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Teachers and Staff
First Family Academy is licensed through the State of Kansas and upholds the requirements as outlined in the regulations. However, our academy is committed to exceeding the State standards. Throughout our preschool program, we will hire Lead Teachers who have obtained their degree and/or working towards their degree within the Early Education field. Our teachers are spiritually grounded and have a statement of faith in Christ Jesus.
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MRS. SHELTA COLLINS
PRINCIPAL/SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
My name is Shelta Collins and I come to you from Chicago, Illinois where I held a position with La Petite Academy as a District Manager. Having started out as an Assistant Director, I was quickly promoted to the role of Academy Director. With a solid reputation for building the best teams, leadership, and compliance with Kansas licensing, I have reformed several schools within the state of Kansas. I have also worked within the public schools for seven years.
Education is very important to me, as I graduated Summa Cum Laude with my Bachelor's degree in Management and Human Relations with an emphasis in Music Education and Early Childhood Education. Furthermore, I hold a Master's Degree in Business Administration and Education from Mid America Nazarene University. Music played has played a vital role within my education. I have sung in college choirs and have competed in Collegiate Honor Bands playing the flute.
Ministry is the driving force behind all that I do. My husband Jared and I have served in many capacities within their church as youth leaders and children ministry coordinators. We have two daughters, Elizabeth (16) and Ashley (12). |
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MRS. CAROL GAULT
EARLY LEARNING CENTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Hi, my name is Carol Gault, and I am so excited to be a part of First Family Academy as Admin Assistant. It is a dream come-true to play an integral part in developing the Mission Projects for our Academy and implementing curriculum within the classroom.
I am originally from the Deep South (New Orleans) and was practically raised in the church. All of my uncles were Southern Baptist preachers, and I had the distinct pleasure of hearing a capsule of their sermons every Sunday at lunch. As a teen, mother, and grandmother, I have been involved with children in Sunday School, and summer camps, as well as working in the early childhood education field for the last five years. I have worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher and in various administrative roles within the preschool setting. I have developed a real love and appreciation for early childhood education and am looking forward to creating an environment where children can flourish within a Christian atmosphere. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a degree in Management and Human Relations. I also have an MBA from MidAmerica.
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MRS. JANICE DYKSTRA
INFANT TEACHER
Hi my name is Jan Dykstra and I am the lead teacher in the infant room. I grew up in Michigan, and I have lived in Chicago, Texas, and now here in Kansas. I am married to the love of my life for 39 years. We have 2 daughters and 3 granddaughters. As an infant teacher, I love my babies and my prayer is that they will grow to be godly men and women, who will serve the Lord. |
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MRS. AUDRA STACK
TODDLER TEACHER
Hi, my name is Audra Stack and I am the Lead Teacher in the Toddler room. I have been married to the man of my dreams for almost two years in October 5th. My husband and I have no kids right now, but eventually, we would like to have two. I am originally from Florida, but moved here when I was in the 6th Grade due to my dad’s job. Right now, I am studying to become a dental hygienist. In my free time I love to play recreational volleyball. I have been attending First Family Church for ten years and love it. I am looking forward to the new school year and working with the children. It is my desire to set a Christ-like example for each one of them. I love all of my toddlers as if they were my own! |
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MS. AMANDA ENEIHEN
PRESCHOOL
I would like to introduce myself as Amanda Eneihen, or Ms. E-9, as my preschoolers say. I am so excited to be starting my third year here at First Family Academy. Teaching preschool is an absolute passion for me. The mixture of fun and education keeps myself and the children excited everyday. As a lifelong learner, I am still obtaining my degree in Early Childhood Education through Kansas State University. First Family Academy has become a second home to me and my three year-old daughter, Athena. It is my hope and purpose as a teacher to ensure your children soon feel the same way! |
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MRS. CASSANDRA WIGGINS
PRESCHOOL
Hello! My name is Cassandra Wiggins and I am the new Preschool teacher for the 2009-2010 school year. While this is a new class for me, I’ve been with First Family Academy for over a year now. I am a Certified Nurse Assistant by trade. With time, I hope to obtain my CDA. I am married to Robert Todd and have a step-son named Evan. I also have two pugs named Rachel and Jacob. Currently, I attend church at First Family Church and love to sing in the choir. In closing, I feel truly blessed to teach your child! Please feel free to talk to me about how I can partner with you on your child’s academic journey! |
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MRS. ERIN JONATHAN
PRE-K
My name is Erin Jonathan. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, mechanic, inventor, and most important a much loved Child of God. I have been a believer in Jesus Christ since I was 5 years old and it is my belief that He is the one who has equipped me to be the teacher that I am. I have been married to my husband for 10 years and we have 2 wonderful children. My daughter, Janea is 9 and in the fourth grade. Jaron is my soon to be 7 year old and he is in the first grade. I count it a privilege to be my kid’s mom. I received my education training from Appalachian Bible College and Judson College. I have over 10 years of classroom experience and I was privileged to teach a combined 1-2 grade class and a combined 2-4th grade class at a small private school. My first love and heart really is in Preschool especially that crucial year before starting Kindergarten. I take the responsibility very seriously and strive to see each child meet their personal goals and progress as far as they can and be ready to start kindergarten confidently! |
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MRS. TRACI BRASWELL
PRE-K
Please let me take this opportunity to inform you of who I am. I am a native of south Louisiana. I am the mother of two wonderful children and the wife of a great husband. My family and I reside in Overland Park, Kansas. I attended University of Saint Mary where I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education. Some of the things that I really enjoy doing are: teaching, reading my bible, and spending time with my family. Some of my hobbies include sewing, fishing, and cooking. |
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MRS. MELISA LORD
KINDERGARTEN
My name is Melisa Lord. I was born and raised in the Tulsa area. I received my Education Degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma in 2002. I currently have 7 years of teaching experience ranging from Preschool to 3rd Grade. This will be my third year with the Academy, but my first year teaching Kindergarten. My husband Jim and I have been married for 7 years and currently have two boys~ Caleb & Andrew. They are our pride and joy. I am so excited for this teaching experience and hope I meet and exceed your expectations this year. |
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MRS. CRYSTAL SMART
FIRST/SECOND GRADE
My Name is Crystal Smart and I am the First and Second grade teacher. I graduated in December 2006, with a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education, from Avila University. This is my second year of teaching here at First Family Academy. I have been married for four years to Jason Smart and have a beautiful daughter named Cynthia, who attends First Family Academy in the two-year-old room. I also have another daughter on the way, named Izabella, due in January. Teaching is truly my passion. In fact, I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was in the first grade. In closing, I am very excited about starting a new school year |
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MS. JENNIFER MONTAG
MUSIC & SPECIAL’S TEACHER
Hi, my name is Jennifer Montag, and I am thrilled to be teaching Music and the Specials at First Family Academy this school year. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Calvary Bible College. Music is not only my occupation—but it is my passion. In addition to music, I played four seasons of college basketball and one season of volleyball. I love to play piano and am very involved singing and playing for the worship services at my church. In my free time I like to play with computers, play sports, and make music of all kinds. |
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LIZZIE COLLINS
TEACHER'S AIDE |
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MELISSA LEMUS
FOOD SPECIALIST
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NIKKI WEAVER
TEACHER'S AIDE
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