Elementary Teachers

Hi! My name is Tara Blake and I am very excited to be joining the ACA family as a 4th grade teacher this year! I grew up in Jackson, MS and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at the age of 13. God gave me a love for children and I knew early on that I would always want to work with kids in some capacity. I married my husband, Jim, in 2004 and taught preschool throughout my college career. I received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Mississippi University for Women in 2007. I worked for a local ministry and in social work as a children’s case manager, family support specialist, and program coordinator for many years before deciding to take some time off to stay home with my own children. During this time, through prayer and reflection, I felt led to pursue a Masters of Arts in Teaching. I earned my MA in Elementary Education, K-8 in May of 2020. I cannot express how blessed I feel to be able to teach at a school that not only values academics but also ministers to the whole child. I’m also excited that my three kids, Ruby, Graham, and Poppy will be joining me at this incredible school! I am looking forward to an amazing school year!

My name is Debbie Cavan and this is my 25th year teaching Kindergarten at ACA.  I am originally from Thomaston, Georgia. I received my degree in Education from Valdosta State University.  My husband Pete and I have been married for 40 years, have 3 adult children, and 3 precious grandchildren. My husband and I attend Skyland Baptist.  We love dogs, especially bulldogs. My faith in Christ as my Savior has been my guide and support throughout my life. It has been a blessing and a joy to teach these precious children.  I am so thankful everyday for my faith, my family and friends, and my job at ACA. I am blessed!

 I am so happy to be teaching at American Christian Academy. I truly believe in our mission statement and am honored to serve with you. My prayer is that your child can be successful in all they do in their school career as well as their life. God has richly blessed me. The best decision I have ever made in my life was choosing to become a child of His at the age of 15. I praise my Savior for guidance throughout my life and continue to grow in His love each day. 

My family is so important to me. I married my best friend and high school sweetie, Wade Chism in 1996. He is such a loving husband and father. Several years later in 2001, our beautiful daughter, Meredith Camille, was born. She is a student at ACA and I am thankful for the education and spiritual leadership she has gained and will gain in the future. I am very close to my parents who raised me in a wonderful home and pray that my life is a reflection of the gifts they instilled in me. I am grateful to also be able to work alongside my father on some of his many international mission trips reaching the world for the Kingdom. 

I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education in 1997. After 10 years of working with the Tuscaloosa County School System, I took a few years off to rest and refocus. Wade and I were so happy with Meredith’s experience at ACA that I knew I would love to work here. I love being a part of the ACA family and am thankful for the many friends I have made. God Is Good!

It is an honor to have been with American Christian Academy since 2018! I truly feel called by God to serve as a partner with our families to help our children grow spiritually and academically.

My husband Caleb and I are from upstate South Carolina and we have a little girl named Rory. We are members of the Church of the Highlands. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with Early Childhood credentials from Anderson University. Having attended a Christian University, I can attest to the impact that it had on my life socially, spiritually, and academically. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to provide the same learning atmosphere for your children that you have entrusted me with.

I pray that the Lord will bless and grow your children both academically and spiritually in my classroom and through my teaching they may be molded into great warriors and pillars of Christ.

My name is Brandee Curry and I am very excited to be joining the ACA family as a K5 teacher this year!  I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at 9 years old and seek His guidance daily. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family!  My husband, Don and I have been married since 1989 and we have 4 beautiful children. Two of them are grown and two of them will be joining me at ACA. I have a precious granddaughter named Josie. We attend Church of the Highlands where we have served in the Prison Ministry and led small groups.

I grew up in Tuscaloosa and received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UA. Roll Tide!  When I graduated from college I was hired at ACA where I taught for two years. I then transferred to the Tuscaloosa County Schools for 25 years. I knew God was leading me to return to ACA. I am excited to be back and am looking forward to being part of a school whose emphasis is on growing the mind AND the spirit.

I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelors in Advertising. After working with the national and regional levels of automotive advertising in Detroit and Atlanta, I moved back to marry my college sweetheart, Dan.  :)

I've always been involved with children from babysitting in my earliest days, to Sunday School teacher, children's church leader, preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and 6th grade art teacher. I am also currently serving as the Children's Director at Forest Lake United Methodist. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, cooking and spending time with my family.

