LCA LEADERSHIP 

Dr. Cheryl Turner Cavanaugh is a distinguished educational leader, entrepreneur, and double doctorate holder who has dedicated her life to transforming the landscape of early childhood and Christian education. With a passion for empowering educators and nurturing students, she brings decades of experience in school leadership, academic research, and faith-based education.

Dr. Cavanaugh earned both a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), making her a rare and respected double doctor in the field of educational leadership. Her academic work includes multiple dissertations focused on leadership dynamics within Christian schools, teacher efficacy, and organizational climate—most notably during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She is deeply passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. This passion inspired her to establish New Beginnings Child Care Centers, which have become a vital part of Onslow County and the surrounding communities. For over 20 years, she has been dedicated to providing top-quality, 5-Star educational facilities that serve and support local families. 

Dr. Cavanaugh is the Head of School and co-founder of Liberty Christian Academy (LCA) in Richlands, North Carolina, alongside her husband, Jody Douglas Cavanaugh. Under her guidance, LCA has grown into a vital educational institution serving families in Onslow County and beyond, with a Christ-centered mission and a reputation for academic excellence. Dr. Cavanaugh has also served as principal and administrator at various points, embodying hands-on leadership and a deep commitment to her students and staff.

Beyond education, Dr. Cavanaugh is an accomplished businesswoman. She is affiliated with several start-up ventures including New Beginnings Child Care Centers, Liberty Christian Academy, New Beginnings Construction, Forbes Financial and NBI Financial. She is involved in overseeing services for over 1,000 children and leads a team of more than 150 employees across her organizations.

Known for her visionary leadership, Dr. Cavanaugh is driven by faith, service, and academic integrity. She is a respected voice in educational circles and continues to inspire a new generation of students, educators, and community leaders. 

Mrs. Marshburn was born and raised in Richlands, North Carolina. She graduated from Richlands High School in 2003. After graduating high school, Mrs. Marshburn attended University of North Carolina Wilmington earning her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Master's of Educational Leadership from Bob Jones University. Mrs. Marshburn has been with Liberty Christian Academy for nine years. She serves as the Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Principal. She loves singing at her church. 

Ms. Tieman is a dedicated educator with a strong foundation in both academics and community involvement. Born in Duplin County, North Carolina, she graduated from James Kenan High School in Warsaw, NC. Ms. Tieman went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, concentrating in Linguistics and Technical Writing, from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. During her time at UNC Wilmington, she was an active member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). Continuing her education, Ms. Tieman earned a Master’s Degree from Liberty University, further solidifying her passion for learning and teaching. After spending several years in Garner, NC, she returned to her roots in Duplin County, where she attends Pathway Church alongside her husband, Shane, with whom she has shared 18 years of marriage. They have three children, all of whom are students at LCA. In her spare time, Ms. Tieman enjoys exploring new destinations and indulging in exceptional dining experiences. She finds inspiration in her favorite biblical figure, King David, who, despite his flaws, had a heart for God. Her favorite Bible verses, Romans 8:38-39 and Proverbs 23:6, reflect her deep faith and personal values. Ms. Tieman is committed to nurturing the minds and hearts of her students while fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment.

Mrs. Willaford is LCA’s Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, responsible for managing classroom curricula and resources, organizing professional development opportunities, and supporting teachers in their professional growth. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and is pursuing a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. Mrs. Willaford has served in public and private school education for 14 years. Christian education is where she feels her purpose and passion intersect.
In addition to her professional role, Adrienne is a pastor's wife, a mother of three children, and a foster mom, balancing her work and family life with grace and commitment. She has a deep love for God’s Word, the beach, dark chocolate, and enjoys meaningful conversations with friends and a cup of coffee in hand.

Mrs. Taylor grew up in northern California but has lived most of her adult life in Onslow county.  She and her husband, Dennis, currently live in Kinston. They have a beautiful blended family of 5 children, 3 married with wonderful spouses. Mrs. Taylors pride and joy are her beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Taylor feels blessed in all that the Lord does for her daily. He has turned her ashes into beauty in the way only God does.

Mr. Summerlin is honored to serve as the Director of Christian Life at Liberty Christian Academy. His career reflects a strong commitment to service, law enforcement, and ministry. He spent nine years with the Jacksonville Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, criminal intelligence officer, investigator, and SWAT team member while earning a Bachelor’s in History and a Master’s in Christian Apologetics from Liberty University.
Following a calling to ministry, he became the youth pastor at Pathway Church in Beulaville and later worked as a History teacher in the public school system. In 2020, he joined LCA to teach History and Bible while contributing to campus safety initiatives, eventually transitioning full-time to developing security policies for the school’s growing community.
Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife, Suzie, and their two children. A passionate reader, he finds inspiration in the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve LCA and ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff.

