Mrs. Jessica Marshburn
Assistant Principal

jpierce@lcarichlands.org

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” ~ Henry Adams

Ms. Jessica Pierce was born and raised in Richlands, NC. She graduated from University of Wilmington with a Bachelors of Elementary Education. Ms. Pierce has worked in the Onslow County School system as a substitute and a title I tutor. She loves singing in the choir and is excited to try to fulfill God’s will in her everyday walk.

Mrs. Rebecca King Upper School Principal

rking@lcarichlands.org

“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament.  And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

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 24 years. They have two children, Evan and Meredith, who are students at LCA.  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.

Mrs. Kelly Tarkenton
LEEP Director

kelly.tarkenton@lcarichlands.com

Mrs. Tarkenton 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 assistant soccer coach. She loves sports and spending time with her three children. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7.

Mr. Shawn Richmond Athletic Director

srichmond@lcarichlands.org

“I want to see this generation have a Christ driven life in academics and sports.” 

Mr. Shawn Richmond is married to Mrs. Kelly Richmond. They have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.  He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University and is currently pursuing his Masters in Sports Management from Liberty, as well. Mr. Richmond retired from the Marine Corps in 2014 after a 20 year career and is the Youth Pastor at Love, Grace and Mercy Church in Richlands, NC.  Along with teaching at LCA, he is also the Athletic Director, the Junior Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach and Baseball Coach.  Mr. Richmond has a calling for young people and has a desire to see this generation have a Christ-driven life in academics and sports.

Mrs. Adrienne Willaford
Curriculum Specialist

awillaford@lcarichlands.org

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 

Mrs. Willaford was born in Oceanside, CA but has lived in Jacksonville, NC most of her life. She is a graduate of Jacksonville High School and married her high school sweetheart. She taught six years in Onslow County Schools and one year Metro Nashville Public Schools. Mrs. Willaford recently moved from Nashville, where her husband had the opportunity pastor a local church. Mrs. Willaford is a proud mom of three amazing children – Rylan, Asher, and Harper. Her passions are serving the Lord, spending time with her family, and teaching young minds.

Mrs. Courtney Tieman

Guidance Counselor

ctieman@lcarichlands.org

Luke 12:25  “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his  span of life?”

Ms. Courtney Kilpatrick Tieman was born in Duplin County, NC and graduated from James Kenan High School in Warsaw, NC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Linguistics and Technical Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). After living many years in Garner, she has returned home to Duplin County where she attends Kenansville Baptist Church with her husband, Shane, and three children; Livvy, Hudson and John Grant. Mrs. Tieman is excited to teach English Language Arts at LCA and hopes to inspire her students to write with purpose. She also looks forward to building a strong sisterhood among Upper School students as the cheerleading coach.

Mrs. Sandi Riggs
School Nurse

sriggs@lcarichlands.org

“What an opportunity it is to be able to serve the children here at Liberty Christian Academy!”

Mrs. Riggs is so thankful for the road that God prepared that led her to LCA. He  always has a plan as Jeremiah 29:11 states, “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.”  She has been a Registered Nurse for 19 years. Mrs. Riggs earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Liberty University. She has worked with all ages in home health, in office settings, and hospital settings through her years in the medical field. Mrs. Riggs and her husband, Randy, and have three children (Lauryn, Kristen, and Dylan) who all attend Liberty ranging from 2nd-11th grade. She and her family also attend Kellum Baptist church and love their church home. She loves the community here at Liberty and is looking forward to another great year!

Dr. Julie Heath
Librarian/LEEP

jsimmons@lcarichlands.org

Throughout the years, Dr. Julie Simmons has learned many things. One verse that has spoken to her during many trails and many blessings is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” She is a widow of four years. Dr. Simmons lost my husband to illness on September 11, 2015. Although she will never forget that day, she will never forget all the good times either. Since then, the Lord has blessed Dr. Simmons with strength and love and a 16 year old daughter, Abi who attends LCA. Abi is a Junior this school year. Dr. Simmons loves LCA and is so glad the Lord has directed her here. This is her 22 year of teaching and her fifth year at LCA. Sometimes Dr. Simmons thinks, “It doesn’t get better than this” and feels like she is living the happiest days of her life.

