Our teachers are our greatest asset at the Academy. Each are qualified to work with children and have expertise within their given subjects. We have lead teachers for every level that specialize in the behavioral, social, and spiritual development of our students. Course teachers teach alongside lead teachers, specializing in a certain subject or skill. Together our lead and course teachers provide our students with the support and skills they need to gain competency in a given subject, along with personal maturation.
Administration
About Mr. Garner
Mr. Gregg Garner started teaching elementary levels in California in the mid-90's and then moved to Tennessee in 2000, where he started teaching junior high and high school levels. In 2004, he started officially teaching at the undergrad collegiate level, and in 2008 at the graduate level. He has also taught all levels of schooling in over 12 countries, in four different languages.
Mr. Garner loves to teach the Bible. He reflects on this responsibility, saying, “Teaching students to read the Bible is paramount. Giving them the tools to make sense of this archaic and sometimes hard to understand text is a great joy because I know that learning a reasonable approach to reading it now will shape them into the kind of adults God intended them to be - loving neighbors concerned with His mission to see humanity thrive and experience good.”
Mr. Garner’s teaching approach can be considered with this metaphor: “Some may bring a book to class and from that book teach. I bring a library to class, which allows me to both improvise and effectuate content driven lessons that keep the students engaged. I take to their social and pop-culture cues, and find analogies to communicate concepts and practices, making something that might typically be boring, relevant.”
Mr. Gregg Garner - Founder, 2013-Present
About Mr. Castro
Mr. Alex Castro is the Principal at the Academy for G.O.D. for the elementary, Junior High, and High School levels. Mr. Castro is originally from California, where he received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Vanguard University, as well as, a Masters degree in Education for Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. In his 12+ years in the field of education, he finds that the Academy truly has a holistic mindset for the education of students. He most recently worked for Metro Nashville Public Schools as a School Counselor and will use his experience and passions for social emotional learning in his new role as Principal. He enjoys playing sports and hanging out with friends and family in his spare time. He is married to the beautiful math teacher, Mrs. Janae Castro, and they have three kids, Greyson, Lily, and Scarlett.
Mr. Alex Castro - Principal,
2019-Present
About Ms. Foster
Ms. Corey Foster graduated from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2006 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Prior to moving to Nashville to teach at the Academy for G.O.D. in 2014, Ms. Foster worked in Minnesota as an itinerant Deaf Educator with children ages 0-18 years-old in various settings. She was responsible for helping students establish both visual and spoken language, teaching academic content to students in American Sign Language, and working with special education teams to advocate for the needs of students with hearing loss.
After moving to Nashville and joining the team at the Academy for G.O.D., Ms. Foster was able to compare and contrast public school education with an alternative approach to education. At the Academy she has seen students thrive in a way that makes room for their learning, personality, and interest differences. The approach of holistic education also allows teachers to thrive as they become the resource in the classroom.
Ms. Foster’s favorite part of working with children is the curiosity, honesty, and relational dynamic that they bring to the classroom. She enjoys watching how quickly they are to learn lessons rooted in God’s word. Ms. Foster is also pursuing a certificate in Theology & Development from the Institute for G.O.D.
Ms. Corey Foster - Headmaster, 2014-Present
About Mrs. Sherrod
Mrs. Alison Sherrod is the Lead Administrator at the Academy for GOD and was a part of the school’s start-up team in 2013. Mrs. Sherrod has over a decade of experience administering programs for youth, both in the States and abroad. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Community Development from the Institute for G.O.D. as well as a Master’s in Missiological Studies. Mrs. Sherrod spent 6 months teaching in a rural Philippines elementary school, and has several years of experience facilitating international development projects. Though primarily overseeing the day-to-day operations at the Academy, as well as the enrollment and admissions process, Mrs. Sherrod enjoys teaching at the early elementary level.
Mrs. Alison Sherrod - Lead Administrator, 2013-Present
About Mr. Bargatze
Mr. Bargatze graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2005 with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Ministry. He has taught as an adjunct instructor at The Institute for G.O.D. for 13 years, teaching Communications (including Cross-Cultural Communication) and Public Speaking. Mr. Bargatze has over 12 months experience living abroad in East Africa and Latin America, working primarily in youth development and biblical education. While in Uganda he coordinated with athletic directors from 5 local schools and organized a successful soccer league for youth there. Mr. Bargatze went on to complete the certification program in Community Development at the Institute for G.O.D. and continues to actively participate in Community Development in Uganda.
