Shawn Moore 
Principal/Founder

Shawn Moore has been ministering to students for over 38 years in either a school setting, church setting, or by helping raise his 9 beautiful children with his wife Sarah.  Shawn has multiple degrees including a Master’s degree in Education from Liberty University.  He has over 7 years experience as a Principal in the private Christian setting in the Indianapolis area.  Shawn has also run numerous summer camps over the last decade in which hundreds of students have attended.  Shawn and his wife, Sarah, were high school sweethearts and have been together since they were 8 years old.  
Shawn's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "Mission Christian is a place where students and parents can feel that the highest level of education is being taught in an environment where God is put first.  We incorporate the in-person model 3 days a week with a mix of online teaching and instruction with the same teachers on the other two days of the week.  This allows for learning in a world that is ever changing and may need to be conducted fully online at times as unknowns arise, which we are ready for at any moment.  We also understand how important family time is and that some parents may not want the typical 5 day a week setting away from their children.  We value the fact that our students learn and grow in their faith at the same time. At M.C.A. we truly live our motto:  Christian Education...on mission! 

Jerry Ackerman 
​Director of Operations/Vice-Principal

Jerry Ackerman has taught students for his entire career either as a youth pastor, teacher, or motivational speaker.  Having a BA in Secondary Education/History from Milligan College in Tennessee, Jerry taught 7th grade in Hawaii in the mid 90s.  He transitioned to youth ministry for 8 years in Pennsylvania, and then traveled the country speaking to over 1 million students through assemblies, conferences, and educational events.  Jerry's passion for children/students is evident in his career resume and he looks forward to continuing to educate students at Mission Christian Academy.
Jerry's Philosophy of Teaching:  "The first word that comes to my mind is relational.  I've always believed that quality relationships allow learning to blossom.  Teaching is also more than content; yes, content is important, but just as important is delivery.  I have found that excellent content communicated poorly is worthless.  Conversely, mundane content delivered well can be engaging and relevant."

Sarah Poer 
Administrative Queen

Sarah is married to her husband of 31 years, Joe, and is a loving mother to her four children: Andrew (30); Alyssa (27), Ryan (25); and Katie (21). She has her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Wheaton College.  She homeschooled her four children through high school. With her final two children now in college, Sarah is continuing her 9+ years in the homeschool and education community by working at MCA. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, getting lost in an absorbing book, and camping at Dale Hollow Lake, which is a longstanding family tradition.

Cynthia Brown
Administrative Oversight and Social Affairs Coordinator

Cynthia has been married to Wade for 35 years, spending 25 of those years homeschooling their 9 children.  She actively mentors other families around the country to help make the transition to home education seamless and loving.  Cynthia coaches youth sports and participates in various community groups. She has 5 married children, 5 grandchildren, a college student and 2 students at MCA!  God has given her the gift of serving others and creating community wherever she goes, and she is excited to share this at MCA!

Shannon Harris
Guidance Counselor

Shannon Harris grew up in Carmel, IN and graduated from Hanover College in 2005 with a BA in Psychology. She went on to get her MS in School Counseling from Butler University. She lives in Fishers with her husband, Jon, and three children - Preston (14), Elliott (13) and Callie (4).  While her family has been her primary focus over the past 15 years, she has also worked professionally in both academic and business settings. Her professional roles have included project management, group management, school-based therapist, group leader/facilitator, and administration. Shannon has also spent time volunteering as a youth group leader. Shannon is looking forward to getting to know the students, families and colleagues at MCA this year. She is grateful for the opportunity to provide a comprehensive counseling program focused on the learning, personal/social and career/academic needs of all students with a Christ-centered approach.
Shannon's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "I believe that success is driven by focusing on the whole person - physical, mental, spiritual and social. If we are able to nurture and support students in all areas, then they are better able to succeed. Mission Christian provides a unique academic environment that can provide students and families better balance in all of these areas. My hope is that I can offer additional support to students, families and teachers when life gets challenging. The reality is we all need a little extra support sometimes and prayer paired with wise counsel can make a huge impact!!"