I love pointing out the day-to-day reminders of the original artist, God, to our 3 kiddos and anyone else around! (Have you ever named all the colors of a sunset or investigated a caterpillar?! -crazy!) Come check out the elementary and high school halls any time to see our discoveries of color, line, balance and more! 

I am from Dothan, AL but am so blessed to have called Tuscaloosa home since December 2009.  I have three boys – Deuce, Grantham, and Maxwell – who have been in school at ACA since they started in K4.

From my youth, I have loved working with children.  I have taught preschool classes at church for 20+ years.  I love my sweet kiddos at our church, The Church at Tuscaloosa!  We became involved at TCAT in 2016, and it is a huge part of my family’s life.

God called me to begin subbing at ACA at the beginning of 2018, and what a privilege that has been!  Now I am thrilled to be teaching K5-5th grade Computer and preschool and elementary Art!  It is such a joy to be at the same school as my children and an even greater joy that I get to share our lessons with a biblical perspective and the love of Christ with each student.

My name is Brandi Hall and I am from Tuscaloosa. I attended the University of Alabama where I received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a secondary teaching certification. I married my high school sweetheart Rusty, and we have two children Mary Russell and Mack.

In my spare time I enjoy gardening, organizing, watching my children play sports, and traveling.

This is my thirteenth year teaching, but my first year at ACA. I am blessed God chose me to be a part of the ACA family and look forward to both teaching and being at the same school as both of my children.

Heather Henson has been the instrumental and choral director at American Christian Academy since 2008 where she conducts the Symphonic Band, Patriot Marching Band, Patriot Choir, Royal Bluezz Jazz Band, High School Chapel Worship Band, Intermediate Band, Beginning Band, and the Jubilare! elementary chorus. She also teaches a Music Theory class and is the advisor for the Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter.

Ms. Henson graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree in 1995. During her time at Samford she was a member of the A Cappella Choir, Wind Ensemble, Color Guard, Delta Omicron Music Fraternity, and served as the drum major for the Marching Bulldogs for two years. She began her teaching career in the Jefferson County School System as the Assistant Director of Bands and Choral Director at Oak Grove High School and Alliance Elementary School, and then as Director of Bands at Pittman Middle School in Hueytown, Alabama. She was the visual coordinator, drill writer, color guard director, and winter guard director for the Brookwood High School band program for twelve years and frequently still enjoys adjudicating drum majors and color guards around the Southeast.

Ms. Henson is a clarinet player and was a charter member of the Alabama Winds, an instrumental ensemble that seeks to promote high quality wind band music through performances.  Ms. Henson is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, the Alabama Bandmasters Association, Alabama Vocal Association, Women Band Directors International, and the International Clarinet Association.  Ms. Henson is a member of Riverwood Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa.  She has three children, Caleigh, Chanley, and Gabriel, a.k.a. French horn, oboe, and trumpet.

With immense gratitude and excitement, I reintroduce myself as a member of the teaching staff here at American Christian Academy this year. Having graduated from ACA in 2018, I am deeply rooted in the values and mission that define this cherished institution. During my time here, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles while pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Alabama. Armed with a solid foundation in faith and education, I am thrilled to embark on this journey of nurturing young hearts and minds in the love of Jesus. Working with children is a true blessing, and I am eager to instill a lifelong passion for learning and faith in each child entrusted to my care. I am honored to be a part of the ACA family again and look forward to a great year ahead.

My name is Ella Johnson and I am the fifth grade math and Bible teacher at ACA! I graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Elementary Education. I am so excited for this year at ACA and am so excited to get to know and teach students this year! I have a passion for Christian education and sharing the love of Jesus through my teaching. My husband Bryce and I enjoy cheering on Alabama football and spending time with our two dogs. I love coffee and spending time with my family!

My name is Clay Jones. I'm originally from Montgomery, AL. I have lived in Tuscaloosa since 2005. I moved here for college, where I met my wife Lindsey and we never left. We have two beautiful children, Leighton and Lawson. I studied marketing in college and have held several different positions in the sales world.

