Our Team
Barry Haag
President
President, First Texas Bank
Barry Haag has a BBA degree from Baylor University with a graduate degree from the Graduate School of Banking at SMU. He has been in banking for over 35 years, the last 26 years with the First Texas Bancorp group. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board and CEO of the organization. Over the years he has served numerous non-profit organizations. Barry is a native Texan having grown up in nearby Milam County. He and his wife Kristi have been married for over 34 years with two grown sons. They attend the Crestview Church of Christ.
Alexis Michael
Treasurer
Regional Credit Manager, SouthStar Bank
Alexis Michael is currently a Regional Credit Manager and SBA Director at SouthStar Bank. She has over 19 years in banking with experience in both lending and operations management, the past 13 years have been solely focused on commercial lending. Alexis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Park University, and an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Northwest Florida College. Over the past 15 years Alexis has served in various leadership positions and on several non-profit Board of Director’s. She is actively involved in CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women, Past President), RRCA PST where she serves as the Treasurer, and volunteers in the children’s ministry at Hill Country Bible Church where she attends with her family. Alexis and her husband, Brian, have lived in Cedar Park area for the past 15 years. Together they have four children, one who is married and is an ordained minister, one serving in the United States Navy, and two who are enrolled at RRCA. This is their 6th year at RRCA.
Russell Agosta
Retired CPA
Russell Agosta has over 45 years of experience in public accounting and has worked with a variety of companies in a number of different industries, focusing on contractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, developers and construction associations. He is recognized as an expert in both the accounting and operational aspects of today’s construction industry. Russ earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Detroit. He is a member of the Consulting Constructor’s Council of America and currently serves as a life director of the Associated General Contractors of America. During his retirement, he has been an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University and has led numerous professional seminars throughout his career for several national associations. He and his wife, Ann, divide their time between Michigan and Round Rock, Texas, where two of their grandchildren attend Round Rock Christian Academy.
David Fenwick
Associate Pastor True Life in Round Rock
A longtime resident of Central Texas, David Fenwick is currently serving as an Associate Pastor at True Life in Round Rock. He was ordained into ministry in 1995 and has served in almost every pastoral position since. David is currently a Realtor with RE/MAX Capital City in Round Rock, and has served on the Metro Board for the YMCA of Austin.
The Fenwick family were well known for operating Sandy’s Shoes in Austin for over thirty years. He is a father of six, four of whom have attended RRCA.
Susan Oglesbee
Education Committee Chair
Community Volunteer
Susan has lived in the Austin area for 40 years and in Round Rock for 7 years. She has had rich experiences as a teacher, elementary principal, middle-school principal, and central office administrator. Susan retired in 2009 as the Assistance Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in the Pflugerville School District. She is active in the ministries of First Baptist Round Rock serving as a choir member, Adult Sunday School teacher, teacher of evening English classes to international adults, Mentor Mom in the Mother’s of Preschoolers Program, and serving on the church’s Mission Team. Susan and her late husband, Mike, have one daughter and two grandchildren.
Clint Sonnier
Vice President Operations, Bobcat Heavy Civil, LLC
Todd Whitley
Crenshaw Whitley & Associates
Todd is a native Texan. He and his wife, Georgann, moved from West Texas to Georgetown in 1992. They have two wonderful children, Madison (RRCA alumni) and Morgan, who attends RRCA. Todd is a graduate of Abilene Christian University with a BBA in Marketing and received his MBA from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Todd is co-founder and partner of Crenshaw Whitley & Associates LLC. They focus on developing Employee Benefit programs for public schools, healthcare systems, municipal governments and non-profits. The Whitley’s are members of the Georgetown Church of Christ, where Todd serves as a deacon in the Children’s Ministry and Finance area.
Allan Keith
General Partner Windy Meadows Inc.
