Albert, David
Chaplain/Technology
Mr. Albert earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts at the University of Steubenville, and his Master of Ministry at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He has been in pastoral ministry since 1997, and began his tenure at FCA in 2007. Mr. Albert's three daughters are FCA graduates.
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Arnold, Jamie
Secondary Teacher
Mrs. Arnold received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Christian University, specializing in Language Arts and Mathematics. She is a graduate of Amanda Clearcreek HS. She enjoys reading, painting, and crocheting. She is a member of Royalton Community Church and serves as a youth leader and expressive sign language coach. Her life verse is Ecclesiates 3:11: "For He has made everything beautiful in its time."
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Baker, Ashton
School Nurse
Mrs. Baker is a resident of Millersport and a graduate of Pickerington North High School. She received her nursing degree from Columbus State Community College. She has experience in emergency medicine, geriatrics, and spent three years in school nursing prior to joining FCA. Her husband, Josh, is the head baseball coach at FCA. They have 4 children and 3 of them attend FCA. Mrs. Baker enjoys being outdoors, gardening, spending time with her family and pets, traveling, cooking and baking. She attends church at Rock City Whitehall. Her life verse is 2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”.
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Bowers, Mark
Elementary Chaplain/Librarian
Mark Bowers is a 1985 graduate of Ohio University. Mark grew up in the Sugar Grove area. He attended and graduated from Berne Union. He and his wife, Corinna, live in Pickerington, Ohio. Mark has taught at several Christian schools in the central Ohio area.
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Brake, Kelsey
Mrs. Brake is a graduate of Randolph Early College High School and UNCW. She enjoys soccer and animals. She is a member of Calvary Apostolic Church where she and her husband Jesse serve the youth. Her life verse is Zephaniah 3:17.
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Brake, Kris
Secondary Intervention Specialist
Kris Brake earned her B.A. at Capital University in Special Education K-12, Regular Education K-8 and Reading K-12. She has been in Christian Education since 1990. She has been a part of the FCA family since 2005 and all 4 of her children graduated from FCA. She works in the Intervention Department with students who struggle academically. She fully believes that “With God ALL thing are possible.”
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Carpenter, Craig
Superintendent
Superintendent Craig Carpenter previously served as Middle School and High School Principal (2006 -2013) and prior to his employment at FCA, he taught in Lancaster City Schools for six-years. After college, he worked ten years as an Operations Manager at a Fortune 500 company in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Carpenter obtained his graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University and earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University. He and his wife, Shelly, have a son and daughter who graduated from FCA and a daughter currently in high school at FCA. They reside in Lancaster and are members of Fairfield Christian Church. Mr. Carpenter’s leadership, education and business experience have helped to bring about successful programs and curriculum changes and he has a clear vision for moving FCA forward.
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Carpenter, Kirsten
Guidance
Mrs. Carpenter is a 2012 graduate of FCA and currently resides in Groveport. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Ohio University and her M. Ed. in School Counseling from Liberty University. She enjoys reading, watching & playing sports and spending time with her family. She attends Grace Fellowship The Chapel and her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - "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 a hope and a future."
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Cly, Kari
Secondary Teacher
Ms. Cly is a 1992 graduate of Lancaster High School and received her M. Ed. in Elementary Education in 1997 from The Ohio State University. She previously taught middle school as well as Title I tutoring. She enjoys reading, gardening, exercising and refurnishing furniture. She has 4 children who ride and show quarter horses and play basketball. Ms. Cly attends Calvary Lutheran Church as has served in Sunday School, Social Gatherings, and as church Treasurer. Her life verse is 2 Corinthians 5:7.
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Cullen, Anna
School Nurse
Mrs. Cullen is a 2012 graduate of FCA and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Studies from Ohio University. She attended Capital University for her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has worked as in an Emergency Department as well as in Labor & Delivery.
Her interests include gardening, reading, rock climbing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
She attends Grace Fellowship where she volunteers in the kids ministry and in production. Her Life Verse is John 16:33--"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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Featheroff, Kaylan
Band and Choir Director
Mrs. Featheroff is a 2011 graduate of Muskingum University, where she majored in Music Education. She has been teaching in various districts for 10 years, but is happy to be part of the FCA family. She attends church at Fairfield Christian and has served in KidsQuest since she was in high school. Her life verse is 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
She and her husband Ethan have two children, and they love hunting and fishing together as a family. Mrs. Featheroff also loves reading, sewing, and making music with her students.
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Fisher, Jonie
Secondary Teacher
Mrs. Fisher is a graduate of Morehead State University where she received her B.A. in Spanish K-12 & Education. She completed her Master's degree in Secondary Education at Morehead State and also her Master's in School Administration/Leadership at Morehead State. She has 17 years experience teaching Spanish in middle school, high school and at the university level. Mrs. Fisher studied abroad in Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain.
