2025-26 New Employees

We're happy to introduce our new faculty and staff members for the upcoming school year. You'll also recognize some familiar faces taking on new roles this year.

Jeffrey Barker - 8th grade bible teacher

Education: Jeffrey holds a Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Christian Ministries from Asbury University and a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from the Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University.

Experience: Jeffrey has served in a variety of ministry and educational roles, including Soccer Trainer for Lexington Sporting Club (2020–2021), Associate Campus Minister at UKCSF (2021–2023), and Teaching Assistant at The Providence School (2023–2024), before joining LCA in the spring of 2025.

Hobbies: Jeffrey enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

Family: He and his wife, Haleigh, have one son, Declan.

Church: Southland Christian Church

“I firmly believe Christian education is one of the best things for young people. Christian people should be among the smartest people in society to bring the message of Jesus to our communities.”

Kennedy Brislin - 2nd grade teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and English as a Second Language from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Experience: Kennedy spent her first year teaching at Academia Los Pinares, a Christian bilingual school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Hobbies: Crafting

Family: Caleb (husband)

Church: Southland Christian Church

"Over the past year, I have witnessed the Lord work in miraculous ways in both my life and my family's. As my husband and I transitioned back to Lexington, I have been praying for a place where I could continue to grow both in my faith and in my profession. LCA is an answer to that prayer! I am excited to join a Christ-centered community that shares my values and offers opportunities for spiritual and professional development."

tiffany brown - 4th grade teacher

Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona; Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University

Experience: Tiffany has 13 years of teaching experience and has taught 3rd grade at LCA for the past four years. She is excited to step into a new role as a 4th grade teacher this year.

Hobbies: Shopping and organizing—she especially enjoys rearranging and bringing order to spaces!

Family: Tiffany and her husband, David, have one son, Devin, who graduated from EKU in March 2025 with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Church: Broadway Christian Church

"I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the LCA family. The welcoming spirit of the staff, the partnership with supportive parents, and the genuine joy on the students’ faces make this such a special place. I’m especially excited and humbled to be able to share the love of Jesus with our students each day. I’m looking forward to all that God has in store this year!"

Kimberly Calhoun - 6th grade bible teacher

Education: Kimberly holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Experience: Kimberly has 27 years of teaching experience, including two years at Hite Elementary, 20 years teaching 4th grade at LCA, and five years at Jamestown Elementary.

Hobbies: Cooking and baking, reading, walking, and gardening

Family: Kimberly and her husband David have three adult daughters—Jana, Abigail, and Sarah—all graduates of LCA.

Church: Church at the Springs

“I was privileged to begin my teaching career at LCA in 2000, and then in 2020, my husband and I relocated. I am now excited that God has called me back to LCA during this new season of life.”

Bonita Cobb - 5th Grade Teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Crichton College; Master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Educational Studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; EDS in Educational Administration from Eastern Kentucky University; Doctor of Religious Education from Covington Theological Seminary; Professionally Certified Educational Therapist from the National Institute of Learning Development.

Experience: Bonita brings 22 years of diverse educational experience across Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Kentucky. She has taught elementary, middle, high school, and college-level courses. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the education department at Eastern Kentucky University, teaching Human Development.

Hobbies: Singing and tending to her flower garden.

Family: Bonita and her husband, Deron, have three children—Josh, Joseph, and Joanna.

Church: Providence Baptist Church

“I’m excited to work at LCA because it gives me the opportunity to integrate faith with teaching. I’m passionate about helping students grow not just academically, but spiritually and encouraging them to learn through a Biblical worldview. I'm excited to be part of a Christ-centered community where students can thrive in the security of God’s plan for their life.”

Sarah Collier - 5th grade teacher

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Experience: Sarah has seven years of teaching experience. She previously taught Kindergarten at Providence Christian Academy and has taught both 2nd and 3rd grade at LCA.

Hobbies: Reading and hiking

Family: Sarah and her husband, Dan, have children: Noah (age 25), Eli (age 24), Isaiah (age 20), and LCA students Raegan (age 12), Avery (age 12), Ellie (age 11), and Kensi (age 9).