Mrs. Newassa Martin
Receptionist

Mrs. Martin’s bio coming soon!

Mrs. Cindy Bowen
Custodian

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Bowen earned her Associates of Arts degree in Office System Technology at James Sprunt Community College.  She also earned a certificate in data entry and word processing.  She has worked as a teacher assistant for Duplin County Schools for over 11 years and has served as a Food & Nutrition Cook for three and a half years.  Mrs. Bowen is a wife, mother, and grandmother to five amazing grandchildren.

Mr. William Cruse
Custodian

Mr. Cruse’s bio coming soon!

Mrs. Katherine Stratton
Custodian

Mrs. Stratton’s bio coming soon!

Mrs. Gail White
Custodian

Mrs. White’s bio coming soon!

Ms. Katie Phillips

Kindergarten Teacher

kphillips@lcarichlands.org

“I have a heart for children and feel privileged that the Lord is using me to meet not only the academic needs, but most importantly the spiritual needs of His children.”

Mrs. Lindsay Marks
Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Marks’ bio coming soon!

Mrs. Brittany Bass

Kindergarten Teacher

brittany.bass@lcarichlands.org

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Ms. Bass is a native of Duplin County, NC. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Ms. Bass has a God given heart for children and a desire to help guide them in the ways of the Lord. She loves spending time with family, reading and photography.

Mrs. Jessica Wolf

1st Grade Teacher

jwolf@lcarichlands.org

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

Mrs. Jessica Wolf grew up in Minnesota and has lived in many different places as a military wife before settling in Richlands in 2005. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Birth through Kindergarten Education from East Carolina University. This is her fourth year at LCA. She is married to her husband of 23 years, Ken and they have two sons, Kooper who is serving in the ARMY and Garrett, serving in the Air Force. The Wolfs attend Catalyst Church in Jacksonville.

Mrs. Nartasha Davis

1st Grade Teacher

ndavis@lcarichlands.org

“The greatest gift you can give a child today is to teach him or her the Word of God.”

Mrs. Nartasha Davis was born in Beaufort, SC.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.  She has worked with Exceptional Children in a public school setting for four years. This is her second year teaching Kindergarten at LCA. She is married to her best friend, Christopher, who currently serves in the United States Marine Corps. God has blessed them with three amazing children, Jhanay who is currently serving in the United States Navy, Jalen who is a senior in high school, and Tristian who is in the 5th grade at LCA. The Davis family attends Catalyst Church in Jacksonville.  Mrs. Davis enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Mrs. Kelsey White

2nd Grade Teacher

kwhite@lcarichlands.org

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Mrs. Kelsey White was born and raised in the sunny state of Florida. She is married to her best friend, Ethan. She and her husband grew up together, got married, and moved to North Carolina for his military career. In her spare time, Mrs. White loves spending time with her husband and chocolate Lab Hank, as well as spending time at the beach. She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science, and majored in Elementary Education. Mrs. White has always enjoyed working with children. She worked in pediatric dentistry and child care, and has also worked as a VPK teacher in a Christian school in Florida. Mrs. White has a passion to reach students for Christ, and to help equip the future generation with the knowledge, love, and education they need. She is looking forward to seeing the great things God is going to do with LCA this year!

Mrs. Andrea Taylor
2nd Grade Teacher

andrea.taylor@lcarichlands.org

“For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Luke 1:37

Mrs. Taylor is a local, born and raised in Richlands, NC. She graduated from UNCW with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Mrs. Taylor taught Kindergarten and 1st grade for five years in Onslow County before she took time off to raise her family.  Mrs. Taylor, and her husband Neil, are blessed with four wonderful children; Conner, Gavin, Holden, and Elliana.  They attend Bethany Baptist Church and enjoy working with the children and youth groups. Mrs. Taylor is excited to be back in the classroom and to get to share her love of reading and faith with her students. Some of her favorite things are reading, crafting, cooking, chatting with friends, and trips to the mountains.

Mrs. Katie Hearn

3rd Grade Teacher

khearn@lcarichlands.org

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Mrs. Katie Hearn grew up in North Augusta, South Carolina.  She graduated from UNCW with a BA in Elementary Education. She was a teacher assistant for 3 years and this year will be her 5^th year as a lead classroom teacher.  Mrs. Hearn is happily married to her husband, Ryan and enjoys spending time with their two wonderful kids.