One of my hobbies is physical fitness. I enjoy working out and pushing myself and others to their limits. Through this, I became a trainer and began coaching people age 5 to 75. I love to help people reach their fitness goals and work toward things they never thought possible. ACA is an answered prayer. God has put me in a place where I can help others grow and learn through physical education and fitness.

My name is Tracey Keaton and I am currently teaching 1st grade here at ACA.  I am so blessed to part of the American Christian Academy Family.  I am from Tuscaloosa and graduated from Central High School and Stillman College. I have spent the majority of my teaching career in 1st grade.

I attend First Baptist Church of Northport where I accepted Christ as my personal savior and work as a youth worker and with other ministries. It is a blessing to be able to teach and share my love of Christ to children through God’s word as well as being able to watch them grow educationally and spiritually.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and cooking.  I have two daughters, Taylor and MacKenzie.

I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa. I am a child of God and I thank God that I was raised in a Christian home where I knew at an early age that I was lost and needed to be forgiven of my sins. I attended West End Christian School and received a BS in Child Development from the University of Alabama. I began teaching K4 in 2009. I am married to Shad Lang and we have three children, Anna Katherine,  Brayden, and Mary Blake,  who all attend ACA. We attend The Church of the Highlands. I am excited and thankful to be a part of the ACA family.

I am Morgan Martin. I am originally from Rainsville, AL where I attended Plainview High School. I moved to Tuscaloosa in 2015 to receive a Bachelor’s degree in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. This will be my 6th year teaching 5th grade English Language Arts. My husband, Cody (better known as Coach Martin), and I have been married for six years. He teaches high school math at ACA and is the head football coach. Our daughter will be in 9th grade this year and our son will be in the preschool. We are so thankful that the Lord led both of us to ACA! This school and the precious people that work here have been such a blessing to our family in so many ways. My prayer is for each of my students to feel loved and supported above all. Thank you for partnering with me to help each of them reach their full potential, both spiritually and academically. We are going to have a GREAT year in fifth grade!

I was born and raised in Texas and still love my state though I am far away. Growing up there, I attended a small Christian school much like ACA.  I believe firmly in providing students with a strong faith basis to prepare them for the future.  My family, my church community, and many others blessed me so richly as I could easily see the Lord as alive and active!

 After college, I moved to Nashville, TN to start graduate school. Living there, I married my husband, Kelly.  During our years spent in Nashville, I taught at two different Christian schools, which reaffirmed my desire to be a part of a school which aimed to grow students both academically and spiritually. It was during this phase, that I was fortunate enough to travel many places. I led and participated in domestic travel through my school and was even more thrilled to serve as a leader numerous times for People to People, a student ambassador program.  In 2001, the Lord opened up an unexpected opportunity; my husband and I  left  American life as we knew it behind and took a leap of faith as we moved to Okinawa, Japan .  While there, we served as vocational missionaries and learned a lot of about ourselves and how God can work even in spite of us for His Kingdom good. We dealt with lots of culture shock, yet we grew to love our Japanese students and friends. It was a great lesson in humility and a reminder that we simply plant seeds and the Lord is the one who changes hearts.  Upon our return to the States, we had opportunities open up here in Tuscaloosa. So, we moved to Tuscaloosa, AL, and I am thankful to be teaching fourth grade here at ACA.

Email Carisa McPherson

My name is Laura Mullins, and I’m so excited to be teaching elementary Spanish at ACA. I fell in love with the Spanish language the first time I ever took a course in high school, and it’s been a passion of mine ever since. During undergrad, I spent a month in Spain with a host family, and since then have enjoyed Spanish tutoring lessons to continue delving into the language.

I’m originally from Childersburg, AL, but Tuscaloosa has been my home since college. I graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in Journalism and Spanish in 2011. After undergrad, I went to the University of Alabama School of Law, where I met my husband, Bruce. We married in 2013 and in 2015 started a business together in self-storage and property management, opening just a month after our son was born. We have two kids, Sam and Kate, who attend ACA. We are active members at Anchor Church where we lead a community group and volunteer in the kids programming, fostering a love for Christ.

