Celebrating
36 years
Faculty and Staff
OFFICE STAFF
Dean of Students and Guidance Counselor
Nathan Sharp
Mr. Nathan Sharp is Summit's Dean of Students and Guidance Counselor. He also teaches our high school Bible classes. This is his third year as a teacher at Summit. He graduated from Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary. His favorite part of teaching is making connections between the class material and life, gaining a greater appreciation for the beauty of creation and the skills God has give each student, and encouraging life-long learning and growth. When he's not spending time with his wife, who is also a teacher, some of Mr. Sharp's favorite things to do are reading non-fiction books, trying new foods, and spending time outdoors. He also likes to write. Mr. Sharp hopes his students remember that the opportunity to learn and grow in knowledge and character is a gift, one we can receive daily for the rest of our lives. And that a relationship with God is the primary source of joy and satisfaction.
[email protected]
Office Manager
Anna Carnevale
Mrs. Anna Carnevale managed an office for 8 years before becoming a stay at home mom. She and her husband, Mike, have 4 children who attend Summit. Anna grew up in Lexington and received her degree in vocal performance from Asbury University. Then she and her family lived in Ohio where they pastored a church and Anna homeschooled her children form 2002-2017 before moving back to Lexington. She has been on staff at Summit for 4 years. When we asked her what she hopes the students remember most about her she said, "My love for Jesus"
[email protected]
Receptionist
Kristin Hobbs
Kristin Hobbs has been working Summit's receptionist since June of 2020. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and enjoys working at Summit because it is a faith-based environment. A fun-fact about Kristin is that she is a black belt in Aikido and has been trying since 2005. She says, "I hope the students of SCA know that I care about them and want to help them succeed in school and in life"
Office Assistant and Yearbook Editor
Jane Margaret Aguhob Childress
Jane Margaret has been working and volunteering as office support staff for 3 years at Summit. Before becoming a mother, she worked for University of Kentucky Medical Center for 16 years as a Patient Relations Assistant in several departments throughout the years. She attended Baylor University and University of Kentucky. She enjoys working in office work, answering phones, making copies, scheduling events, customer service, creating documents and spreadsheets, etc. She is married to our athletic director, Jason Childress, and they have 3 children, Rick, Eulalia and Declan. She has been the Handbell Director at her church for the last 8 years and played handbell's since she was 10 years old with her family. She enjoys cooking, baking, crafting and sports in general. When we asked her what she hopes the students remember about her, she said, "I hope students know that they can come to ask me anything and hope I am able to accommodate them. I want to be helpful, in general, to all the students, parents and their families."
PRESCHOOL STAFF
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool Director
Rachel Osborne
Mrs. Rachel Osborne is in her third year at Summit Christian Academy. She has a bachelor's degree from Western Governors University in Business Management and she worked for Jefferson Country Public Schools for 12 years. She is also an Ordained Minister in the Assembly of God. She loves spending time with her husband, Scott and their two adult sons, Chris and Justin, and Cortney their daughter-in-love. Some of her favorite things are: spending time outside gardening, being around water (lakes and beaches are my favorite), traveling, and scrapbooking.
Rachel has worked with children in various setting for the past 30 years including being a Children's Pastor for 7 years. She has a passion to see children learn and thrive. She says, "Children are like little sponges that soak in all the information their teachers are teaching them. I love seeing their faces light up when they learn something new. My favorite thing I love to see is when a child realizes the need to ask Jesus into their heart. Children are world changers. Jesus even said, 'Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' My hope and prayer for every child at Summit Christian Preschool is that they will grow mentally, physically, and spiritually."
Rachel hopes that each child will remember their time in Summit Christian Preschool as a time they were loved, felt safe, had a lot of fun, but most of all they learned about Jesus.
[email protected]
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool Assistant Director and Teacher
Kelley Wheeler
Mrs. Kelley Murphy Wheeler is the transitional kindergarten teacher and the SCA Preschool Assistant Director. Mrs. Wheeler was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social work. She has worked in the area of Social Work for many years prior to coming to Summit in March 2011. She believes all children are a gift from God and each one has special gifts and talents. Her love for children and her desire to serve the Lord led her to the teaching profession. "There is no other place on earth like Summit Christian Academy. I feel truly blessed to be part of such an amazing Christian-based school".