Julie Buck
Kindergarten Teacher

Julie Buck is a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School and went on to study Elementary Education at Purdue University.  She also studied Early Childhood Development at IUPUI and graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  While at Purdue, Julie was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and the Purdue student council.  While attending IUPUI, she was a Jaguars cheerleader and loved cheering at all the games with her husband supporting her from the stands.  Julie has been blessed with two amazing daughters who have both developed the same love for cheer. Her husband, Jay, is also hands down the best cheer dad.  Jay and Julie have been married for 20 years and look forward to many more wonderful years together.  Julie and her family enjoy swimming, family movie night, traveling to cheerleading competitions, MSC Church Camp, road trips to Florida, all things Disney, and just being together.  Julie has been a kindergarten teacher the last 7 years at Hamilton Southeastern Schools and absolutely LOVES her kindergarten cuties.    Julie is grateful for the outstanding experience she obtained during her time at HSE and looks forward to continuing to build relationships with her students, their families and colleagues at MCA.  Julie joins Mission Christian Academy with a thankful heart and enthusiasm knowing she can combine her love for the Lord and children into her classroom each day. 
Julie's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "I believe that all children are a gift from God and offer something special from which we can learn.  I believe all students have strengths and my goal is to tap into those talents and grow upon their strengths to help each child succeed.  I believe it’s important to build self-confidence and focus on the whole child to ensure students are thriving socially, emotionally, physically and academically.  I believe ALL students are special, talented, amazing and should feel cherished with a sense of belonging, that way they will continue to grow in their love of learning and enjoy the journey.  I believe all students SHINE Bright and should never stop reaching for the stars because God has big plans for all His little blessings!"

Angela Fernandez
First Grade Teacher

Angela brings to MCA unique life experiences. Angela was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska.  Following high school graduation, her family relocated to Indiana where she attended Anderson University.  Angela began teaching and coaching volleyball at Hamilton Southeastern Schools in 1997 until 2005.  After that teaching stint, she lived internationally in Japan and the Dominican Republic.  In the Dominican Republic, she had a unique opportunity to work with and teach at Nueva Esperanza (New Hope Girls).  In 2018, she rejoined HSE Schools in the English as a New Language department.  Angela lives in Fishers with her three awesome boys. She spends a lot of time at the baseball fields and advocating for her youngest son who has Down Syndrome.  
Angela's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "I believe the most important attribute that a teacher needs to possess is love and care for each student that walks into their classroom.  I find that this ensures that each student is met where they are so they may be enabled to find success.  As a teacher, I know that each student has a story that makes them unique and influences their learning style and behavior.  I want my students to enjoy being at school and develop a love for learning.  I want to continue to help lay the foundation for their future success both inside and outside the classroom."

Angela Vorbau
Second Grade Teacher

Angela Vorbau has been married for the past 14 years, to Josh, and they have three children ages 3, 8 and 11. She has been homeschooling her children for the past 7 years. She has also been teaching online ESL (English as a Second Language) for the past three years. Before Angela was married she was a Youth Director at a church running a youth group and a four day a week after school program. She received her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kaplan University in 2017. While Angela taught online for MCA last year, her family has moved from Pennsylvania to begin teaching students at MCA.
Angela's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "I believe that education and everything that a child learns should revolve around Jesus. If a child is learning Math, English, Science and History it should be to better understand who the Creator of the universe is. Education should encourage children in their strengths and strengthen their weaknesses. When a child is being educated they should not only be educated in knowledge but learn and grow in the knowledge that God has created them with gifts and a purpose to use those gifts."

Mitzi Ackerman
Middle School English Teacher

Mitzi Ackerman has a degree in special education from Milligan College and has taught in both the traditional and special education classroom settings. She also has 16 years of experience in homeschooling, having graduated three of her five children who are successfully pursuing college education.  She is married to a wonderful guy, Jerry Ackerman.
Mitzi's Philosophy of Teaching​​:  "My style of teaching is content-rich.  I love taking students deep into subject matter and attempting to spark a love of learning within them.  My goal is to create thinkers, but also to get students to understand how each part of English - whether learning parts of speech to construct a good sentence or interacting with a piece of literature - relates to their life and future.  I may not be able to get every student to love English and that's alright.  Everyone is passionate about different things.  I do hope to help every student understand English and see its benefit in their everyday lives."