Allan Keith received his degree in Industrial Management and Marketing and began working in the steel business at Central Texas Iron Works in West Texas. He and his wife Gail moved to Round Rock in 1985 where he began his career in real estate investments and property management with Hickerson Homes. Mr. Keith later started his own company and currently owns and manages commercial properties in Central Texas. The Keith’s have three grown children who attended RRCA and Allan served as a School Board member during that time. The Keith’s are members of Victory Baptist Church in Cedar Park and have 8 grandchildren, including one who currently attends RRCA.
Gregg Johnson
President and Co-Owner of Team Flooring LLC
Gregg Johnson has been in the commercial flooring business for over 25 years, and currently serves as President and Co-Owner of Team Flooring LLC, a commercial flooring company that includes specializing in raised access flooring. He believes relationships are the key to effective leadership and the cornerstone for exceptional service – the inspiration for the mission. His volunteer service has included fundraising and donor relations with RRCA, sponsorship of ‘Love the Rock’ through Austin Bridge Builders Alliance, and he currently serves as a board member of Agape Pregnancy Resource Center. Gregg and his wife Melissa have been married 34 years and are active members of CrossWalk Church. They have three adult children (Trevor, Fern, and Clayton) and three grandchildren (Oliver, Bryce and Lacey).
Rebecca Blauser
Head of School
Becky Blauser is the Head of School and manages the day-to-day operation of the school, including the hiring of faculty and staff. Mrs. Blauser graduated from the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education/Social Studies, and also has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Mrs. Blauser began her teaching career in 1986 at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland. Upon moving to Texas, Mrs. Blauser was the Customer Service Manager for Trimble Navigation. Beginning in 1994, she served as the Children’s Director of Central Baptist Church. She has served at the Academy since 1999, formerly as the Secondary Principal, Athletic Director and Guidance Counselor. She holds a Superintendent Certification from the Association of Christian Schools International.
Kelly Counts
Preschool Principal
Kelly Counts is the Early Childhood Principal at RRCA, providing leadership and oversight to the Early Childhood program. Mrs. Counts holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from East Texas State University. She has taught in both public and private education since 1992, and joined the RRCA staff in 2003 as a faculty member. Mrs. Counts holds an ACSI Elementary Principal Certificate.
Seleta Carter
Elementary Principal
Seleta Carter is the Elementary Principal at RRCA, providing leadership and oversight to the Elementary Program. Mrs. Carter graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a degree in Psychology/Math and received her Masters degree from Lamar University in Educational Administration. She has taught in Round Rock public schools for 20 years, and joined the Administrative team at RRCA in 2022. She and her family attend Central Baptist church and her two sons are students at RRCA.
Tiffany Jaksch
Secondary Principal
Tiffany Jaksch is the Secondary Principal at RRCA, providing leadership and oversight to the Secondary program. Mrs. Jaksch graduated from the University of Houston in Victoria with a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities, and has a Masters in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. She has taught in both public and private education since 2000, and joined the RRCA faculty in 2006. Mrs. Jaksch has earned a Secondary Principal Certification from ACSI.
Dan Headley
Athletic Director
Dan Headley joined the RRCA staff in 2010 as the Athletic Director. Coach Headley began coaching and teaching in Central Texas in 1996. He holds an Athletic Director certification from ACSI and oversees all of the athletic programs from 5th-12th grades. Coach Headley has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biblical Studies from Emmaus Bible College and received his teaching credentials in Physical Education at the University of Northern Iowa.
Jason Rice
Assistant Athletic Director
Jason Rice joined RRCA as the Assistant Athletic Director in 2022. He received his Bachelor’s in Education with a Physical Education concentration from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Mr. Rice was a collegiate athlete and believes that athletics play a huge part in the growth of students, both physically and spiritually.
