Margaret brings a wealth of experience to her role, with 20 years in administration and a strong background as a U.S. Coast Guard graduate. Her military service instilled in her a sense of discipline, dedication, and a commitment to excellence that has carried through into her administrative career.

Throughout her 20 years in administration, Margaret has honed her skills in organization, leadership, and problem-solving, ensuring smooth operations and effective management in every role she takes on. Margaret’s diverse background, from her time in the U.S. Coast Guard to her extensive
experience in administration, enables her to bring a unique perspective to her work.

She is passionate about helping others succeed and is always looking for ways to contribute to the overall success of the team and organization.

Mary Frances is a dedicated educator with a heart for mentoring students and sharing the love of Christ through teaching. A graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Marketing and Mission Work, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity at the University of West Florida.

With two years of teaching experience, Mary Frances has found her calling in teaching Bible classes, currently guiding 6th and 9th-grade students while coaching middle school and elementary volleyball teams. Her teaching journey began with middle school Bible classes, where she quickly realized the power of fostering meaningful conversations about faith, life, and personal growth.

Mary Frances believes teaching the Bible is not only an academic challenge but also an opportunity to share her testimony, build deeper relationships, and create a safe space for students to feel seen and valued. She strives to be a supportive and compassionate presence in their lives, ready to both cry and celebrate with her students as they navigate their faith and personal journeys.

Outside the classroom, Mary Frances is an avid traveler with a dream to visit every country in the world—her current count is five, soon to grow to six with a summer spent living in Costa Rica. She loves learning languages and exploring different cultures and is fluent in Spanish while working on German, Greek, Italian, and Ukrainian. She’s also an enthusiastic reader, enjoying everything from poetry to historical fiction to atlases. Through her teaching, Mary Frances aims to inspire, uplift, and support her students, helping them discover their unique potential while strengthening their relationship with Christ.

Inspired by a caring and passionate first-grade teacher, Jamie was motivated to impact lives just as she had been impacted. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Jamie has focused primarily on elementary grades, specifically 3rd through 6th. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Atlantic Baptist Bible College (now merged with Carolina University) and is certified through both the ASCI Standard Certificate and Florida Certification.

As a Christian educator, Jamie believes that every student is a unique creation of God. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the idea that education is not merely about imparting knowledge but about nurturing the whole child—academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. She strives to help her students grow into individuals who reflect Christ’s character in all they do. Jamie finds great joy in teaching new concepts and witnessing the “Aha moment” when students truly grasp challenging material.

Her greatest reward comes from watching her students grow in both understanding and confidence, and she values the relationships built along the way. Jamie’s students are like family to her, and she is deeply committed to making them feel valued and successful in the classroom. In 2024, she was honored with the Elementary Teacher of the Year award for her dedication and impact.

In her free time, Jamie enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family. Above all, she aims to reflect the love of Christ in everything she does, guiding her students to a deeper understanding of His love while nurturing their personal growth.

Paula’s journey into teaching was profoundly shaped by her high school art class, a space that became a sanctuary of creativity and self-discovery. This transformative experience inspired her to create similar environments where students feel valued, inspired, and empowered. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, Paula holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and an English 6–12 Certification. With 13 years of teaching experience in Art (K–12) and English (6–12), she blends creativity and academic rigor to foster a dynamic and enriching classroom environment.

Paula’s teaching philosophy centers on valuing students as individuals while encouraging them to embrace challenges and develop strong problem-solving skills. She believes education should inspire students to recognize their worth, creating a cycle of respect and a lifelong love for learning. By incorporating class discussions, collaborative projects, and opportunities for independent application, she empowers her students to grow into strong readers, writers, and
communicators.

Recognized as Teacher of the Month in both 2020 and 2021, Paula cherishes the meaningful relationships she builds with her students. She views these connections as central to her profession, reflecting her belief in the power of community and connection as designed by God.

Beyond the classroom, Paula has a love for exploring bookstores, volunteering as a stage manager, photography at her church, and diving into Biblical studies through resources like Hillsdale College courses and The Bible Project podcasts. Starting in January 2025, she will pursue a master’s degree in English literature, furthering her passion for fostering communication skills that empower her students to make a meaningful impact.

Paula’s ultimate goal is to inspire students to see their value, grow in confidence, and thrive in both their creative and academic pursuits.

Morgan’s journey began as a three-year-old at East Hill, and she remained part of the school community through high school. After graduation, she attended Samford University, where she cheered for two years before transferring to the University of West Florida to pursue her degree in Exercise Science. This degree further cultivated her love for health, fitness, and coaching.

