Annie Sturgis teaches fifth grade math and science at Rossville Christian Academy. She has an undergraduate degree in Social Science Education from Blue Mountain College and will begin the pursuit of her master’s degree in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in the Fall of 2023. Mrs. Sturgis considers herself blessed to be able to begin her career at RCA surrounded by an environment that encourages and provides opportunity for her calling to ministry as a teacher. Mrs. Sturgis and her husband, Josh, married in May 2022 and moved to the Memphis area both to answer a call to ministry at a local church. Mrs. Sturgis says, “It is so unique to be a part of and witness what God is doing here at RCA. It is a privilege to deliver and receive a Christian Education at a school like this.”

Mrs. Omedeo was born and raised in Collierville, TN and is a proud RCA alumnus. She graduated from Blue Mountain College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Christian Ministry. She and her husband live in Lamar, MS with their daughter. They attend Slayden Baptist Church where they are involved in several ministries. Mrs. Omedeo’s favorite verse is Romans 8:28. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” 

Mrs. Rowland holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Western Governors University and is certified to teach grades K-5. Mrs. Rowland will begin her eighth year of teaching at RCA.  

Mrs. Rowland and her husband, Lee, have twins, Carson and Kinsley. As a family, they love to spend quality time together cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, gardening, playing outside, and spending time with their dog Honey.  The Rowlands are active members of Germantown Baptist Church.  

 Mrs. Rowland’s favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Ms. Williams is a graduate of Texas Christian University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in early childhood – 6th grade education and a Master of Education in curriculum & instruction with an emphasis in curriculum studies. She has her Texas Teacher Certification in pre-k through 6th grade with certifications in special education and teaching English as a second language. She also has her Tennessee Teacher Certification with endorsements in pre-k through 5th grade.  

 When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Williams loves to spend time with her family going camping and hiking. She especially loves to spend time with her niece, Michalina and her nephew, Finnley.  

 Ms. Williams’ favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” 

Mrs. Beesinger graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's in early childhood Ed, Pre-K-third grade.  Devoting her career to teaching kindergarten, she comes to RCA with 30 years of experience.  

 Mrs. Beesinger has been married to her husband David for 30 years. Recently, their son Winston married his wife Kenzie, and they live in Houston, Texas. In Mrs. Beesinger's free time, she enjoys reading, attending Bible studies, being outside with their 5 dogs, visiting Houston, and spending time with family.  

 Mrs. Beesinger's favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 

Daniel Montano was born in Mexico City, but has called Memphis home for over 20 years. He worked for eight years as a bilingual mentor with Shelby County Schools before joining the RCA faculty in 2022. He is excited to be teaching high school Spanish courses, sharing his knowledge and passion for the Spanish language and culture with students. In addition to teaching, Mr. Montano sponsors RCA’s middle/high school Soccer Club.

Daniel and his wife, Audra, have two boys that attend RCA. He attends Pueblo de Dios where he has served in the youth ministry and in outreach ministries. Mr. Montano’s favorite scripture is the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” 

Daniel enjoys supporting the Memphis Tigers, cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies, spending time with his family, and bargain-hunting for video games. Outside of school, you can find Mr. Montano coaching his son’s soccer team with Soccer Olé FC. 

Mrs. Nelson has 16 years of experience as an educator in public and private schools, with over 10 years as a kindergarten teacher. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University and is certified K-8th. Mrs. Nelson attends Collierville Baptist church. She has two girls with her husband, Jedidiah. She loves basketball, running, going to the lake, reading, and family time. Mrs. Nelson loves to help children build a love for learning and provide an exciting nurturing first experience to elementary school. 

Mrs. Jenni Perry holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from Western Kentucky University. After seven years of educating in the homeschool community, and four years of experience in various instructional roles with elementary age students, in a Classical Christian community and a Classical College Preparatory program, Mrs. Perry brings her academic expertise to Rossville Christian Academy. 

During her time in Classical Christian education, Mrs. Perry taught children in various levels of lower elementary, in all subject areas, including art & music theory. She has seen how a multi-sensory approach to learning can truly benefit each individual learner, and she is a firm believer in helping children grow to love learning. She believes that teaching children to be filled with wonder and awe of the world God created yields a passion for learning that will blossom. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Mrs. Perry has been married to her husband Clay for 18 years, and their children Alex (2nd), Alyssa (6th), Andrew (7th) have also joined the WolfPack family. 