James Brenenstuhl
Academic Advisor
James Brenenstuhl is the Academic Advisor, providing academic and college/career guidance for Secondary students. Mr. Brenenstuhl received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Baldwin Wallace University and his Master of Education Degree from Kent State University. He also received a Bible Certificate from Moody Bible Institute. He has been teaching in both public and private education since 1998. He joined the RRCA team in 2009 and has taught Secondary math, science, and Bible at RRCA.
Julie Grosser
Director of Operations
Julie Grosser joined the RRCA staff in 2004 and is the Director of Operations. Julie is responsible for assisting administration with reports, publications, and communication needs. She also provides technology support for teachers, students, and parents. Mrs. Grosser earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Texas in 1990.
Rene Crupper
Receptionist
Paula Headley
Human Resources/Accounts Payable
Cindy Heidenheimer
Administrative Assistant
Tammi Jacks
Admissions Assistant
Brandy Johnson
Development Coordinator
Lisa Kaminski
Administrative Assistant/Athletics
Lisa Kugel
Counselor
Kimberley Moushon
Administrative Assistant/Purchasing
Cindy Potts
Admissions/Accounts Receivable
Sunnye Reynolds
Receptionist
Keilah Thompson
Nurse
Erica Wagner
Media Director
Christy Wolff
Development Associate
Gina Rowe
Degree: BS FCS Child Development and Preschool Administration; Baylor
Years in Education: 20
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church – Leander
I hold each child as a unique gift from God, fearfully and wonderfully made. In response to this, I walk into the classroom each day feeling honored, humbled, and immeasurably grateful. By igniting a love for exploration and knowledge, fostering joyful hearts and minds, and providing a solid foundation, the “first step” can be a GIANT LEAP in early education.
Alyshia Tam
Degree: B.S., Psychology & Criminal Justice, Indiana Wesleyan UniversityM.A., Education; Liberty Unversity
Years in Education: 19 years
Joined RRCA: 2012
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
Most of my teaching experience has been with preschoolers, so I enjoy getting to experience the world through their young eyes. They love new experiences and the wonder of it all shows on their little faces.
Meg Abbe
Degree: B.S., Elementary Ed.; Grand Canyon University
Years in Education: 2
Joined RRCA: 2021
Church Affiliation: Heritage Baptist Church, Georgetown
I love that I get to go to work each day and build relationships with my students. I am so thankful to work in a place where I not only get to encourage and support my students daily, but also teach them about Biblical truths and Christ’s love for them.
Charity Snyder
Degree: BS Elementary Education; Southwest Texas University
Years in Education: 25
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: Redemption City Church, Round Rock
My favorite part of teaching is seeing all the students’ smiling faces. They are excited to come to school, learn new things, see their friends, and anticipate how we are going to have fun learning and making memories each and every day.
Tori Tomlin
Degree: B.A., Early Childhood Education, Ashford UniversityA.A., Psychology: Panola Junior College
Years in Education: 6 years
Joined RRCA: 2015
Church Affiliation: Covenant Presbyterian, Round Rock
Teaching is one of the most rewarding things I have had the pleasure of doing. To be able to guide children as they explore and learn is a true privilege. Seeing their eyes light up when they understand something for the first time is why I have spent all my life working with children.
Jenn Downing
Degree: BS Communications/Sociology; Texas A&M
Years in Education: 4
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church – Leander
It is a blessing from God that I get to be a part of a child’s formative years of education and help lay the foundation for future lifelong learning.
Ashley Sahl
Degree: B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies; Texas State University
Years in Education: 2 years
Joined RRCA: 2020
Church Affiliation: Grace Covenant Church, Austin
I enjoy creating a classroom for my students that is full of fun new experiences. It is a blessing to watch them grow in confidence as well as spiritual and academic knowledge. My goal is to create a love for learning in all my studnets that will last a life time.
Autumn Warriner
Degree: Northern Arizona University
Years in Education: 1
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: The Grove, Liberty Hill
I love watching a child’s confidence grow as they build their relationship with Jesus!
