Faculty & Staff Directory

Mrs. Arthur is a graduate of James Madison University where she earned her bachelor's degree of Fine Arts, concentrating on drawing and painting. She also minored in both art history and business. While attending JMU she was very active in Intervarsity, an on-campus ministry and Artworks gallery, a student run gallery. Prior to college, she traveled for a year with Experience Missions and served in the mission field in South Africa and Belize. Currently, she lives in Richmond and attends Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Her and her husband both serve in the youth ministry as small group leaders. She enjoys working in her art studio, learning and talking about art, playing games with her family, and thrifting.

Mrs. Barnes is a graduate of Georgia College & State University with a degree in Education. She found her passion of teaching at a very young age and has pursued it for the past 20 years in both education and youth ministry. Mrs. Barnes has a heart for teaching and ministering to middle and high school students, as she believes it is a critical time when values, identity, and beliefs begin to form. In her spare time, Mrs. Barnes enjoys reading, shopping, traveling with her family, and all things cheer! Mrs. Barnes and her husband, Anthony, are the parents of three children and several pets. They are active members of Fairmount Chrisitan Church, where they serve with the youth.

Mrs. Brightwell graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. For 16 years she has enjoyed being at home with her children and has served as a foster parent for the past 10 years. Mrs. Brightwell and her husband, along with their 4 teenagers, reside in Hanover County and attend Mechanicsville Christian Center. She enjoys watching her kids participate in sports and relaxing at the beach.

Coming from Honolulu, Hawaii, Chaplain David Brown, Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret). Mr. Brown received an undergraduate degree in Art from Virginia State University, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union School of Theology, and a Masters Degree in Education from Hawaii Pacific University. Following his retirement, Mr. Brown joined the teaching staff of Christian Academy of Honolulu, teaching Art and High School History for four years. Mr. Brown, his wife Rayna, and children, Jonathan and Joanna are excited to return to the Richmond area and begin looking for a new church home.

Mrs. Buchanan is a graduate of Liberty University with a Bachelor of Education degree in Elementary Education with Teacher Licensure. She teaches both math and science with a passion for helping students develop strong academic foundations while nurturing their spiritual growth. Committed to excellence in Christian education, she strives to create an engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, explore God's creation through science, and apply mathematical reasoning with confidence. Mrs. Buchanan lives in Mechanicsville with her husband, Will, and their children. They are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hanover County.

Mrs. Cox is a graduate of Bluefield University with a degree in Leadership and Managment. After several years of working with elementary aged students in reading intervention, Mrs. Cox was called by her family to run the family business for just over a decade. She is excited to rejoin the world of education and use her experience, both in the classroom and the real world, to connect with students. Mrs. Cox lives in Hanover County with her husband and two daughters. They are active member of Springfield Christian Church and enjoy leading the card ministry. Mrs. Cox loves travel, gardening, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Adrienne Dameron earned undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Virginia Tech. She discovered her passion for helping children and young adults identify their unique strengths while working at a special education charter school in Northern Virginia.

Mrs. Dameron continued her education at the College of William & Mary, where she earned a master's degree in Education and an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology. She has served elementary, middle, and high school students as a school psychologist in both Hanover, VA, and Hendersonville, NC. After spending several years raising her three children, volunteering, and serving as a substitute teacher at their school, Mrs. Dameron is excited to return to supporting students in their academic and personal growth. She is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and develop lifelong learning and executive functioning skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Dameron lives in King William with her husband, Will, and their three children. They attend Compass Christian Church.

Amelia Davis was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Psychology. She has been involved in education for 18 years and has taught in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, homeschooling, and helping establish a Forest School in Williamsburg. These diverse experiences have given her a broad perspective on learning and a strong passion for supporting students' academic and personal growth. Mrs. Davis and her family have lived in Mechanicsville for nearly two years and attend Mechanicsville Christian Center.