To see more about Mrs.Wheeler's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/bzIRIiOr7us
[email protected]
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool 3's Teacher
Kimberly White
Mrs. Kimberly White is in her fifth year as a preschool teacher but this is her second year at Summit. She recieved her certification and master in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education through the University of Kentucky. Her bachelors degree is from Asbury University in Elementary Education. As a student at Asbury she received the Roy L. Lauter Servant Leadership award for her work with the children at Nathaniel United Methodist Mission. Mrs. White says she enjoys being creative and seeing her students creativity come out as well. She really enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. She used to play soccer and basketball and her favorite food is fish tacos. When asked what is the one thing she hopes her students remember about her, she said, "I hope to instill in my students a love for books."
To see more about Mrs. White's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEOwHG4tl7U&t=8s
[email protected]
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool 3's Teacher
Gabby Erwin
Gabby Erwin is in her second year teaching at Summit. She says she loves teaching in preschool because, "To the preschoolers, everything is new and fascinating! Watching them discover and learn about the world around them is one of my favorite parts of the day. I hope my students will remember how much they are loved and that I love their hugs everyday!"
Gabby. [email protected]
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool 4's Teacher
Cheri Murphy
Cheri Murphy is one of our pre-K 4 teachers and she does a fantastic job. She graduated from the University of KY with a degree in nursing. And before teaching she worked as a pediatric nurse for 18 years at the UK Children's Hospital. She has been married to Dallas Murphy for 33 years and has two children; Dallas and Bethany. She says they're a little crazy and have five dogs! She likes most foods but does not have a favorite food. She enjoys traveling, reading and listening to most genres of music. Cheri has been substitute teaching at Summit for 5 years, and worked as a preschool assistant for the past two years before taking on a classroom of her own last year. She enjoys teaching preschool and her favorite thing is watching how excited and proud the kids feel when they learn something new. She hopes her students remember to always follow Jesus and that we had fun learning.
To watch more about Mrs. Murphy's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/iaSvsUkOtkA
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool 4's Teacher
Crystal Ball
Ms. Crystal Ball is one of the preschool teachers at Summit Christian Academy. She has spent many years teaching and coaching young children. This adventure started back in 2001 as an assistant teacher at a local art museum in Huntington, West Virginia. After college, she moved to Lexington, Kentucky, in 2006 and began a career in Graphic Design. She then came back to teaching in 2011 as a lead preschool teacher. She realized her love for children and the desire to see them excel in every aspect of their lives. Recently, she went back to school and completed her early childhood training. "I do not take what I do every day lightly. I believe that every day here at Summit Christian Academy we are impacting young lives in a positive way. As those young lives grow and mature they can go out and be world changers for Christ."
To see more about MS. Ball's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0DsMwEyAjQ&t=1s
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool 2's Teacher
Pat Mahan
Mrs. Pat Mahan is in her second year as a preschool teacher at Summit. She grew up and went to school in Austin, Indiana and received a bachelors degree in Human Services. Her favorite part of assisting in preschool is seeing those little curious faces when she reads to them. She has been married to her husband, Chris, for 32 years and they have two daughters, Farrah, who is married, and Trinity, who attends Summit as a 11th grader. Mrs. Mahan also serves Summit as the volleyball mom for the high school volleyball team and the tennis coach. She says Summit feels like a family to her and when asked what she hopes her students remember about her, she said, "I pray that the students remember me as someone who loves them and that they know Jesus love them too."
To see more about Mrs. Mahan's classroom please click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61yG_VwVe9s&t=1s
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool Assistant
Jenalee Lashbrook
Jenalee Lashbrook is one of Summit's preschool assistants. This is her first year working at Summit and she says her favorite part is, "The children! They brighten my day and make me laugh everyday." She has been married for 13 years and her two children, Stella and Lincoln, also attend Summit as students. Jenalee said one of her favorite pass times is to read! When we asked her what she hopes her students remember about her, she said, "I hope they know I love them and care deeply and that they (children and staff) make my life better."