Starting her career as a personal trainer and group exercise coach, Morgan quickly realized that her true passion lay in coaching and mentoring. She returned to East Hill Christian School, where she had grown up, and began coaching cheerleading and gymnastics. Morgan has now been coaching at East Hill for five years and is currently serving as the Athletic Director in her second year.

Morgan’s journey into coaching is rooted in her love for athletics, particularly cheerleading, which has been a constant source of purpose and passion throughout her life. As a student at East Hill Christian School, Morgan’s involvement in cheerleading introduced her to the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders, where she realized the power of using sports to teach others about God. This transformative experience fueled her desire to coach, knowing that even in something as simple as cheerleading, she could glorify God and point athletes toward faith and purpose.

Morgan’s coaching philosophy is simple: “Love well.” She believes in respecting each athlete as an individual while recognizing their growth and development. By creating an environment where athletes feel valued, respected, and empowered, she helps set them up for success both on and off the field. Her goal is to leave every student she coaches with a sense of being loved, valued, and happy, creating an environment where they feel part of something special and look back on their time at East Hill with gratitude.

Grady-Shannon’s journey into teaching began while working in the mental health field, where she discovered her passion for helping students with dyslexia improve their reading and phonics skills at a part-time reading center. Inspired by the progress she saw in her students, Shannon decided to pursue a full-time teaching career, dedicating herself to supporting students with a variety of learning needs.

Shannon holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Her teaching career spans 16 years, with experience in both elementary education and exceptional student education (ESE). Shannon has furthered her expertise through training with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators and holds Florida Professional Educator Certificates in Exceptional Student Education and Elementary Education.

Her teaching philosophy revolves around meeting each student where they are and providing the necessary support to help them succeed. Shannon believes in adapting teaching methods to fit the unique learning styles of each student, and she finds joy in witnessing those “aha moments” when students realize they can conquer challenging concepts. She is deeply committed to finding the best strategies for each student, enabling them to thrive academically.

Recognized for her excellence, Shannon was awarded the first Teacher of the Year Award from Umbrella Learning Academy. Outside the classroom, Shannon enjoys attending concerts, reading, and listening to audiobooks. Her goal as an educator is to help students recognize their strengths, achieve their goals, and receive the academic support they need to succeed.

Deb is a top-performing leader with a proven track record in strategic planning, proposal development, marketing, and team leadership. With over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and educational sectors, she has successfully coordinated complex projects, built positive business relationships, and managed cross-disciplinary teams to achieve organizational goals.

Currently serving as the Admissions Director at East Hill Christian School, Deb leads efforts to attract, enroll, and retain students while aligning enrollment strategies with the school’s mission. She plays a key role in developing strategic recruitment plans, creating marketing strategies, and implementing fundraising initiatives to increase community engagement and support for the school.

Deb’s professional background includes impactful leadership roles such as Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at the University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, and Executive Director for the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Pensacola, and the Arlington ISD Education Foundation. In these roles, she successfully managed large budgets, oversaw fundraising and marketing initiatives, and led board development and strategic planning efforts.

Her broad expertise and commitment to excellence continue to make a lasting impact on the educational and arts sectors. With experience in arts administration, education, and community engagement, Deb is passionate about using her skills to drive positive change. She has a deep understanding of the design process, conflict resolution, and managing change in complex environments. She holds a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and certifications in teaching in both Texas and Alabama.

Outside of her career, Deb enjoys water sports, biking, reading, and spending time with her favorite Aussie, Moe!

With a Master’s Degree in Ancient History from the University of West Florida and American Public University, Clalra has been bringing history to life in the classroom for 18 years. Her passion for teaching stems from the joy of reliving pivotal historical moments and inspiring students to achieve excellence.

Guided by her teaching philosophy, High Expectations, and High Achievements, she has earned accolades such as Teacher of the Year, Coach of the
Year, and the Golden Apple Award, a student-nominated honor. Beyond academics, Clara is dedicated to her student’s personal and spiritual growth, striving to
inspire them to be better every day and, most importantly, to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Jennifer has dedicated over 15 years to education and children’s ministry, with a passion for teaching that centers around Jesus and His love for each student. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University and Southeastern Bible College and holds an ESOL endorsement.

Jennifer’s teaching philosophy emphasizes instilling a love for learning that begins with Christ. She strives to create an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore God’s Word, and understand that they are deeply loved by God and called to be culture changers. Her ultimate goal is for each student to leave her class knowing they are cherished by God and that they have a personal relationship with Him.