Mrs. Storey graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Over the course of her career, she has taught first grade, homeschooled her children, and most recently has been the Children’s Ministry Director for Crossroads Baptist Church. Mrs. Storey loves connecting her passion for teaching and discipleship in the classroom at RCA! Jennifer is married to Rob, and they have four children. You can often find them on the soccer field cheering on one of their kids. One of Jennifer’s favorite Bible passages is Psalm 91:1-2 “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Jonathan Vowell graduated from the University of Memphis in 2010 with a Masters in English and in 2016 with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Literary and Cultural Studies. He has been teaching for over ten years at the high school, post-high school, and college levels, including serving as the Assistant Director for the gap-year program at the Center for Western Studies. Mr. Vowell is married to Kate, who makes her own soaps and chicken stock from scratch. They have two baby girls that are too precious for this world, and a baby boy coming soon. His favorite verse is I John 3:8b ("For this purpose the Son of God was manifested: that He might destroy the works of the devil.") Additionally, he is fond of pie.

Ms. Kelly graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. With experience teaching Kindergarten, Ms. Kelly is passionate about setting a strong academic, social, and spiritual foundation for children in their earliest years of school. In addition to teaching kindergarten, Ms. Kelly leads an elementary school choir program for our students! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling. One of her favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40:31, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength […]”. 

A native of East Tennessee, Keith Hayworth moved to West Tennessee in the 1990s. Mr. Hayworth is a graduate of Carson-Newman University (B.A.) and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (M.A.). He has been teaching at RCA since 2000. He is currently finishing his dissertation in History at the University of Memphis. He lives with his wife, Vickie, in Hickory Valley, Tennessee where he is also a pastor.

Mrs. King attended Lipscomb University and received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in history and a minor in English. Previously, Mrs. King taught kindergarten for four years at Veritas Classical School and has experience in various grade levels. 

 Mrs. King’s educational philosophy is rooted in the work of Charlotte Mason, an early 20th-century educator who taught that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life; as a parent and teacher, the goal of education should be to point each child towards truth and beauty. One of Mrs. King's favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  

 The Kings attend East Shelby Church of Christ in Collierville. She and her husband, Daniel, love spending time with their church family and three children. Kaden, their oldest son, just graduated from high school and will attend Florida College in Temple Terrace, Florida, while Julianne and Burkley will attend RCA in the fall. 

Kevin Rhyan is an alumni of RCA, class of 2005. He received his bachelors degree in Physical Education from Philander Smith College. Coach Rhyan is the Athletic Director and is the Head Coach of the Varsity Boys Basketball team. He has been teaching for five years, serving three years with Shelby County Schools before joining RCA. Coach Rhyan is married and has a son, and they attend church at Devine Restoration Ministries in Moscow, TN. His passion is basketball and mentoring the youth.

Kimberly Kochan has been a teacher and senior sponsor at RCA for 21 years. She specializes in History, Government, and Economics. Mrs. Kochan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education History and Government from the University of TN at Martin. She and her husband Michael have two girls, Isabelle and Addie, who attend RCA. They are members of Hickory Withe First Baptist Church where Mrs. Kochan serves on the Children’s Committee. One of her favorite Bible verses is Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Besides teaching, some of Mrs. Kochan’s favorite hobbies are to crochet, travel and cook.

Kyle Cook graduated from Blue Mountain College with a degree in Christian Ministry and minored in coaching. For the past five years, Mr. Cook served as the children’s minister at a church in Ripley, MS. There he developed a desire to teach. He is excited to help RCA students grow not only in their knowledge, but also in their passion and desire for the things of God. He has experience tutoring high school and college students in math. He loves that moment when a student finally understands a problem they have been struggling to understand. He has also been an assistant basketball coach and served as the co-director for Upward Basketball. His focus verse is Proverbs 1:7 which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” He loves to spend time with his wife and 3-year-old daughter. He is thankful for the opportunity to teach from a biblical worldview at RCA! 

Mrs. Macy Cook graduated from Blue Mountain Christian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a double minor in Christian Ministry and Chemistry. Mrs. Cook has also completed her coursework at Liberty University for a Master of Education with a concentration in school counseling. Before joining the RCA faculty as the school counselor, she has experience working as an Educational Support Specialist, middle and high school science teacher, and working with students in math intervention and remediation. Mrs. Cook has been married to RCA’s Coach Kyle Cook for five years, and their daughter Mazie is in Jr. Kindergarten. Mrs. Cook treasures building relationships with students and considers it a special privilege to be a part of their development. A quote that has inspired her to work with students is from one of her favorite authors, C.S. Lewis; “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work."

Mr. Wilson graduated from the University of Memphis in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in History and later obtained his 6-12th grade teacher certification. He has experience teaching in both public and private Christian education. Most recently, Mr. Wilson served as 6th grade Science and Social Studies teacher at Dyersburg Middle School. 

 Outside of the classroom, Mr. Wilson enjoys coaching volleyball, and was awarded District 15 AA “Coach of the Year” in 2020. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Avonlea, their four children, and their golden doodle, Bodie. They are self-proclaimed “foodies,” and love exploring new cuisines and restaurants.  

