Preschool Teachers

My name is Makayla Beams. I am from Winfield Alabama and am so thankful to be here in Tuscaloosa with my ACA family. My husband Jacob and I got married in 2021 and have one baby boy named Rhett. We have been so blessed to be a part of the ACA family. I never imagined this is where God would lead me, however; I know it is exactly where HE wants my family and how HE is using us to serve HIS purpose.

My name is Jessica Beauchamp! I grew up in Tuscaloosa and I now reside Gordo, Alabama. I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost 4 years. We have a beautiful 3-year-old daughter named Alaina.  We are active members of Northport First Baptist church.  It is a privilege that I get to be part of your child’s life at ACA Preschool. Working  with kids has always been a passion of mine. I’m so excited and can’t wait to teach your little ones.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it “ Proverb 22:6

My name is Taffy Cain. Tuscaloosa has always been my home. I am an avid Alabama fan and received my Bachelors in Marketing from the University of Alabama. My husband Rob and I have been married for 31 years and we have two children, Hudson and Madelin. This will be my 9th year at ACA. GO PATS and ROLL TIDE!!!

My name is Kayla D’Avignon and I am from Northport, AL. I graduated from Northside High School. I have an Associates in Business Management Child Care. I married my high school sweetheart Chris, and we have two children Bryson and Belle. My little family loves to travel and be outside. We are so excited to be a part of the ACA family. 

My name is Tiffani Farris. I am married to my husband, Justin, since 2016. We have 3 children. Wyatt, Waylon, and Eleanor. I have been a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church as well as the Children's Leader for almost a year. This will be my first year at ACA, and I am so excited! I truly believe that God has placed my family and I here for a purpose, and I cannot wait to share Jesus with the kids that attend ACA!

I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After high school I set off to the University of Alabama where I obtained a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development. I knew from the time I was ten years old,  when I became a big sister to a little boy with special needs, that God had a plan for my life, and that it would involve me working with children. After graduating college I began working at the RISE program here in Tuscaloosa. I had the privilege of spending 7 years as a Pre-k teacher working with both typical and special needs children. In August of 2018, God opened up the door for me to join the ACA family. I know without a doubt that God has placed me here for a purpose and I can’t wait to see what all He has in store. I feel so blessed to be able to come to work everyday and watch these precious children learn and grow in all aspects of life including their faith. I have been married to Andy since 2009 and we have two children who attend ACA.

I am a UA graduate with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a concentration in Family Studies. The part of my education that I took most interest with was early childhood development. I always knew that I wanted to work with young children and be a safe place for them whether I worked in an educational environment or with abused children.
      After graduating, I married Jacob Green and we have a daughter, Hadley John Green. I started my career at ACA preschool in 2014 and I have been with three and four year olds every year. I enjoy every age and I love being able to teach them about Jesus. I love to help plant those seeds in their hearts and water them with God's Word every day!

My name is Camryn Herron and I have been apart ACA for a long time. I graduated from ACA in 2018 and have worked in the after school childcare program for the past eight years. This is my first year in the classroom as the Art and Computer teacher for Elementary and I couldn’t be more excited. I also am currently in school to earn my Early Childhood Education degree at the University of West Alabama. Alongside being in the classroom, I coach Middle School Cheerleading here at the school and can’t wait to spread my love of cheerleading and Christ with each of my girls. I’m glad to be starting another year here at ACA. 

I was born and raised in TUSCALOOSA, AL. We live just outside of town in our quiet country home with my husband Tyler and our daughter Luci Gray. After finishing my Bachelor’s  Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, I started my journey as a Preschool teacher at ACA.  I am currently pursuing a certificate in pastoral ministry with Church of the Highlands with plans to one day serve as a Family Ministry Pastor. My heart for children and their families continues to grow daily as the Lord builds me into the calling He has placed on my life. My hobbies include church life with Highlands, playing tea party with Luci Gray, outside adventures, and anything Disney!