Christian education provides the incredible opportunity to incorporate the word of God into every lesson and it is a blessing seeing students learn and grow.

Mrs. Tina Houston
3rd Grade Teacher

thouston@lcarichlands.org

“Time Spent Playing With Children is Never Wasted.” ~ Mr. Rogers

Mrs. Houston is happily married to her husband, Jesse, and has 2 boys, Landon and Luke. She has lived in Richlands her entire life and is currently enrolled in Western Governors University pursing a Bachelors in Elementary Education. Mrs. Houston is very excited to be a part of LCA full time and is looking forward to what God has in store for her!

Mrs. Bonnie Grayson

4th Grade Teacher

bgrayson@lcarichlands.org

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Mrs. Bonnie Grayson is a proud graduate of Liberty University and has eight years teaching experience in Christian education. She has been happily married for 25 years and is the proud mama of two sons and a daughter. Mrs. Grayson loves learning about Jesus and trusting Him in all ways every day.  A love for reaching students for Jesus, Pinterest, and reading are also some things she enjoys.

Mrs. Dana Murphy
6th Grade Math Teacher

dana.murphy@lcarichlands.org

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Ms. Dana Murphy was born in Kinston, NC.  She obtained a Bachelor’s in Child and Family Development with a concentration in Family Therapy from American Public University.  Ms. Murphy also graduated from Benedictine University with a Master’s in Public Health.  She has taught high school science classes as well as middle school science and history classes in the public and Christian schools of North Carolina.  She loves to cook and write devotional books. Ms. Murphy has three amazing children who make her life completely full of joy each and every day.

Mrs. Courtney Tieman

Language Arts Teacher

ctieman@lcarichlands.org

Luke 12:25  “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his  span of life?”

Ms. Courtney Kilpatrick Tieman was born in Duplin County, NC and graduated from James Kenan High School in Warsaw, NC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Linguistics and Technical Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). After living many years in Garner, she has returned home to Duplin County where she attends Kenansville Baptist Church with her husband, Shane, and three children; Livvy, Hudson and John Grant. Mrs. Tieman is excited to teach English Language Arts at LCA and hopes to inspire her students to write with purpose. She also looks forward to building a strong sisterhood among Upper School students as the cheerleading coach.

Mr. Matt Hinkle
Health/PE

matt.hinkle@lcarichlands.org

Mr. Hinkle’s bio coming soon!

Mrs. Anna Crooms

P.E./Computer Teacher

acrooms@lcarichlands.org

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”  – Brad Henry

Mrs. Anna Crooms resides in Jacksonville, NC with her husband and four children.  She graduated from Heritage Bible College with her Bachelor’s in Religious Education.  She continued her education at Liberty University and achieved a Master’s in Teaching, Secondary Education.  Mrs. Crooms has experience in teaching 1st grade, 4th grade, middle and high school.  She believes every child can learn and never gives up on seeing that come to fruition.

Mr. Greg Heath

History Teacher

gheath@lcarichlands.org

“For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day.”  2 Timothy 1:12

Mr. Heath was born in Jacksonville and raised by Christian parents who taught him from an early age what it means to be a Christian. At the age of nine years old, he accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church. He has remained an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for all of his adult life, serving in various roles, including Sunday School teacher, deacon, and sound technician. Mr. Heath has a BS degree in Social Sciences from Campbell and a Masters in American History from ECU. He recently retired from teaching 4th grade at Blue Creek Elementary for 29 years and also taught at CCCC for a time. Interestingly, he has also worked part-time as an announcer at a local Christian radio station. He is also a licensed amateur (Ham) radio operator who loves traveling, visiting the mountains and historic sites, and discovering new places in North Carolina. Additionally, Mr. Heath is licensed to preach the gospel, and frequently supplies the pulpit for pastors of local Baptist churches. He has enjoyed his first year, and is looking forward to his second year teaching middle school History at Liberty Christian Academy.

Mrs. April Courie
Bible Teacher

april.courie@lcarichalnds.org

Mrs. Courie’s bio coming soon!

