North Georgia Christian Academy

Faculty

K 2-3, Beth Cheatham

My name is Beth Cheatham and I am excited about teaching our new K-2 class this year. I am looking forward to teaching your children a wonderful curriculum that is God-centered and fosters a love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I attended Appalachian Technical College where I obtained a certification as a Business Office Specialist. My experience teaching children includes working at 1st Baptist of Ellijay Preschool, Sunday School, Children's Choir, and Vacation Bible School at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and coordinating Moppets for Mothers of Preschoolers.

My husband, Robbie and I have been married for 11 years. We have two sons, Logan (9) and Brody (6). Robbie and I are members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ellijay.

I enjoy spending time with family, making crafts, cooking and camping.

K-4, Naomi Moore

I have been substitute teaching at NGCA and am very excited to be teaching full-time this year! I have enjoyed meeting all the wonderful students, teachers, and many of the parents!

I graduated with honors from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and Communications. I worked as a financial advisor and credit counselor for 6 years. While doing this, I have also helped my husband, Doug, in student ministry for the past 10 years. First at a camp in South Carolina and then here in Ellijay for the last five years. A year and a half ago, we helped to start the Orchard Church where we are youth leaders and head up the family and children's ministry!

I have learned some amazing but hard lessons over the years! Most importantly, God can be trusted because He loves us immensely! He has given me my husband, Doug, whom I LOVE with all my heart and two precious girls! My daughters Emma (6) and Clare (3) will both attend NGCA this year. We are blessed that they will be taught in such a God-centered environment!

I love photography, reading, traveling, gardening and anything outdoors! My husband and I are runners. I am currently training for a half-marathon (my first).

I am looking forward to teaching not only knowledge to my students but also passing on values that will shape their character according to the image of Christ.

K-5, Tammy Nicholson

Hello! My name is Tammy Nicholson. I was born and raised in Ellijay. I am married to a precious Man of God, David Nicholson, whom I love very much, and God has given us two precious gifts: Daniel and MaryGrace. I feel so thankful to have the opportunity to join the staff at NGCA. I love teaching children and getting to do that and be able to teach them about God at the same time is such a blessing!

My education consists of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from North Georgia College in 1988 with a major in accounting and a minor in Fine Arts History. After working in public accounting for almost ten years, I returned to North Georgia College & State University where I received the requirements for teacher certification. I became a Certified Teacher in Early Childhood in 1999 and began working at Ellijay Primary School as a Second Grade resource teacher. While working, I received a Master's Degree in Early Childhood in 2003 from Piedmont College. I worked at Ellijay Primary as a second grade teacher until 2004 when our son, Daniel, was born. After Daniel was born I received a Specialist's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2005 from Piedmont College. Then MaryGrace was sent to us and I have been staying at home with her, but now I feel that God is leading me back into the teaching field.

1st Grade, Julie Queen

My name is Julie Queen. I was born and raised in Gilmer County. I graduated from Gilmer High School in 2005. I graduated from Berry College in Rome, Georgia in 2009. At Berry, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.

I have been blessed with an amazing family that I love dearly. During my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, spending time with friends and family, and going to church.

Teaching has always been my passion. I have known I wanted to be teacher since I was in 2nd grade. I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to teach at NGCA. I look forward to teaching your children!

2nd Grade, Hilary Fowler

Hi! My name is Hilary Fowler. I am a graduate of Gilmer High School Class of 1988, but I am not a native of Gilmer County. Born just outside of Toronto, Canada; I have lived in several places including Montreal, Up-State New York, Thunder Bay (Ontario), and Ellijay.

I am married to a wonderful man, Terry, who is a native of Gilmer County, and we have three children: Rowe, Aniston, and Larz. We also have nine animals (four dogs, four cats, and a hamster). We are active members of First Baptist Church, here in Ellijay.

I received my BA in Sociology from Lakehead University located in Ontario, Canada. I worked as a social worker for several years. I decided to pursue a career in school counseling which prompted me to start a program at Kennesaw State University with my focus on Middle Grades Education and Counseling. I have been a stay-at-home mother since 2000.