Debbie Hiler
Fifth Grade Teacher

Debbie has been married to her husband, Eric, for 25 years and has spent the majority of the last 22 years raising and homeschooling her five children- Nicole (21), Renee (20), Jason (16), Brady (15), and Corinne (9).  She graduated from I.U. South Bend with a degree in Elementary Education.  Debbie has loved getting to share her God-given passion for education with her own children and is excited to share it with more students in a classroom setting. 
Debbie's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "Debbie knows each child is uniquely created by God with individual interests, strengths, and weaknesses.  One of the greatest joys of homeschooling has been to allow each individual child to be taught and challenged according to his or her needs. Debbie has found it is critically important to build relationships with students and learn how to best help each one succeed as a life-long learner.   Debbie believes that strong reading and comprehension skills and a solid understanding of numbers and how they work set children up to reach their full potential scholastically. Debbie sincerely enjoys children and can't wait to explore the world God has created with a new group of students each year. "

Roxanna O'Bryant
Middle/High School History Teacher

Roxanna Denmark holds Masters Degrees in both Secondary Education and Special Education from Liberty University with an additional endorsement in Language Arts.  In addition, her undergraduate degrees from Ball State University include Fashion, French, and Marketing which were applied to a career in the fashion retailing field.  Roxanna has experience in the public school setting as well having taught at Fishers High School in both the Social Studies and English Departments and accumulated around 1800 hours in the Hamilton Southeastern School District gaining field experience while pursuing graduate work.  As a seventeen- year veteran home educator of three children, the greatest blessing has been to see them personally achieve academic and athletic scholarships and swim D1 at the college level.  All of which is a testimony to the Lord and His provisions.  
Roxanna's Philosophy of Teaching​:  “Unlock the child and  unlock the learning potential,” is a phrase I constantly strive for in the classroom.  For me, it is understanding the challenge of how  God has created each student and as the mentor and educator in their lives, how do I help them grow not only as a student, but as a child of God?  As a basis for teaching philosophy, I appreciate Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences which allows children to operate within their giftings whether they be in mathematics, science, or the arts, there are 8 concrete  styles which encourage the joy of discovery.   I  use essential questions and hands-on Project Based Learning or (PBL) in addition to content. When a student flourishes within a team project, it brings me joy and the desire to continue to pass to them the torch: the love of learning!”

Jen Bott
Middle and High School Math Teacher

Jennifer Bott comes to Mission Christian Academy with a love of mathematics and children. Jennifer started babysitting at 10 years old, was an assistant director for a middle school aged camp, a nanny in New Jersey for two years after college, a stay-at-home mom to her three girls for many years, and worked at Geist Christian for eight years where her girls attended preschool. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Education for 5-12th grade mathematics. When two of her daughters started at MCA, she ended up following them and was hired as the math teacher!  Jennifer and her husband have been married for 19 years and they have a strong love for the Lord and Disney World! Jennifer has had a relationship with the Lord since she was a little girl and was brought up in the church by her parents, who are still two of her best friends and live down the street.
Jen's Philosophy of Teaching:  "Jennifer’s philosophy of teaching starts with building a strong foundation. Just as her life is grounded in Christ and has a strong foundation, so is her way with her students. If their math foundation is not strong from the beginning, they will crumble eventually. Jennifer is “old fashioned” – all students are expected to practice math facts, show their work, use paper and pencil and HAVE FUN!!  Jennifer’s main goal is to have a relationship with the student and discover how they learn best to transfer her knowledge of mathematics to them in a way that makes sense." 

Andy Waite
Middle and High School Bible Teacher

Hi, my name is Andy Waite. I’m married to an amazing lady named Jaime. My oldest son, Josiah, just graduated high school in May of 2021. My second son, Jed, is going to be a 6th grader at MCA. I serve as the Lead Pastor at White Rock Fellowship in Noblesville, IN. I grew up in a pastor/church planter family, and learned to serve the Lord at an early age helping in all kinds of ministry roles. Our family started churches and served in Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana. I love the Lord and being on mission for Him.
Andy's Philosophy of Teaching:  "Jesus was a teacher. He was and is infinitely more than just a teacher, but Jesus was definitely a teacher. I love teaching. I believe learning is a journey, a process of discovery, not just a transfer of information. Teaching is about walking with people as the light bulb comes on and the truth takes shape and gains footing in their lives. I believe that it’s imperative that the truth of who God is, and who we are in light of that reality, becomes the foundational cornerstone that we build our lives upon. I believe every student has the capacity to learn and grow in knowledge and wisdom. I’m excited for the adventure ahead and all that God will do in the lives of our students here at MCA!"