Jennifer finds the most joy in seeing her students grow in their relationship with Jesus, discovering His love, and desiring to learn more. She has received the Spiritual Leadership Award in recognition of her dedication to guiding students spiritually.

Outside the classroom, Jennifer enjoys Bible study, paddle boarding, snow skiing, mountain biking, and spending time at the beach. She hopes her students will remember the love of Jesus working through her and know that they too can have a personal relationship with Him.

Kiersten’s passion for teaching was inspired by her brother with special needs and the incredible teachers who made a difference in his life. This passion led her to pursue a career in education, earning a B.S. in Bible and a B.S. in Education from Cairn University. She holds teaching certifications in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, ACSI and has taught high school special education for nearly five years and kindergarten for the past three years.

A firm believer in keeping Christ at the center of all things, Kersten views her role as an educator as an opportunity to glorify God through her work. She strives to meet her students where they are, scaffolding instruction and building upon their prior knowledge to help them succeed. Her greatest joy comes from seeing the “light bulb” moment when a challenging concept becomes clear and easy for her students.

Kiersten has a deep desire to help her students develop not only academically but also spiritually. She hopes to foster a love for God and a relationship with Christ in each of her students, helping them realize that they are capable of achieving great things, even in the face of challenges.

Outside of the classroom, Kersten enjoys traveling and reading, always eager to explore new places and expand her knowledge. Her ultimate goal is to guide her students toward both academic and spiritual growth, creating a foundation that will last a lifetime.

With a Bachelor of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University, John brings 29 years of dedicated experience to the elementary classroom, including 20 years teaching 4th grade. Inspired by incredible role models like his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Blanton, and his fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Graham, he is passionate about creating a challenging yet supportive environment where every student can learn and thrive. Recognizing the individuality of each child, he tailors his teaching to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. He cherishes the joy of witnessing students’ “light bulb” moments and considers them the most rewarding part of her profession. His excellence in education has been recognized through multiple honors, including being named Elementary Teacher of the Year at two schools.

Beyond academics, Jason is dedicated to fostering her students’ spiritual growth. His foremost goal is to lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and guide them in building a personal relationship with the Lord through Bible reading and prayer. In his personal time, John enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and traveling, finding inspiration and joy in these creative pursuits.

Keela is a dedicated administrative assistant who finds joy in using her God-given strengths to support others and ensure the smooth operation of school functions. She holds an Associate in Applied Science degree with a Word Processing Specialist Certification from Gadsden State Community College.

With three years of preschool teaching experience and summers spent in administrative roles, Keela recently transitioned to full-time administrative support, where her passion for serving students, parents, and coworkers shines. She believes that small acts of kindness and a friendly smile can brighten someone’s day and leave a lasting impact. Her goal is to reflect God’s love in every interaction, whether through a thoughtful conversation or a welcoming presence in the front office.

Outside of work, Keela enjoys spending time with her family and diving into a good book. She is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those she encounters, fostering an environment of care and encouragement.

Following in his mother’s footsteps, Aaron was inspired to pursue teaching by the meaningful impact his teachers had on his life. After earning an Associate’s Degree from PSC and a Bachelor of Science from UWF, he now specializes in Physical Education and has been teaching for one year. His love for coaching and sports drives his approach to education, where student safety and trust are top priorities. He fosters an open and supportive environment, encouraging students to feel comfortable coming to her with their challenges and triumphs.

Debbie is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience teaching PreK through second grade. A graduate of Covenant College and the University of West Florida, she holds a B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, along with VPK and ACSI
certifications.

Debbie believes that children learn best through diverse experiences in a positive and supportive environment. Her goal is to instill a lifelong love of learning in her students, fostering their curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery. She finds joy in seeing her students light up with excitement as they grasp new concepts and develop a love for education.

Outside the classroom, Debbie enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and engaging in sports. She is committed to creating an engaging and nurturing learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.

Heather’s passion for teaching is rooted in her belief that every student has the potential to learn. With a degree in education from Liberty University, Heather has been teaching for seven years, specializing in science and math for elementary and middle school students. She is committed to making learning both engaging and enjoyable, believing that when students have fun, they are more likely to retain what they’ve learned.

Heather’s teaching philosophy centers on finding the best learning approach for each student. She believes that with the right guidance, all students can grasp even the most difficult concepts. Her greatest joy comes when a student conquers a challenging subject and takes pride in their achievement. Heather’s quiet dedication to her students is evident in the positive impact she has on their lives.

