Mrs. Corrie Reese

Kindergarten

reese@hcavaldosta.org

After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University (May 2000), with a B.F.A. in Art Education, Mrs. Corrie Reese has obtained most of her teaching experience in middle school Art Education. She has taught at Paris Gibson Middle School in Great Falls, Montana and Mountain View Middle School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Mrs. Reese always knew she had a passion for art but, discovered her passion for teaching Literature as well. She feels that it is important to empower young students by nurturing their creative side and teaching them how to read and write so that they may better express themselves. You will now find Mrs. Reese in her true calling, teaching Kindergarten at Highland Christian Academy. Now settled in Valdosta, Corrie and her husband, David, have lived here for five years. David works with Southeastern Protection Services for Moody Air Force Base and is a reservist in the Army National Guard. They have three children: Emma (7) is in first grade; Molly (5) is in pre-K and Blaine is 1 year old. The Reese family attends The Gathering.

Mrs. Joe Ann Stafford

Teacher's Aide

Joe Ann Stafford has served as a Para-pro at Highland Christian Academy for three years. She previously taught preschool for three year olds at Faith Christian Academy. She is a member of Southland Church. She and her husband, Andrew, have resided in Valdosta for several years. They have three sons: Christian, Jarrod, and Justin. Joe Ann received her certification as a Child Development Specialist from Valdosta Technical College.

Mrs. Connie Spencer

First Grade

spencer@hcavaldosta.org

Connie Spencer, our 5th grade teacher, has taught at Highland Christian Academy for 11 years and has served as department head for four of those years. She has taught for more than 25 years in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. She and her husband, Tim, live in Quitman and have four children Timothy, Ashlee, Savannah, and Will. They have two adorable grandchildren. Mrs. Spencer loves singing, traveling, and playing with her grandkids. Mrs. Spencer states, “Each day I try to remember the 2 P’s; to teach with passion and to practice what I teach.”

Mrs. Virginia Fletcher

Second Grade

fletcher@hcavaldosta.org

Virginia Fletcher, our second grade teacher, has taught at Highland Christian Academy for three years. She and her husband, Bobby, have lived in Valdosta for most of their lives. They have three children: Chris, Jennifer, and Patrick. Virginia holds a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Valdosta State University.

Mrs. Mary Lisse

Third Grade

lisse@hcavaldosta.org

Mary Lisse, our third grade teacher, is a new addition to our HCA family. Mary and her husband of 20 years, Dieter, have two daughters: Amrie and Alden. Mary has been teaching for 16 years, 11 of them have been spent in public school, and the last four years have been at Crossroads Baptist School in Valdosta. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education Degree at Valdosta State University. Mary and her family attend Christ’s Fellowship Church.

Ms. Tonya Thompson

Fourth Grade

thompson@hcavaldosta.org

Tonya Thompson has taught at Highland Christian Academy since its inception in 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brewton-Parker College. She and her daughter Shelby live in Brooks County with their 3 beautiful cats, Baby, Pookie, and Jack. Tonya states, “Teaching is more than just a job, it is my passion.”

Mrs. Rita Burns

Fifth Grade

burns@hcavaldosta.org

Mrs. Burns was born in Marathonk, Texas and graduated from Sul Ross State University. She has lived in Valdosta for 15 years. She is married and has two daughters. Mrs. Burns has taught for 25 years. Some of her more memorable teaching experiences have been while working with migrant children in San Antonio, Texas and with children in Japan. She previously taught at Highland Christian Academy for 7 years and is excited to be back. The Lord continually calls her to teach children and looks forward to many more years as a teacher. When she is not teaching her other passions are quilting and playing tennis. Her lifelong dream is to have front seat at Roland Garros watching the French Open.

Physical Education

coleman@hcavaldosta.org

April has taught at Highland Christian Academy for two years. Her goal for students comes from 3 John verse 2 in the New Living Translation “Dear friends I hope all is well with you and that your are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” She feels that it is vital to take care of the body and spirit to enlarge the kingdom of God. She challenges students to work together and build each other up as a team.  She wants each child to leave physical education with a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

Mrs. Maureen Gunsolus

Spanish

Athletic Director