Mr. Wilson’s favorite verse is Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He says, “This verse helps put the sufferings of this world into perspective for those that Love the Lord and live according to his purpose. Suffering is temporary, meaningful, and produces a peculiar glory we will receive.”  

Mrs. Moore graduated from Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and will complete her Master’s of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis this year.  She and her husband live in downtown Rossville and have three daughters who also attend RCA. The Moores are members of Piperton Baptist Church and enjoy building relationships in their church and community. Mrs. Moore values her role at RCA as a parent, teacher, and chair of the English Department. 

Mrs. Nelson graduated from Georgia Tech in 1998 with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering. After working as a software designer for years, she took a break to raise two awesome kids! Her son, Joey, is now a junior cadet at West Point, and her daughter, Maryn, is on an academic/athletic scholarship playing softball at Blue Mountain Christian University. She returned to the professional world but changed career paths and became a permanent fixture in the health and fitness industry. Starting as a group fitness instructor, she never stopped advancing her education and credentials, becoming a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist. Deciding that health and nutrition were the key to a long, happy life, she went back to school and graduated from Trinity School of Natural Heath as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Board Certified by the ANMA. She chose Trinity for is biblical foundation of health and healing.

Mrs. Nelson and her husband, John, live on a small farm in Moscow and enjoy spending time with their horses, chickens, dogs, and gardening. She splits her time teaching and continuing to train and health coach with her husband at their business Elite Level Performance (ELP) in Collierville. She’s excited to share her passion for learning and helping her students connect the dots between academic science and real-world applications of math and biology.

Mrs. Wheeler has 9 years of experience as an Art educator in Collierville schools including middle and high school. She has a degree in Fine Arts from Mississippi State University and has a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Union University. Mrs. Wheeler attends Collierville First Baptist church. She has two boys with her husband, Josh. She loves drawing portraits, painting, going to the lake, hunting/fishing, and watching MS State sports! Mrs. Wheeler has a passion for art and enjoys helping her students build their artistic abilities using their creativity and imagination! 

Mary Watts has a Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech - Language Pathology with a minor in Psychology from Delta State University. She has a Master of Science in Speech – Language Pathology from The University of Memphis. She has experience as a Speech -Language Pathologist in elementary, middle and high school. Before working at RCA she homeschooled her four children using the Classical Conversations program. 

 Mrs. Watts has been married to her husband Jonathan for 18 years. They have four children, Gracie in 10th grade, Beaux in 8th grade, Savannah in 7th grade, and Porter in 3rd grade.  Mrs. Watts enjoys running and outdoor activities with her family. 

 Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16 because it was the first verse her mother encouraged her to memorize as a child. Her goal as a teacher is to know God and make Him known to her students through their education. 

Meshell Williams has been teaching at RCA since 2003. She began teaching preschool, then second grade, and currently is teaching Elementary art and STEM. Meshell earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Memphis. She likes to read and hang out with her dachshund. Meshell attends church at Rossville Baptist Church, where she is in the praise team and enjoys participating in children’s ministries. 

Penny Ray graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a bachelors degree in Music Education (K-12). Also, she is certified in Levels I and II in the Orff music method. Penny is the elementary music teacher and the elementary librarian. Additionally, she is the middle & high school Choir Director and the STAR Testing Coordinator. Penny has been teaching at RCA for ten years. She has been married for 21 years and has two beautiful daughters and their family is a member of Fisherville Baptist Church.

Ms. Frazier graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with degrees in Early Childhood: Child and Family Studies and Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Ms. Frazier has five years of experience in the classroom, and she is excited to continue teaching 3rd grade. She aspires to have a classroom rooted in faith, kindness, and an excitement for learning. Her hobbies include music, crafting, spending time with family and friends, and spoiling her dog, Leo! Her favorite quote is “How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans, and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too?”

Mr. Ludwig graduated from Trinity University in Deerfield, Illinois, with a B.A. in Biblical Studies and a Master’s in Education from Freed-Hardeman. 

Mr. Ludwig has taught for 20 years, with 17 years of experience teaching Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry & Construction at Collierville High School. Additionally, he spent three years teaching Math and Science to 3rd & 4th graders at a gifted school.  

 As a teacher, Mr. Ludwig loves being in the school setting primarily for the opportunity to influence students through example while building solid relationships. He desires that students see their potential as individuals created in the image of God and that He loves them.  

 Mr. Ludwig is blessed with 30-year-old twins, a son who is married and is a Naval Flight Officer, and a daughter who is also married and is a mom to 3-year-old twin boys, whom he calls the “Dynamic Duo.” Spending time with them each week is his favorite pastime.  

