Our Team
Barry Haag
President
President, First Texas Bank
Barry Haag
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
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
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
David Fenwick
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 Oglesbee
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
Clint Sonnier
Todd Whitley
Crenshaw Whitley & Associates
Todd Whitley
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
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.
Rebecca Blauser
Head of School
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
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.
Adora Matangira
Elementary Principal
Adora Matangira
Elementary Principal
Adora Matangira is the Elementary Principal at RRCA, providing leadership and oversight to the Elementary program. Mrs. Matangira received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Secondary Education from Queens University of Charlotte, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University-Portland, and a Principal Certification in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She has served in both public and private schools since 2008 as teacher, instructional technology specialist, department chair, and other administrative roles.
Tiffany Jaksch
Secondary Principal
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
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.
Ashley Sahl
PreKindergarten
Ashley Sahl
B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Texas State University
Years in Education: 2 years
Year 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.
Alyshia Tam
PreKindergarten
Alyshia Tam
B.S., Psychology & Criminal Justice, Indiana Wesleyan University
M.A., Education, Liberty Unversity
Years in Education: 19 years
Year 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
Kindergarten
Meg Abbe
B.S., Elementary Ed., Grand Canyon University
Year 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
Kindergarten
Charity Snyder
Years in Education:
Year Joined RRCA:
Church Affiliation:
Tori Tomlin
Kindergarten
Tori Tomlin
B.A., Early Childhood Education, Ashford University
A.A., Psychology, Panola Junior College
Years in Education: 6 years
Year 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.
Trixy Crowley
1st Grade
Trixy Crowley
B.S., Nursing, Texas Tech University
Years in Education: 2 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2021
Church Affiliation: Gateway, Austin
Kids are so amazing. My favorite moments in teaching are when my students accomplish something they don’t think they could do, and they beam with pride. Every day is different, and it is enjoyable watching kids change and grow throughout the year.
Kaye Wheelis
1st Grade
Kaye Wheelis
Years in Education:
Year Joined RRCA:
Church Affiliation:
Grace Collier
2nd Grade
Grace Collier
B.S., Applied Learning and Development, The University of Texas at Austin
Years in Education: 7 years
Year 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.
Diana Grier
2nd Grade
Diana Grier
B.A., Child and Family Studies, The University of Texas Permian Basin
Years in Education: 15 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2020
Church Affiliation: Life, Austin
My favorite subject to teach is Reading. I have a passion for Reading and I really enjoy sharing my love of reading with my students.
Shannon Walker
2nd Grade
Shannon Walker
B.S., Elementary Ed., Henderson State University
Years in Education: 18 years
Year 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!”
Joselyn Cervantes
3rd Grade
Joselyn Cervantes
Years in Education: 7.5 years
Year 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!
Tracie Lawler
3rd Grade
Tracie Lawler
B.A., Sociology, Centenary College of Shreveport
Years in Education: 33 years
Year 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.
Sara Swanson
3rd Grade
Sara Swanson
Years in Education:
Year Joined RRCA:
Church Affiliation:
Stacye Beane
4th Grade
Stacye Beane
B.S., Education, Northeastern State University
Years in Education: 34 years
Year 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
4th Grade
Leslie Brennan
B.S., Elementary Education, Millikin University
Years in Education: 8 years
Year 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
4th Grade
Sharee DeFriese
B.S. in Agricultural Development, Texas A&M
Years in Education: 16 years
Year 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!
Lauren Keefer
5th Grade
Lauren Keefer
Oklahoma Baptist Univerisity
Years in Education: 5
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church
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!
Jamie Salik
5th Grade
Jamie Salik
B.A., Communications, Sam Houston State University
Years in Education: 15 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2016
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
I love being able to come to work every day and make a difference in someone’s life. It is pure joy to be able to worship God and teach kids all in one place. I love RRCA!
Melissa Slayton
5th Grade
Melissa Slayton
University of Texas
Years in Education: 17
Church Affiliation: Hill Country Bible Church of Georgetown
I love encouraging students to keep working hard and to see them finally get the material after pushing through.
Karissa Anderson
Karissa Anderson
B.A., Multi-Age Spanish Education, Cedarville University
Years in Education: 5 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2021
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
I love teaching Spanish because I believe learning another language truly expands our minds and hearts. It is so fulfilling to see students discover this joy for themselves and to realize that they CAN understand and communicate in Spanish! I am so excited to be a part of the RRCA family, and I can’t wait to get to know my students this year and foster a love for Spanish as we build a solid foundation together.
Sharon Bernhardt
Sharon Bernhardt
Anderson University Anderson, Indiana
Years in Education: 24
Church Affiliation: The Fellowship Church
Investing in the lives of students
James Brenenstuhl
James Brenenstuhl
Degree: B.A., Sociology & Psychology, Baldwin Wallace College Degree: Masters, Education, Kent State University Degree: Scofield Bible Certificate, Moody Bible Institute
Years in Education: 21 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2009
Church Affiliation: Central Baptist Church, Round Rock
My favorite subject to teach is science because it provides opportunities for hands-on learning. My favorite Crusader event is Friday night football games.
Lauren Byrd
Lauren Byrd
B.S., Education, Baylor University
Years in Education: 15 years
Year 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.
