Monclova Christian Academy

Katie Exton k.exton@monclovabaptist.org	Greetings! My name is Katie Exton and I am the kindergarten teacher at Monclova Christian Academy. I graduated from the University of Toledo in 2006 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. I am currently a graduate student there, working on my reading endorsement. I am seeking God's will as to whether or not I should pursue a Master's degree in Administration or Early Childhood Education with a specialization in literacy. I am a CPR and First Aid instructor for the American Heart Association and a lifeguard the the West Toledo YMCA. Teaching here is truly a blessing. I can see little minds at work, absorbing everything I teach (most of the time). The greatest reward is teaching children about Christ. It is my goal to help students memorize the Word of God and understand the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Michelle Zeeb m.zeeb@monclovabaptist.org	My parents are missionaries to Brazil and I spent most of my life there. I attended an international Christian school in Belem, Brazil from sixth through twelfth grade. I attended Cedarville College (now University) in Cedarville, OH, and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Two years after graduation, I returned to my school in Brazil to teach Kindergarten. At that time I received an ACSI teaching certificate and after two years I came back to the United States and spent two years substitute teaching in Xenia Public Schools. In June of 2004 I was asked to return to A.V.A. and I spent two more years there teaching kindergarten and junior high World History. I came to the United States in June of 2006, trusting God to show me the next step in His will for me. A couple days after I arrived in the Dayton area, Pastor Merrin contacted me about a job at M.C.A. I came up for an interview and was hired within a couple weeks. I spent the 2006-2007 school year teaching first graders at M.C.A and this year I enjoy teaching my class of fourteen amazing students. I thank God for leading me here to MCA and for all the blessings He's given me.
Heidi Ross h.ross@monclovabaptist.org	My name is Heidi Ross. I graduated from Tennessee Temple University in 2006 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. I am honored to be in my second year of teaching 2nd grade at MCA. My desire before and during college was always to return back to my home church, Monclova Road Baptist Church, and teach at MCA. Ever since I was in 1st grade, I knew that God was calling me to be a teacher. I cling to Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." I love encouraging the children to grow in their walk with God and seeing the light click in their eyes when they finally grasp a concept that was previously challenging for them. It is never too early for a child to see that God can use them whether it's to reach the lost or pray for their friends.
Jennifer Nagle j.nagle@monclovabaptist.org	My name is Jennifer Nagle. I grew up in Wauseon, Ohio, and graduated from Bethany Baptist Christian School in Grand Rapids, Ohio. I attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a minor in Elementary Education. After college I was invited to teach at Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy in Fairfax, Virginia. It was there that I met and married my husband, Mike. I worked at FBTA for seven and a half years teaching students with learning disabilities and difficulties. I ran a resource classroom for students who struggled with math and English. For the last six years, I have stayed home with my three young children. Upon looking to buy a house in Ohio, I contacted Pastor Merrin who offered me the job of teaching third grade at Monclova Christian Academy. It is an honor and a privilege to return to the teaching profession and work with the faculty, staff, and students of MCA.
Collen Hester c.hester@monclovabaptist.org	Mrs. Hester was born and reared in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Bob Jones University with a teaching degree, she moved to Ohio to teach. She taught kindergarten for seven years and then became a stay at home mom for nine years. In 2000, the Lord provided the opportunity to teach first grade at Monclova Christian Academy. Then in 2006 she began teaching the fifth grade. It has been a blessing for her to see each student develop spiritually, academically, and socially during her time here.
Ashela Boven a.boven@monclovabaptist.org	Hello, I am Ashela Boven. This is my first year teaching at MCA. I recieved my bachelor's degree from Pensacola Christian College in Elementary Education. This year I am responsible for the Fifth and Sixth grade History, Math, Fourth grade Science, and a Bible class. I am grateful for this school and am honored to be a part of this ministry. The verse I claim is 1 Timothy 1:12, which is, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry." I thank God every morning for enabling me and counting me faithful to be a part of each student's life! My desire is to know each student has accepted as Saviour, and is growing closer to Him through each of my classes.