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool Assistant
Jennifer Ogata
Jennifer Ogata has worked in education since graduating in 2001. She graduated Indiana University (Bloomington) with a B.S. in Art Education K-12. She worked as a substitute and volunteered in the public school for many years and she has also worked with challenged teens in a Christian recovery program.
Jennifer was trained in Montessori and taught for several years in a Montessori school. She has also been trained in disability ministry and wrote a kids book to encourage every child, sharing Christ's truth and love.
Jennifer and her husband became Foster/adoptive Parents in 2019 and are in the process of adopting their son who will be attending preschool in January 2023. She loves teaching young minds about Jesus and His love for them. She says, "I hope children see the joy Jesus has given me and has in store for them as they follow HIM."
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool Assistant
Alicia Michel
Alicia Michel is a preschool assistant and she visits each classroom for at least a few minutes each day.
She graduated from Asbury College in 2001 with a bachelor degree in Accounting. In 2006, she left the workplace to stay home with her children and that led into 10 years of homeschooling, which she says she absolutely loved. She is married and has 2 children in high school this year at Summit. She enjoys hiking, reading, board games, and drinking tea with friends. She says she is excited to be working with preschoolers because they are full of excitement and it is so contagious! When we asked her what she hopes her students remember about her she said, "I hope they remember me as someone who loves Jesus and loves them and makes them each feel valuable."
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool Assistant
Joanne Shuman
Joanne Shuman is an Assistant teacher with our TK class. She has a degree in elementary education from Ball State University in Muncie Indiana. This is her fifth year at Summit, and she says she "enjoys being in the preschool so very much!" She has been married for 41 years to her husband, David. She has a son, Michael, daughter in-law, Cynthia, daughter, Becky, son-in-law, David, as well as two dogs, two cats, a bunny, and three fish! She says they are definitely an animal loving family! She also told us, her favorite part about teaching is "spending time with the children, and seeing life through their sweet little eyes!" And she hopes they "will always remember how much I love them."
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Preschool Assistant
Haley Yeaples
Haley Yeaples is a Preschool Teaching assistant. She is usually working with the 3 year olds.This is her first year teaching at SCA. She graduated from West Jessamine High School. Her favorite part about teaching and assisting is seeing the kid's face light up when they understand something or when she has just made them really happy about something. She says, "I hope that the kids see how patient I was in teaching them and they see that is something they deserve in their educational career. Kids learn at their own pace and it’s important to understand that and help them achieve it."
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-5)
Kindergarten Teacher
Shannon Cox
Mrs. Shannon Cox has been teaching in a christian school setting for 13 years and this is her 7th year at Summit. Shannon attended Moorhead State University where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Education. She says her favorite part of teaching is, "the new family I gain each year. I love my students and enjoy getting to know them and their precious families." Mrs. Cox has a dog named Molly and two turtles named, Orlando and Flash. She is the youngest of 6 children. There were 3 girls and 3 boys. She has now been married to her husband, Brad, for 22 years and they have 3 sons and a daughter in law. Shannon says, "One thing I hope my students learn while in my classroom is to know they are loved by me and by our Father in Heaven! I also would like them to learn to live out Colossians 3:23. ' Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters'"
[email protected]
Kindergarten Teacher
Hannah Halbert
Ms. Hannah Halbert is in her second year of teaching at Summit Christian Academy, but before teaching at Summit, she worked as a Kindergarten Assistant and Preschool Assistant in the public school system. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2017, Cum Laude. Her degree is in Family Sciences with a minor in Education. Her favorite part about teaching is watching the children soak up all the knowledge. She says, "I love being able to be part of their education journey!" When Hannah is not teaching, she is either walking her dog, watching a movie, or spending time with her family. She is also very involved in her church. When we asked her what she hopes her students remember about her, she said, "I hope my students remember how encouraging I was to them!"