Mrs. Davis received her undergraduate degree from Atlantic Baptist Bible College, VA in Education and Missions. She later earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instructions from Piedmont International University. Mrs. Davis is currently dual certified for secondary teaching and principal with ACSI. Mrs. Davis is entering her twenty third year teaching, mostly at the middle and high school levels. Mrs. Davis, her husband Ashley, and their two boys attend church at Truth Baptist Church in Mechanicsville.

Coach delaCuesta is a graduate of Hilbert College in Buffalo, New York, where he played college baseball. He earned a Bachelor of Science in forensic science/crime scene investigation with a minor in digital forensics. A few years later, he discovered his passion for teaching and coaching and returned to school to earn his teaching license in physical education. With a love for sports and coaching, Coach delaCuesta draws on his experience as a former college athlete to minister to the athletes he teaches and coaches. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, traveling, and spending time with his family. He lives in Chesterfield County with his wife and daughter, and together they attend St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.

Mr. D'Ornellas, originally from Trinidad, holds a Bachelor's degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Bethany Global University in Minnesota. His academic background has equipped him with a deep appreciation for the richness of world history and the diverse cultures that shape the world. In addition to his studies, he has professional experience in business management, accounting, graphic design, and illustration, allowing him to combine both analytical and creative approaches to teaching. He and his wife, along with their two daughters and crazy pug, make their home in Mechanicsville, where they are members of Mechanicsville Christian Center. Mr. D'Ornellas is also a cartoonist with a love for storytelling, as well as water sports and gaming.

Mrs. Greer earned a B.S. in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in biology from The University of Alabama and an M.S. in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. During her rewarding 28-year career as a physical therapist, she found that educating, mentoring, and building meaningful relationships brought her much joy. She is thrilled to be joining GCS and looks forward to helping students grow academically, personally, and in their faith. Mrs. Greer and her husband, Michael, have three children and three dogs. They have been actively involved in their church community, serving in youth ministry, teaching Sunday School, and helping to launch a hospitality ministry. In her free time, she enjoys walking, reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Any time spent on or near the water is an added bonus!

Mrs. Lesher is a graduate of Grand Canyon University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She also earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Bryant and Stratton College. She has taught in Christian schools for the past seven years where she also directed a middle and high school chorus. Mrs. Lesher and her family are active members of Life Church in Mechanicsville. She enjoys singing, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Linton is a graduate of Liberty University with a Bachelor of Education in Social Studies. She has a genuine love for history and enjoys sparking that same curiosity and appreciation in her students. In the classroom, she creates an engaging and welcoming environment where questions, critical thinking, and connections between learning, life, and faith are encouraged. A member of Fairmount Christian Church, Ms. Linton is thankful for the opportunity to invest in both the academic and spiritual growth of her students at Grace Christian School.

Mrs. Martin is a graduate of James Madison University where she earned her degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education. As a licensed Virginia educator, Mrs. Martin has more than 19 years of teaching experience with students of differing ages and abilities in both public and private schools. Mrs. Martin is a lifetime resident of Mechanicsville. She has served in various children's ministry for over 30 years. Mrs. Martin and her family attend Compass Christian Church.

Katherine Starnes is a graduate of East Carolina University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Management as well as a minor in Psychology. She then continued her education at Liberty University, earning her Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics. Katherine fell in love with Christian camping youth ministry at a young age, where the Lord has continued to deepen her love and passion for equipping the next generation in their understanding of who Jesus is. Now, the Lord has opened a door to serve at Grace where she is so excited to pour into students as well as create a nurturing learning environment for all those in physical education.

Mrs. Mullins is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned a degree in Psychology with a Master's in Teaching. As an educator, Mrs. Mullins taught K-5 reading for 3 years in King William County. In this role she administered testing and provided remediation. Mrs. Mullins has 12 years of experience homeschooling. Mrs. Mullins and her husband, along with their 4 children, attend Mechanicsville Christian Center. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, and friends, traveling, fitness, and listening to Christian music.