Megan Emrich
Middle School Math and Middle School Art

Megan is married to her husband of 20 years, Brian, and mother to Hayden (16) and Bella (14), both of whom are beginning their own journey at MCA this year. Megan’s greatest calling was as a stay-at-home mom until her children were both in school all day. That is when she began her own adventure into education, both in the public and private realm, eventually earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies in Elementary Education (K-8). She is an avid reader and loves traveling with her family. She firmly believes that all things happen in God’s timing and could not be more excited to share her love of learning with the families of MCA!
Megan's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "I believe that every child has a gift and a path. My desire is to help guide students along the journey God has in store for them. I believe instilling a love for learning is a vital role of any teacher. In this ever-changing world, I love that this truly is a Mission field here at MCA, which helps foster God’s purpose and love for all who enter! "

Casey Clutch-Creakbaum
Physical Education Teacher

Casey found her passion at 18 when she began providing softball lessons to young athletes.  She then became a D1 Pitcher at University of Evansville where she graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Exercise Science with minors in Sports medicine and Sports Psychology.  Immediately upon college graduation in 2005, she started her own instructional business, Clutch Athletic Performance, Inc. and furthered her education with a Masters in Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Coaching from Texas Woman’s University.  Casey has remained involved in softball since her college career through both playing and coaching. She now provides pitching lessons to aspiring athletes and helps them navigate the ups and downs of athletics.  Casey and her husband, Eddie, now have two boys, Eli and Alex.  Casey’s passion for today’s youth is evident, and she is looking forward to bringing her unique experiences and energy to the classroom.
Casey's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "Our bodies and minds are incredible and powerful God-given assets, and we are given the responsibility to take care of them.  As a physical education teacher, I will promote physical fitness as a lifelong commitment in a fun atmosphere.  While learning about the relationships between exercise, nutrition, and health, I will provide opportunities to have healthy social interactions through group activities which will encourage playing as a team, celebrating each other’s successes, and being the first to offer a hand.  I am excited about encouraging students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Physical fitness is a journey that is different for everyone; it is important to meet the needs of each individual student, so the focus will be on the process, not the outcome. It is my hope to inspire my students to embrace the impact of their presence, perspective, self-talk and effort."

Jessi Downey
High School History and Health

Jessi is married to her sweet hubby of 19 years, Scott, and they have three children: Cooper (16); Nora (13), and Zeke (10).  They have made Fishers their home for the past 12 years and have been with MCA since the beginning.  She has her Bachelor of Education, 7-12th grade with a concentration in History and Geography from The University of Toledo.  She enjoys spending quality time with her family, her dogs, a good movie, unrivaled homemade pizza (over 9 years in the making) and loves cheering on Purdue basketball and football! She has loved watching her kids play sports through the years as one of their biggest fans, along with Scott, and wanted to bring her love for sports to MCA.  Jessi, along with Tricia Daughtery and Casey Creakbaum, launched the Athletics program at MCA during year 2 and is loving watching it continue to grow!  She is excited to step into the classroom this spring and continue to be pouring into the hearts and minds the students here. 
Philosophy of Teaching​: "These kiddos are such a gift from God.  It's a joy for me to be able to enter into this formative season of life and help shape their hearts and their minds.  A lot of growth can happen in a classroom where a safe and grace-based environment has been created.  I love seeing students able to grasp the content and understand it all while seeing God's plan and faithfulness weaved throughout history.  Through discussions, projects and experience-based learning, my prayer is that the foundations of their faith will deepen as we dive into learning."

Dennie Brooks
Fifth Grade Teacher

Dennie is blessed to have been raised in a Christ-centered, Christian home. If the church doors were open, they were there! His parents and faith-based Sunday School teachers not only led him to the Lord at an early age but also into the field of education. A native Hoosier, he graduated from Southport High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Olivet, a Masters’ degree from Indiana University, and an Elementary Administrative License from Butler University. Dennie served as an elementary school teacher and elementary school principal in two Lawrence Township schools on the northeast side of Indianapolis before retiring after 42 years. While his educational career continues right here with Mission Christian, on the home front, he is a busy dad with two adult children and six grandchildren, three girls and three boys! Sundays will find him at Legacy Bible Church where he is an active charter member. ​
Dennie's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "The opportunities to develop and implement age appropriate curriculum for elementary age children is an asset that comes with the educational experiences I have been involved with. My exposure and practice with current trends in the classroom such as cooperative learning, alternative assessments, technology and learning styles each have given me a foundation on which to piece together a learning plan for each child.I played with LEGOS as a child. The object of LEGOS is that you attach plastic bricks to other plastic bricks and keep adding more bricks to the previously laid bricks until you build a wonderful masterpiece. Learning is a process of building that I find best described in Philippians 1:6. ‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’"