Mr. Bargatze teaches at the Generals level at the Academy, specializing in Coordination & Balance, Problem-Solving, and Bible. A beloved lead teacher, Mr. Bargatze coaches 6-8 year old students through their first years of elementary school. In 2017/18 he also coached the very first Phoenix High School soccer team, emphasizing the valuable intra and interpersonal lessons to be gained through sports.
Mr. Derek Bargatze - Elementary Vice Principal, 2013-Present
About Mrs. Mathews
Mrs. Meg Mathews graduated with a B.A. in Community Development from the Institute for G.O.D. Early experiences in developing countries motivated Mrs. Mathews to pursue education both in maternal health and youth development. She holds certifications in childbirth education and lactation counseling, is a midwifery assistant and has attended over 100 births. Her work among young, impoverished women led down the path of youth empowerment, specifically high school education. Mrs. Mathews worked in youth ministry, both in Nashville and the Philippine Islands for eleven years before joining The Academy’s administration team as Vice Principal of Jr. High and High School.
Mrs. Mathews is passionate about school administration and education for students at the secondary level to ensure that they have a positive learning experience rooted in God’s word. She offers guidance counseling to Academy students, and teaches several courses with social and spiritual emphases. She, her husband and their two children continue to serve with G.O.D. Int’l on the Southeast Asia Regional team.
Mrs. Meg Mathews - Jr High & High Vice Principal, 2015-Present
About Ms. Davis
Ms. Rebekah Davis earned her B.A. in Bible & Theology from Multnomah University in 2008, with a minor in Koine Greek. She went on to earn a second B.A. in Biblical Studies and an M.S in Curriculum Design & Instruction. Also an accomplished classical pianist, Ms. Davis toured in college with both the University choir and elite vocal ensemble as their accompanist.
Ms. Davis is passionate about studying and teaching the Bible, and teaches Bible at the Elementary level at The Academy. She also teaches choir, keyboard and sight-reading classes, introducing students to basic music theory and fostering a love for music.
Ms. Davis has been involved in overseas missions with G.O.D. International since her first trip to India in 2010. Since then she has taught at Bible seminars, administered online Bible courses for Indian believers, and worked in primary education, particularly girl’s empowerment through literacy.
Mrs. Rebekah Hjälmeby - Vice Principal of Home Education, 2013-Present
Lead Teachers
About Mr. Dunning
Mr. Mark Dunning holds a Bachelor's degree from Northwest University (Kirkland, WA) in Christian Education, with an emphasis on children's ministry. He began teaching at the Academy in 2015 as a course teacher in the Generals/Specific levels and is now in his second year of teaching Kindergarten. Mr. Dunning creates an energetic and positive classroom environment for students believing they can become confident and resilient learners from the very start. He brings 20 years of experience as a Christian educator and children’s pastor in the Pacific Northwest into the classroom. Mr. Dunning incorporates creative games and play into every day, providing unique opportunities for interpersonal and character development. He has taken continued education courses in creative presentations, interactive modeling and positive youth development. He has worked as a programming director for after-school programs at the Elementary and Middle School level. Mr. Dunning is also pursuing a certificate in Theology & Development from the Institute for G.O.D. Mark and his wife Katie have two kids.
Mr. Mark Dunning
Generals Lead Teacher
About Mr. Davis
Mr. Davis holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a specialty in Logistics. After several years of working at a multinational corporation, he felt called into ministry and begin studying Theology and Community Development at The Institute for G.O.D. He has since completed the Missio-theology certification program, and spent over 12 months living and ministering in Latin America. Mr. Davis has taught Math and Spanish as an adjunct instructor at the Institute since 2001.
At the Academy Mr. Davis is a lead teacher at the Generals level, specializing in problem solving, mathematics and Spanish. His approach focuses on the pragmatic application of course content into daily living. He enjoys taking ordinary scenarios students present and turning them into learning moments.
Mr. Michael Davis
Generals Lead Teacher
About Ms. Vagatai
Ms. Leafa Vagatai brings seven years of experience in early childhood education to The Academy elementary program, with musical expertise that makes her classroom come alive. As a singer/songwriter she has recorded her own EP with all original works. Ms. Vagatai first began leading worship as a youth at her family’s church in Hawaii. Now with 8 years of collegiate biblical education, she loves to incorporate biblical values and scripture verses into song so that young students can begin absorbing God’s word in a memorable way.