Mrs. Ricks has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising from Georgetown College and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University. After a varied professional career in architecture and design, she and her husband David began homeschooling their son in 2011 where her passion for teaching literature and history, with a classical educational approach, enabled her to teach in several local homeschool co-operatives. Mrs. Ricks incorporates relevant topics from history, science, math, and real-world experiences that challenge students to understand that learning to communicate and write well does not have to be boring. By giving students challenging and exciting assignments, she hopes to instill an appreciation (or maybe even love) for the language arts and great works of literature while thinking creatively and critically about the world God has blessed us with.

Emily Robertson is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. She spent three years in public education, first teaching Spanish at the high school level and then working with English Language Learners at the elementary level. She then spent 20 years with an international nonprofit, where she used her Spanish language skills to help fill gaps in access to pediatric surgical care in Latin America and the Caribbean, first working directly with doctors and patients and then in data management. She is excited to return to the classroom and share her love of language with her students. Mrs. Robertson, along with her husband, two children, and yellow Labrador Retriever, lives in New Kent County and attends Sandston Baptist Church. Mrs. Robertson enjoys reading, baking, traveling, leading women's small group studies, and listening to her favorite podcasts.

Mrs. Rountree graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Living Sciences with a minor in History. She later earned her Masters in Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. Mrs. Rountree is an educational therapist offering help and hope to students needing additional academic or organizational support. She has more than 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher in public, private, and home school settings. Trained and licensed by the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD), Mrs. Rountree believes no student is beyond help. She and her husband and two daughters reside in Mechanisville and are members of Mattaponi Baptist Church where her husband is the pastor.

Mrs. Spruill received her bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Sweet Briar College and her teacher licensure through the University of Richmond. She has previously taught secondary math in Hanover County and New Kent County, where she served as a math department chair and led several professional development programs, including overcoming student math anxiety and building engaging math classrooms. She is passionate about helping students find success through productive struggle. Mrs. Spruill and her family are active members of Grace Community Presbyterian Church, where she serves on the Children's Ministry Team.

Mrs. Stewart is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. She has taught middle and high school for the last 11 years. With her husband and two children, Mrs. Stewart attends New Bridge Baptist church, where she serves as a youth leader, Bible study teacher, and yearly camp counselor. She has a passion for following Christ fervently, living by her favorite verse, Romans 12:2- "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will." Mrs. Stewart desires to help her students grow in their relationship with Christ and live accordingly. Outside of school, she loves to go to the beach, craft, listen to music, and spend time with her family.

Senora Toro is a graduate of Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador - Quito where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and Georgetown University, where she earned her master's degree. She earned her state teaching certificate from Virginia Union. Senora Toro has over 20 years experience as a classroom Spanish teacher and has been recognized for numerous awards: Laspau, Fulbright Scholarship and Medal of Excellence in teaching, J.B Fisher Elementary School. Senora Toro and her husband, Federico Puma, are members of Winfree Memorial Baptist Church and supporters of In Touch Ministries.

Ron Tiemann is a dedicated leader in youth soccer with a passion for developing players both on and off the field. As the Director of Coaching and head coach for boys and girls travel teams, Ron brings 18 years of experience, tactical knowledge, and a deep commitment to team culture and growth.

In 2024, Ron was named VISAA Soccer Coach of the Year, a testament to his leadership and coaching excellence. He also led his girls' team to back-to-back Division III State Championships, a rare and impressive achievement in competitive school soccer.

Ron is also an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, fishing, mountain biking, and golf. His love for nature fuels his coaching philosophy of resilience, exploration, and perseverance, qualities he strives to instill in his players both on and off the field.

A graduate of Geneva College with a B.S. in Business Administration, Ron lives by the school's motto, "Pro Christo Et Patria" - For Christ and Country - integrating faith, service, and integrity into every aspect of his coaching. He attends Truth Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, where his faith continues to anchor and inspire his leadership.

Mrs. Yacklon earned a bachelor's degree from Randolph-Macon College in English and Journalism, as well as a master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she obtained her teaching license in Elementary Education for pre-kindergarten through Grade 6. For the past 13 years, she has enjoyed teaching in the elementary school setting. Mrs. Yacklon resides in Mechanicsville with her husband and their son and daughter. They attend Gethsemane Church of Christ. She enjoys going on adventures with her family and being anywhere there is water.