Neil Black n.black@monclovabaptist.org	Hello, my name is Neil Black. I am the Principal at MCA. I graduated from Cedarville University with a B.S. in Physical Education and a Minor in Bible. I have served in various capacities of Christian Education for twenty-one years. God called us to MCA four years ago. I have been married to my wife, Leslie, for eighteen years and we have two children at MCA. Our son Zach is in 8th grade and our daughter is in 4th grade. We are grateful that God has called us to MCA and look forward to many exciting years ahead.
Rebecca Burgoon r.burgoon@monclovabaptist.org	Hi! I'm Becky Burgoon, and am the music teacher at Monclova Christian Academy. I teach elementary music, beginning band and strings, and advanced band and strings. I'm a graduate of Bluffton University with a degree in music education. I've been married for three and a half years to my husband, Chipp, We have a two year old daughter Patty. We also have a cat, a dog, and some fish, and we currently live in Rossford. I feel God specifically chose MCA for me, and I feel blessed to be here. God Bless, and have a great day! Psalm 33:3
Pastor Dan DeFriece d.defriece@monclovabaptist.org	My name is Daniel J. DeFriece. I am the first of four children born in a pastor’s home. I went to church all the time as you would imagine living in a pastor’s home, and when I was nine years old I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior while at a summer camp. God has given me the tremendous opportunity to teach the eighth through tenth grade Bible students and to direct the Monclova Christian Academy Choir. After graduating with my Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Toledo, I began teaching for Toledo Public schools. During my nine and a half years with TPS, I completed a Masters degree in Music Education and served as a part-time Minister of Music and youth in a local church. Currently I serve as one of the staff pastors of Monclova Road Baptist Church in the position of Minister of Music. It is truly a joy to be a part of the future of Christianity through our work here at Monclova Christian Academy.
Andy Ervin a.ervin@monclovabaptist.org	Mr. Andrew Ervin came to MCA in 2007 where he accepted a position teaching junior & senior History. He grew up in Swartz Creek, Michigan, where his parents and brother reside. After high school he attended Eastern Michigan University; it was there that he received his B.S. and M.A. in History. He very much enjoys reading about early American History, and has a special intrest in the Antebellum years (1820-1860)Social History. Mr. Ervin states that he praises God every day for allowing him to work at Monclova where, although in his first year, everyone has made him feel so at home.
Donna Fish d.fish@monclovabaptist.org	Hi! My name is Donna Fish. This is my eighth year on staff at MCA. My duties this year include Algebra 2, Advanced Math, Consumer Math, English 9, and Journalism. I graduated from BGSU with a B.S. in Education and have taught for 22 years, all but one of those in Christian schools. I accepted Christ as my Savior as an adult mother of three young children through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit and prayer of a sister and brother-in-law. My husband Jon and I have three grown children who, with their spouses, have given us seven grandchildren. Our entire family attends Monclova Road Baptist Church along with us. It is a tremendous privilege to serve the Lord through the ministry of Monclova Christian Academy.
	Mrs. Gordon teaches Spanish and junior high English. She is also responsible for the choir. She grew up and went to college in eastern Pennsylvania. Ruth Ann received her bachelor’s of science in Sacred Music from Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania. At college, Mrs. Gordon met her husband. They were married this summer and she moved to Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon resides outside of Findlay with their three dachshunds, Buster, Bella and Crosby.
Kevin Gordon k.gordon@monclovabaptist.org	Mr. Gordon teaches Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science and junior high Math. This is Kevin’s first year teaching at Monclova Christian Academy. Kevin has his Bachelor’s degree from Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania. Mr. Gordon studied secondary Science with an emphasis in Educational Pastoral. He also was involved with the student leadership counsel as the student body president for two consecutive years. He and his wife, Ruth Ann Gordon, were married this summer.
Julie Hamaker
Norma Merrin n.merrin@monclovabaptist.org	Mrs. Norma Merrin graduated from East Tennesse State University with a B.S. in Nursing, and then attended Liberty Theological Seminary. She helped her husband, Pastor Russell Merrin, in the founding of Monclova Christian Academy in 1999. Other than working as a registered nurse part time while raising a family and assisting her husband in church plants, she has acquired twelve years of teaching experience with three of those years in direct administrative positions. Teaching high school English is her favorite subject and passion. Mrs. Merrin has also taught drama, music, and health. "Being the principal the last two years has been quite challenging, but nevertheless, quite rewarding." she states. "We've taken some major leaps forward in organization and in raising the bar toward academic excellence. I praise God for all He has allowed us to accomplish and do in the past nine years. It's truly amazing."