My name is Jaitlen Johnson! I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. I lived there until I was about 6 when Hurricane Katrina hit. We relocated to Oklahoma City and my family and I lived there up until about 2 years ago; then we moved to Tuscaloosa to be closer to family! I graduated from Putnam City North High School and Francis Tuttle Technology center in 2017, where I received my cosmetology license. I’ve been working with kids for 2 years now and I’ve been blessed to find my purpose so early in life. I never thought I’d be a littles teacher but it’s so fulfilling to be a part of their growth! I attend Shelton State. My goal is to become an elementary teacher! I truly believe it’s my calling to teach littles and I aspire to leave a lasting impact on all of my students!

Hi! My name is Allison Mello. I’m a born & raised Tuscaloosa native (Roll Tide!). I’ve been married to the love of my life, Forest, in 2014. We have two children, Connor and Payson. We are members of East McFarland Baptist Church. We love to take trips together, especially to the beach. Family time is our favorite time. I am so excited to be joining the ACA family this school year! 

I am so excited to begin my journey here at American Christian Academy. I have lived in Tuscaloosa with my husband, Austin, since 2013. We have two daughters (Mariah and Abby) that attend ACA. I love spending time with family whether it’s watching our daughter play soccer for ACA, on the lake fishing, or a weekend at Bryant Denny. We currently attend Hope City Church. I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for our future. Go Patriots and Roll Tide!

Hi! My name is Kayla Phelps. I have a husband, Daryl, and two wonderful children; Lahna Kate and Carson. I have previously been a K4 auxiliary teacher and have completed Child Development courses at Bevill State Community College. I enjoy laughing and having fun with children as well as learning. My favorite bible verses refer to the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-25. I love to travel with my family, cook, and enjoy Starbucks while shopping at Target. I am excited to meet and love your children! “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3 NLT)

My name is Anna Shirley and I am so excited to begin my journey here at American Christian Academy. I have been married for almost nine years to my husband, Dallas, and we live in Moundville with our two children, Sawyer and Finley. Together, we enjoy attending church at Safe Haven, spending time outside, and traveling.  I started my journey as a preschool teacher ten years ago in my hometown, and God recently opened a door for myself and my kids at ACA. I truly enjoy making children smile, and helping them to grow in all aspects of their lives. I feel very privileged to be part of your children’s lives here, and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for our future. 

 I am excited about my journey here at ACA!  I truly believe that God gave us all a purpose. I am so thankful to be walking in mine. I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Al. I have three children that attend ACA. My hobbies include singing , traveling , and spending time with my loved ones. I have over 9 years of experience with children and have a degree in Early Childhood Education. 

My name is Claudia Ann Williams and I am from Tuscaloosa, Roll Tide!! My husband Jimbo and I got married in 2015. We have three children, Wallace, Annsley David, and a new addition Daniel Patton, who will be here in November! We have been so blessed to be a part of the ACA family. I never imagined this is where God would lead me, however, I know it is exactly where He wants my family and how He is using us to serve His Kingdom!

I have my Respiratory Therapy degree but my passion is teaching littles. I have been working with children since I was 16 years old. We love being a part of ACA and I love watching children grow and develop into leaders and world changers.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” 

-Proverbs 22:6

I was born and grew up in New Orleans, LA. I am a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Human Development, concentration in Early Child Development. I have been married to Richard Wilson for 27 years and we have three children; John Henry, Eli, and Ava.

This is my 9th year teaching preschool at ACA. I never imagined this is where God would lead me, however I know it is exactly where He wants me, and how He is using me to serve His kingdom! I am from Tuscaloosa, and I attended ACA from 2nd grade until I graduated in 2000. With a double major in Criminal Justice and Political Science, I received my Bachelor’s degree in 2006 from the University of Alabama. My husband, BJ, and I have been married for 18 years and have two daughters. Abby is a Senior and Charlie Kate is a preschooler. We have been so blessed to be a part of the ACA family. The influence of Godly teachers and coaches at ACA played an invaluable role in my life, and I am incredibly thankful to see the same now with my own children. As the new school year gets underway, it is so exciting to see the Lord at work in our preschool. I look forward to all the wonderful things God has planned for our little ones and our school this year. Thank you for sharing your children with us and trusting us with your most precious gifts!