Westminster teachers must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university, demonstrate a mastery of and love for the subject material they are teaching, and hold a current teaching certificate. Teachers must profess a personal faith in Jesus Christ and display godly character and personal decorum, serving as a role model both in and out of school to students and as an example to parents and fellow faculty members.

Our faculty and staff are highly committed to investing in the lives of their students and believe that goes hand in hand with imparting knowledge. They themselves embrace a biblical worldview, which is the foundation of their instruction. Our teachers strive to keep parents informed of their child’s strengths and weaknesses. Realizing that God gives different gifts and even the same gifts in different measure, our teachers help students recognize their unique gifts and talents within a supportive environment. These dedicated men and women who make up our administrative and teaching staff are our most valuable assets at Westminster.

Administrative Staff
Dana James	Headmaster
AS	Young Harris College
BSED	UGA
MED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1980
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1995
Favorite teaching moment: The Lord has been so gracious through the years to show His pleasure with Westminster. This was never more evident than during the senior trip to Mexico with the class of 2007. I could write pages about the amazing things that happened on that trip, but one thing stands out most to me as headmaster of this school. Each evening we would gather together as a group just before bed to pray and share about the day. On one particular night, Mark Dover, the missionary we were staying with, invited five students from his Bible College to speak to our group. Each student shared how they had been called by God to minister in their villages and how excited they were about the opportunity to attend the Bible College to receive the training they needed to effectively minister. Then each student shared that this journey had begun for him or her when they had prayed to receive Christ at the Youth Revival that our class of 2006 had led the previous year. I was overwhelmed! What an amazing gift for our school to be used in such a magnificent way to further the gospel. Our students were truly moved by the obvious work of the Lord, and their faith (and mine) grew to new levels.
Becky Callaway	Lower School Principal
BSED	UGA
MED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1983
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1997
Favorite teaching moment: During my first year here, 1997, my classroom was an old trailer situated behind Watkinsville First Baptist Church. One warm fall Friday afternoon, I had the doors open as I was trying, with moderate success, to hold my fourth graders' attention for a Bob Jones history lesson. Willing to be distracted by most anything, when a wasp flew through the open door, each of my 13 students immediately turned their attention from the lesson to the insect. Undaunted, continuing to teach, I walked over to the doorway where the wasp had landed on the edge of the window curtain. Nonchalantly, I picked up a nearby book from the shelf under the window, and using it as a makeshift swatter, I tapped the critter with just enough force to plummet it to the floor where I would then end his life under the force of my foot. What happened next roused the attention of not only my restless fourth graders, but that of the middle school PE class playing basketball on the court across the parking lot as well. For in the same motion I had used to brush the wasp off the curtain, I had also caught the paper-thin window glass with the corner of the book, sending it exploding with a crash onto the deck outside the door. Of course, the history lesson in my room, as well as PE on the basketball court and whatever was going on in class next door, were over at this point. In a sea of astonishment filled with squeals and laughter, as the other teachers and I gathered our wits we all knew what came next: we had to locate Coach James, who was probably at "the new school property," and break the news to him so he could get the glass replaced before church time on Sunday. Needless to say, the pane was replaced with one of better quality than the original and by Monday, the excitement had passed. However, thanks to Peter Scheidt (class of 2006), whose version of the story contains one slight unverified embellishment, to this day I am still the new teacher who killed a wasp and broke the classroom window with the BIBLE!!! Funny how the little things can cause such a stir.
Judy Childs	Assistant Upper School Principal, Dean of Women, Discovery Program Director
BSED	Georgia Southern University
MED	UGA
EdS	Lincoln Memorial University
When did you begin teaching?	1982
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2003
Why I teach at Westminster: It is a privilege to be part of such an exciting, loving, and supportive school community. To work closely with Westminster’s students, staff, and families each day is a blessing! Being involved in all aspects of student life allows me to experience first-hand just how exceptional our student body is in their desire to be well rounded spiritually, academically, and relationally for Christ. The energy and enthusiasm among our school family is contagious! I look forward to another fantastic year at Westminster Christian Academy!
Steve Meehan	Dean of Men, Athletic Director
BA	University of North Florida
When did you begin teaching?	1992
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2004
Favorite teaching moment: I enjoy taking the students to Mexico on a mission trip their senior year. You get to see a side of the students that is a culmination of what we teach, their work ethic and spiritual maturity. You get to see them in a setting outside of the classroom - young adults who are maturing in Christ, living out their faith on the mission field.