[email protected]
First Grade Teacher
Kaitlyn Sipe
Mrs. Kaitlyn Sipe has been teaching 1st grade for 6 years, but this is her fourth year at Summit. She graduated from Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. She says, "I love the moment when a student 'gets it' with a complete mastery of a concept he or she has been diligently working on. You can see and hear a new level of confidence and expertise that they will carry with them forever." She is also a huge lover of children's books. She loves to share new stories with the kids and find new favorites based on their interests each year. Some fun facts about Mrs. Sipe are that she was originally from Hershey Pennsylvania and she is a Starbucks lover. She is married to Brian, they have a dog name Kooshball, they love all things Disney and usually visit Disney World once a year. When we asked Mrs. Sipe what she hopes her students remember the most she said, "I hope my students remember that God is the one true constant no matter what happens. He is with them no matter what and His plan is perfect. I hope they remember that learning is full of adventure and fun. There is no limit to how much you can learn as long as you try your hardest and do your best." On the first day of school, Mrs. Sipe always tells her first graders that "I can't" is not a phrase we use in the classroom, instead we say 'I will try".
To see more about Mrs. Sipe's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/Kd_rfpPAyms
[email protected]
Second Grade Teacher
Nora Cardona
Mrs. Nora Cardona is the second grade teacher and loves working with Summit Christian Academy's elementary students in reading to explore what God wants them to know about Him and who He wants them to be. Mrs. Cardona believes that reading is the gateway to being educated in other subjects and encourages her students to love reading. She began her teaching career in her early 20's as a preschool assistant and she returned to college to earn her teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education to continue in a career in education. Nora earned her B.A. in Physical Education, emphasis on Athletic Training, from Whittier College, CA, and her ECE Certificate from Cerritos College, CA. She is currently re-certified in elementary education through ACSI. Mrs. Cardona has been married to her husband, Jehoshaphat, for 24 years and they have two children, Elianna and Elijah. She also has a Pomeranian Chihuahua named Honey. Mrs. Cardona says her favorite part of teaching is witnessing a child's progress in their learning throughout the school year, seeing those "light bulb" moments, but most of all "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4. Mrs. Cardona hopes that her students will remember that she loves them in the love of Christ and that she cared deeply about every facet of their education, especially that God should permeate every aspect of their lives and thoughts."
To see more about Mrs. Cardona's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0poueQHPdbQ
Nora. [email protected]
Third Grade Teacher
Stephanie Nickel
Mrs. Stephanie Nickel is the third-grade teacher at Summit Christian Academy. She is in her 22nd year of teaching in a Christian School setting, she seeks to present Christ as Savior and Lord of all. Her desire is to impact the world for Christ through the lives she touches in her classroom. Mrs. Nickel received her BA in Elementary Education and her Master of Elementary Education from the University of the Cumberlands. She enjoys gardening and crafts, and her favorite food is Mexican; however she could possibly survive on dark chocolate. She says, "One of the strangest, if not funniest, facts about me is that one Christmas I decorated my house with 22 Christmas trees!" Her immediate family includes her husband of 11 years and 2 meowing fur-babies, Gracie and Cougar. She hopes her students enjoy learning, grow closer to the Lord, and know that she loves them. "The Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to serve Him as I teach His precious children to see themselves and the world from His perspective. I pray as I love on His children, that a ripple effect begins, and these same children grow in His wisdom and grace to impact others for His eternal kingdom."
To see more about Mrs. Nickel's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https;//youtu.e/lZz7LWOaiTc
[email protected]
Fourth Grade Teacher
Kara Watkins
Mrs. Kara Watkins is the fourth grade teacher at Summit Christian Academy. She has been educating hearts and minds in Christian schools for the past 11 years. She graduated from Georgetown College in 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She also received her Master's degree in 2017 from Georgetown College in Teacher Leadership with an endorsement in literacy. Mrs. Watkins believes teaching in a Christian school prepares the students to be lifelong learners of God's Word and academics. She believes teaching students to search out God's will for their lives is of utmost importance and guides them in this search. Mrs. Watkins is married and has a daughter and a son. She loves to cook and really enjoys teaching her preschool aged daughter how to cook. It's one of their favorite things to do together. Mrs. Watkins says, "I pray that upon leaving my classroom the thing they remember the most is that I love them and, even more, I pray they know that God loves them."