I am excited to be teaching Second Grade. Second Grade is a time for students to use the skills they learned in Kindergarten and First Grade and prepare themselves for Third Grade. I take great pleasure in watching a child grow and succeed in their goals as they master new skills and gain independence as a student. I hope to nurture each student while instructing them in academics, character and social skills. Let me say how much I appreciate you allowing me to teach your child. It is a responsibility I take seriously.

3rd Grade, Daniele Deneka

I graduated from the School of Engineering at Trenton State College in New Jersey majoring in Technology Education. Following graduation I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida where I taught middle school for two years. I returned to New Jersey where I taught high school for seven years and received the honor of Teacher of the Year.

Four years ago my family and I moved to Talking Rock. I have been teaching at Children First Preschool at the Ellijay First United Methodist Church where my family attends church. I love teaching Sunday school class there for the 3 - 5 year olds, and I also enjoy being involved in the Children's Church program.

My husband Greg and I have a soon to be seven year old son named Christian who is in first grade at North Georgia Christian Academy. We are very happy to be a part of the NGCA family. I am looking forward to another educational and exciting school year teaching third grade.

4th Grade, Jodi Morgan

My name is Jodi Morgan and I am very excited about teaching fourth grade this year. I received my Associates of Applied Science in Marketing Degree from Dalton State College in 2006. Then, I transferred to North Georgia College & State University where I received my Bachelor's in Middle Grades Education in May of 2010. My Middle Grades degree specializes in Mathematics and Social Science. I look forward to teaching fourth grade, seventh grade math, and high school math this year! It is going to be an exciting year!

As I mentioned, I am a recent graduate and a recent newly-wed. My husband and I tied the knot this year on May 13th. He is just as excited about North Georgia Christian Academy as I am. I am a member of First Baptist Church where I work in the nursery during Sunday school. As for some of my hobbies, I enjoy going to church and helping in the nursery, playing piano, cooking, boating, and spending time with family and friends. The Lord has truly blessed me with a wonderful husband, family, church, and career.

5th Grade Homeroom, Kim Jarvis

Hi, my name is Kim Jarvis and I am very excited about teaching 5th grade this year at NGCA! I have an Associates Degree in Accounting from Reinhardt College and a Masters of Business Administration from Brenau University. I supervised in the corporate world of AT&T for six years before starting my family.

I live in Jasper with my husband and our five children. Clint, our oldest son, is a sophomore at Southern Poly majoring in mathematics. Aubrey 17, Hunter 16, and Beth 14 will be attending high school here at NGCA and our youngest son, David, will also be here in second grade. I enjoy many activities with my family including tennis, volleyball, robotics, being outdoors, and especially attending church.

I was saved at the age of twelve and joined Philadelphia Baptist Church by experience of grace and was baptized. My husband is treasurer at Philadelphia where he also serves as a deacon. In addition, my husband and I have been wonderfully blessed to see our four oldest children saved and baptized. Truly, the Lord has been more merciful than I deserve!

Middle School/High School, Linda McNerney

Hi! My name is Linda McNerney and I am blessed to be teaching Spanish and Science at NGCA. I was born and raised in Bronx, New York. My parents were born in Puerto Rico. Thanks to them I can read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. I am also a registered nurse. I have a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and an Associate Degree in Nursing. I also was a New York City Police Officer for about five years. I have taught on these subjects in other Christian Schools, and I am grateful for the opportunity to teach them again.

I have been blessed with four children and a godly husband. My husband and I both accepted the Lord Jesus as our Savior in the year 2000. We have partnered up with the Orchard Church and look forward to being used by God there.

My goals are to help your children cultivate a thirst for the things of God, explore and learn about the Hispanic culture, and to understand science through God's eyes.

I thank you for the opportunity to pour life into your children through a Christ-centered curriculum. I covet your prayers and look forward to serving you and your children.

Middle School/High School, Jason Hyde

I am honored to be the middle and high school teacher at NGCA this year. My experience includes secondary education, sales management, and teaching Sunday school. I feel that becoming a full time educator rather than continuing in the sales workforce was a God-given desire. It is a blessing to teach students academic fundamentals while incorporating a Christian worldview through proclaiming God's glory in each class and recognizing the ultimate authority of Holy Scripture.