Elise Metzger e.metzger@monclovabaptist.org	Mrs. Elise Metzger received her B.S. in Art Education from BGSU and began her teaching career while completing her Masters in Art and a minor in Early Childhood from the University of Toledo. She then taught art for 15 years in the Toledo Public Schools and also co-authored the elementary art curriculum, hosted many art shows, brought in artists in residence programs, and served a three-year term as intern consultant for new art specialists. In the fall of 2006 Mrs. Metzger joined the staff at MCA as the art specialist and brought all of her unique experience as well as her excitement for Christ to share with the students and staff. She teaches art grades K-12 and is quite a resourceful consultant for MCA’s staff as well.
Laurie Mitchell l.mitchell@monclovabaptist.org	I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and reared primarily in Toledo and currently reside in Maumee. I am an honors graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science. I practiced as an occupational therapist in both mental health and physical rehabilitation settings prior to becoming a faculty member at Lourdes College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. I have more than fifteen years of teaching experience and have taught in elementary, high school and college primarily in Health and Sciences. Home Economics, Art, and Christian Finance are courses that I have enjoyed designing curriculum for and teaching as well. My husband, Brian Mitchell is an analytical chemist and is a deacon at our church. I received Jesus Christ as my savior on Easter Sunday in 1994. Brianna our daughter was born a year later and our son Scott was born in 2001. We all are serving the Lord as active church members at Monclova Road Baptist Church.
Coach Adam Parrott a.parrott@monclovabaptist.org	I was born and raised in Chatanooga, TN. I have been married to my lovely wife, Lisa for 5 years, and we have a 3 year old daughter named, Krystin Ruth. I have 10 years of experience in Christian education and have served as an athletic director, P.E. and Bible teacher, and coached JV and Varsity boys basketball. Last year, I coached basketball at Tennsessee Temple University. I use my teaching and coaching to reach teenagers for the Lord Jesus Christ. I desire to disciple them and see every student grow stronger each day in the Lord. My goal is to please the Lord with my actions and words every day. I want each of my students and players to feel loved, needed, and wanted.
Lisa Parrott l.parrott@monclovabaptiat.org
	Paul was born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, in 1976. At the age of five, he moved to southern Ohio where he grew up in Middletown. He attended Grace Baptist Church of Middletown and graduated from Middletown Christian High School in 1994. After high school, he attended Tennessee Temple University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Youth Ministry and an Associate of Arts Degree in American Sign Language in 1999. In 2002, Paul received a Master of Religious Education Degree from Temple Baptist Seminary in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Upon graduation, Paul accepted a call to become the Youth Pastor at Monclova Road Baptist Church. After working for the church for about two months, Paul returned to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to marry Ms. Tatianne Montenegro of Recife, Brazil. He has been the Youth Pastor since June 2002. During his tenure at MRBC, Paul has been a part-time teacher at Monclova Christian Academy as well and has taught: 7th-12th grade guys Bible, Jr. High Bible, American Sign Language I and II, Physical Education, Practical Christian Ministry, Evangelism and has been the Chapel coordinator. Currently, Paul is the Teen Pastor of the church. He also teaches the 11th and 12th grade Bible class and coaches the Varsity Baseball team for the school.
Pastor Paul O'Bradovic p.obradovic@monclovabaptist.org
Dorothy Thompson mca@monclovabaptist.org	Mrs. Dorothy Thompson joined the staff at Monclova Christian Academy in February of 2000. She has been the school secretary throughout the first nine years of the school’s existence, and currently serves as secretary to the principal, along with handling student records, state compliance records, etc. Mrs. Thompson grew up in Swanton, Ohio, the third of seven children. She and her husband, Slim, married in December, 1980. They have raised five children and are the proud grandparents of sixteen. They currently reside in Monclova township. The Thompsons are very active with the ministries of Monclova Road Baptist Church, where they have been members since 1982. Having been raised in a Christian home, Mrs. Thompson accepted Christ as her personal Saviour as a teenager during a Youth For Christ Rally. Scripture and prayer play a vital role in the Thompson home, but the verse they prefer to live by is Joshua 24:15 - “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”.