Landen Langston is the Director of IT and Marketing and teaches Journalism. This is his second year at LCA.  He values the opportunity to serve in a place where faith and family are at the heart of everything. He is grateful to be surrounded daily by both his family and the love of Jesus. Outside of work, Mr. Langston enjoys cooking for his friends and family, fostering connection and creativity in and out of the classroom. His dedication to education and technology helps equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

   

Mrs. Bland was born and raised in Maryland. She graduated with a bachelors degree in early childhood education and a masters degree in Learning Disabilities from Francis Marion University. Mrs. Tarkenton taught 1st grade and 3rd Grade special education in Florence, South Carolina. She is the girls head soccer coach and the boys head soccer coach. She loves sports and spending time with her three children. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7.

Mrs. King was raised in Duplin County, NC.  Upon graduating East Duplin High School, she earned a Bachelor of Music at Meredith College followed by a Master of School Administration at UNC-Wilmington.  After 13 years of pursuing an educational career as a teacher and administrator, she felt God calling her to be a full-time mother in order to train up her own children and develop a strong spiritual foundation in their earliest years.  Once her children entered school, she began working part-time as a preschool teacher and then an interventionist for elementary students. She is now happy to serve at LCA where she counts it all joy to be a part of this wonderful school where Christ is glorified and His Word is taught daily.  Mrs. King is a member of Sandy Plain Original Free Will Baptist Church in Pink Hill, NC where she is actively involved in the music ministry.  She has been happily married to her husband Darryl for 30 years. They have two children, Evan (LCA alum) and Meredith, who is a student  at LCA.  

   

    

dpickett@lcarichlands.org

I am so thankful for God’s vision and His plan that has brought me to where I am today, serving and caring for others in many ways. Without God, none of this would have been possible. I am married to the love of my life, Randy Riggs and we have 3 beautiful children together. Both of our daughters have graduated from Liberty Christian Academy and our son currently attends Liberty. We are owners of Riggs Brothers Farm and Sand Ridge Farms.  We tend over 10,000 acres and run a Hog Farm, which I have been doing the books for now for over 27 years. This drives my passion for numbers and finance. I also love serving and taking care of others.  I started my journey as a Nursing Assistant at 19 years old and then graduated from Craven Community College in 2000 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science to become a Registered Nurse. I have been a Registered Nurse since May of 2000. After continuing my education, I  completed my Bachelors in Nursing at Liberty University in 2021. In my spare time, I love to read, workout and spend all the time I can with my family. My family and I are members at Kellum Baptist church where I grew up attending.  I pray each day that my love for Christ shines in all I do for him as I serve all the parents and children at Liberty Christian Academy. I am blessed daily by them. I am excited to see where this year leads.  1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ”.

Mr. Richmond is married to Mrs. Kelly Richmond. They have 4 children and 4 grandchildren. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University and his Masters in Sports Management/Coaching and Athletic Administration from Liberty University, as well. Mr. Richmond retired from the Marine Corps in 2014 after a 20 year career and is an Associate Pastor at Love, Grace and Mercy Church in Richlands, NC. In addition to serving as the Athletic Director, he is the Head Football Coach and the Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach. Coach Richmond and his wife also serve on the Coastal NC FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Board. Mr. Richmond has a calling for young people and has a desire to see this generation have a Christ-driven life in academics and athletics. 

Mrs. Ginnie Postlethwaite feels so blessed to have been called to be a part of the LCA family. God has been so faithful to guide her and direct her in the way she should go (Prov. 3:5-6) and continues to impress upon her to be God-honoring in all she does. Mrs. Postlethwaite has earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a certification in the field of Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) from UNC Wilmington. In the spring of this year, she completed a Master’s degree in AIG from UNC Wilmington. Mrs. Postlethwaite has worked in education as a general education teacher for over 22 years and enjoys traveling, running, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She is the wife of Rick Postlethwaite, a retired marine and policeman, the mother of Richard and his wife Rebecca, and Ryan and his wife Gabrielle, who are both 2016 LCA alumni. She is also the doting Grammy of 6 precious grandbabies: Kalani, Kalia, Felicity, Koa, Lera, and Kaimana.