Kaye Wheelis
Grace Collier
Degree: B.S., Applied Learning and Development; The University of Texas at Austin
Years in Education: 7 years
Joined RRCA: 2021
Church Affiliation: Great Hills Baptist Church, Austin
I love teaching and exploring different subject areas and concepts with my students. Seeing a child become excited about learning is one of my favorite things to witness! It is such a blessing and a privilege getting to build relationships with my students and watching them learn and grow throughout the school year.
Brooke Debevoise
Degree: BS Education; University of North Texas
Years in Education: 5
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Calvary Chapel – Austin
I love that every day I have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and make new memories with these precious students.
Shannon Walker
Degree: B.S., Elementary Ed.; Henderson State University
Years in Education: 18 years
Joined RRCA: 2011
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
In my first year of teaching I had a student that had a tough time understanding division. He would give up on a division problem after one try. One day I was working with him and it just clicked. I will never forget his face when he realized, “I can do this!”
Britney Gittinger
Degree: BS Journalism/Mass Communications; Abilene Christian University
Years in Education: 8
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Westside Church of Christ, Round Rock
It has been such a blessing to be able to daily teach my students about God’s word and truths and help them make connections between His love and plans for us and how that relates to things we learn in school. I enjoy delivering a positive and safe environment for my students where the hope is that they will grow stronger through struggles and become confident in problem solving with academics and friendships. I love building relationships with my students and seeing them blossom even after they leave my classroom.
Melissa Krolikowski
Degree: BA Elementary Education; Concordia University Wisconsin
Years in Education: 4
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: First Baptist Church Pflugerville
I love sharing God’s love and getting to know each unique child and their family.
Tracie Lawler
Degree: B.A., Sociology; Centenary College of Shreveport
Years in Education: 33 years
Joined RRCA: 2016
Church Affiliation: Fellowship, Hutto
I love to see my students strive to do their best and reach their goals! When they learn that they can do anything they set their mind to, there is no stopping them. I enjoy teaching them about the world God created and their place in it.
Stacye Beane
Degree: B.S., Education; Northeastern State University
Years in Education: 34 years
Joined RRCA: 2017
Church Affiliation: Great Hills Baptist Church, Austin
I enjoy teaching all subjects but seeing the growth of a child’s reading ability and watching them learn to love reading is so special. My desire is for every student to love to read, enjoy learning and researching information, and being excited to share what they have learned! I am so blessed that God called me to RRCA and that I can teach at this awesome school!
Leslie Brennan
Degree: B.S., Elementary Education; Millikin University
Years in Education: 8 years
Joined RRCA: 2015
Church Affiliation: City View Bible Church, Round Rock
My favorite subject to teach is Bible. It is an awesome privilege to be able to share God’s truth and love with my students. The real blessings come as I hear my students share these same truths with each other. I am so blessed God called me to teach at RRCA.
Sharee DeFriese
Degree: B.S. in Agricultural Development; Texas A&M
Years in Education: 16 years
Joined RRCA: 2018
Church Affiliation: Celebration, Georgetown
I enjoy learning from all different types of learners that I encounter year after year. No child is exactly the same and it is amazing to see how God created us all so uniquely. I love seeing that moment when a child understands fully a concept you have taught them and their face lights up with such joy and excitement!
Desiree Abbott
Degree: BS Elementary Education; University of Nevada Las Vegas
Years in Education: 2
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church – Georgetown
Lauren Keefer
Degree: BS Secondary Education; Oklahoma Baptist Univerisity
Years in Education: 5
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church - Leander
I love to teach because I had influential teachers that spoke truth into my life, and I want to do the same for my students. I also desire for every student to feel loved and supported as they follow God’s plan for their life!
Melissa Slayton
Degree: BA Biology; University of Texas
Years in Education: 17
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church, Georgetown
I love encouraging students to keep working hard and to see them finally get the material after pushing through.