Ms. Vagatai has been involved in missions work in Southeast Asia for ten years. She has led several international teams, and spent time tutoring in elementary schools and leading Bible studies in Filipino churches. This work has lead her to also acquire a second language (Tagalog). She loves teaching the Bible and makes sure to include that aspect in all the lessons she teaches in the classroom.
Ms. Leafa Vagatai
Specifics Lead Teacher
About Mr. Edmondson
Mr. John Edmondson studied Literature with emphasis in 20th Century American Literature and Romantic Literature, while attending the University of Georgia. He was particularly influenced by the poetry of William Blake & Theodore Roethke, and the prose of James Joyce & Flannery O’Connor. Following college, Mr. Edmondson pursued a career as a chef, both in restaurants and private catering. Throughout a span of a 20-year career as a chef in New York and Los Angeles, he has managed kitchen operations responsible for feeding former presidents, the Dalai Lama, professional athletes, actors and musicians.
Upon moving to Nashville, Mr. Edmondson felt called by the Lord to study His word and to help those less fortunate. He is currently seeking a Certificate in Theology & Development from the Institute for Global Outreach Developments International. Over the course of several years working as a middle school tutor with G.O.D. International’s after-school program, he discovered his love for teaching with a particular fondness for educating Junior High students. Mr. Edmondson began working at The Academy in 2017 and teaches Jr. High and High School Literature.
Mr. John Edmondson
High School Lead Teacher
Mr. Ryan McAllister
Course Teacher
About Mr. Bargatze
Mr. Bargatze graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2005 with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Ministry. He has taught as an adjunct instructor at The Institute for G.O.D. for 13 years, teaching Communications (including Cross-Cultural Communication) and Public Speaking. Mr. Bargatze has over 12 months experience living abroad in East Africa and Latin America, working primarily in youth development and biblical education. While in Uganda he coordinated with athletic directors from 5 local schools and organized a successful soccer league for youth there. Mr. Bargatze went on to complete the certification program in Community Development at the Institute for G.O.D. and continues to actively participate in Community Development in Uganda.
Mr. Bargatze teaches at the Generals level at the Academy, specializing in Coordination & Balance, Problem-Solving, and Bible. A beloved lead teacher, Mr. Bargatze coaches 6-8 year old students through their first years of elementary school. In 2017/18 he also coached the very first Phoenix High School soccer team, emphasizing the valuable intra and interpersonal lessons to be gained through sports.
Ms. Alison Jobe
Generals Lead Teacher
Ms. Jessica Woody
Generals Lead Teacher
About Mr. Duffy
Mr. Craig Duffy studied Sociology and Philosophy at Michigan State University before transferring to the Institute for Global Outreach Developments to pursue theological studies. He graduated with a bachelor’s in Biblical Studies in 2011, after which he was invited to teach as an adjunct instructor in Old Testament Studies for several years. Mr. Duffy has spent nearly 12 mo.’s abroad both in the Philippines and Latin America, teaching underprivileged youth and facilitating biblical education programs for the incarcerated. He and his wife continue to serve in the Philippine Islands in education and youth development.
Mr. Duffy was brought on as a full time teacher in 2015 at the Academy for G.O.D. where he now practices at the upper elementary levels teaching Bible, Creative Writing, and Spanish.
Mr. Craig Duffy
Director of Education
About Mr. Ownby
Mr. Stephen Ownby is an Elementary Lead Teacher and Athletic Director at The Academy for G.O.D. Mr. Ownby holds bachelor degrees in both Biblical Studies and Community Development, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Missiology. He was a Bible teacher and Athletic Director at Lighthouse Christian School in Antioch, TN for two years before coming to teach at the Academy for G.O.D.
Along with his experience in teaching, Mr. Ownby has seven years of experience in Sports Administration working with adults and youth as a League Director as well as basketball and soccer coach. Additionally, since becoming involved in ministry in 2003, he has spent a culmination of more than 12 mo.’s serving internationally in East Africa and Latin America. Mr. Ownby brings a strong spiritual positivity and joy into the classroom that makes learning fun and meaningful for all the students.
Mr. Steve Ownby
High School Lead Teacher
About Mr. Aaseby
Mr. Skylar Aaseby is the personification of an autodidact. He worked as the Senior Technician for G.O.D International for over a decade as an IT Systems Administrator and Web Programmer. Ingenuitive and resourceful, he has created projects such as remote door security applications with hundreds of users. He has also run sound and lights for musical bands for 15+ years, both nationally and internationally. With education in Electrical Engineering, Biblical Studies, and 3rd World Development, Mr. Aaseby brings skill, creativity and wisdom to the classroom.