Kata Bawel
Middle School Science and Physical Education

Kata Bawel is a graduate of Covenant Christian High School. She studied Exercise Science at Anderson University, Public Health at Indiana State University, and realized she loved teaching so much that she completed her teacher’s license in PE/Health from The American College of Education. She enjoys running, reading, being outside, vacationing in Florida with family, and playing volleyball with friends. Kata has taught in a variety of settings, including public, private, and Christian. Last year she taught at Franklin Central High School and the previous year at Carmel High School as a Health/PE teacher. She looks forward to teaching middle school science and PE. Kata joins Mission Christian Academy because she wants to praise Christ in the classroom and acknowledge everything He has done for us, especially in His creation!
Kata's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "One of the first things that I learned while transitioning to teaching was the saying “teach to reach a student’s heart”. When we are able to understand each other’s footsteps and acknowledge each other's different paths, we can grow and develop in the love of Christ. Building relationships becomes of utmost importance in and out of the classroom. I strive to teach the truth, be guided by scripture, and be shaped to further His kingdom. I am thankful for the privilege to teach young people about Christ’s creation and His love for them and grateful to be entrusted to teach them.​"

Tricia Daugherty
8th Grade Science

Tricia Daugherty is married to her loving husband of 17 years, Eric. They have two sons Nolan, and Colin. Both Attend Mission Christian academy. Nolan is entering 11th, Colin 8th grade. Tricia spent a 20 year career in the pharmaceutical industry as rep, trainer, speaker, and Liaison. She has joyfully dedicated the last 6 years homeschooling the boys.
In her spare time she loves to spend time on the golf course with Eric and boys, enjoys her time in Bible studies, reads medical research for fun, and  most of all quality time at home with her family and fur babies. She loves golf, both boys have been involved in pga jr league for 5 years. She has been certified as a pga assistant coach.
Tricia along side Jessi Downey, and Casey Creakbaum launched the athletic program. They had the goal of bringing Christ centered sporting opportunities to Mission Christian! The athletes wear "live third" on their backs! She is very excited to see the sports grow as the school grows and to put Christ first in sports!
Go Wolverines!!

Gary Stump
6th Grade Bible

Gary Stump, Bible Teacher—Gary is Pastor of Onward Church in Fishers, Indiana, and haspastored in Indiana since 1990. He is Senior Chaplain of Fishers Police and Fire Departments (a volunteer position he has served for almost 20 years.) Pastor Gary previously taught Bible (grades 4-12) for 8 years at a local Christian school. He is married to Kathy as they have five children and eighteen grandchildren. Gary studied at Indiana University, Crossroads Bible College (BS in Leadership & Ministry), Southern Seminary, The King’s University (Master of Theology—Messianic Jewish Studies). He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Messianic Jewish Studies at the King’s University.
Gary's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "I believe the Bible is by far the most incredible book ever written. That is why a boring Bible class should not be allowed. As a pastor, and grandfather of 18, have a deep love for students, and a deep love for the Lord. I want students to know and love the Lord as they dig into God’s word. I have found that the Bible comes alive when taught, not so that they know the Bible, but so that they know its Author. It is also true that the Bible does not need to be taught simplistically for students to be able to grasp the deeper truths of the faith. I’ve been amazed at their ability to comprehend profound spiritual concepts. I want Bible class to be the student’s favorite class because I firmly believe it is their most important class."

Cassie Cline
MCA 101, MCA 401, and Intro to Business

Cassie was born and raised in Yorktown, IN. She is a 2009 graduate of Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts Management and Business Administration. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart, Jon, for 14 years. Together they have 2 children, Nathan (11) and Valerie (7). After graduating from Ball State, Cassie worked for Roche and as an Administrative Assistant at MedTech College. Cassie has had the privilege of being a stay-at-home-mom and was also active in a local MOPS group for many years, held various roles in childcare and homeschooled her children for the 20-21 school year. In her free time, Cassie enjoys bargain hunting and spending time with her family. She is excited to join the MCA family where she looks forward to not only teaching, but also helping students grow closer to Jesus.
Cassie's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "It’s my goal to provide a classroom experience that is not only solid academically, but also, I believe, a solid spiritual experience as well. Being able to bring God into the classroom and look at our strengths and weaknesses through the lens of how Jesus sees us frees us from all other expectations. I think real-world learning with a hands-on approach can be not only a fun way to learn, but it helps solidify and drive home ideas in a practical way. I will always push for 100% effort from my students, not in hopes of being perfect, but because we should do everything for the glory of God. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23​