Dakota Abbe
Degree: BA Pastoral Studies; Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary MA Church Ministries, MA Divinity; Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Heritage Baptist, Georgetown
As a Bible teacher, I enjoy teaching in a way where the students truly see the Bible come alive. Lord willing, as the Bible comes alive before their very eyes, they will choose to be a student of the Word for the rest of their lives.
Sharon Bernhardt
Degree: BS Secondary Education; Anderson University Anderson, Indiana
Years in Education: 24
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: The Fellowship Church
Investing in the lives of students
Cynthia Carter
Degree: BA English and History; Texas State University
Years in Education: 1
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: Cityview Bible, Round Rock
I enjoy forming relationships with students and parents, encouraging them in their walk with Christ, and helping students exceed their own expectations.
Andrea Cermak
Degree: B.S., Education; University of Michigan Instructional Coach, Learning Network
Years in Education: 25 years
Joined RRCA: 2007
Church Affiliation: St. Williams Catholic Church, Round Rock
I believe all students have the ability to succeed and love to help them reach their full potential. I strive to provide opportunities for students to explore and discover new concepts and ideas with actively engaging hands on experiences.
Lauren Byrd
Degree: B.S., Education; Baylor University
Years in Education: 15 years
Joined RRCA: 2016
Church Affiliation: Keypoint Church, Cedar Park
My favorite subject to teach is English. English is interesting because we get to read stories and discuss problems that we all face in life. In English class we get to write and think creatively and I love getting to see students enjoying themselves in those areas.
Cathleen Ferose
Degree: B.A., English/Teaching Certification/Speech Minor; University of North Dakota
Years in Education: 23 years
Joined RRCA: 2001
Church Affiliation: Celebration Church, Georgetown
I cannot think of a higher joy than helping another person be successful. I’ve worked in business and with adults, but working with teenagers is my bliss. My favorite class to teach is high school speech because helping our students develop the confidence and poise to present themselves is such a joy. I get to know the hearts of the students here at the Academy through their speeches. That has always been something I consider a great privilege.
Catherine Galloway
Degree: BA Business Administration; Texas State University
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Hutto Bible Church, Hutto
While serving as a substitute teacher last year, I learned how much I enjoy engaging with and getting to know middle school students. I consider it a joy and privilege to have the opportunity to teach students math and help them learn how to apply biblical truths as they also learn how to live in our world today.
Jennifer Gribble
Degree: B.A., English; Texas State University M.A., English; Morehead State University
Years in Education: 28 years
Joined RRCA: 1995
Church Affiliation: St. Joseph’s Chapel, Salado
Teenagers are awesome. I love helping them grow as students and Christians.
Emma Hodges
Degree: BS Interdisciplinary Studies; Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Years in Education: 1
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Oak Ridge Baptist Church
One of my favorite things about teaching is seeing students succeed at something they weren’t sure they could do. It is so rewarding to watch them grow in their confidence and expand their skillsets.
Aaron Johnson
Degree: Degree: B.A., Secondary Education; Concordia Lutheran College
Years in Education: 25 years
Joined RRCA: 2015
Church Affiliation: Journey Bible Fellowship, Leander
My favorite subject to teach is World History. World History is the study of everything humans have ever thought, said and done world-wide and there is much that is exciting, fascinating and fun to teach. Also, the study of World History allows us to learn about the nature of man, our achievements and failures as God’s unique creation and the working of God’s providence through history.
Cheryl Johnson
Degree: Degree: B.S., Electrical Engineering; University of Alabama
Years in Education: 9 years
Joined RRCA: 2020
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
I find the study of math and science fascinating because it reveals the beauty and perfection of God’s Creation. I love seeing young minds light up with the joy of discovery and problem solving.
Blythe Leon
Degree: BA French & Spanish; University of Washington MA Arts and Science TESOL; Seattle Pacific University
Years in Education: 9
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: City View Bible Church
“I love it when a plan comes together”… My favorite moments in teaching are when the class feels like a family because everyone feels at home. We’re having a good time together, and because of all our hard work, it’s all happening in Spanish. I love it when students discover that unlocking the Spanish-speaking world is worth all their energy and effort, and that they can do so much more than they thought before.
