Copy of MAIN OFFICE STAFF | Kings Christian - MD

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KEVIN GARDINER

KEVIN GARDINER

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The King's Christian Academy

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ABOUT US

STATEMENT OF FAITH

FACULTY & STAFF

OUR STAFF

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

SPECIALITY AREAS

MAIN OFFICE

Dr. Brigette Morton

Interim Administrator

EMAIL

Dr. Morton brings over twenty years of experience in education and leadership. She is known for creating a culture of high expectations, student motivation, parent partnerships, and life-long learning among students and faculty. Her emphasis as a leader is on developing a strong sense of community that drives healthy growth. During her career, she has served as a STEM teacher, Instructional Coach, and Educational Leader of various Christian schools and educational establishments within the Southern Maryland Region. She also served in the United States Army. Dr. Morton received her Doctorate in Education Leadership from Liberty University, her Master's degree from Liberty University, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida, and an Associate's Degree from the College of Southern Maryland. As a motivated learner, Dr. Morton considers Romans 12:2 to be a statement of her guiding purpose both as an educator and personally: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV) Dr. Morton actively attends Church, where she is an Elder and leads Bible study groups. She is also engaged in ministries internationally. In her time away from school and Church, she loves the outdoors, watches classic movies, goes fishing, plays golf, and enjoys cooking with her daughter.

BIO

Barbara Mashtare

Admissions

EMAIL

Barbara Mashtare is the Director of Admissions for KCA. She has lived in St. Mary's County since February 2010 when her family moved to Maryland from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Barbara has two adult children and two current students. When Barbara is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and serving in ministry with her husband at Our Fathers House AG. Barbara is honored and blessed to be a part of the school where she truly enjoys helping other families learn more about KCA.

BIO

Melva Abell

Bookkeeper

EMAIL

BIO

Anita Hemingway

Bus Coordinator

EMAIL

BIO

Celeste Pullias

Spanish/Secretary

EMAIL

Celeste began substitute teaching in 2009 and came on full-time as the school's Development Secretary in October 2011. She also serves as the school's Summer Camp Secretary and teaches a Spanish club for 4th Grade, as well as a devotional class for 6th grade girls. She came to KCA with a background in marketing and sales and has a B.A. in linguistics from UMBC. In her spare time, Celeste enjoys being an AWANA leader at Faith Bible Church in Mechanicsville. She has been a St. Mary's County resident for the past four years and is a devoted mom to Brandon Pullias, a KCA graduate.

BIO

Lisa Benefield

Assistant Admin - ES/MS

EMAIL

Lisa received her BS from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development with a Math and History concentration. She received her masters from Western Maryland College (McDaniel) in Curriculum Development and Assessment with Administration/Supervision classes. Lisa started volunteering at KCA teaching art, which later turned into a part time position. Mrs. B. returned to full time teaching in 2012. In addition to administration, she continues to teach Bible. She is happily married to Tom, and they have three wonderful children, Breana, Seth, and Torie, who are “lifers” from KCA.

BIO

Heather Waller

Director of Development

EMAIL

BIO

Janice Cone

Bookkeeper

EMAIL

BIO

Omar De La Torre

IT Coordinator

EMAIL

Omar De la Torre is a graduate of the Univesidad de Guadalajara in Mexico, holding a degree in Information Systems. Before coming to KCA, he served as a Support Technician, Computer Teacher and IT Help Desk coordinator; most recently at the Lincoln School, a Christian school with English and Spanish program. He is married to Sarah and has three children. They attend Ministerio de Amor en Cristo, where he serves as part of the worship team. He greatly enjoys his family and helping and serve the people around him.

BIO

Anne Kerley

Office Manager/Reception

EMAIL

BIO

Sarah Patterson

Admin Emeritus

EMAIL

Mrs. Sarah Patterson served as the Founding Administrator of KCA for thirty years. After retirement in 2009, she continues to serve as the Educational & Development Consultant. She holds a BS in Education & English from Radford University and an MA in Education from George Washington University. She has taught in Roanoke County, VA Public Schools, the Frank Knox School (SMCPS), CSM, St. Mary's College, LPCS/KCA, and the Calvert Christian School. She has also taught Curriculum Development at Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Conferences. "It has been my great privilege to be a part of the Development of the Kings Christian Academy, Isaiah 40:31, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!" She is married to Michael Patterson, her children Stephen Patterson, Andrea Mikkola (David), and grandchildren, Joshua, Sarah A., and Rachel Mikkola.

BIO

Corinne Sautter

Development Assistant

EMAIL

BIO

Rhema Peet

Office Secretary

EMAIL

Rhema Peet is a California native who has spent years on the east coast with her family due to her husband's naval career. She is married to Casey, and they have three children, all of whom attend KCA. Rhema's background includes communications, administration, and she recently earned a Certificate in Narrative Focus Trauma Care. Rhema loves spending time with the Lord and painting.

BIO

Minna Hughes

Nurse

EMAIL

Minna Hughes brings to KCA many years of nursing experience, both in her native country of Finland and in the United States. She holds a BSN degree in nursing and has most recently spent twenty years working in the local hospital, of which she is retired. After leaving Finland, she spent several years in London and Spain as a missionary to the Muslim world. Along with her husband Kevin, and daughter Aleena (attends KCA), they are members of Faith Bible Church in Mechanicsville. In her free time she enjoys handcrafts, baking and gardening.

BIO

Kelly Behe

Office Aide

EMAIL

Kelly Behe joined the staff at KCA when her daughter, Morgan, was in middle school. She is married to Chris and has a husky named Nikka. Ms. Behe is a huge support to the office. Additionally, she supports the athletic office, helps out in classrooms where needed, and manages many aspects of summer camp. She also coaches Varsity Cheer. Mrs. Behe is especially proud that Morgan, a recent KCA graduate, attends Penn State.

BIO

ANNE KERLEY

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