Lynn Rodenbeck
Third Grade Teacher

Lynn Rodenbeck has a business degree from Purdue University.  After directing Vacation Bible School for 6 years at her church she realized her God-given gift of teaching and guiding children.   At age 38, she went back to school and got her teaching license in K-6.  She taught Kindergarten at Weekday Ministries at Geist Christian for 6 years.  She has been out of the classroom for a few years and is thrilled to be back in a Christian setting!  She has been married to her husband Dan for 15 years.  She has 3 children, Michael, 32, Jonathon, 26, and Hannah 22.  Together they have 7 grandchildren and another on the way in November.  Lynn loves camping, gardening, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. 
Lynn's Philosophy of Teaching​: “I believe children are a blessing from God and each child has unique gifts and talents.  I want to meet each child where they are and move them as far as I can to the next level of learning.  I want to be a partner with parents and God to build relationships that create lifelong learners!  I think children learn best by hands on experience so I will try to bring or create those in the classroom throughout the year.  I take very seriously that parents entrust me with their children and I will put everything I have into loving them and getting them to the next level of learning!”

Julie Pache
Upper Level Math Teacher

Julie went to Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, and graduated magna cum laude from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Information Systems. She worked as an IT consultant for Andersen Consulting, Arthur Andersen, Deloitte & Touche, and BDO Seidman.  She gave up the exciting world of consulting to be a wife to Tony (29 years) and a mom to their four kids. The youngest is a junior at MCA.   Julie started homeschooling 16 years ago.  She has tutored students in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Traditional Logic, and SAT Prep.  In addition, she taught various science subjects at a local homeschool co-op.  Julie’s passion is teaching high school math! She is excited to join the staff of Mission Christian Academy to share her love for all things mathematical!  ​
Julie's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "Sometimes math problems start with chaos and through a process of following rules and working hard order prevails.  In that order is where I see God.  I love to share my enthusiasm for finding the order with my students.  We will all work hard, make mistakes, and learn together.  By the end of the year hopefully my students will share in my enthusiasm for all things mathematical and also find God in the order."

Kim James
Fourth Grade Teacher

Born and raised in Indiana, Kim received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Ball State University in 1991. After living and working in Chicago for several years, Kim realized education was her true calling and went on to complete a teaching certification program through Northeastern Illinois University in 2000.  Kim has taught at several Christian schools and brings over 20 years of teaching experience to MCA. Before moving to Indianapolis in 2012, Kim taught 5th/6th grades for 12 years at a Christian school on the Northside of Chicago. Once in Indy, she taught 4th grade at Holy Cross Lutheran School and served as a resource aid for several years.  In her most recent position, Kim taught 4-6 grade science, 6th grade Language Arts, Biztown, STEM and various other classes over a span of six years at Northpoint Homeschool Classes. With the belief that it is a blessing and a privilege to teach children, Kim looks forward to continuing to serve God as a Christian educator at MCA. Currently she lives in the Geist/Fishers area with her husband, Danny, and their three teenagers. ​
Kim's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "I believe children learn best when they are engaged, excited, and invested in their own learning. Because of this, I am constantly searching and incorporating new and fun ideas that will appeal to middle school students.  Using humor, excellent YA literature, group assignments/experiments and hands-on activities, my goal is to form a learning community where all students feel safe and seen as individuals.  I believe that during the middle school years, it is crucial for students to remember that while they each are created in God’s image, they are also wonderfully unique and important members of God’s family."

Amy Canaday
Spanish and Speech Teacher

Amy earned her BA in Spanish with a double minor in Secondary Education and International Studies from Butler University. Amy’s teaching experience over the past 30 years includes time spent as an adjunct professor at IUPUI, teaching high school, private tutoring, and homeschooling.  Amy accepted salvation at Vacation Bible School as a young 6th grader. Rededicating her life to the Lord after college, she was baptized at 25. She and her husband Shawn have enjoyed an enduring marriage because of their dedication to Christ. They are experiencing a new phase of life with grown daughters, a new granddaughter coming soon, and navigating teen life with son, Charlie. When Amy is not writing curriculum, she is re-learning what it is to have hobbies. She also loves the beach!!!
Amy's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "Not all students will love Spanish like I do, but all students can be equipped with the tools to be successful students. I love helping students gain more tools, experience success, and learn to broaden their perspectives through the study of Spanish. It is important to me to be upbeat, loving, respectful, and encouraging to all my students, showing the light of Christ in all I do. Two of my favorite life verses I choose to live by and promote in my students are from Colossians 3, verses 17 & 23:  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. …. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Natale Edwards
Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Forensics, and 6th Grade Science