Church: Southland Christian Church

"I love my co-workers excitement and dedication to the wonderful families we serve. I love the precious kiddos who make this job so fun and their parents whose fantastic support makes it all possible."

Whitney Davis - KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT

Education: Whitney holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Business from Western Kentucky University.

Experience: This past spring, Whitney worked as a substitute teacher at both the IBC and Rose Campuses. She has also served as a High School Registrar and an Administrative Assistant for Adult Professional Studies at Asbury University. Additionally, she taught ESL online for three years with VIPKID.

Hobby: Working out.

Family: Whitney and her husband, John, have two children—Cooper (5), who is in Kindergarten at LCA, and Remy (3), who attends Preschool at LCA.

Church: Church of the Savior

“LCA is a family that exemplifies the love of Christ in all they do. Each person is valued, respected, and met with kindness. I’m excited to be a part of this “family”, and see all that God will do in the upcoming school year for the staff and students. LCA truly feels like home!”

Emma Day - 3rd grade teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Morehead State University.

Experience: Emma has taught 3rd grade for two years in Fayette County and 4th grade for two years in Jessamine County.

Hobbies: Needlepointing

Family: Emma and her husband, Austin, have a daughter, Reagan, who will be one year old in August.

Church: Calvary Baptist

“I am so excited to help my students grow not just academically, but also in their faith. I am so eager to meet my students and build relationships with them!”

Sara Donkin - Preschool Assistant

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Kentucky Wesleyan College.

Experience: Sara previously worked at Trinity Christian Academy

Hobbies: Reading

Family: Sara and her husband, Tom, have two children—Aiden (13) and Anaya (7).

Church: Church of the Savior

“I’m excited to work at LCA because I love the Lord and working with children. I believe LCA offers everything one could hope for in a Christian education.”

Courtney EMERy - kindergarten teacher

Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Learning and Behavior Disorders, as well as a Master's in Educational Leadership—both from the University of Kentucky.

Years of Experience/Previous Employment: With 19 years in education, Courtney brings a wealth of experience to LCA. Most recently, she served as a School Intervention Specialist at the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hem/Onc Clinic, where she supported the educational needs of children and young adults diagnosed with cancer or bleeding disorders—from preschool through graduate school. She has also served as both a classroom and special education teacher in Fayette and Bourbon County Schools.

Hobbies: She's enjoyed learning pickleball and golf this summer.

Family: She and her husband Joe have two children—Harper (2nd grade at LCA) and Cohen (1st grade at LCA).

Church: Southland Christian Church

“I am excited to teach at LCA so that I can share the love of God while pouring into students to ensure they grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

Jessica Evans - 2nd grade teacher

Education: Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University.

Experience: She brings a total of 14 years of teaching experience. Jessica recently transitioned from teaching 1st grade to 2nd grade at LCA.

Hobby: Spending time with her family. 

Family: Jessica and her husband, David, have three children: Rommel (23), Noah (18), and Lily (18).

Church: Southland Christian Church

"I love being able to share about Jesus not just with the students but also with families."

Lucy fisher - 4th Grade Teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Samford University.

Experience: Lucy taught this past school year at a Christian school in Edinburgh, Scotland. Prior to that, she spent five and a half years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade in Houston, TX.

Hobbies: Reading, needlepointing, spending time outdoors, and horseback riding.

Family: Rob (Husband)

Church: Currently searching for a church to join as they move to Versailles.

“I'm so thankful to continue teaching at a Christian school. I look forward to meeting the LCA students and families!"

Sami Kaye Fridley - 5th Grade Teacher

Education: Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts; Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management; Master’s degree in Elementary Education; currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Experience: Sami Kaye served as a para-educator at Garden Springs Elementary for two years and was a lead classroom teacher in 2nd and 4th grades at Wilmore Elementary.

Hobby: Enjoys spending time outdoors.

Church: Porter Memorial Jessamine Station

Family: Sami Kaye and her husband, Rob, have three children—Cooper Smith (12, attends West Jessamine Middle), Carter Smith (10, attends Wilmore Elementary), and Olivia Fridley (2).

