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 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. 

I am so excited to be at American Christian Academy! This is my first year, but I have been teaching little ones under the age of 5 for over 14 years. Helping young children grow, learn, and discover the world that God made is my favorite thing to do.

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 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!

Hello all! My name is Lindsey Mitchell I am a Tuscaloosa native graduated from Holt High in 2010. I have been married for almost 5 years now to my bestfriend Shawn and together we have a 1 year old Riley Grace. In my free time I love to design bags, hang with family and cook all types of different foods! I’m looking forward to my next steps at ACA with your children and grateful God led me to this path. I can’t wait to meet you all and looking forward to a great year with my new babies!

Hello, I'm Emily and this is my first year teaching at ACA. I have taught at many daycares around town and also love to help out with all ages in the children department at my church. I have an associates degree in Childsupport Education, I am looking forward to being a great part of ACA preschool!

I graduated from ACA in 2023 after attending for 16 years. I started working in the elementary after-school daycare and the summer day camp in 2023. I worked there until I moved down to the preschool in 2025. I have worked with children from 2 years old to 5th grade. I am so grateful that God kept me at ACA to work with children. I am excited for the opportunity to care for them and see how they grow.

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. 

Hello! My name is Britney Thomas and I am a preschool 2’s teacher! I am from Lula, GA, but moved to Tuscaloosa in 2020! I have always enjoyed working with children! Once I started at ACA, I knew this is where I belong. I have been at ACA for 5 years. I am so blessed that God led me here to teach these sweet babies! I am loving every second of it! 

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. 

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!