Mrs. Asbury comes to RCA with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology.  She has been in education with various roles for 17 years. She is married to a 4th-grade teacher and has two wonderful children. I love gardening, reading, and spending time with my family. Mrs. Asbury attends Collierville United Methodist Church where she is actively involved in the Children’s Ministry department. Her favorite Bible Verse is “ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”  Philippians 4:6

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!   

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! 

Ms. Amber Coyle graduated from Delta Academy in 1989, valedictorian of her class.  She attended the University of Mississippi graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Math Education.  She has minors in English and History.  Ms. Coyle recently retired from DeSoto County Schools in Mississippi after 29 years of teaching math.  

Ms. Coyle has a 22-year-old son who lives in Las Vegas, and a fur baby named Harleigh. When not in the classroom,  she enjoys cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.  Ms. Coyle is a member of Compel Church.  

One of her favorite quotes is by Kermit the Frog.  “So, never worry about failure.  It’s GONNA happen.  But that’s okay: go ahead, take chances…and you might just find that what feels like failure isn’t failure at all, it’s what inspires you to dream even bigger.”

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

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?”

Ms. Haynes  graduated from Harding University in 2018 with a K-6 Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education Degree. She taught Kindergarten at RCA in the 2018-2019 school year and is now the lead Learning Differences Specialist for the FLEX program. She was born and raised in Memphis, TN and goes to Highland Church of Christ. Hailey’s favorite quote is “Everybody can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way.” -George Evans. 

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. 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

This is Lori Kellum’s second year with Bodine’s Erika Center at Rossville Christian Academy. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, she worked in Child Life at a local children’s hospital and later taught elementary school. When her youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, she saw how life-changing the Orton-Gillingham (OG) method for teaching reading could be. She is certified by the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education and as a Classroom Educator by The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Educators and Practitioners. She utilizes the OG approach to teach and tutor children privately, and in her work at Bodine’s Summer Reading Program and at RCA.

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 […]”. 

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.

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. 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. 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.

Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Masters in elementary education. She has over 20 years of experience in both public and private Christian schools. She has been married to Brian for 28 years, and they have two sons. She attends St. Patrick Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth loves teaching 4^th grade and being a part of the RCA family!

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. 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. 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. 

Scottie Perry is a Lane College graduate with a Bachelor of Science and has over 15 years’ experience working with children, families, and individuals as a behavioral interventionist, community engagement officer, educator, and coach. His professional life includes a commitment to serving the needs of children and families in his community. Coach Perry has experience and certification in mental and behavioral health. His service includes working as a care coordinator and counselor, working with youth facing mental and emotional health issues. Coach Perry attends New Life Christian Center in Ashland, MS where he serves as a trustee and Sunday school teacher.

“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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.

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.

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. Schwalb is beginning her fifth year as 11th and 12th grade English teacher at Rossville Christian Academy. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Schwalb is assuming a new role as Director of Development. In this role, Mrs. Schwalb will work to promote RCA, form business partnerships, enrich the culture at RCA, and aid in student recruitment.

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.”

This will be Coach Thompson’s second year at RCA. Coach Thompson is a graduate of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelor’s of Christian Studies. He currently is pursuing a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Coach Thompson and his wife, Kristen, reside in East Memphis, are members at Audubon Park Baptist Church, and they enjoy spending time outdoors with their chocolate lab Clover!

Coach Thompson’s desire is for every student to know the Gospel and grow in their understanding of the God of the Bible. One of his favorite verses is Philippians 1:27, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Coach Thompson’s desire is that each student is prepared to encounter the world with a biblical worldview. In addition to teaching Bible Coach Thompson helps with football and basketball.

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.

Coach Kendrick Watkins graduated from Rossville Christian Academy in 2005. He was a multi-sport athlete and was a member of the 2005 State Championship Basketball team. Coach Watkins played college football and basketball at Coahoma Community College. For the past five years, Coach Watkins has served in multiple capacities in the educational field, including two years in Special Education. 

Coach Watkins has a variety of experience coaching including head football coach, defensive and offensive coordinator, and head girls basketball coach. He was the offensive coordinator for the 2017 West Tennessee All-Star Team and an assistant coach for the 2018 West Tennessee All-Star Game. As a head girls basketball coach, he led teams to win the Murray State Team Camp Runners-Up in 2018, West Carroll Christmas Tournament Champions in 2019, and Best of West Champions in 2019.

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! 

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. 

Carolyn Winder graduated from The College at Mid America in 2020 with her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling there. Carolyn tutored various subjects at Southwest Tennessee Community College and was a site director for the aftercare program at Schilling Farms Elementary School. She attends Wolf River OPC church in Collierville. Carolyn teaches 1st-6th grade Spanish at Rossville Christian Academy, assists in music and library, and works in the aftercare program.

This will be Coach Wiley’s 2^nd year at RCA. Coach Wiley retired from the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller with 32 years of government service (5 years active duty USAF, 5 years as a civilian for the Department of Defense & 22 years with the FAA). Coach Wiley is a disabled veteran who served during Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Coach Wiley has also been coaching football for the last 18 years. Coach Wiley was the director for Middle School and lower football in Collierville for 7 of those years as well.

Coach Wiley is married to Cecilee Wiley (32 years). He has 3 children Cade, Seth (daughter-in-law, Emily) & Kacy. Coach Wiley is expecting his first grandchild in October! He also has 3 dogs Belle, Loki & Nala. Coach Wiley’s belief is to keep God first in all things and to never quit! We are responsible for our own actions so make them good ones! His favorite bible verse is 1 Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me”. 

Brian Young is the Head Varsity & Head JV Baseball Coach at RCA; additionally, he teaches middle school PE classes. He has a Bachelor's degree from St. Thomas University in Miami, FL (1998) in Sports Administration and a Master's from the United States Sports Academy (1991) in Sports Management. Coach Young joins us from Fayette-Ware HS in Somerville where his team set the single-season win record and won the FCA Diamond Challenge Tournament for the first time in school history. Coach Young has one adopted daughter, Teiana (21). He enjoys working out and is a huge Ole Miss baseball fan, working their summer camps every year. His favorite Bible quote comes from John 9:31: "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."