I am a graduate of the University of Georgia having completed a BSA degree through studies in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education. My beautiful wife Sheree and I have been married for ten years and we have a wonderful little miracle, Jaciana Grace, age four.

I enjoy reading, playing piano, nature, family and friends and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Quest/Middle School/High School, Lynn Martin

This is my second year teaching at NGCA. I am honored to continue development of the Quest class as well as having the opportunity to teach other subjects.

I have an Associate of Arts from Reinhardt College. I attended Kennesaw State University. I hold a lifetime teaching certificate from the state of Texas. I have a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, a minor in Fine Art, and a specialization in Reading from the University of North Texas. I have worked in many areas of education over the last 20+ years. I spent several years in Special Education in Cherokee County at Tippens Elementary School before completing my B.S. In Texas, I worked in Special Education, as well as 2nd grade, 5th grade and implemented a remedial reading and spelling program for grades 1-5. Since returning to GA, I worked in private, supplemental education as an instructor for the Huntington Learning Center in Woodstock for 2 years. Mostly recently, I left my position as Assistant Director of Education for the Huntington Learning Center in Cumming in an effort to spend more time with my family and less time on the road commuting. I have also been a homeschool mom/teacher/instructor for both of my sons for their entire academic careers.

My husband and I built a home in Gilmer County 4 years ago. We both lived most of our lives in the Cherokee County area. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to raise our 3 children in an area that is more like the one where we grew up. We appreciate the sense of community found in a smaller town like Ellijay. We are members of First Baptist Church in Canton. I love to read, garden, cook and spend time with my family.

I continue to be excited about all opportunities to share the magnificent wonders of our Lord with the students. It is my prayer that He will guide and direct me to accomplish all that He needs me to do in this setting. It is also my prayer that your child will be wonderfully blessed as a participant of this class.

Media Specialist, Vicki Christensen

This is my 4th year here at NGCA, and I am so excited to be working in our school library and computer lab this year. I love to read and hope to share my passion for reading with your child. Together we can explore a world of knowledge and love for God through books. This is my 6th year in education. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University.

My husband Mike and I have lived here in Ellijay for almost 18 years. We have 3 children: Nicholas 18, Timothy 17, and Elizabeth who is 13 and is in the 8th grade at NGCA. We are members of the congregation of Hope Lutheran Church here in Ellijay. I have taught Sunday school. I am a member of our church's youth ministry, adult choir, director of our VBS program, and have served on the Congregational Council for 3 years, two of those as President.

Before moving here to Georgia, I lived in Oregon, Louisiana, and California. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I have visited 38 states and my goal is to finish the rest before I am too old to travel. I love to read (traveling through books), and I hope to share my love for Jesus and reading with your child.

Basketball Coach, Robbie Cheatham

My name is Robbie Cheatham. I am a 1988 honor graduate of Fannin County High School. I have an Associates degree in Science from Reinhardt College and a Bachelors in education from the University of Georgia. While in Athens, I was a staff coach at the YMCA where I coached football, basketball and baseball and was in charge of the "Sports Pals" program which was composed of kindergartners from Athens Academy. I have taught at Pickens High School for 17 years including 10 years as social studies department chair. During my time at PHS I have coached football, basketball, softball, and track and field. 2010 will be my second year as the basketball coach at NGCA.

One of my most memorable moments as a coach was when Keisha Hall won the state championship for PHS in the long jump in 1996. Another was being on the bench as an assistant coach with PHS in 1994 when Carlos Hampton scored 62 points against Gilmer in the region tournament. But my most exciting moment as a coach came last year with the Mariners when Josie Caruso hit the game winning shot at the buzzer to beat GMCA.

My greatest joy in life is my family. Nothing pleases me more than spending time with my beautiful wife Beth and our two sons Logan and Brody.

My favorite passage of Scripture is Ephesians 1:3-14

I thank God for NGCA. I know that this school has been ordained by Him to accomplish a special mission. I am humbled that God chose me to play a role in that mission.