Jessica Lufti
Degree: BA; College of Wooster, MS; Shenandoah University
Years in Education: 4
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: City View Bible Church, Round Rock
One of my favorite teaching moments happened when I was helping eighth graders review for their final exams. One of my students asked me a question that I knew she could figure out if she paused just a moment longer. I asked her a question in response instead of giving her the answer so that she could come up with the answer herself. Exasperated, she asked me if I ever gave a straight answer or if I always answered in question form. To which I responded with a question, and we both laughed. I told my students that my job is to get them to think. If I always give them the answers, then they wouldn’t have the opportunity to come to the answer on their own thus furthering their understanding of the topic.
Sallie McCutchen
Degree: BS Education; Southwest Texas State University
Years in Education: 25
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Freedom Life, Cedar Park
Teaching is a calling and fills me up! I love interacting with the students and helping them seek their potential. I enjoy challenging them to think on their own. The very best thing is seeing their smiles.
Gabriele Perez
Degree: BA Ministry and Education; University of Mary Hardin Baylor
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
I enjoy teaching because, like Jesus, it allows me to build relationships with the students and parents. I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged and valued to reach their full potential, academically and spiritually.
Rhonna Vinke
Degree: BS Political Science; Northern Illinois University
Years in Education: 1
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Parkway Bible Church, Pflugerville
Teaching science brings me great joy. I not only have the chance to share knowledge about our incredible world, but also to highlight how it reflects the amazing work of our Creator. The way science and scripture compliment each other beautifully showcases the wonders of God’s creation.
Sherrie Owens
Degree: B.S., Education; Baylor University M.A. Education; University of Texas at Brownsville
Years in Education: 21 years
Joined RRCA: 2019
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
Every day is different. I’m never sure what crazy thing will happen or what life lesson will be learned on a given day. I love to laugh, and there are plenty of funny things that go on in a school.
Nancy Redding
Degree: Degree: B.S.,Disciplinary Studies; University of North Texas
Years in Education: 9 years
Joined RRCA: 2015
Church Affiliation: Parkway Bible Church, Pflugerville
I love attending Chapel and getting to worship with the students.
Julieth Rousselin
Degree: BBA, Computer Information Systems and Marketing; University of Texas at El Paso MBA, International Business, University of Texas at El Paso
Years in Education: 2 years
Joined RRCA: 2019
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
One of my favorite teaching moments was leading prayer time with a group of middle school students at RRCA and asking them to pray in their native language – it was an amazing experience! Our Heavenly Father heard our prayers in English, Chinese and Spanish. It is a blessing to teach Spanish and a joy to hear our students pray and memorize God’s Word in another language.
Matt Tarbutton
Degree: BS Kinesiology-Sports Administration; University of Houston
Years in Education: 13
Joined RRCA: 2022
To make an impact in the lives of my students.
James Watson
Degree: A.S., Mathematics; Austin Community College B.S., Mathematics; University of Texas
Years in Education: 27 years
Joined RRCA: 1998
Church Affiliation: Hyde Park Baptist Church, Austin
One of my students once told me that “I teach like Jesus taught.”
Jesica Weatherman
Degree: Degree: B.A., Early Childhood Education; Stanislaus State University
Years in Education: 10 years
Joined RRCA: 2018
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
What I enjoy most about teaching are those “ah-ha” moments students have when they finally accomplish a challenging task. I want to inspire my students to keep trying, even when sometimes it seems easier to give up. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Alex D’Amico
Degree: BA Music; Pensacola Christian College
Years in Education: 1
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: Great Hills Baptist Church
I am looking forward to making an impact in students’ lives, not only musically, but also for Christ!