Outside of the classroom, Heather enjoys cheerleading, basketball, and spending time outdoors. She also loves crafting, though the time for it is often limited.
Heather’s goal is to foster a love for Christ in her students and encourage them to keep asking questions, striving to grow both academically and spiritually.

Shalaina is a passionate educator with over a decade of experience teaching high school and two years at the college level. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sam Houston State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California Baptist University. Her academic journey and professional background have equipped her to guide students through both academic and personal growth.

As a Christian educator, Shalaina believes in the immense responsibility of not only imparting knowledge but also sharing truth that can penetrate the hearts and spirits of her students. She views education as an opportunity to build strong, compassionate relationships while also equipping students with the skills they need for the future.Shalaina’s philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, emphasizing approachability, empathy, and patience. By living these values, she strives to connect with her students, parents, and colleagues, reflecting Christ’s love in everything she does.

She has been recognized for her outstanding work, receiving Staff Member of the Year awards both at her previous K-12 Christian school and at Rice University’s School of Engineering.

Outside of the classroom, Shalaina enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling. She hopes to impact her students by leading with grace and love, imitating Christ in all her interactions, and nurturing a supportive environment for growth and learning.

Ashley is an educator with a deep passion for the arts, dedicated to sharing and teaching this passion with others. She holds a BFA from the University of Texas at Tyler and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theatre at Regent University.

This is her third year in education, and while she began teaching art, she now teaches theatre and English. For Ashley, education is a privilege, and she believes that by sharing her fascination with the subject and the world around her, she can inspire students to cultivate their own curiosity and love for learning.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching for Ashley is watching her students grow and improve, not just in their creative endeavors, but also in their character. Through her role as an educator, Ashley aims to expand creativity while living out a Christian example for her students to follow.

With a deep passion for both education and philosophy, David views learning as second only to one’s relationship with Christ in importance. His dedication to mentoring and guiding others in their educational journeys is rooted in her love for research and discovery. David holds a BA in Philosophy and Greek and Latin from Boston University and both an MA and Ph.D. in Philosophy, with a focus on Greco-Roman philosophy, from the University of Florida. Over seven years of teaching experience—primarily at the collegiate level—she has developed expertise in languages, ethics, and the history of philosophy.

This year marks her first teaching experience outside higher education, where she continues to inspire student through an approach centered on discovery, argumentation, and the practical and abstract understanding of the material. Recognized for her excellence in teaching, David has received awards from both the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. She finds joy in witnessing the moments when students grasp complex concepts and draw connections across disciplines, fostering a love for learning and critical thinking.

Outside the classroom, David enjoys weight training, reading Greek and Latin literature, and spending time with her wife, daughter, and cat. Her ultimate goal is to inspire students to strive for excellence, demonstrating that with focus and hard work, they are capable of achieving great things.

Beth Owens brings 25 years of dedication to the field of education, with a career that spans classroom teaching, administrative leadership, and curriculum development. She holds credentials from Penn State University, Mansfield University, the University of Pittsburgh, and St. Bonaventure University.

Throughout her career, Beth has taught kindergarten through sixth grade and served as an instructional aide, curriculum coordinator, team leader, International Baccalaureate Coordinator, vice principal, and principal. Her experiences have given her a well-rounded perspective on fostering academic excellence and personal growth in students.

Her love for teaching lies in shaping young lives, nurturing their potential, and building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues. A strong advocate for creativity.

As a principal, Beth models servant leadership, inspired by Jesus’ example of humility, compassion, and grace. She strives to create a collaborative culture where teachers, students, and parents work together with mutual respect, accountability, and excellence. Empowering educators and recognizing their potential is a daily highlight of her leadership.

Beth’s passions extend into amateur photography, sewing, reading, writing (children’s books and a novel in progress), playing the keyboard, kayaking, motorcycle riding, and beach adventures. These hobbies reflect her creative spirit and love for life.

Tonya’s passion for teaching was ignited by a fabulous fourth-grade teacher who inspired her to pursue a career in education. After earning her Bachelor of Science from Florida State University and obtaining her ASCI certification, Tonya has dedicated 32 years to teaching, with 27 of those years spent at East Hill Christian School. She currently teaches Civics to middle school students, World Cultures, and Business Leadership to high school students. In addition, Tonya facilitates the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, an enriching leadership program for her Business Leadership students, and serves as the advisor for the Student Government Association and the Student Leadership Institute.

