Staff

Our staff are our most valuable asset, each one is passionate about their mission. There is not another place they'd rather be!

Kelly Gennick

Principal

  • MBA
  • BS Special Education
  • Certified Teacher
  • Professional Certificate
  • BS Health Science
  • BB&T Leadership Institute Alum
  • Lifelong Learner

Why I Chose to Work in Christian Education

I DIDNT CHOOSE - GOD CHOSE ME!

Following a year teaching English as a second language in Korea and a professional journey of directing and teaching health professionals in a community home for the developmentally disabled, I applied for a teaching position in mostly public schools. I made a deal with God that I would take the first teaching job offered to me. I did not personally apply to teach in Christian schools, but God had other plans. I'm so grateful God chose me! There are no two days alike. I have seen the difference it makes in others and the difference it makes in me as well!

I'm Passionate About

Helping Others: This is my biggest inspiration. I genuinely want to make a difference for others! I believe I'm showing Jesus in this way whether it is in a classroom with students, participating at church, or caring for others that I do not know.

At the School: I'm a builder! I know that when my students come into my school, they will find a safe, welcoming, and inviting place. They will be comfortable and ready to learn. They will know that I'm here to help them learn how to overcome challenges, apply their best knowledge, and best of all-accept Jesus Christ into their lives forever!

Teaching the 'ah-ha moments: Not only teaching but seeing the end results of teaching and learning. I relish in seeing students step out in faith and be excited to share their faith or help others make faith a priority.

Life-long Learner: I am currently working toward a Doctorate in Education Leadership (EdD) from Andrews University. I continuously read, study and collaborate with others on different methods of teaching and learning. I strive to establish a school environment that equips students for problem-solving and how to apply creative ways to learn which are unique for each and every student.

Jeanna Swena

Director of First Impression

I’ve worked at LCAS since 2013. I’m a proud product of Christian Education attending Ozark Adventist Academy in Arkansas. I can relate to this important investment in that my own children, 2 boys, are products of this school’s excellent education.

I'm Passionate About

A LOT OF THINGS!

I like chickens, drawing, crocheting, embroidery, gardening, hiking, camping and rock climbing!

Some Things Most People Don't Know About Me

  1. I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters!
  2. I am a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
  3. I used to sell Mary Kay Cosmetics.

If I Coined a Single Phrase of Wisdom, It Would Be

"Just go with the flow!"

If I Had a Superpower

I would like to wiggle my nose and accomplish things quickly!

Advice to My 10-year Old Self

Don't be afraid to do what needs to be done!

When I Get to Heaven, I Want God to Say

Jeanna, because you are a caring person or because of your example, this person is here in heaven!

Topaz Ermshar

PreSchool Champion of Student Success

I am the preschool teacher. I pursued a BS in Elementary Education at WWU. I have been a homeschooling mom for 15+ years.

I'm Passionate About

I have a passion for connecting to the heart of my students and igniting an excitement for learning and exploration. I love when I can, not only present a lesson, but create and experience that the students will remember.

In my personal life, I find I have spent a lot of time creating an atmosphere for building good memories for my family. I also love to learn new/old skills, often seeking out information to learn heirloom skills in homemaking.

Why I Chose to Work in Christian Education

I had always intended to go into denominational teaching after college. As so often happens, my life took me down other paths, and I wasn’t able to complete my elementary education degree. I ended up raising six children and homeschooling instead.

While my husband and I were prayerfully discussing enrolling the four youngest children in school, our former pastor, who was then on the LCAS board, mentioned to us how he felt the school might be a good option, and also that there was a need for a new preschool teacher. I felt impressed to apply for the position and see where the Lord lead.

When I Get to Heaven and Talk to God

I suppose the one thing I most want to say to Him is, “Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for walking me through every moment of my life” I’m so humbled by His mercy and grace that I don’t even know what I might ask right away. I will be interested to know what has happened behind the scenes of my life, and the lives of those I have known.