Lucy Ann Cardona
Degree: BA Elementary Education; University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras Campus
Years in Education: 9
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: The Church in Round Rock
My dad is my inspiration, and he took every opportunity to impart wisdom and love to every life he touched. One of the most important lessons he taught me is to love and care for others, especially children. I believe God guided me to choose teaching as my career. I am thankful for the pattern my dad left for us as one who loved God and served others his whole life. Now I have the opportunity to love others, and I love teaching at RRCA.
Joselyn Cervantes
Degree: BS Family and Child Development; Texas State University
Years in Education: 7.5
Joined RRCA: 2014
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
My favorite subject to teach is Bible. I love the Lord and how alive and active His word is! I find great joy in bringing it to life and watching the sparkle in a child’s eye when they connect with it!
Suzanne Chaiken
Degree: The Academy of Art University; San Francisco, CA
Years in Education: 10 Years
Joined RRCA: 2022
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
Art is a place where every student can find their imaginative self and expand different areas of their creative mind. It is a doorway for students see God in the natural world, to look inside themselves, express themselves, build self confidence, take risks safely, and discover and explore new things. I love fostering and inspiring students imagination and creativity. There is great satisfaction in seeing the joy of students who have accomplished a new skill or created something wonderful.
Lori Fair
Degree: Gateway Technical College: Early Childhood Development
Years in Education: 9 years
Joined RRCA: 2020
Church Affiliation: Great Hills Baptist Church, Austin
I love recounting the “histories” of the Bible and finding fun ways to make it come alive that even my youngest students can understand. To explain, and try to help them grasp, the depth of God’s love for us and what He has done through His Son is both phenomenal and humbling. I love seeing their faces light up and the comfort that comes as they realize that we were made by Him in Him and for Him. Everything He does is for His glory and our good.
Brandy Johnson
Degree: Degree in Nursing; Certifications in Education/Coaching
Years in Education: 16 years
Joined RRCA: 2007
Church Affiliation: Celebration Church
I have been performing and dancing since I was two years old. Being on stage and celebrating God’s gift of dance and song is one of the greatest joys in my life. I am so excited to be the Creative Director of the annual Spring Show and teaching Musical Theater to choir students in 7th-12th grades.
Jennifer Mayo
Degree: B.S., Elementary Ed; Texas A&M Master of Information Studies; The University of Texas
Years in Education: 12 years
Joined RRCA: 2012
Church Affiliation: First Baptist Church, Georgetown
My favorite subject to teach is reading. I love to see children put sounds together to form words and turn words into sentences. Solving the puzzle of reading is so empowering for students and allows them to learn anything.
Tori Redding
Degree: B.A., Studio Art; University of Mary Hardin Baylor
Years in Education: 2
Joined RRCA: 2021
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church, Austin
Melinda Smith
Degree: B.S., Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Reading; Texas Christian University Masters, Education, Early Childhood; South West Texas State
Years in Education: 30 years
Joined RRCA: 1999
Church Affiliation: First Baptist Church, Round Rock
I love teaching because it is what I have known God called me to do since I was little. I love the interaction with the children and watching the excitement in their eyes as they learn and master new concepts. It is different every day and full of challenges as I find ways to present material in new ways or to reach the child that does not understand.
Barachel Toner
Degree: B.S., Sports Medicine; University Mary Hardin Baylor
Years in Education: 17 years
Joined RRCA: 2004
Church Affiliation: The Fellowship, Round Rock
I love teaching Physical Education because I have the privilege of getting the kids to exercise and learn about the body and health.
Allison Welch
Degree: BM Choral Music Education; Liberty University
Years in Education: 1
Joined RRCA: 2023
Church Affiliation: The Fellowship Church, Hutto
What I enjoy the most about teaching is seeing the kids get excited about what they are learning. I love seeing their eyes light up when they start to understand a concept! God has given me such a passion for music and sharing that passion with my students is such a blessing.