Tonya’s teaching philosophy revolves around academic excellence, biblical truth, and character formation. She believes education is not just about imparting knowledge but about shaping students into individuals who love God, love others, and fulfill their purpose in the world. Her work at East Hill is rooted in the strong sense of community created by students, families, and co-workers.

Throughout her career, Tonya has been recognized with several awards, including the Golden Apple Teacher Award, Teacher of Excellence Award, and the Twenty-five Years of Service Award. Outside the classroom, Tonya enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, relaxing at the beach, reading, crafting, and caring for her beloved fur babies. She hopes to create an environment where students feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow spiritually and personally, preparing them for a life of purpose and service.

Mia’s journey into education began with a deep commitment to helping students unlock their potential, especially in the area of mathematics. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Grand Canyon University and has been teaching since 2017.

Mia’s teaching experience spans multiple grade levels, including 6th through 9th grade math at East Hill Christian School, where she has been a part of the community since 2021. Before this, she worked in a Social Thinking Classroom at Santa Rosa County School District, working closely with students in small groups to foster a learning environment where every student can thrive.

Her professional training includes CPR/AED certification, Communication, Behavioral, Social, and Academic (CBSA) Classroom training, Fight or Flight School Shooting Training, and several professional development webinars for Mathematics. Mia is also proud to have passed the State of Florida’s Math 5-9 Certification Exam.

Mia believes every student is capable of learning, and she strives to provide the support and grace each student needs to succeed. Her teaching philosophy centers around the belief that education is a right, and she is a passionate advocate for each child’s opportunity to learn.

Mia values the importance of igniting a student’s curiosity and fostering an environment where they are empowered to pursue knowledge. In her free time, Mia enjoys continuing to expand her learning and development, with a particular focus on the best practices for teaching mathematics.

Bren is an educator driven by the desire to build meaningful relationships with students and help them grow academically, personally, and spiritually. With 10 years of classroom teaching experience and 12 years of homeschooling her children, she deeply values the opportunity to guide students toward fulfilling their purpose. Bren finds great fulfillment in those “lightbulb” moments when a challenging concept clicks for a student or when they take steps
toward discovering their potential.

A graduate of the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Bren employs a balanced approach to teaching. She combines teacher-centered instruction with interactive, student-driven methods, ensuring that her students receive structured guidance while also fostering engagement and active participation.

In addition to teaching, Bren enjoys being a beginner pickleball player and has a passion for reading and baking. Her greatest hope is to lead her students to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, encouraging them to seek His will, live faithfully, and fulfill their God-given purpose.

Mary is an experienced educator with a passion for making learning fun and engaging. She holds an elementary education degree from the University of West Florida and is endorsed in reading and ESOL. Over her eight years of teaching in the Escambia County School District, Mary has most recently served as a resource teacher at First Baptist Christian Church Preschool, where she has been for the past five years.

Her teaching philosophy is focused on fostering a love for learning, helping students develop self-motivation, and guiding them to take pride in their academic achievements. Mary finds the most joy in seeing her students make learning gains and watching them take ownership of their accomplishments. Additionally, working at the same school as her daughters is a special bonus for her.

Mary’s goal is to create a caring and positive environment where students feel encouraged to be good people while developing essential skills in reading and writing. She hopes to inspire her students to love learning and look forward to coming to school each day.

Mary has been recognized for her dedication, including receiving flowers for her role in putting on a Christmas program. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her daughters, especially spending time on and around the water, as well as attending local outdoor concerts.

Karina brings a wealth of experience to her role at EHCS, with 32 years in finance and 12 years working with students, including teaching high school juniors and seniors personal finance and budgeting through a unique simulation she created. Her career journey began at age 15 as a bank teller, and after two years working in a school, she recognized God’s calling to transition her career and share her expertise in a new way.

As a strong believer in kinesthetic learning, Karina encourages hands-on, physical activities as a means to engage students and enhance their understanding. Her favorite teaching philosophy is summed up by Benjamin Franklin’s quote: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” She finds great joy in witnessing the “Aha moment” when students make connections and grasp challenging concepts. Throughout her career, Karina has earned various accolades, including the “Woman of Distinction Award.”

While her current role at EHCS is not directly with students, she hopes to provide valuable perspectives and ideas that can support and inspire the teaching staff, ensuring that the learning environment continues to grow and thrive.

Outside of her professional life, Karina loves to travel, sleep, and repeat—enjoying the balance of adventure and rest. Her goal is to continue making a meaningful impact, both in leadership and by sharing her knowledge and experience with others.