She enjoys camping with her family, reading, cooking & baking, and hiking. Her family attends Turkey Run Mennonite Church where she volunteers with VBS and her husband teaches Sunday School. Her life verse is Ephesians 2:8-9 -- For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
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Friess, Cori
Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Friess is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Toledo. Her two daughters attend FCA. She has experience in K-2 classroom teaching, the Building Bridges Program, Resource Room, Homeschooling and Preschool Teaching. Her hobbies include knitting, crochet, reading, boxing and American Sign Language. She attends Calvary Baptist Church and her life verse is Jeremiah 33:3-- "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
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Garrett, Barry
Secondary Math Teacher
Barry A. Garrett was born, raised, and is still living in Lancaster, Ohio. Barry is happily married to his college sweetheart and has one son who is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Barry received degrees from Ohio University: B.S. in Computer Science & M.S. in Mathematics. He is licensed by State of Ohio to teach Secondary Math, grades 7-12. Barry has been teaching at Fairfield Christian Academy since 2003.
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Helms, Phillip
Secondary Teacher
Mr. Helms is a graduate of Fayetteville State where he received his B.A. in History and his M.A. in History. He completed his Doctor of Education at Liberty University. He enjoys golf, fishing, reading (especially history), and visiting historical sites. He attends Circleville Christian Church and has served as a youth director, teacher, and district secretary. He has been a licensed minister since 1993. Mr. Helms' life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
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Hildenbrand, Jason
Secondary Math Teacher
Mr. Hildenbrand graduated from Logan Elm High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University. He has taught math at Lancaster High School for the last 19 years. Jason has 2 children that attend FCA. Jason has helped coach biddy volleyball for 3 years and biddy basketball for 2 years. He enjoys running with his wife, playing volleyball with his daughter and watching Ohio State football with his son. Jason is also the worship leader for the last 21 years at his church, Amanda Church of God. His life verse is Psalms 24:3-4 "who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god".
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Hollandsworth, Heather
Secondary Teacher
Mrs. Hollandsworth received her Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from Roanoke College and her MSE Education from Harding University. She taught chemistry and physical science at Harding University for 15 years. Her interests include reading, doing puzzles, baking and walking her dog, Maggie. She enjoys watching her sons play soccer and football. Her youngest son attends FCA.
Mrs. Hollandsworth enjoys teaching Bible class and leading children's worship. Her life verse is Philippians 4:6 -- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
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Hooper, Roger
Physical Education
Mr. Hooper graduated from Ohio University in 1972 with a BS degree in Education. He furthered his education and received his Master's degree at Union College, Kentucky in 1987. Mr. Hooper is married to Debbie and has 2 children, Clay & Nan. He has been in Physical Education for 43 years and also serves as Head Basketball Coach.
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Knechtel, Becky
6-12 Principal
Becky Knechtel was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to missionary parents. She graduated from high school in Brookville, Indiana in 1977 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education at Capital University in 1981. She went on to earn her Master of Science in School Counseling at the University of Dayton in 1986. Becky is married to Craig, who is a retired science teacher from the Teays Valley School district. She has two sons, Matt and Eric, who are both Fairfield Christian Academy alumni. She has been part of Christian Education as a teacher and guidance counselor for the past 40 years (20 with Fairfield Christian Academy) and has recently transitioned into the position of Secondary Principal (grades 6-12).
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Patrick, Ben
Secondary Teacher
Mr. Patrick received his Bachelor's in Business Administration from Ashford University and his Master's in Coaching & Athletic Administration from Concordia University-Irvine. In his 18 years as a head coach for boys and girls basketball, he has been named Coach of the Year 5 times. He also has 6 years experience as an athletic director for a Christian school.
Mr. Patrick enjoys golf and anything outdoors with his family. His family attends Lifepoint church where he serves on the Connections Team, Security and Littles Ministries. His life verse is Galatians 6:2 -- Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
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Pell, Amanda
Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Pell graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, traveling and running. She attends C3 Church in Canal Winchester. Mrs. Pell's life verse is Jeremiah 29:11.
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Porter, Denise
Secondary English Teacher
Denise Porter is a 1990 graduate of Capital University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Professional Writing. She resides in the Lancaster area with her husband and 2 teenage daughters.
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Putinski, Laura
Assistant Superintendent
Laura Putinski was born in Lakewood, Ohio and grew up in the Cleveland area. She and her husband Mark have three grown children who all graduated from FCA. She graduated high school in 1982 and attended Cleveland State University. Laura holds a Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree and a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, both from Ohio University. Her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree is from Ohio Valley University in Vienna, WV. Laura’s passion for education is best seen by her desire to assist teachers with learning new and innovative ways to engage students in the classroom.