“I love being able to incorporate the Bible and prayer into education. I feel more authentically like myself and love getting to know my students on a deeper level through our prayer and devotion time in the morning.”

Julia Grady - 3rd grade teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education PreK–5 from Ashland University.

Experience: Julia began her teaching career in Ashland, OH, where she taught 3rd grade for four years at the same school where she completed her student teaching. She then taught for two years in Nicholasville, KY, working with 3rd grade ELA/Writing and 5th grade Social Studies.

Hobbies: Julia loves being outdoors—whether hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, or biking!

Church: Southland Christian Church

“I am excited to work at LCA because I am able to combine my love for Jesus and teaching young children! This is such a unique opportunity, and I am eager to show each student Jesus' love for them while fostering an environment where they can achieve academic and personal goals!”

Angela Gier - 1st grade teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor and certification in Learning Disabilities from Southeast Missouri State University; Master’s degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Experience: Angela brings 9 years of teaching experience, most recently serving as a 2nd grade teacher at Christian Heritage Academy in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Hobby: Traveling

Church: New to Kentucky and looking for a church home.

Family: Angela and her husband, Brian, have four children: Casidy Jo (24, Samford University graduate), Callea Anne (senior at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN), Jackson (junior at LCA), and Ellie Cate (8th grader at LCA).

“I am excited to work at LCA to interact with staff, students, and families to grow in knowledge and truth while individually continuing to walk closer with Jesus."

Rayelin Hammond (soon to be Lankford) - part-time preschool asst.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with ESL certification.

Experience: Rayelin has four years of experience working with young children and is passionate about early childhood development.

Hobbies: She enjoys visiting local coffee shops and walking her dog, Denny!

Church: Immanuel Baptist Church 

Family: Engaged to Will—soon to be her husband!

“I am so excited to play a part in the lives of Preschoolers and their families as they learn new skills- growing in their understanding of the world around them and teach them more about the God who created them loves them!”

Stephanie Harris - 6th grade history teacher

Education: Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Primary–6th) from the University of the Cumberlands in 2005. She went on to receive a Master’s Degree with an Endorsement in Reading/Writing Specialist (All Grades) in 2009, and later completed her Rank I in Leadership and Principalship (Grades P–12) in 2010, also from the University of the Cumberlands.

Experience: Stephanie brings 19 years of experience in education. She spent 12 years teaching at Cold Hill Elementary in the Laurel County School System before joining LCA in 2017. Over the past 7 years, she has taught 2nd grade at LCA and is excited to begin a new role as a 6th grade history teacher.

Hobby: Vacationing 

Family: Stephanie and her husband, Wynn, have two sons—Mason (14), a freshman at LCA, and Kaden (11), a 6th grader at LCA.

Church: Wellington Church

“Our family has been blessed by the LCA family and I'm excited to step into a new position.”

ashlyn hise - junior high interventionist

Education: Ashlyn holds Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois.

Experience: She has seven years of teaching experience, including six years teaching 5th grade at Vandalia Junior High School in Vandalia, Illinois. Ashlyn joined the LCA team last year as a 5th grade teacher.

Hobbies: She enjoys working out, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with her husband.

Family: Alec (husband)

Church: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

"I’m excited to move into the Intervention position at the Rose Campus! I look forward to seeing students grow academically, while also growing in their relationship with Christ."

Mikayla Hurley - 1st grade teacher

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

Experience: Mikayla has 4 years of teaching experience—3 years in 3rd grade and 1 year in 1st grade. 

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, especially playing card and board games.

Family: Tanner (husband)

Church: Fuson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

“I am excited to foster a positive learning environment where students and teachers alike can spread love and kindness. I cannot wait to encourage students to shine God’s light through their lives.”

Lesley Maggard - 5th grade teacher

Education: Lesley earned a B.S. in English and Education and an M.A. in Education from the University of the Cumberlands, as well as an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.