A gifted performer, Mr. Aaseby recently starred in the leading role of Breathe, a full-length musical performed at The Arts at Center Street. He teaches at the Jr. High level, with specialties in Engineering, Coding, Robotics and the technology side of Performing Arts.
Mr. Skylar Aaseby
Jr. High Lead Teacher
Mr. Ethan Harris
Course Teacher
About Ms. Voight
Ms. Laura Voight graduated with a B.A. in Biblical Studies from the Institute for G.O.D. International. Having felt a call to missions work as a young girl, she spent a year abroad in India after graduating, teaching at a slum school outside of Delhi. With 2 years of Hindi study under her belt, and being conversationally fluent in Spanish, Ms. Voight incorporates her great love for cultures and languages into her classroom.
Ms. Voight teaches at the Specifics level, with Academy students 8-10 years of age. A certified EMT-IV, she enjoys introducing students to basic anatomy and physiology, and doing so in creative ways. She is a participant with The Arts at Center St., a local theater, and has served as Stage Manager for several of their productions including Gregg D. Garner’s ALIEN: The Musical which played at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in 2015. Ms. Voight encourages her students in the performing arts, and incorporates music and song into the classroom as a mnemonic device.
Ms. Laura Voight
Focus Lead Teacher
About Mrs. Hartnell
Mrs. Rachel Hartnell holds two bachelor’s degrees from Rhodes College, in Economics and Mathematics. After feeling a call into ministry she earned another B.A. in Biblical Studies at The Institute for G.O.D.
Ms. Hartnell has worked both as an administrator and teacher in educational programs for 8 years, from tutoring, to planning after-school enrichment activities, managing summer youth employment initiatives, and facilitating STEM advanced support programs. Ms. Hartnell has also spent three years working on school curriculum and teacher training in Uganda, East Africa. She (with her husband Zach) continues to volunteer in East Africa in the field of education, and emphasizes global awareness and intercultural appreciation with her students.
Like every great teacher, Ms.Hartnell knows how to capture an audience! She has performed in several musical productions as a member of the Arts at Center Street Company, and brings a great level of energy and creativity to her classroom. Ms. Hartnell is a 5th year teacher at The Academy, with a focus on Mathematics at the upper elementary levels.
Mrs. Rachel Hartnell
Jr. High Course Teacher
Mrs. Liz Widman
High School Course Teacher
Mrs. Tresa Botzum
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Mr. Jason Roufs
Jr. High Course Teacher
Resource Teachers
Mrs. Lyssa Loeffler
Early Elementary Reading
About Mrs. Castro
Mrs. Janae Castro graduated from Biola University in La Mirada, CA in 2011 with a degree in Mathematics and a secondary teaching license (grade 6-12). Prior to moving to TN in 2017 with her husband and two children, she taught high school math in the Los Angeles area for 6 years. She is now entering her second year with the Academy as a middle and high school teacher and academic tutor for all ages. Mrs. Castro is passionate about seeing her students excel in math, taking different approaches to meet the learning styles of her students. In her classroom, collaboration and teamwork is key as the students learn how to apply math concepts in a real world context.
Mrs. Janae Castro
Jr. High/High School Math
Mr. Grant Dailey - Bible, CLEP, & H.S. Creative Track
Mrs. Megan Cameron
Visual Arts; Kindergarten Aide
About Mrs. Gowen
Mrs. Hayley Gowen is in her third year of teaching at the Academy and her sixth year of teaching. Hayley has a B.A. in Mathematics and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Belmont University. Her primary focus is in Elementary Education with an emphasis in mathematics and problem solving. Through her education at Belmont and working to develop the math curriculum in the Generals and Specifics levels at the Academy, Mrs. Gowen has become passionate about helping students learn math in a variety of ways. Mrs. Gowen is also the administrator and a tutor for the Summer Tutoring Program offered by the Academy which served nearly 35 students over the last two summers, helping students to grow in reading writing, and math.