Sheila James	Director of Academics, High School Counselor
BBA	UGA
MED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1982
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1988
Why I work at Westminster: It’s a great privilege to work with students over a period of years and witness their growth both personally and spiritually. I firmly believe in the educational philosophy behind Westminster and the classical teaching model used here. I love being part of a team that is committed to providing the strongest academic program possible, and that is equally committed to investing in the lives of students through mentoring and discipleship. I have been blessed to have my own three sons educated at Westminster, and the benefit they have received from this investment in their lives is immeasurable.
Kelly Cole	Director of Admissions
BSED	Bowling Green State University
MED	UGA
EdS	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1990
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2003
Why I teach at Westminster: I firmly believe that Westminster provides a strong academic education with a Christian worldview. This is exactly what my husband and I were looking for when we started looking at schools 10 years ago. Our daughters are receiving an education that is in agreement with what they learn at home and at church and they are also challenged academically. I love that I am able to work where my children attend school. I also get to meet all the families that choose to visit our school. The faculty and staff are awesome and have strengthened my own walk as a Christian. I love this school!
Sandra Stowe	Media Specialist
BS	Toccoa Falls College
MED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1986
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1998
Why I work at Westminster: Freedom! Freedom to express my faith and encourage others as well. Freedom from unnecessary red tape – we can get to the heart of education unencumbered by busy work. I also appreciate that we are a team working together to bring out the best in our students. I also love helping a student find that "perfect book."
Mark Heintzman	Director of Development
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2003
Why I work at Westminster: It's fun to work within a community of believers who are so diverse as individuals and yet so unified in their commitment to their children and to quality, Christian education.
Alane Howell	Human Resource Manager
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1997
My favorite experience at Westminster: Praying with parents before a huge yard sale fundraiser (when the school still did fundraisers) in the early 1990’s. Prayer undergirded everything we did in the early days of the school, and it still does today.
Sarah Scheidt	Business Manager
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1993
Why I work at Westminster: I love that our school has such a wide age range of students. You see 6 year-olds and 16 year-olds walking around the same campus. While their needs can be very diverse, they are here for the same purpose: to be nurtured in their relationships with Jesus Christ, in addition to being educated.
Fran O’Rear	Main Office Manager
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2009
Why I work at Westminster: I love working in a Christian environment and watching my children grow in their faith. I am blessed to work with godly individuals who love Westminster, our students, and Jesus!
Tollie Ediger	Assistant to the Headmaster
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2008
Linda Christian	Upper School Office Manager
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2008
Favorite experience at Westminster: I love some of the excuses I get for the students' tardiness. I think the one I loved most was the honesty of one who said, "I guess I could make up an excuse but the truth is I slept too long."
Susan Meehan	Athletic Assistant
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2006
My favorite Westminster moment: One of my favorite Westminster moments occurred during my oldest son's 7th grade year. He was on the boys' middle school basketball team, and it had been a rough season. They were 0-7 and were in the final minutes of their last game, down by 10 points. There was one young man on the team who had not scored a single basket all season. The coach put him in, and I watched as his teammates fed him balls in an effort to set him up to score. At last, in the final seconds of the game, he shot and scored two points. We lost that game by 16 points, but the team was so excited about this final basket, any onlooker would have thought they were celebrating a huge win. (I'm sure the opposing team walked away confused by our boys' reaction!) I have always felt this seemingly minor incident exemplifies the sense of family, mutual support and well- placed priorities among our students.
Cheryl Hardin	Technology Coordinator
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2000
Why I work at Westminster: When I began working at Westminster there was a need that I felt God had prepared me to help fill. Over the years that I have been employed at WCA, the needs have changed and I have seen how God has continued to prepare me to help fill some of those needs. Serving God through serving His people is what I believe I am called to do, and for now doing that at WCA is where God has placed me.
Rhonda Hayes	Library Assistant, Bus Driver
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1998
Why I work at Westminster: I love children, and here at Westminster I get to work with some of the most precious little ones. Every week brings something new and fun that they come up with to talk about or a new game to play.
Lower School Teaching Staff
Stacey Casuccio	Preschool Teacher
AS	Brevard Community College
When did you begin teaching?	1983
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1998
Favorite teaching moment: I taught a little girl from Nicaragua who hardly spoke English. One of our crafts was "All About Me," where I had to ask her questions about herself. I asked her in Spanish. Afterwards, one of my little boys asked, "Was that Spanish you were speaking?" When I said, "Yes, it was," he responded, "Well don’t you think you need to learn a little English?!" I love children and I love Jesus. My desire is to teach these children that Jesus is their best friend and that He will always be with them.