Gabrielle Palomino

Teacher

  • Certified Teacher
  • Bachelor of Applied Science

Endorsements:

  • Special Education

I'm Passionate About

Kids! I want to help students become confident in their abilities and take ownership of their learning.

Why I Choose to Work in Christian Education

Being able to share Jesus with my students is a big deal to me! Watching them get to know Him better and accept Him into their hearts is so rewarding.  God is able to work through my students to minister to me as much as He works through me!

Some Things Most People Don't Know About Me

I love to do any type of puzzle!  I love mysteries, jigsaw puzzles, escape rooms, sudoku, etc.

Before I was a teacher, I worked as a nanny.

What Other Professions Would You Most Like to Try? Least Like to Try?

I’ve always enjoyed hiking and nature, so I would most like to try being a park ranger.  Any job that requires sitting for long periods of time would not probably be for me!

When I Get to Heaven...

I have so many questions:

  • What was Jesus like as a toddler/young child on earth?
  • What did animals look like when you first created them?
  • I want to ask Jesus about all of the little ways He intervened in my life and in the lives of my students.

Jennifer McCulloh

Teacher

  • MA in Teaching
  • BS in Elementary Education

Endorsements:

  • Special Education and Spanish
  • K-8 Elementary Education
  • K-12 Special Education and Spanish

Why I Chose to Work in Christian Education

After being in the public sector for the last 20+ years, I needed to be in an environment that aligned closely with my beliefs. Teaching in a Christian school allows me to openly share Jesus with my students.

Some Things Most People Don't Know About Me

  1. I love looking at houses and going to “open houses”. I spend a lot of time trolling Zillow.
  2. If I wasn’t a teacher, I would want to be an NFL sports announcer/reporter.

If I Had a Superpower

Teleportation so that I can ‘jump’ to Auburn Adventist Academy instantly and visit my daughter anytime I want.

I Think the Best Way to Share the School Is

Being authentic, creating a place where students feel safe, and HAVING FUN!

When I Get to Heaven and Talk to God

I would like to hear God say, “Well done my good and faithful child.”

Lisa Davis

Teacher

  • Certified Teacher
  • BA Elementary Education
  • BA Spanish

Professional Endorsements:

  • Elementary Grades
  • ESL
  • Secondary History
  • Spanish

I Passionately Pursue Reluctant Learners

For over 30 years I've encouraged students to zip beyond previous boundaries or persistently plod past former limits!

My passion is to develop students with a strong work ethic, who can regularly experience the joy that comes from knowing they have sincerely given their best effort!

Why I Chose to Work in Christian Education

Counseling at Big Lake Youth Camp sealed the deal for me! Leading groups of young people to work together as a team was a fulfilling challenge. My gifts of storytelling, creating silly and memorable moments came alive! I was convinced in one summer.  I have no other career desires. God has given me deep fulfillment in what I do!

Some Things Most People Don't Know About Me

I learned to juggle in the 8th grade!  I collect funky hats and interesting costumes, which I've collected since college.

Doylene Cook

Teacher

  • Certified Teacher
  • BS Elementary Education
  • BS Home Economics
  • Professional WA and SDA Teaching Certificate 

Endorsements:

  • Elementary Education
  • Bible K-10th
  • Home Economics

I Am Passionate About Kids!

I want kids to know that God loves them unconditionally.

I Choose to Work in Christian Education Because...

I love to share Jesus and witness how kids respond to His love!

Some Things Most People Don't Know About Me...

I taught in Hong Kong, and I have visited ALL 50 capitals in the USA!

My Favorite Bible Verse Is...

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
I love this verse because I'm so passionately focused on my work that I often need to be reminded to stop and let God be in control!

What Single Book Would You Always Have in Your Library?

Steps to Christ

When I Get to Heaven...

After I see my Savior, I will rejoice with my family and students that I have had the privilege of sharing Jesus with over the years.

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