Mr. Jay Webster

Science Teacher

jwebster@lcarichlands.org

Mr. Webster was born in Alma, Michigan, raised in Riverdale, MI. Attended Vestaburg, MI schools and graduated. Served three years in the U.S. Marines as a computer repair technician. After which he worked as an appliance repair technician. During this time he met and married his wife Mary. Then went to College at what is now known as the University of Valley Forge. He worked for different schools over the years, and also earned his Master’s in education Liberty University. He has three children and a growing number of grandchildren. A scripture verse that he strives to live up to is 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. He has a desire to hear God say “Well done!”.

Mrs. Kaye Elizalde
Math Teacher

kelizalde@lcarichlands.org

Mrs. Kaye Elizalde was born in Iwakuni, Japan and lived the life of a military child traveling from Japan to North Carolina to Hawaii to Virginia.  She is a graduate of Western Governors University with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Mathematics.  Mrs. Elizalde has been married to her childhood best friend, Richard, for 25 years and is the proud mother of Anthony and Amber and Nana to Coletta Marie.   Mrs. Elizalde has been educating students in the Christian environment for many years and firmly believes that the teacher is responsible for setting Biblical examples for students to learn from and that her teaching needs to show integrity and seriousness (Titus 2:7-8).  She looks forward to another exciting and successful year at LCA!

Mr. Matthew Summerlin
Bible Teacher

dmartin@lcarichlands.org

Mr. Martin’s bio coming soon!

Mrs. Jennifer Sumner
History/Art Teacher

jsumner@lcarichlands.org

Mrs. Sumner was raised in Duplin County, NC. Mrs. Sumner furthered her education where she attended the University of Mount Olive, earning a double major. Mrs. Sumner has a Bachelor of Science in Art and History. Mrs. Sumner and her husband Jody are members at Sandy Plain Church in Pink Hill, NC were they teach Children’s church and her husband is a deacon. Mrs. Sumner and her husband, have four beautiful daughters, who they love spending time with and spreading the word of God. 

Mr. Albert Stephens
Digital Media

astephens@lcarichlands.org

Mr. Stephens’ bio coming soon!

Mrs. Stephanie Havenski
LEEP Interventionist

shavenski@lcarichlands.org

Jesus said to the father, “Why did you say ‘if you can’? All things are possible for the one who believes.” Mark 9:23

Ms. Havenski was born, raised and lives in Beulaville, NC.  She is married to her husband Bryan and they share 2 children (Emily and Ty).  Ms Havenski has been with Liberty Christian Academy for 2 years, the first year being a substitute teacher.  Ms. Havenski graduated from East Duplin High School and obtained a Bachelors in Biblical Studies in 2017.  Ms. Havenski enjoys spending time with her family and baking in the kitchen.  She feels it is an honor and privilege to work with the kids at Liberty Christian Academy.

Mrs. Ashley Beyl
LEEP Interventionist

ashleybeyl@lcarichlands.org

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mrs. Ashley Beyl was born and raised in Rome, Georgia.(Go Bulldogs!) Mrs. Beyl started working in Family Ministry at a local church. Her passion for children and love of the Lord brought Mrs. Beyl to her current position. She enjoys spending time outdoors but most of all spending time with her husband and five kids!

Mrs. Leah Stubbs
Chorus/Music/Drama

lstubbs@lcarichlands.org

“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.” ~ Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

Mrs. Stubbs was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina and graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree, majoring in piano and minoring in voice.  She taught AIG (Gifted Education) in Hyde County Schools, Chorus at Trexler Middle School and Chorus and Drama at Richlands High School for 24 years.  Mrs. Stubbs also served as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Richlands for 37 ½ years.  She and her husband, Fletcher Stubbs, Band Director at LCA, have one daughter, Nicole, a Kindergarten teacher, a son-in-law, Zach, who serves in the U.S. Navy, and three wonderful grandsons, Nathan, Logan, and Jeremiah.

Mrs. Jessica Wheeler
Spanish Teacher

jwheeler@lcarichlands.org

“I love making language learning a positive and fun experience!”

Mrs. Jessica Wheeler was born in Olympia, WA. She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and has taught Spanish to students K-12 for six years. Her life is full of the love from her husband, Charles, and their three beautiful children, Carol, Mary, and Thomas.

Mr. Glenn Turner
Construction Management

Mr. Turner’s bio coming soon!