 Mr. Ludwig’s favorite scripture passage is Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” 

Sara Russell joined the RCA staff in 2015. She has over 20 years experience teaching 1st grade. Mrs. Russell holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Memphis. She loves reading and hopes to instill a lifelong love of reading in all her students. Teaching students to read is her passion. She is married to her husband Jeff and has two children who also attend RCA. Mrs. Russell attends Collierville United Methodist Church, where she has served on many committees, helped with youth, and was a Stephen Minister. She is thankful to teach at a school where they put God first. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 

Mrs. Jacques comes to RCA with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Crichton College.  She has been in education with various roles for 20 years. She is married to her husband Scott for 25 years and has two amazing sons Jackson and Paxton.  Paxton also attends RCA. She and her family attend Living Hope Church in Piperton.  Her favorite Bible Verse is "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Mrs. Murphey earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from The University of Southern Mississippi and has thirteen years of teaching experience in both public and faith-based schools. She and her husband, Josh, have two children, Sadie and Jake, who also attend RCA. The Murpheys are involved at Living Hope Church in Piperton, and they enjoy serving with a local nonprofit to minister to families in Peru.

Tanya Baker joined the RCA family in the fall of 2022 as the Pup Pack Preschool teacher. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 26 years and have three daughters: Emily (21), Brooke (17), and Allison (13 and also part of the Pack!). God and family are the most important aspects of her life. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Memphis and then was grateful to be able to be home with her girls for most of their younger years. For four years, she worked in Desoto county (MS) schools as both a classroom assistant and attendance clerk. Additionally, since 2011, she has directed Champion Force Athletics gym and coached the DC Dragons cheerleading/karate team in Olive Branch, MS. She loves her students as her own children, and strives to make preschool a place of learning through play!   

Mrs. Eskew is from a small town near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood. She is certified in Gifted Education and Montessori. Mrs. Eskew received her National Board Certification in 2001 and renewed it in 2012. She has been teaching for 22 years. She is married to Eric and attends East Shelby Church of Christ. Mrs. Eskew is guided by her favorite quote: “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” -Ignacio Estrada

Tiayra Moore joined the Pack in 2024 and serves as one of our Flex Learning Specialists. Mrs. Moore graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and went on to earn a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked with students of all ages and abilities, and spent several years as a Registered Behavior Technician in the clinical setting with children with disabilities. She is married to Coach Jeremy Moore, and has two boys, Jeremiah and Jaxson, who attend RCA. One of Mrs. Moore's favorite scriptures is “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬

Tinsley Heston graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Business Administration and is a proud RCA alumnus. He is currently pursuing a Master of Theological Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mr. Heston loves to study God’s Word and see students love God’s Word. One of his favorite passages of Scripture is Galatians 3:13-14: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’ – so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” Mr. Heston and his wife love the outdoors, and he is particularly fond of playing disc golf.

Mr. Graham holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and History from Crichton College, a Master of Arts in Education from Union University, and an EdS in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Before coming to RCA, he taught Chemistry and Physical Science at Collierville High School for 14 years and coached various sports. 

Tom and Shay Graham have been married for ten years and have three children, Jackson, Addie, and Annabelle. The Graham family faithfully attends Central Church in Collierville. 

A scripture Mr. Graham aims to display in his life is Matthew 5:37, “Let what you say be simply Yes or No; anything more comes from evil,” echoed again in James 5:12. Additionally, his favorite quote in coaching is from Coach Vince Lombardi, “Winning is not a sometime thing; it is an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing”. 

From 2007 to 2014, Mr. Myers worked with Shelby County Schools in the Information Technology Department and was a guiding part in numerous special projects. In these roles, Mr. Myers was responsible for network maintenance, upgrading infrastructure, and network security. 
 
In 2015, he moved to Collierville Schools as School Technical Support. While at Collierville Schools, he was part of the team that transitioned students to a 1 to 1 environment, issuing approximately 2,800 MacBooks to students from grades 9-12. Mr. Myers maintained that environment through distance learning while also supporting faculty and staff. 
 
In Mr. Myers spare time, he enjoys spending time with his four children and serving in church leadership as an Executive Pastor. Most recently, after leading a church launch in 2021, he received the designation of Bishop. 
 
Mr. Myers's favorite Bible verse is, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 

Rossville Christian Academy would like to welcome Coach Trey Dean as our new middle school and junior varsity basketball coach. Coach Dean graduated from Rust College, receiving his undergraduate degree in Computer Science. Additionally, Coach Dean holds a master's degree in Computer Science from Alabama A&M.  

 At Rust College, Coach Dean played basketball and set the record his senior year for the highest three-point percentage in the Independent Conference. Coach Dean has been coaching basketball since 2018 and enjoys mentoring young men to improve their skills and confidence both on and off the basketball court.