Experience/Previous Employment: Lesley brings 27 years of teaching experience and recently retired from Fayette County Public Schools in 2024. Throughout her career, she primarily served students in Madison and Rockcastle Counties. 

Hobbies: Lesley loves music and especially enjoys singing—her favorite moments are when she is worshiping through song.

Family: She has one son, Mitchell, and two precious grandchildren, Asher (2) and Amelia (1), who are the loves of her life.

Church: Center Church in Berea, Kentucky

“I’m excited to work at LCA to share the love of Jesus and to incorporate Him into each and every lesson. I consider my classroom my mission-field, and I’m excited to share His love each and every day with my students!”

Ana Malik - 2nd Grade Teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education.

Experience: Ana brings 6 years of teaching experience across multiple countries! Most recently she worked at Cornerstone International in Wilmore, KY.

Hobbies: Going on walks and painting

Family: Jalil (husband)

Church: St. Luke in Lexington

“My calling and joy is in teaching. I love sharing the love and joy of learning about our Creator's marvelous world.”

Heather Moore - Kindergarten Assistant

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University.

Experience: Heather has spent the past year at LCA as a substitute teacher and is excited to join the team full-time.

Hobby: Teaching Pure Barre at Pure Barre Lexington, a passion she has pursued for the past 6 years.

Family: Heather and her husband, Tony, have a daughter, Piper (8), who will be entering 3rd grade at LCA.

Church: Heritage Baptist of Winchester

“I am so excited to work in an environment where Christian values are at the core of all they do. I have been able to experience the wonderful community of teachers and families that attend here this past year and I can’t wait to come on full-time."

Katie Pearson - rose campus interventionist

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College; Master’s degree from Morehead State University.

Experience: Katie  spent 15 years working as a CPA for various companies and spent 9 years teaching at Royal Spring Middle School.

Hobby: Watchingher kids play sports

Family: Katie and her husband, Shane, have three children—Annie (21, recently graduated from Miami of Ohio), Ben (19, sophomore at the University of Kentucky), and Sam (16, sophomore at LCA).

Church: Southland Christian Church - Lexington Campus

“I am so excited for the opportunity to make an impact in the LCA students' lives by encouraging them in math and helping them understand their academics strengths and also understand the areas they can improve. I'm also thrilled to be able to bring Jesus in to my classroom.”

Kasey Ring - Preschool Teacher (Part-time)

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Art from the University of Kentucky; Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of the Cumberlands.

Experience: Kasey has 4 years of preschool teaching experience, previously teaching at Lexington Latin School.

Hobbies: Art and gardening

Church: First Alliance Church

Family: Kasey and her husband, Luke, have three children who attend LCA: Palmer (5th grade), Leo (3rd grade), and Bowen (2nd grade).

“I am beyond excited to join the LCA staff this fall. Being able to pour into my students Biblically means everything to me as a teacher—and it’s even more meaningful knowing my own children’s teachers are doing the same for them.”

Lara Roberts - Elementary Interventionist

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Tennessee.

Experience: Lara brings 14 years of experience in education, including 3 years in public schools, 5 years with the Home/Hospital program, and 6 years in private school settings. She has taught 2nd grade in Casey County, KY, and worked at various grade levels through the Home/Hospital program in Knox County, TN.

Hobbies: Gardening

Family: Lara and her husband, Tony, have four children—Andrew (26), Jacob (22), Mark (17), and John (11).

Church: Harris Creek Baptist Church

"I love being able to combine my faith with my profession by aligning my beliefs and experience to provide a nurturing environment where students can grow."

Chris Sallee - 7th grade Bible Teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Missions and Master’s degree in Secondary Education, both from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida.

Experience: Chris brings 27 years of teaching experience, including 24 years teaching English at Valley Christian Academy, where he had the blessing of teaching three of his own children.

Hobby: Competitive shooting, including USPSA and 3-Gun competitions.

Family: Chris and his wife, Jen, have four children—Ciera (24), Caedon (22), Cody (19), and Ciana (13).

Church: Calvary Baptist Danville

"I will have the privilege of sharing the Word of God with young people, and I will get to see my wife and daughter at school every day!"

