Faculty

RCA is excited to welcome Mrs. Amanda Rissinger as 5th and 6th grade Science and Social Studies Teacher, affectionately nicknamed "Mrs. Rizz" by her students. Mrs. Rissinger graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and brings three years of teaching experience to RCA. She is excited to invest in her students' lives, make learning fun, and help them grow both spiritually and academically.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Rissinger enjoys spending time with friends and family, hosting game nights, traveling to new places, and caring for her two sweet kitties. She and her husband attend Collierville First Baptist Church, where he serves as the student pastor and she ministers alongside him. One of her favorite Bible verses is 1 Corinthians 16:14: "Let all that you do be done in love."

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. 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. 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.”

Ms. Stafford graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. With experience teaching Kindergarten, Ms. Stafford 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. Stafford 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 […]”.

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Kim Williams as our 5th and 6th Grade ELA Teacher at RCA! A graduate of Victory University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, Mrs. Williams brings nine years of diverse teaching experience, from public schools and homeschool co-ops to private Christian education. While she's taught a wide range of grade levels and subjects, her favorite part of teaching is building meaningful connections with her students.

Mrs. Williams has served as a grade-level chair and was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2015 at Greenbrook Elementary (Desoto County Schools). In addition to teaching, she serves as the children's pastor at her church, where she uses her gifts to share the Good News.

She and her husband of 29 years, Jason, have four children, ages 12 to 25. Her two youngest sons attend RCA. Mrs. Williams describes their life as blessed and busy! In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with family. One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 34:8: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

RCA is happy to welcome Ms. Mary Claire Hamm as a 3rd grade teacher! Ms. Hamm is a passionate educator with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Learning from the University of Memphis. Her teaching goals center on connecting with students individually and employing their passions to create meaningful learning experiences, while using scripture to foster faith and ground students in Truth.

In her spare time, Ms. Hamm enjoys working out, cooking, baking, and spending time with her dog, cat, family, and friends. She loves attending worship and life group at Bellevue Baptist Church with her family each week. She finds daily inspiration in her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to give you hope and a future," which reminds her that the Lord has a plan for life and to always be ready to follow His will with a servant's heart!

Melissa joined RCA in 2021. She attended Tennessee Tech in 1998 and worked in the dental field for 15 years. She and her husband have been married since 2005 and own Memphis Dental Supply.

They have one daughter, Hadlie, who attends RCA in 9th grade. Their family attends Bellevue Baptist Church and has been involved with the church's mission team, serving on several missions overseas and throughout the United States.

In her free time, Melissa enjoys working on her farm, cooking, and gardening. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 145:18: "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."

Mrs. Winder joined RCA in August of 2022 and serves as the Elementary Teacher's Assistant and Before and Aftercare Coordinator. She is incredibly grateful for the daily privilege of supporting RCA's teachers and students.

Outside of school, Michelle has been happily married for 37 years to her high school sweetheart, a local pastor for over 20 years. Together they have three amazing children and are blessed with three grandbabies who are the joy of their lives.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hunting for treasures at yard sales with her husband, their two mini schnauzers, studying herbs, and making sourdough bread.

Her favorite Bible verse is Luke 17:10: "So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

RCA is thrilled to have Ms. Rachel Powell join our team as our 1st grade teacher. A recent graduate of Liberty University, Ms. Powell holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education and brings five years of experience in education to the role. She is excited to pour into her students: sharing Jesus with them, challenging them to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and character, and helping them reach their academic potential.

Outside of the classroom, Rachel enjoys spending time with her dear friends and family. She is passionate about living a holistic life and finding joy and laughter in everyday moments. She also finds joy in creativity and has written and published a children's coloring book that shares the story of the Gospel with young readers.

Rachel attends Shepherd Bible Church, where she volunteers her time and talents on the worship team. One of her favorite Bible verses is John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

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?”

Mrs. Cocker is a 4th grade teacher at Rossville Christian Academy. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She loves spending time with her husband, Martin, and their two children, Lachlan and Vivian, who also attend RCA. She enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family. She feels incredibly blessed to be part of the RCA family and to help her students grow both academically and in their faith.

Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Rossville Christian Academy welcomes Coach Townsend to the WolfPack family as Assistant Football Coach & Director of Football Operations!

With a deep passion for mentoring young athletes, both on and off the field, and eight years of coaching experience, he has served as an Offensive, Special Teams, and Defensive Coordinator. His journey began at Memphis East High and continued at Briarcrest Christian, including coaching in the 2021 Liberty Bowl High School All-Star Game.

As a former wide receiver in college, Coach Townsend’s knowledge of the game is exceptional and has given him the opportunity to develop multiple Division 1 athletes and coach players from across the country in Offense-Defense clinics. His diverse experience spans soccer, AAU basketball, and semi-professional football, where he led the Mississippi Brawlers to three championships.

Beyond sports, he's a talented drummer at Divine Hope Church in Memphis. Guided by a faith-driven coaching philosophy inspired by Isaiah 41:13, we look forward to the impact Coach Townsend will make in our community.

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.

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.