Freedom Christian Academy faculty

<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Freedom Christian Academy faculty

About Us

Mission Statement

Core Beliefs

Faculty

The administration and faculty of Freedom Christian Academy profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and are active members of Bible-believing churches.

The entire faculty holds at least a bachelor's degree and are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education. The administrative team all hold advanced degrees in education.

FCA Staff
	Dr. Tony Crisp, *Senior Pastor*, Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church Dr. Crisp, a native of East Tennessee, has been the Senior Pastor of Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church for more than five years. He has more than 30 years experience as a pastor. Dr. Crisp was awarded the Doctor of Divinity from Southern California Seminary. He is presently working on a Doctorate of Arts in Biblical Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary. He has an MA in Biblical Studies from Dallas Baptist University and a BA in Biblical Studies from The Criswell College, Dallas. He has been an advisor to both public and private educational institutions across America in the areas of curriculum, public relations and institutional advancement. He has served on various committees and boards at every level of denominational life among Southern Baptists. He is known across the nation for his clear Bible exposition and ability to mobilize and motivate the church to do the will of God. For more than 25 years he has traveled, studied and taught in the country of Israel. Dr. Crisp is recognized as a scholar and educator in Biblical Greek.
	Melanie Stipes, *Principal* Melanie helped establish Freedom Christian Academy in 2002. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee. At UT, she was a member of the first class of Leadership 21, Preparing Principals for the Twenty-first Century. Melanie has more than 23 years experience in education on the elementary as well as college level. She holds both a teaching license and an administrator's license from the Tennessee Department of Education and is a member of the International Association of Christian School Educators. She is a member of Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church where she teaches Sunday School.
	LaDonna Pettis, Director of Institutional Advancement LaDonna graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She has worked at FCA for three years. She has 17 years experience in public relations and marketing. She is a member of CHBC and is active in the choir, children’s choir, Sunday School and VBS ministries.
	Nancy Troutt, *Academy Secretary* Nancy has been the Academy secretary for five years. She is a member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church where she serves in the choir ministry.
	Amy Collins, Educational Assistant Amy has been at FCA for four years. She is a member of CHBC and is active in the nursery, Wednesday supper and VBS.
	Elaine Johnson, Director of Food Service Elaine has worked at FCA for five years and at CHBC for 17 years. She is a member of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church where she volunteers in the kitchen and nursery.
	Jason Hamby – Maintenance Jason graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He is a member of CHBC and is active in the choir, Gatekeepers, Angel Food ministry and maintenance.
FCA Faculty
	Cristina Hopwood, 3-year-old Kindergarten Cristina holds a Bachelors degree in Multi-Disciplinary Human Learning from Tennessee Technological University. She is endorsed to teach Pre-K through 8^th grade. She is a member of Mountain View United Methodist Church where she is active in children’s church, Sunday School, nursery, and VBS.
	Lisa Ramsey, 4-year-old Kindergarten Lisa graduated from University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She also received a Masters in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is endorsed to teach early childhood through 8^th grade. Lisa is a member of Grace Baptist Church where she is active in the choir.
	Elizabeth Schwengels, Kindergarten Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University. She is endorsed to teach Pre-K through 4^th grade. She is a member of West Park Baptist Church where she is active in the women’s ministry.
	Laura Woodard, Kindergarten Laura graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary and Elementary Education. She is endorsed to teach elementary and secondary grades. She is a member of Union Baptist where she plays the piano and works with Team Kid (children’s ministry).
	Lauren Crisp, First Grade Lauren graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in Child and Family Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology. She is endorsed to teach K3 – 4^th grade. She is a member of CHBC and is active in the youth, nursery, Sunday School and VBS ministries.
	Sara Whitley, First Grade Sara graduated from Campbellsville University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She will complete her Master’s degree in August. She is endorsed to teach Kindergarten-5^th grade. She is a member of CHBC where she is active in the youth, Sunday School and VBS ministries.
	Kimberley Mell, Second Grade Kimberly graduated from Maryville College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and Learning. She is endorsed to teach Kindergarten – 8^th grade. She is a member of The Haven church and is involved in Angel Food, benevolence, Leadership, Praise and Worship, Homeless and ASL ministries. She also writes the VBS curriculum.
	JoAnn Fussaro, Third Grade JoAnn holds a Special Education (K-12) and Elementary Education (K-8) degree from Carson Newman College. She is a member of West Lonsdale Baptist Church and is active in the praise & worship and nursery ministries.
	Sandy Luttrell, Fourth Grade Sandy holds Master of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Tennessee. She is endorsed to teach Kindergarten – 8^th grade. She is a member of Fairview Baptist Church where she is involved in the Reins of Hope (horse-therapy) ministry.
	Amy Emert, Fifth Grade Amy holds a Masters in Teacher Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee. She is endorsed to teach Kindergarten – 8^th grade. She is a member of Lonsdale United Methodist Church where she teaches Sunday School and Bible school. She is the secretary of the United Methodist Women and is a member of the Trustees and Administrative Boards.
	Jessica Shadowens, Sixth Grade Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University. She will complete her Masters in Elementary Reading and Literacy in September from Walden University. She is endorsed to teach Kindergarten through 6^th grade. She is a member of Crosswalk Community Church where she helps in the nursery and is active in a bible study small group.
	Steve Burman, Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies and Language Arts Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from the College of Staten Island and City University of New York. He is endorsed to teach Kindergarten – 8^th grade. He is a member of First Baptist Church Powell where he teaches Sunday School and AWANA Sparks. He is also involved in UT Hospital and Alter Call ministries.
	Carol Linsenbigler, Seventh and Eighth Grade Science and Math Carol graduated from Johnson Bible College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Bible. She is endorsed to teach 1^st through 8^th grade. She is a member of Woodlawn Christian Church where she works in the nursery, international ministry and homeless ministry.
	Jennie Holland, Music Jennie graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She is endorsed to teach Kindergarten – 12^th grade vocal and general music. She is a member of Ridgeview Baptist Church where she serves as the pianist and is a member of the choir. She is also involved in VBS and has been on mission trips.