan uses her comprehensive training and teaching experience to skillfully inspire her students.
As a former homeschool student who grew up on the mission field, Miss Quinlan appreciates the opportunity to teach Spanish to her stateside and international video students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing, playing the flute, and spending time with her family and friends.
Both physics and chemistry are taught by Mr. James Ridgley. Mr. Ridgley is excited to use his hands-on experience and understanding of these intellectually challenging subjects to help his students succeed. With bachelor’s degrees in science and mathematics education, along with experience from several graduate courses in the sciences, Mr. Ridgley is well qualified to inspire his students’ best work.
A member of the church orchestra, Mr. Ridgley can typically be found serving as the timpanist in the percussion section. He also has been involved in children’s Bible club ministries. Mr. Ridgley currently teaches in the natural sciences department at Pensacola Christian College.
Miss Shonna Smith patiently demonstrates each algebraic process step by step. Students will be excited to have Miss Smith carefully guide them in mastering each concept. With a bachelor’s degree in math and science education along with a master’s degree, Miss Smith has both the qualifications and the heart to help her students succeed.
Miss Smith’s interests include woodworking and building furniture, and she also plays both the piano and euphonium. Miss Smith actively serves in her church by assisting with the kindergarten classes.
Begin dates starting August 9, 2021 for U.S. History 11
Mr. Mike Smith brings a high level of enthusiasm to each lesson and inspires his students to enjoy learning. After receiving bachelor’s degrees in pre-law and education, Mr. Smith began teaching Bible, history, and economics courses. He also holds a master’s degree in educational administration. Mr. Smith’s desire is not only to teach the facts of his courses, but also to impart life applications that reach the hearts of his students.
Mr. Smith is a licensed scuba diver and makes a point of using his free time outdoors. A popular guest speaker, he has been invited to lead sessions in staff orientations, faculty meetings, and training workshops. Additionally, Mr. Smith invests his summers as the featured chapel speaker for a summer youth camp.
Miss Colette Stancel teaches biology for Abeka Academy. Miss Stancel received a master’s degree in secondary education and has taught junior high and high school science and served as yearbook advisor. She uses her experience and enthusiasm to help students not only to understand science, but also to see God’s plan in creation.
Miss Stancel has visited several national parks and remembers trips to Alaska and Canada as her favorite. She likes to spend time outdoors taking pictures or gardening. Because of her avid interest in science, she has read numerous books and articles regarding the Creation/evolution debate and attends related conferences to better equip herself to defend the biblical Creation account.
Mrs. Marie Thompson recognizes the life skills that are developed in high school English courses. Each lesson for her 10th-grade class includes studying grammar, learning through literature, and applying vocabulary skills. Mrs. Thompson earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, with 19th–century British literature being her favorite area of study.
Naturally, one of Mrs. Thompson’s favorite hobbies is reading, particularly classic literature and current literary articles. Mrs. Thompson leads the humanities department at Pensacola Christian College and has also taught a college ladies Sunday school class.
Mr. Sean Vinaja shares his love for the Creator as he teaches science courses emphasizing God’s imagination and order in creation. Using his education specialist degree in science education and a master’s degree in Bible exposition, Mr. Vinaja seeks to show his students man’s opportunity both to worship the Creator and to benefit mankind by following God’s call to understand and wisely use creation.
Mr. Vinaja’s ministry outside the classroom includes volunteering in Sunday school and helping senior citizens with yard work. He also teaches in the natural sciences department at Pensacola Christian College, and he has helped to lead PCC’s annual Science and Engineering Camp.
Mr. Doug Zila enthusiastically shares with his class how biblical principles have shaped American history and government. He uses his master’s degrees in both secondary education and history to make his classes informative and interesting.
Mr. Zila has directed children’s church and taught Sunday school for college freshmen. He enjoys traveling and has been as far as Washington state and the Canadian Rockies. Mr. Zila also teaches in the history department of Pensacola Christian College.