Cindy Miller	Music, Lunch Bunch
BS	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1985
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2002
Favorite experience at Westminster: I enjoy everyday! I love teaching preschool and music. Everything is new and exciting to preschoolers. The best thing about teaching music is that I get to know every child in kindergarten through 5th grade. I love the hugs and the beautiful singing. I am so blessed to work in such a loving environment.
Phyllis McAndrew	Kindergarten Teacher
BA	King College
MED	Georgia State University
When did you begin teaching?	1969
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1992
Favorite teaching experience at Westminster: Having grown up in the Congo, I always spend the last month of school telling my kindergarteners about Africa. One year a student was very concerned about the children in the Congo and the fact that they have no toys to play with. The Congolese children have to make their own toys out of palm fibers and tire rims, etc. She decided to raise money over the summer by having lemonade stands and various other fundraisers in order to send money to Africa to buy toys for some of the children. Her family got in touch with a Christian organization that works in the Congo and gave money to this group in order for them to distribute toys to the Congolese boys and girls. The girl and her sister were featured in the organization’s newsletter after the toys were received by many children in the Congo! This all started with a little sharing of my experiences with my class as a missionary’s daughter. How great that a kindergarten student felt called by the Lord to do more than just listen to this particular situation! What a joy it was to see this student put James 1:22 into action – "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…"
Karen Schaefer	Kindergarten Teacher
BA	Stanford University
Teaching Credential	San Jose State
When did you begin teaching?	1969
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1989
Favorite Teaching Moment: As a lover of great high-content hymns, I get great joy out of teaching them to my kindergarteners. Some of our yearly favorites are “Victory in Jesus,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” and “Nothing But the Blood.” Last May I was teaching my class the final hymn for the year when a little hand shot up. “Yes, Aron,” I said. “What is it?” He replied, “May we please sing ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’ (our Easter hymn)?” How could I refuse?
Tiffany Rasmussen	Kindergarten Teacher
BS	North Georgia College & State University
MED	North Georgia College & State University
When did you begin teaching?	1998
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2001
Why I Teach at Westminster: I love so much about teaching at WCA! I love being supported and prayed for by parents, big hugs from my students, and teaching about Jesus and math to these little ones. What a blessing!
Julie Cohron	1st Grade Teacher
BSED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1982
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1990
Why I teach at Westminster: I believe that God has called me to teach here. It’s about more than just academics. It’s about the whole child. It is about discipleship. I love to see people grow and to see their potential as a child of God. I want to help build a strong foundation of faith in my students, to see them learn to fully depend on God, and to walk in obedience to His call in their lives.
Holly White	1st Grade Teacher
BSED	UGA
MED	Brenau University
When did you begin teaching?	1993
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2007
Why I teach at Westminster: I love being able to teach from a biblical perspective. It is such a blessing to share God’s truths during the school day. The parents are incredible - such support from parents, other teachers, and administration.
Teri Ware	2nd Grade Teacher
AA	Truett-McConnell College
BA	Mercer University
MED	Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
When did you begin teaching?	1990
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2004
Favorite teaching experience at Westminster: One of my students was extremely shy. She would rarely speak out in class. After months of watching other students recite their memorization to the class, she finally did it! At the end of the year, she also sang in chapel. It was wonderful watching her grow.
Jackie Booth	3rd Grade Teacher
BS	North Georgia College
When did you begin teaching?	1980
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1998
Why I teach at Westminster: I love to teach! Westminster’s philosophy and purpose provide the framework for an excellent place to teach. My co-workers are godly, talented and accomplished, which spurs me on to work hard and make a difference – not only academically but also spiritually in my students’ lives.
Amanda Tingle	4th Grade Teacher
BS	Covenant College
When did you begin teaching?	2007
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2008
Favorite Teaching Moment at Westminster: : My favorite teaching moment at Westminster actually came on a Saturday. My second grade class decided they wanted to run the annual WCA Fun Run in February. We practiced as a class for months, running laps around the playground and the football field, and each child ran some with their parents at home. One of the parents came in and helped us tie-dye t-shirts before the race. Everyone ran on race day and had a great time. It was such a special moment for me as their teacher to see them set and reach such a fun class-wide goal.