In my free time, I enjoy working out, running, baking, reading, and spending time with my husband and kids. In my spare time, I also enjoy teaching English as a Second Language to adults and sharing the Gospel with them. It’s a joy, honor and blessing to be able to teach at ACA!

I am really excited to join the ACA faculty this year! My family moved to Tuscaloosa last year from Huntsville, where I taught 5th grade at Lincoln Academy. I love teaching all subjects, but especially language arts because I enjoy reading! One of my greatest joys has been watching my son, JC, develop a love for reading. JC is a student at UA and loves college! My husband and I spend a lot of time together. We enjoy walking our dog, Milo, and trying all kinds of restaurants. We also love to laugh, especially at ourselves! 

I am looking forward to providing a safe and nurturing environment for my students as we learn more about language arts through a biblical worldview. I believe that a Christ-centered education encourages us to "run the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1) Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance! I enjoy relationships, so I'm excited to get to know you!

I was born in Orlando, Florida but moved to Alabama at the age of three.  I grew up in Samantha, AL where I attended Walker Elementary and graduated from Northside High School.  After graduation, I attended Shelton State Community College before transferring to the University of Alabama where I received a degree in elementary education.

My husband Tim and I have been married for 33 years and have been blessed with two wonderful children.  Caleb graduated from ACA in 2016 and Caitlin in 2017.   

There has always been a passion in my heart for teaching children.  My first experience as a teacher occurred at age 15 with a group of 4 & 5 year olds at church.  This opportunity confirmed my calling to the teaching field and I have pursued it whole heartedly since that day.  My teaching career has included:

• two years at Tuscaloosa Christian School
• five years as a Children's Pastor
• twenty-three years at ACA

This year, I will begin my eleventh year assisting ACA in Elementary Administration.  I am so excited about what God has in store for our school and am thankful to be a part of the ACA family!

Mercedes Quinn graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2022 where she got her Bachelor’s in Music Education and marched with The Marching Southerners. She taught General Music and Drama for 2 years at Oneonta Elementary School before coming to ACA. Her and her husband, Todd, just got married in June 2024 and both will be helping teach the band this upcoming year! She will be the new Elementary Music teacher, as well as the new Assistant Band Director helping Ms. Henson. 

My name is Heather Rhodes and I am from Tuscaloosa. I attended the University of Alabama where I received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I completed my Master’s and Education Specialist degrees in Elementary Education at the University of West Alabama. I married my high school sweetheart Travis, and we have two children Landry and Ford. 

My husband and I are the children’s church directors at Englewood Baptist. We love serving and being a part of our church family.

I have taught since 2010, but this will be my first year at ACA. I am so honored that God has allowed me to be a part of the ACA family. It is such a blessing to teach your children and I look forward to a wonderful partnership with you! 

My name is Andrea Shelton. I was born and raised in Heflin, Alabama. After high school, I attended the University of Alabama where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Science and added on a Middle School Endorsement. I am currently an Elementary Physical Education coach. I have taught at American Christian Academy since 2012. During this time, I have also coached golf and basketball. Prior to my time here, I taught 8 years at Tuscaloosa Academy and spent 6 years as a stay at home mom with my oldest two children. I met my husband, Mike, while in college and we married in 1998. We have 4 children: Anna Morgan, Davis, Oliver, and Lamar. We also have a dog named Max and a hamster named Big Chungus. 

After growing up in a home that put a priority on attending church, I received Christ as my personal savior when I was 15 years old at Camp Sumatanga. My family and I are faithful members of North River Church in Tuscaloosa. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and travel. It is truly a blessing to be able to work with such amazing students and families at ACA, and to be able to have my children here with me.

Blessed! Blessed is how I feel to be part of such an amazing school family that values not only education, but also a child's relationship with the Lord.

I am originally from Vernon, Alabama, but have called Tuscaloosa home for the past 13 years. I received my Bachelor's of Education degree from The University of Alabama and my Master's Degree in Library Media Sciences from the University of West Alabama.I taught in the Tuscaloosa County School System for 10 years before coming to ACA.