To see more about Mrs. Watkins classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https;//www. you've.com/watch?v=iVul4MO
[email protected]
Fifth Grade Teacher
Pam Leadingham
Pam Leadingham graduated from Georgetown College with both a Bachelors and Masters of Education. She has been teaching for over 35 years. She taught elementary for the first 15 years of her career and then moved to middle school in order to teach math. Math is her passion and she has taught middle school math and worked as a math interventionist. After that she worked in Alternative High School, working with kids who just didn't "fit in" with the regular traditional high school. This led her to begin working with GED students in the Jessamine Co. Adult Ed program. She is currently in her second year with that program and this is her first year with Summit. Pam has been married for 33 years. They are a ministry family and her husband has served in various churches over those years. She has two children and two grandchildren. Pam loves helping kids learn. She's a data geek and is looking forward to the new MAP testing that we are going to do. She says, "This testing truly lets kids see growth over the year and gives us lots of reasons to celebrate!" When we asked her what she hopes her students remember most about her she said, "That I loved them."
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Math and Science Teacher
Marie White
Ms. Marie White teaches middle school Science. She has taught for over 30 years and has been at Summit Christian Academy for 10 years. Marie graduated high school from Lafayette High School and continued on to Northern Kentucky University where she received her Bachelors degree. Ms. White says her favorite part of teaching is, "when the students are excited about learning something new in a lab setting." She hopes the thing they remember about her most is, "That I cared about them and we sometimes had some good laughter. But mainly I want to point them to Christ and remind them that He is the only answer for anything in life that they may come up against."
To see more about Ms. White's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/wwn4ZO-PU8O
Language Arts Teacher
Jamie Masters
Jamie Masters is joining us this her to teach middle school English and high school Creative Writing. She will also be helping out with the middle school student council. She has taught high school English for over ten years but is excited to adventure into the world of middle school ELA! She graduated from Morehead State University with a B.A. in English and Secondary Education. She earned a M.A. in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is also a Children's Ministry Director for my home church here in Lexington. She is married to her husband Scott, and they have one son, Ethan, who is also a student here at SCA! She says they also have "three spoiled rotten kitties who, let's face it, run our household more than we do!" Her favorite part about working with young people is helping them see the potential in who they can become. She says, "If they strengthen their writing skills so they can better express themselves or hone reading skills so that literature can take them to amazing places through imagination and craft, then I am so blessed to be part of that journey in helping them grow. Because we are Christians, being able to teach all of this from a Biblical worldview, reminding them of who they are and who they are called to be - even in an academic setting - is so very special! I pray that my students always remember that they are loved and protected in my classroom. I hope they know that while I always have high expectations, their success is my goal and I'm willing to help push and encourage them every step of the way. "
Bible and History Teacher
Christa Buckel
Mrs. Christa Buckel is SCA's middle school Bible and History teacher and serves as the Director of the Middle School. She graduated from Georgetown College with a major in Political Science and minors in both history and German. she received her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Asbury University with an endorsement for teaching middle school as well as ESL to K-12. She received Praxis' "Recognition of Excellence" certificate for being in the top 15 percentile of scorers in the nation for the social studies test while working on her MAT. She has subbed since 2012 in many of Lexington's private school, taught fourth grade 2015-2016, and has been teaching middle school at SCA since 2016...and loves it! "I went to a private school, and want to give my students the same excellent quality education I was give, as well as to instill a lifelong desire to pursue God. They are amazing and have so much potential. I can't wait to see how they will impact the world for the Kingdom of God. I love seeing them grow and mature into loving and responsible young people. " Mrs. Buckel is married to her husband, Micah, and she has a cat named Fig Newton. S he opes her students remember they are loved by God, and chalk full of His purpose, promise and power, and there is not limit to what they can do with Him for His glory with their lives.