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Ratliff, Ellen
Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Ellen joined the FCA staff in 1998, after moving to Lancaster area from Dayton, Ohio. She has a BS in Communications from Ohio University, and extensive studies in Special Education from Wright State University, and Sinclair Community College. During summer break, Ellen leads short term mission teams to Montego Bay, Jamaica for Vacation Bible School. Every spring, she coordinates the 10-11 grade class mission trip to Echoing Hills Village, a camp for adults and youth with disabilities. Currently, Ellen serves as an Executive Board member of both Echoing Hills Village Inc. and Called to Excellence Ministries. Ellen has been married to her high school sweetheart for 36 years. They have 2 sons, a granddaughter, grandson, a Bassett Hound and a Pug. Her life verse is 2 Chronicles 20:12.
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Reid, Robert
Art Teacher
Rob attended Amanda-Clearcreek High School and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University, and his Resident Educator (P-12 Visual Art) License from Ashland University. He enjoys drawing, painting, reading, golf, fishing, photography, and hiking!
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Rhodes, Samantha
Admissions Clerk & Secondary Office Administrative Assistant
Samantha is a graduate of Tecumseh HS in New Carlisle. She graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Political Science. She was previously a nanny for 9 years.
Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and her chickens! She loves all things chicken-related! She attends First Baptist Church in Lancaster.
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Schmeltzer, Melissa
Secondary Teacher
Ms. Schmeltzer is a graduate of Logan High School with 17 years experience teaching math at the college level. She completed her BSE in Integrated Math at Ohio University and her MSE in Math Education at Walden University.
She enjoys crafting, gardening, and arts of all kinds. She is a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where she serves as Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, VBS set designer and Praise team member.
Her life verse is Isaiah 40:28-31-- 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
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Stephens, Kara
School Counselor & Director of Admissions
Kara Stephens is a 2010 graduate of Fairfield Christian Academy who came back to FCA as the School Counselor and Director of Admissions. Kara received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio Christian University and she received her Masters in School Counseling from the University of the Southwest. Kara and her husband Zach, who graduated from FCA in 2006, have two children who attend FCA. Kara says the reason she has become a School Counselor is because of the students. Her heart is with the students and helping them figure out and navigate life and the challenges that come along with it. Kara’s life verse is Joshua 1:9.
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Syx, Katie
Secondary Teacher
Mrs. Syx is a resident of Bremen, Ohio and a graduate of Marysville High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Science Education and her Master of Education Intervention Specialist-Mild to Moderate K-12 from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Mrs. Syx previously taught at Canal Winchester High School, Winchester Trail Elementary and Marysville High School.
She attends Fairfield Christian Church where she serves in children's ministries. Mrs. Syx enjoys spending time with family, running, yoga, hiking and working on her farm. Her life verse is Joshua 1:9.
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Tickle, Shirley
School Nurse
Shirley Tickle is a resident of Baltimore whose children attend FCA. She is a graduate of Mount Vernon HS, Central Ohio Technical College (RN) and received her BSN from Mount Carmel College of Nursing. She has experience in emergency, cardiac and surgical nursing. Mrs. Tickle's hobbies include gardening, hiking, boating and anything outdoors. She enjoys spending time with friends and family. She attends Grace Fellowship where she serves in Bible Studies and Mission Trips. Her life verse is John 15:5--I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
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Vorhies, Sarah
Secondary Teacher
Mrs. Vorhies attended Southeastern Louisiana University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English Education. She has 10 years' teaching experience and is from Baton Rouge, LA. She enjoys reading, blogging, baking and cake decorating. She attends New Life Christian Center along with her husband and 3 children, where she serves as Meal Train Coordinator.
Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 -- "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.
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West, Diana
6th Grade ELA, 8th Grade Social Studies
Diana West is a native of Lancaster. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1989 with a degree in Elementary Education. She has taught in Ohio, Texas, and Russia. She has been at FCA since the school started in 1998.
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White, Dale
Media Director
Dale White is a veteran of the television and media industry with years of experience in nearly every aspect of multimedia production, promotions and programming. He is an award-winning producer with a background in sports & news, documentaries, feature film and entertainment.
Dale begin his career at WBNS-10TV in Columbus, Ohio. In 1999, he co-found Brainstorm Media, Inc., a local production company, and has spent time as senior producer of Breakthrough Ministries at World Harvest Church, assistant Education Director at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, (Ohio Media School), and President at Whitehouse Media Group. Dale is originally from Detroit, Michigan and an alumnus of Spec Howard School of Media Arts in Detroit and has a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Ohio Institute of Technology (DeVry).
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Williams, Caleb
Secondary Math Teacher
Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management and Business from Ohio Christian University. He is a former Athletic Director and K-12 PE teacher at a Christian school. He resides in Columbus and enjoys spending time with his family, playing and coaching soccer, and volunteering in Kids Church at Veritas Community Church. His life verse is Romans 8:18 - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
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