Natale Edwards is a 2004 graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Natale’s nursing focus has been in pediatrics with experience in Infant/Toddler units, Newborn Intensive Care, and outpatient facilities including family care, general pediatrics and pediatric neurology. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 15 years. Together they have two daughters (5th and 1st graders) who also attend MCA. Family is extremely important to Natale. The Edwards family values regular church attendance, spending quality time with family members, participating in the girls’ activities, and vacationing together. They recently rescued a Shih-Tzu puppy, lovingly named Frankie Bean Edwards.
Natale’s Philosophy of Teaching: “My nursing experience has taught me patients must be treated in their entirety. Patients need assessments of their physical bodies, minds and spiritual well-being. I have witnessed God’s beautiful birthing of life and nurtured people through incredible loss. I learned humility, perseverance, and empathy. While new to the traditional classroom style of teaching, I have educated patients on medical self-care, empowered caregivers and trained new graduate nurses. I look forward to tying my career expertise and life experience into the classroom. I believe students should be taught with a whole approach by utilizing variable teaching methods, assessing their knowledge, offering support and encouragement. I am excited to teach students about God’s creation, sharing His love for them, and ignite a spirit of wonder!"

Pam Walters
High School English Teacher

Pam is a northern Michigan girl whose mom was a farmer and dad was a minister in the Nazarene denomination. She spent Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings in church, playing the piano, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, cleaning the church, and mowing the lawn.  It’s what preachers’  kids do.  After graduating from Lowell High School, she attended Olivet University in Kankakee, Illinois, obtaining her B.A. in English education with a minor in speech communications.  She later obtained her Master’s degree in English with a specialization in speech at Indiana University.  She began her teaching career at Craig Middle School in Lawrence township; after 17 years at CMS, she transferred to Lawrence Central High School where she taught mainly seniors for another 17 years.  Pam retired …. or so she thought … from teaching in 2012.  During those 34 years teaching, she served as department head, girls’ basketball and softball coach, and as the advisor for National Honor Society. Pam has two children who live locally and two step-sons out of state.  Her eight grandchildren keep her very busy.  Husband Bob is a retired journalist who drives bus for HSE.  Together they attend East 91st Street Christian Church where Bob teaches a class for senior adults and Pam serves as a worship leader.  In her spare time, she cooks, bakes, sews, and does scrapbooking.  
Pam's Philosophy of Teaching​:  “I have always believed that teaching is my calling and students are my mission field.  God took my love of language and my love for teenagers and melded them together in service to Him.  As a teacher, I believe my job, first and foremost, is to love my students.  Because I care about them and their futures, my priority in the English classroom is to make them more effective communicators.  I focus primarily on language usage and writing skills while exposing them to quality literature.  I am especially excited about being able to freely talk about the literature from a Christian perspective, using it to help students grow and learn intellectually and spiritually.”

Sharon Stohler
Resource Teacher

Sharon Stohler holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education (K-8), and an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. Teaching in public, private, and homeschools, Sharon draws on 30 years of experience to design a tailor-made curriculum each year. In addition to classroom teaching, Sharon has tutored former students one-on-one. She is also a published author of a children's picture book titled, Affectionately Yours: The Devoted Life of Abigail Adams.

Sharon and her husband, Ron, raised and home schooled three children through 8th grade:  Madeline (28), Grant (26), and Samson (25). Sharon and Ron are active members of Antioch Indy Church in Castleton, are passionate about prayer, and enjoy hosting and leading their small group.

Sharon's Philosophy of Teaching​:  "Sharon's Philosophy of Teaching: "I believe every child is uniquely designed by God, with different learning styles, character, and personality. Yet, each one has the capacity for success. While each individual student needs a strong core curriculum of rich literature, grammar, writing and math, learning can still be fun. Implementing a wide variety of hands-on approaches provides a broad spectrum for creatively motivating young minds. I'm looking forward to inspiring some great kids and coming alongside the families and staff of MCA."