Faye Kinney	5th Grade Teacher
BS	UGA
MED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1977
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1995
Why I teach at Westminster: Westminster offers me the awesome opportunity to teach all academic disciplines with a biblical approach. Since biblical truth is integrated into every part of the educational experience at Westminster, I feel that I am helping to shape Christian character among students I teach, and this is a very rewarding experience.
Sandra Stowe	Honors Math
BS	Toccoa Falls College
MED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1986
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1998
Why I teach at Westminster: Freedom! Freedom to express my faith and encourage others as well. Freedom from unnecessary red tape – we can get to the heart of education unencumbered by busy work. I also appreciate that we are a team working together to bring out the best in our students. I also love helping a student find that "perfect book".
Anita Sharpe	1st – 6th and Upper School Art Teacher
BS	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1988
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2006
Why I teach at Westminster: I enjoy having the freedom to be myself during my workday as well as I am at home and church. I feel privileged to be able to pray for others and ask them to pray for me. I also think it is important for students to see adults living out their faith in their everyday lives. My classes are so good. The students are willing to try new things, and they are very respectful to adults and one another. Every day is a good experience in this setting!
Jesse Farris	1st – 5th Grade PE
BBA	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	2009
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2009
Why I teach at Westminster: All of the faculty and staff display a genuine passion for seeing children grow in the knowledge of themselves, the world around them, and the God who rules and reigns over all. The opportunity for me to contribute my talents to the mix was one that I simply could not pass up.
Upper School Teaching Staff
Emma Stephens	English
A-Levels in English Literature and Language, European History Clarendon College, England
BSED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	2005
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2006
Why I teach at Westminster: I work at Westminster because I enjoy working in a Christian environment where my beliefs can be reflected in my work. The warmth and love I have received from my fellow staff and students reflects the kind of Christian attitude that could change the world.
Tracy Hathaway	English
BA	College of Charleston
When did you begin teaching?	1990
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2008
Favorite experience at Westminster: By the time we arrived in Georgia, our oldest child had moved five times to four different states. It was our utmost desire to provide stability and a sense of community for our children. Our kids have flourished under the guidance of teachers, administrators, and other parents who have partnered with us to love our kids in a Christian environment.
Joelle Arp-Dunham	Dramatic Arts
BFA Theatre	Ohio State University
MFA Theatre	University of Georgia
When did you begin teaching?	1990
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2008
Favorite experience at Westminster: I am new to Westminster but already love it here. The students are excited, polite, caring, and full of fun. I love teaching them. My favorite moment, however, was before school started in a teachers’ meeting. The dedication, commitment and love the other teachers have for these children touched me and inspired me deeply.
Jonathan Evans	AP English Literature
BA	Ashbury College
MA	Indiana University
PhD	Indiana University
When did you begin teaching?	1980
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2000
Why I teach at Westminster: My wife, Susan, and I want to see Westminster seniors prepared for the challenges of university English classes. We want to help them acquire a sophisticated and spiritual understanding of both sacred and secular literature. I love seeing most of our seniors score high enough on the AP exam to "test out" of 1101. Note: Jonathan is also a professor at UGA. Jonathan and his wife, Susan, co-teach our AP Literature class.
Donna Rae Woods	Electives
BS	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1996
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2007
Why I teach at Westminster: I am so thankful to be back after 17 years and have the same opportunity (Donna Rae was our first kindergarten teacher) to teach children in a Christian school. The freedom to be able to pray with the students, faculty, and staff is the best thing about teaching at Westminster!
Sybil Zimmerman	Spanish
BA English	Georgia State University
BA Spanish	Georgia State University
When did you begin teaching?	2008
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2008
Favorite experience at Westminster: When a speaker from Nicaragua came to Jerry Ediger’s Bible class and the girls from my Spanish class sang to him in Spanish and excitedly told me later that they were able to say a few sentences to him in Spanish.
Mark Hamilton	Middle & High School Latin
BA - Latin	UGA
BA - Classical Languages	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	2004
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2004
Why I teach at Westminster: Watching the 3rd year Latin students using grammatical terms of an advanced nature without confusion, unaware of the significance of what they have accomplished. I love the opportunity to work at a school that allows me to teach about Christ and that is also implementing the classical education model.
Jerry Ediger	Biblical Studies
BA	Columbia Bible College
When did you begin teaching?	2001
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2001
Why I teach at Westminster: I teach at Westminster because I love people and I love the Word. I believe this is the best way to use my gifts and invest my life for God’s glory. It is the best job in North America!