Mrs. Hayley Gowen
Elementary Math
Mrs. Liz Kagay
School Social Worker
Course Teachers
Mr. Brandon Galford
Biblical Hebrew
Mr. Ben Reese
Literature
Mr. Jeff Sherrod
SAT Prep
About Mr. Cameron
Mr. Nathan Cameron graduated from the Institute for G.O.D. Int’l l in the Fall of 2008 with a Biblical Studies degree and has nearly finished the Masters of Theological Studies. His first experience teaching elementary age children was on a 5-month stay in the Philippines in the Spring of 2009. He and his wife, Cannon Cameron, have made several trips since then. He spent his teenage years and more working in the window and door trade, giving him the skills he employs in teaching building classes and has become the Tech Specialist at the Academy for G.O.D in light of his technical intuition and attentiveness to the use of electronics in education. He is also an Apple certified teacher. Mr. Cameron enjoys seeing children grasp the practical skills he’s had the opportunity to learn over the years.
Mr. Nathan Cameron
Technology Administrator
Mr. Ben Young
Physical Education
Mr. Andrew Bartlett
Jr. High/High School Math
About Mr. Olson
Mr. Joel Olson is a course teacher and has worked at the Academy for G.O.D since its inception in 2013. He specializes in Art, Design, and Building classes. Joel has over a decade and a half of experience in the field of graphic arts, with specialties in logo design and page layout. He has designed professional logos and other artwork for non-profit organizations, schools, and businesses. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Bethel University in Economics and a Minor in Art. Mr. Olson also helps facilitate the production of the Academy yearbook, is one of the school photographers, and designs the school apparel. Joel serves as the head coach of the Phoenix Volleyball team, and is an all around good guy.
Mr. Joel Olson
Graphic Design & Art History
Ms. Anna Alvarez
Elementary Physical Education
Mrs. Amanda Davis
Preschool
About Mr. Nyago
Mr. John Nyago is a Ugandan native. His experience in subsistence agriculture began in his childhood in East Africa, rearing various domestic animals and working with his family to grow all kinds of crops for food. Mr. Nyago earned an IB Diploma in Agriculture with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, a program which emphasized crop production, soil science, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics. He then completed a Bachelor of Business Administration from Uganda Christian University, going on to work with such organizations as World Vision Uganda, and the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Mr. Nyago taught Economics and Commerce at the highschool level while still in Uganda. After moving to Nashville he began teaching African percussion and the Luganda language, and now teaches gardening and percussion classes at The Academy. His education and practical experience is an invaluable asset to the students.
Mr. John Nyago
Agriculture
Mrs. Ninfa Parker
Spanish
Mrs. Josie Milliron
Visual Arts
Mr. Corey Streeter
Worship Band
Mrs. Deborah Nava
Writing
Mrs. Kim Ownby
Performing Arts
Mrs. Grace Aaseby
Worship Band
Mrs. Kristin Streeter
Worship Band
Mrs. Jenn Reichert
Worship Band
Mr. Brett Madron
Pastoral Care
Mr. Rylan Aaseby
Hebrew
About Mrs. Nadeau
Mrs. Kristen 'KK' Nadeau has her Bachelor of Behavioral Science from Hardin-Simmons University plus a MA in Intercultural Studies from Golden Gate Seminary. Before having children, Ms. Nadeau taught for five years both in public and private schools. Her most memorable stint was as an ESL teacher in a Malaysian high school, where she would be called upon on any given day to help the cooking club win their regional competition or assist a local dentist on basics of teeth cleaning. This experience taught her flexibility and a positivity that she brings into the classroom. After homeschooling her children the past few years, Ms. Nadeau is thrilled to be a part of a school community, who aim to love God and love others well. Currently, she and her husband, Geoff are pursuing a Bible certification at the Institute for G.O.D.
Mrs. KK Nadeau
Elementary Course Teacher
Mr. Ryan Roberts
Elementary Teaching Assistant
Staff, Aides, & Interns
About Mrs. Chigumira
Mrs. Breann Chigumira started our Academy School Nutrition Program in the Fall of 2015. She has 6 years of culinary experience and along with that has also taught several special courses over the years at the Academy. Because of these combined experiences she has joined the service of meals with a nutrition curriculum in which students at every level are taught HOW to make healthy decisions that will impact them into their future. Part of her past experience also involves managing the utilization of produce from an on-campus garden. She spent several years integrating, preserving and creating menus from produce from an on-campus farm into large scale meal production as a chef. This experience shows up in our current 'Farm to School' operation which involves produce from the student garden as well as the on-campus garden of Hopewell farms.
Mrs. Breann Chigumira
School Nutritionist
Mrs. Michelle Madron
1:1 Aide
Ms. Brittan Botzum
1:1 Aide