Cynthia Carter
Cynthia Carter
College you graduated from: Texas State University
Number of years experience: This is my first year teaching
Subject: History
Church you attend: Cityview Bible
What you enjoy about teaching: I enjoy forming relationships with students and parents, encouraging them in their walk with Christ, and helping students exceed their own expectations.
Andrea Cermak
Andrea Cermak
B.S., Education, University of Michigan Instructional Coach, Learning Network
Years in Education: 25 years
Year 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.
Kevin Clark
Kevin Clark
B.A., Christian Studies, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Years in Education: 1 year
Year Joined RRCA: 2020
Church Affiliation: Redeemer Round Rock, Round Rock
I love building relationships with students, helping them develop a Biblical worldview, and facilitating the learning process around the things of God!
Julia Engelmann
Julia Engelmann
B.A., Psychology, University of North Texas M. Ed., Counseling
Years in Education: 29 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2019
Church Affiliation: Faith Lutheran, Georgetown
I absolutely love seeing my kids, that’s how I think of our students, come back and share their successes. I have several who struggled emotionally and academically but one of my favorite successes graduated with honors from UT Nursing and has been accepted into Medical school. Warms my heart!
Cathleen Ferose
Cathleen Ferose
B.A., English/Teaching Certification/Speech Minor, University of North Dakota
Years in Education: 23 years
Year 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.
Rachel Garcia
Rachel Garcia
Christian Education, College of Biblical Studies
Year Joined RRCA: 2020
Church Affiliation: Red Rock Church, Austin
I want to teach with the end goal in mind of helping to equip students with a Biblical worldview to be passionate followers of Jesus beyond their time at RRCA.
Jennifer Gribble
Jennifer Gribble
Degree: B.A., English, Texas State University Degree: M.A., English, Morehead State University
Years in Education: 28 years
Year Joined RRCA: 1995
Church Affiliation: St. Joseph’s Chapel, Salado
Teenagers are awesome. I love helping them grow as students and Christians.
Aaron Johnson
Aaron Johnson
Degree: B.A., Secondary Education, Concordia Lutheran College
Years in Education: 25 years
Year 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
Cheryl Johnson
Degree: B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Alabama
Years in Education: 9 years
Year 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.
Russell Larson
Russell Larson
Degree: B.A., Political Science, University of Texas, Austin Degree: MA., Education, Southwest Texas State University
Years in Education: 38 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2020
Church Affiliation: Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, Austin
My favorite part about teaching is being able to impact the lives of young kids and help them to love learining. Teaching at a Christian school I am able to help students to love our Lord and Savior. Being in education as long as I have, I’ve had the opportunity to see former students become teachers, and it brings me joy having my students turn to the profession I love.
Sherrie Owens
Sherrie Owens
Degree: B.S., Education, Baylor University Degree: M.A. Education, University of Texas at Brownsville
Years in Education: 21 years
Year 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.
Kira Polanco
Kira Polanco
Degree: B.S., Business Administration, Bentley University
Year Joined RRCA: 2021
Church Affiliation: High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin
This will be my first year teaching, but as a substitute teacher previously, I realized how much I enjoy middle schoolers. They are at such a special stage in their life where they have growing curiosity about the world around them and exploring who God made them to be. I love helping them reach their full potential academically and spiritually.
Nancy Redding
Nancy Redding
Degree: B.S.,Disciplinary Studies, University of North Texas
Years in Education: 9 years
Year Joined RRCA: 2015
Church Affiliation: The Fellowship, Round Rock
I love attending Chapel and getting to worship with the students.
Julieth Rousselin
Julieth Rousselin
Degree: BBA, Computer Information Systems and Marketing, University of Texas at El Paso Degree: MBA, International
Business, University of Texas at El Paso
Years in Education: 2 years
Year 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
Matt Tarbutton
University of Houston
Years in Education: 13
To make an impact in the lives of my students.
James Watson
James Watson
Degree: A.S., Mathematics, Austin Community College Degree: B.S., Mathematics, University of Texas
Years in Education: 27 years
Year 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
Jesica Weatherman
Degree: B.A., Early Childhood Education, Stanislaus State University
Years in Education: 10 years
Year 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.”
Trisha Beckham
Music
Trisha Beckham
Texas A&M University
Years in Education: 8 years
Year Joined RRCA:
Church Affiliation: Gateway Church
I love KIDS and sharing my love of music.
Suzanne Chaiken
Art
Suzanne Chaiken
The Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
Years in Education: 10 Years
Year Joined RRCA:
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
Music
Lori Fair
Gateway Technical College: Early Childhood Development
Years in Education: 9 years
Year 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.
Jennifer Mayo
Library
Jennifer Mayo
B.S., Elementary Ed., Texas A&M
Master of Information Studies, The University of Texas
Years in Education: 12 years
Year 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.
Melinda Smith
Discovery
Melinda Smith
B.S., Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Reading, Texas Christian University
Masters, Education, Early Childhood, South West Texas State
Years in Education: 30 years
Year 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
Physical Education
Barachel Toner
B.S., Sports Medicine, University Mary Hardin Baylor
Years in Education: 17 years
Year 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.