To see more bout Mrs.Buckel's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/tLqNcawcY3O
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
Math and Science Teacher
Kristina King
Mrs. Kristina King is a happily married mother of 4 and Nana of 2. Her youngest is currently attending elementary school at Summit. Her formal education includes an Associates degree in Computer Electronics Technology and a Bachelor's degree in general education with an emphasis on engineering Physics. Both degrees were earned at EKU where she served as Student Body President/Student Regent. While a student she completed a NASA training program at Kennedy Space Center and was 1 of 2 U.S. student delegates to the International Astronautical Congress. Following graduation she worked for the Common wealth of Kentucky for 6-7 years where she earned a national certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional. She was also recognized with an Award for Continuing Excellence by the Cabinet for Economic Development; and was later named Kentucky Admiral by the Energy and Environment Cabinet while working as the Program Manager for the division of Biofuels. God planted the seed in her heart to teach years ago when she worked with a grant program through the Science & Technology Corp. to increase Math and Science aptitude in the Appalachian area. She says, "I am blessed to have had our Father lead me to teach at Summit and hope my students will remember that God has the solution for every problem, mathematical or otherwise.
To see more about Mrs. King's classroom and curriculum please watch her video by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/A7uERrOFpHg
HIGH SCHOOL
High School Science, Sociology and Personal Finance
Meredith Maney
Meredith Many is our high school Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Sociology, and Personal Finance teacher. She holds a BS in Secondary Science (Major: Biology, Minors: Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, and Geology. 1997) and a MS in Secondary Science Education (1999), both from the University of Kentucky. She began teaching in 1999. She has also been a veterinary nurse, a professional photographer, Vice President of the Louisville Council of American Heritage Girls, and a homeschool mom.. She is currently the Corresponding Secretary of the Lexington Chapter of DAR, Chaplin of the Women's Club of Central Kentucky, and a small business owner.
She was on the Dean's List in college, and was a foreign exchange student during college at the University of Dijon in Dijon, France. She assisted in research to develop an equine rotavirus vaccine which was put into production in 1997, as well as support several post-doctoral research projects in entomology and electrophoresis equid blood typing.
She has been married for 19 years and has two children, the cutest dog ever, and the smartest, friendliest cat. She says her favorite part of teaching is that she loves sharing knowledge with her students. "I work for the "wow", the eyes lighting up, the spark of understanding when the puzzle pieces fall into place. I am thrilled when students go home and look up more information about topics we have discussed in class and come back with more questions, or original theories to attempt to disprove a long held scientific conclusions. I strive for my students to take ownership of their learning and make it theirs." When we asked her what she hopes her students remember most about her, she said, "I was deeply committed to them and their learning, and shared the wonder of God's creation with them. I want them to see first-hand that scientists can be people of deep faith. I want them to see that my love of science and my love of learning are reflections of my wonder in the fascinating world that God has made and blessed us with, and His majestic fingerprints are everywhere in Creation."
HIGH SCHOOL
English and History Teacher
Sara Beth Floyd
This is Sara Beth Floyd's first year at Summit. She is coming to us from Sayre Christian Village, a non-profit retirement community, here in Lexington. She worked there as the Activity Director for Housing. She loved her job but felt the Lord calling her away from that position and to Summit. Her bachelor’s degree is in Secondary Education English. She received that degree from Tennessee Technological University in 2009 where she graduated Cum Laude. She was hesitant to enter the teaching field at that time and after having a radical salvation experience, she felt the call to ministry and began school at Asbury Theological Seminary where she later received a Master of Divinity degree. She went on to become Ordained in the Assemblies of God and is now the Children’s Pastor at Nicholasville First Assembly of God. She received a "Making the Difference" award at Sayre for working the entire pandemic in long-term care. She spent a month working on the COVID ward keeping families connected through virtual visits and comforting the sick and dying. It was the most challenging ministry she has ever experienced. Sara Beth has been married for seven years. They have sweet little dog named Sophie Mae and they are currently in the foster to adopt process and cannot wait to expand their family! We asked Sara Beth what her favorite part of teaching was and she said, "The big picture. I love when students can grasp how everything they learn works together and even more importantly the meaning it has in their world. Knowledge is meant to be transformational. My favorite moments are when I see students transformed by the knowledge they have acquired. I want them to remember I love them enough to challenge them. Christ’s love for us is challenging and redemptive. I have not loved my students well if I have not challenged them academically and spiritually. I hope when they think back on Mrs. Floyd, they remember they were loved."
