Faculty and Staff

Our current faculty and staff bring diverse talents in their respective disciplines but each share three things in common: a tender heart for the Lord, a passion for what they do and a profound love for children. Regardless of their skills, they are each the type of people that parents want their children around.

Kindergarten Teacher

Cheryl Hannam was providentially sent to SMLCA by the grace of God! She brings a wealth of experience to this all important position.  Cheryl received her BS degree from Mansfield University graduating Cum Laude and has taken graduate courses at Penn State University, University of Va. and Liberty University. She has attended numerous conferences and seminars related to Christian education, particularly those involving integrating a biblical worldview into the classroom and daily life.  She is certified through the Commonwealth of Virginia in Primary Education through three.

Cheryl has taught Kindergarten for the past ten years, most recently at Bedford Christian Academy after a stint with New Covenant Schools. Prior to that, she taught for ten years in a church pre-school.

In addition to her Kindergarten responsibilities, Cheryl will instruct all grade levels in  Latin  and will help direct our Faculty Mentor Program.

Fourth/Fifth Grade Teacher

Amelia Masterson came to us highly recommended before even submitting her application. After her first round of interviews, our interview team simply said, "Do not let her get away!" After graduating from Radford University with a BS in Psychology and a Minor in English, Amelia has completed numerous hours in graduate courses at Liberty University in pursuit of her M.A. in Counseling and in Special Education. She is in fact certified by the State of Va. in Special Education.

Her most recent professional experience has been at New Hope Academy where she specialized in middle school math. However, her passion for education and love for children will enable her to be a great teacher at any level. She loves outdoor sports including soccer and softball but especially snowboarding!

First/Second Grade Teacher

.

Middle School Language Arts

Boo Andrews is simply one of the more gifted persons in the area. Her gifts of organization and hospitality are well suited for managing the school office which will include coordinating volunteers, as well as receptionist, nurse and counseling duties! Boo received her BS from Rollins University, graduating with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She taught in Florida and in her hometown of Roanoke and has substituted at all levels for years.

She has taught youth Sunday School for years and has led dozens of Women's and Children's Bible Studies. Her daily devotional on the internet http://www.boojoyful.blogspot.com/ reaches out to thousands. In addition to her office work, Boo has worked exhaustively on developing a school library and will help substitute and mentor the younger teachers.

Perhaps most importantly, Boo will help with Bible Studies as part of the Integrity Institute curriculum.

Middle School Math and Science

Elisabeth Embrey is a graduate of Cedarville (OH) University with a BA in Middle Childhood Education with certification in Mathematics and Science for grades 4-9. She comes to us from the Christian Academy of Louisville (KY) where she taught sixth grade math and science. She has also tutored in Algebra 2, Pre-calculus, Chemistry and Physics.

Elisabeth is the wife of Mike, newly appointed Youth Pastor of Halesford Baptist Church.

                                                                            Art and Afternoon Kindergarten Supervisor

Stephanie Smith began her career at SMLCA as  our 2008 Summer Enrichment Programs. Her creativity was so evident, and her ability to work well with children from K-6 convinced us to lure her on board for the full academic year, where she served as our K-1 afternoon coordinator and Art Instructor. Stephanie recently earned her BA in Studio Art from The University of Mary Washington. Her course work included ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and art history.

In addition to playing Field Hockey for three years at UMW, she led a women's Bible Study for UMW Baptist Collegiate Ministries.  Stephanie has worked at a YMCA where she developed and designed an art curriculum for children ages 6-12. She  is currently working at The Little Gallery at Bridgewater.

Stephanie has already shown a unique ability to combine the creativity of art with scriptural themes. In our desire for the Arts to be a critical component of our curriculum, Stephanie's passion to motivate students to excel in their work should serve SMLCA well.