Jared Bryant	Classical Rhetoric
BBA	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	2003
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2003
Why I teach at Westminster: I teach at Westminster because I love PE, love working with kids, and I love helping others see how the gospel impacts all aspects of life.
Sonya Carter	History, Drama, & Discovery Program
MSED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1991
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2001
My favorite teaching moment: I explained a military tactic of "forming a square" to my students. We need to protect each other’s backs when we are being attacked by the enemy, and since we can not see all sides of an attack we must stand together. We discussed how this needs to be "our stance" in the spiritual realm as well: When one is struggling, we need to "form a square" with our prayers and our attitudes rather than gossiping or judging each other. My 6th grade girls were struggling with gossip, so my boys decided to form a square around them and pray against the attacks of the enemy in the lives of the girls. The boys did not stand in judgment, but prayed scriptures they had memorized on behalf of the girls. This was one of my crowning moments as a teacher.
Barb Twist	9th – 11th History
BSED	University of Kansas at Lawrence
When did you begin teaching?	1996
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2005
Why I teach at Westminster: I love to watch students rise to the challenges given them and see them exceed all expectations! That is pure joy! We have a wonderful staff and such smart and creative students! I love to teach history, and hopefully my enthusiasm for it is contagious!
Kaitie Bryant	Government/Economics
BA	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	2004
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2008
Why I teach at Westminster: Because I love students and I love my subject - and Westminster gives me the freedom to love both and find ways to creatively teach. I love the “heart” at Westminster - that we don’t exist to shelter students but help them develop a biblical worldview when encountering our culture.
David Fish	Science
BS	Covenant College
When did you begin teaching?	2003
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2003
Why I teach at Westminster: I like teaching at Westminster because I get to integrate my faith and vocation in a very open way. Also my job allows me to do three of my favorite things: soccer, gardening (David manages our grounds), and teaching.
Ed Fish	Science
BS	Southeast Missouri State
MED	Regent University
When did you begin teaching?	1971
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2005
Why I teach at Westminster: It is a real blessing to teach with my son David. Teaching science at Westminster gives me an opportunity to interact with students concerning God’s order in the "big" (universal) and "small" (atomic) of His creation. It is interesting to discuss with students the concepts of order and chaos that become evident with an investigation into the world around us. God’s creation is a great wonder; understanding it is a great challenge!
Steve Meehan	9th Health & PE, Senior Seminar
BA	University of North Florida
When did you begin teaching?	1992
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2004
Favorite teaching moment: I enjoy taking the students to Mexico on a mission trip their senior year. You get to see a side of the students that is a culmination of what we teach, their work ethic and spiritual maturity. You get to see them in a setting outside of the classroom - young adults who are maturing in Christ, living out their faith on the mission field.
Mike Ediger	Math, PE
BA	The Master’s College
BA	University of Nebraska
When did you begin teaching?	1995
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1998
Why I teach at Westminster: I love teaching at Westminster because we have the freedom to preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ without hesitation. Discipling young people is priority number one at Westminster, and I am encouraged to do this unashamedly.
Dana James	Precalculus and AP Calculus
AS	Young Harris College
BSED	UGA
MED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1980
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1995
Favorite teaching moment: Watching a student work so hard during the 2004-2005 school year to make a 100 final average in my class. Since I give no extra credit and do not grade homework, he had to get every problem correct on every test the entire year. As he came closer to his goal, his classmates became very interested and cheered him on. He succeeded and became the only student I have taught in 27 years to get a final grade of 100 in my class.
Carol Meredith	Math
BSED	UGA
When did you begin teaching?	1999
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2007
Why I teach at Westminster: I enjoy the teaching environment. It is such a blessing to teach where God is a participant in the learning process.
Tollie Ediger	English
BS	Columbia Bible College
MEd	Columbia Bible College
When did you begin teaching?	1993
When did you join the Westminster staff?	1998, 2008
Why I teach at Westminster: I love the Christian and Family environment.
Nathan Donatelli	PE
When did you begin teaching?	2009
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2009
Louise DeLaurier	Electives
BFA	Wesleyan College
When did you begin teaching?	1982
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2009
Why I teach at Westminster: Having had 3 sons and a niece graduate from WCA, I can say it is a great blessing to be in this school.
Katherine McClain	Electives
BS	Penn State
MA	University of California, San Diego
PhD	University of California, San Diego
When did you begin teaching?	1987
When did you join the Westminster staff?	2002, 2009
Why I teach at Westminster: I believe in a biblical worldview and strongly believe all education should be from a Christian worldview.