Brandon Stevens -  4th grade teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education (P–12) from Morehead State University; Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of the Cumberlands.

Years of Experience/Previous Employment: Brandon has 10 years of teaching experience, having served in both Fayette County Public Schools and Trinity Christian Academy.

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, traveling, and sports.

Family: Brandon and his wife, Kyla, have two children—Caroline (5th grade) and Barrett (2nd grade), both of whom will be attending LCA.

Church: Porter Memorial Baptist

“I'm excited to work at LCA to help grow my faith and the faith of others!”

Missy Thomas - Preschool Office Assistant 

Education: Missy holds an MBA from Eastern Kentucky University and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky.

Experience: Missy previously worked at LCA for 11 years as the Preschool–2nd Grade Administrative Assistant before joining the preschool team as an assistant in 2023. She is now excited to serve as the Preschool Office Assistant.

Hobby: Spending time with family and friends

Family: Missy and her husband, Henry, have three children: Jennsyn (23, LCA graduate), Jaryn (21, LCA graduate), and Henry (15, LCA sophomore).

Church: Southland Christian Church

“We have been a part of LCA since 2006, and I love the school!”

Jessica Trogdon - part-time elementary interventionist

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lee University

Experience: Jessica has 14 years of teaching experience. She previously taught at LCA for three years before relocating to Roanoke, VA, where she homeschooled her children during their time there. Her family has since returned to Kentucky, and she is thrilled to be back at LCA.

Hobbies: Watching Tennessee Vols sports with her family, traveling, and spending time together playing sports and making memories.

Family: Jessica and her husband, Daniel, have four children—Emery (7th grade at LCA), Turner (4th grade at LCA), Chloe (2nd grade at LCA), and Ryleigh (age 2).

Church: First Alliance Church

“I love working at LCA because I can teach kids about Jesus while also giving them an education. The community here is so special!”

Eric Wess - 7th grade geography teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Campbellsville University.

Experience: Eric brings 3 years of classroom experience, most recently serving as a Social Studies teacher at Bourbon County High School.

Hobbies: One of Eric’s favorite hobbies is coaching youth sports—especially t-ball. He values the opportunity it provides to invest in kids outside the classroom, build relationships with families, and teach teamwork, discipline, and confidence in a fun and encouraging environment. It’s a meaningful way for him to connect his passion for mentorship with his love for sports.

Family: Mahala (wife)

Church: Sozo Church Kentucky, where Eric serves as Director of Kids Ministry.

“I'm excited to work at Lexington Christian Academy because it aligns with both my passion for education and my commitment to Christ-centered teaching. The opportunity to help students grow not only academically but also spiritually is something I deeply value. LCA’s mission to develop students who impact the world for Christ resonates with my own calling as an educator and ministry leader. I’m eager to be part of a team that fosters excellence, nurtures faith, and builds a strong sense of community among students and staff alike. I'm also looking forward to contributing to a learning environment where biblical truth is integrated into every subject and where students are encouraged to discover God’s purpose for their lives.”

April Westhafer - High School Math Teacher

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education – Mathematics; Master of Education in Mathematics Secondary Education.

Experience: April brings 22 years of teaching experience. She taught 8th grade math for one year, followed by seven years at a public high school in Pennsylvania. While raising her children, she taught part-time at Penn State University for 14 years. She also has three years of experience teaching in small, private homeschool-hybrid learning communities.

Hobbies: Traveling

Family: April and her husband, Bryan, have two daughters.

Church: Currently checking out new churches they transition to Lexington.

“I am excited to be a part of a like-minded, Christian community!"

Abby Whitaker - Elementary Guidance Counselor

Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, both from the University of Kentucky.

Experience: Abby has been teaching dance at Lexington Dance Factory for the past 5 years and has served as the assistant director there for the last year.

Hobby: Reading

Church: Immanuel Baptist Church

“I am so excited to share the love of Jesus with the students and families while following God’s call in my life to be a social worker. I am also thrilled to be able to give back to this school that helped shape me into the Christian woman I am today!”