ENRICHMENT
Athletics Director
Jason Childress
Jason Childress is Summit's Athletic Director and Gym teacher. He has been teaching for 4 years and graduated from Brescia University in Owensboro, KY. He was selected to officiate 2 boys Lacrosse State Championship games for 2019 and Girls Lacrosse State Championship in 2017. His favorite part of teaching is encouraging students to meet their potential. He is married to his beautiful wife, Jane Margaret, and he has two boys and a girl, ages 23, 8, and 3 years. He spent 8 years in the Navy as a Radio Man. And he has officiated and coached several sports teams over the last 30 years. He is an umpire with the Bluegrass Barons in the 1869 Vintage Baseball League under the alias of "Chilly". They have played on two major league baseball fields and on local TV Broadcasts. When asked what he hopes his students remember about him, Mr. Childress says, "I want my students to remember me for being fair and helpful to them in their education."
To see more about Mr. Childress classroom and curriculum please watch his video by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/bGMMEi_i2Y
[email protected]
Music and Art Teacher
Becky Stewart
This is Becky Stewart’s first year at Summit Christian Academy as the Art and Music teacher. She began educating hearts and minds in 2000, where she taught Art in Fayette County. She then taught in the PreK, Elementary, and in High School for 7 years in various areas, including Art and Music in Christian Schools. She has been a sub and teacher’s aide for the past five years at a Christian School. She graduated from Marshall University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education K-12 cum laude, where she ran cross country and track on a full scholarship. She began her love for music at five years old learning to play the piano. She believes music and art are gifts from God that should be used to glorify Him and that all students can learn that God has designed them for a purpose and are to use that purpose to Glorify Him. Mrs. Stewart has been married to her husband Donovan for 22 years and they have two wonderful children ages 14 and 17, and a fur baby, Pacer, who will be 5 in November. She and her husband planted The Mission Church of Lexington over 4 years ago where she happily serves as the Pastor’s Wife, Sings for Worship, and teaches the Wednesday Night K-5th Grade class. She loves serving the Lord, spending time with her family, camping, and watching her children compete in their athletic competitions. Her favorite part about teaching is the students, being with them and showing them that they can do so much more than they think they are capable of! She knows God created her for them. She says, “They become my family, and each get a special place in my heart.” When asked what she hopes her students remember about her, Mrs. Stewart says, “I want my students to remember how much I love the Lord and how much I love them and have very much enjoyed teaching them about God’s gifts and spending time with them as part of their journey in education.”
[email protected]
Spanish and Computer Teacher
Frankie Henry
Mrs. Frankie Henry is in her third year of teaching. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berea College in May of 2020 where she received her degree in Spanish. While at Berea, she worked as a high school peer mentor and as an editorial assistant for a literary quarterly. She also co-wrote and co-directed a theatre performance in conjunction with Berea College and her home high school. She says her favorite part of teaching is, "when students are able to make larger connections between what they are learning and the greater world. It is very meaningful for me when I see that students are able to relate their earning with what is happening in their own lives." Some interesting facts about Mrs. Henry is that she loves telenovelas (Spanish soap operas). She also loves to craft -- knit, sew, paint, build, create! Traveling is one of her favorite hobbies, and she has been to nine countries so far! When we asked her to choose one thing that she hopes her students remember about her, she said, "I would hope that they would remember that I made them each feel special, unique, and valuable."
To see more about Mrs. Henry's classroom please click on the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNbMJc9RHD8&t=5s
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K-12 After Care
Christina Oaks