I am married to an amazing man named Chad. I have a 6 year old daughter named Kenzie. We attend Church of the Highland's where Chad serves on the greeting team and I serve in the nursery.

I am looking forward to the upcoming school year! Go Pats!

I am so excited to be back at ACA this year! ACA has been home to me for most of my life. My mom taught at ACA for over 20 years, and my brother and I both grew up going to school there. I also met my husband Zach at ACA! In 2005, I graduated from ACA and went to the University of Alabama where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development. After graduating in 2009, I was thrilled to begin my teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at ACA! I taught kindergarten for two years and first grade for one year before my husband’s job took us to Chicago, Illinois. We lived in Chicago for four years and I taught pre-kindergarten at a private school. We also had our son, Clark, while we were living there. Soon after he was born, we decided we wanted to live close to family again. We moved back to Tuscaloosa in 2016, and I am so thankful and blessed to have the opportunity to once again be teaching first grade at ACA. We are also excited for Clark to attend school at ACA, since it truly is part of our family.

I am passionate about teaching young children and committed to the spiritual, academic, and social growth of each child. I also enjoy cooking and reading and love spending time with my family. We are members at Church of the Highlands, and our favorite thing to do together is take long walks.

I can’t wait to see what all the Lord has in store for this school year!

Hello!! I am so excited to be teaching K5 at ACA this year!!

I am a native of the beautiful,small town of Fayette, Alabama where I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. At the age of eleven, I accepted the gift of salvation and was baptized for the remission of my sins. After graduating high school, I moved to Tuscaloosa to attend The University of Alabama. My first week in college, I attended a Bible study where I met my future husband, Nick. I graduated from the University in 2005 with a degree in Elementary Education, then Nick and I were married a few weeks later. 

I taught kindergarten in the Tuscaloosa County School System for several years before staying at home with my children. We are blessed to have three boys; Luke, Sam, and John. Our family worships with the Northport Church of Christ where we are very involved with the Education and Youth programs. I have been a Bible class teacher for many years and am currently teacher for the 2 year old class.

In my spare time, I love reading, cooking, and piddling in my flower beds.

It is such an honor to be a part of the ACA family. I look forward to meeting you!

My name is Monica Taylor and I am so blessed to be at ACA.  I graduated from Central high school in Tuscaloosa, AL in 1995 and went on to pursue and receive a BS in Early Childhood Devlopment from The University of Alabama.  To be able to teach and guide these children using the words and guidance of our Savior is a beautiful thing.  I have been married to my husband, Brad for 18 years and we have 4 children, 3 of which attend ACA.  Our oldest, Brandon is finished with high school and is moving into the working/college years, Julia is a Junior here at ACA and she is a Varsity cheerleader and works in the after school program.  Matthew is in 7th grade and he plays football and basketball here at ACA and our baby, Hudson is in the 3 year old class in ACA's preschool.

My name is Amanda Willingham.  I am married to Zane, who is a lawyer in Eutaw, Alabama, where we live.  We have two daughters, Emmie and Piper who both attend ACA

I graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2010 with a degree in elementary education.    I began my teaching career immediately thereafter and was blessed to begin working at ACA in 2016.  Over the years here, I have taught several different grades. Now, I teach third grade, and I love it!

Our family actively attends the Northport church of Christ.   We are so blessed to have a great church family!

We consider it a blessing that I can work at, and our children can attend, a school that is focused primarily on God and places such a strong emphasis on both academic and spiritual growth.

My name is Laura Wilsie.  I am a graduate of The University of Alabama where I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and my master's degree in Educational Leadership.  I am currently working on my EdS in Educational Leadership from UA.  I began my teaching career during the 2008-2009 school year as a third grade teacher.  After thirteen years of teaching at the same school, God opened the door for me to come teach at ACA in August of 2021.  My family is actively involved at Northport Baptist Church.

I am truly thankful and blessed God has given me the opportunity to be at ACA to learn and grow closer to Him, and I get to do it alongside my girls.  This will be another great year and I am already giving God the glory!