Staff

My verse for the year is Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." This year marks my 12th school year at GCA. I am thrilled to begin my new role as Interim Principal and Director of Student Support Services. I look forward to leading our staff and providing more individualized support to our students to help them grow and be successful.

My husband Ben and I are blessed with two children who also attend GCA. I am very grateful to be able to work where my children attend school. Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, reading, camping, and eating good food.

My verse for the year is Acts 17:28, "For in him we live and move and have our being; as some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring'". For me faith is in the small and large, the brief moments and the large missions, the seen and the unseen. I believe that we give God glory when we do our very best with what He has given us. That excellence is a tribute to Christ and a small way to say, "thank you" for what Christ has done for us by dying for our sins.

In my free time I love to be active and play sports. We are a sporty family and enjoy cheering for teams as much as we do playing.

I have had the privilege of being an educator for 20+ years. I found my calling as an educator a little later in life after working as an Urban Planner. Teaching in public and private schools, grades 5-12, in a variety of subject areas, has provided me with a wealth of experience that I use to benefit all my students. I am excited to continue to teach Middle School History, but also serve as the Dean of Students for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling with my wife and two daughters.

I am so blessed to be teaching K4 this year. I love watching children learn, grow, and discover the unique gifts God has given them. It’s such a joy to be part of these early milestones and to help spark a lifelong love of learning.

When I am not in my classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring God’s creation. We love camping, hiking, seeing new places and enjoying the beauty of nature. I am looking forward to a wonderful year ahead filled with learning, laughter, and growing in God’s love!

I am excited to be starting my 5th year, teaching kindergarten at GCA! I love spending my days with some of our youngest learners. I am blessed with the incredible opportunity to share my love of Jesus, guide students as they learn how to read, and fill our classroom with love, laughter and memories that will last a lifetime.

This year I am excited to share the love of Jesus with my new group of students. I want to help them create a love for life long learning. My verse for the year is Psalm 34:8 ,”Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him”

In my class, I strive to provide a consistent, safe environment in which my first graders can grow and learn. God gifts each of us with unique talents and abilities. It is my job to help my students discover the gifts He has given them, and to build on the areas in which they have challenges.

I have been a member of Faith Bible Church for the last 28 years. I am actively involved on the worship team. I love dogs! My family fosters dogs and finds them their “fur-ever homes.”

This year I am excited to share the love of Jesus with my new group of students. I want to help them create a love for life long learning. My verse for the year is Psalm 34:8 ,”Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him”

In my class, I strive to provide a consistent, safe environment in which my first graders can grow and learn. God gifts each of us with unique talents and abilities. It is my job to help my students discover the gifts He has given them, and to build on the areas in which they have challenges.

I have been a member of Faith Bible Church for the last 28 years. I am actively involved on the worship team. I love dogs! My family fosters dogs and finds them their “fur-ever homes.”

My verse for this year is John 3:16 I love working at GCA because I enjoy the challenge of each new day. I enjoy the comradery of my peers and the interactions I have with my students individually and collectively. I look forward to getting to know families and partnering with them to foster academic and personal growth. I enjoy being able to impart the principles and precepts of the Christian faith to 3rd graders and entertain their insightful and sometimes baffling questions. 3rd grade is a time of transition to the land of big kids and a time of acquiring the skills of reading to learn across the subject areas, time management and increased independence with schoolwork and peer relationships/problem solving. I enjoy guiding my students through this process. I am a native Cheese head and enjoy camping, hiking and travelling in my spare time as well as reading, chess and board games. I have attended Fox River Christian Church in Waukesha and have been involved in 2nd Saturday of Service, Kids and Student ministries and Upward Soccer. I also attend a Men's Bible Study.

I am looking forward to my 14th year at Grace Christian Academy. Our class verse this year is from 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith; be courageous, be strong.” I want my students to understand their personal need for a relationship with God and that He is their source of strength and hope. My desire for kids is that they are lifelong learners. We have so many answers at our fingertips. Why wouldn’t we look up the answers to our questions?

In my classroom, I enjoy incorporating storytelling and I encourage my students to be creative writers. My husband and I attend Grace Community Church, where I work in Women’s ministry, Children’s Church, and as a greeter on Sunday morning. I am also Mom to two sons, Tim and Josh.

This year is my thirteenth year of teaching fifth grade at GCA. I have been blessed over the years to share my love of Jesus with my students. It is an honor to watch each and every student learn and grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

My classroom theme this year is Disney. Our class Bible verse is Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband, and our dog Slider. One of my other favorite things is spending time with family, and friends praying together and sharing God’s love. I love being outside in God’s great outdoors. I enjoy gardening, crafts, coloring, cross stitch, diamond art and scrapbooking. In doing these things, I can soak in some quiet time with the Lord and have something beautiful form as a result. My husband and I attend Story Hill Church where we are blessed to worship and serve.

As we start this new year it is my prayer that you and your family feel God’s love through our GCA family.

Hi everyone! My name is Ms. Johnson, and I’m thrilled to be starting my first year as a middle school English teacher. I recently graduated from North Central University with a degree in English Education and have a deep love for literature, writing, and helping students find their voice. I’m passionate about creating a classroom where everyone feels seen, heard, and inspired to grow. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading novels, getting outside, and exploring local coffee shops. I am so excited to begin this journey with you and make this a great year together!

Born and raised in Montana I’ve always had a passion for science and wildlife. I enjoy spending time outside camping and hiking. I also love football and weightlifting. I’m also looking forward to the school year and meeting all the students and staff!

My thematic verse for this year is from Psalm 95:7-8, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts...". I desire for all those involved at GCA to be Father-led in our relationships, education, and service. I dearly believe that if we follow the Father, the rest falls into place.

I live together with my wife Claire and our three children, Taliyah, Keziah, and Ephraim. My hobbies include spearfishing, studying ancient Hebrew scripts, and playing Redemption (TCG).

Coming Soon

Robert Payant is a seasoned middle school history teacher, through private and government schools with diverse student populations. An active member of his church, Christian community and faith leader of his family. Devoted to his beloved wife, high school aged son, and a father-figure to his 4 adult step-sons. 

A reputation for pushing Project Based Learning (PBL) into the Social Studies curriculum, with high expectations to provide opportunities for students to dig deeper for knowledge and take individual accountability. Driving for good academic performance in support of building habits students can take into their post-academic life.

My name is Mr. Powell and I am excited for the opportunity to work with students at Grace Christian Academy! I earned my Associate Degree in Elementary Education from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and my Bachelor's Degree in K–8 Education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

As an educator, I am passionate about helping students grow academically, build confidence, and discover their full potential. My goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to become the best versions of themselves.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy playing and watching sports, attending concerts, rock climbing, and firing up the grill! My wife, Kayla, and I attend Shorepoint Church and enjoy serving in our community. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the GCA family and look forward to building meaningful relationships with students and families.

I believe in holding my students to a high standard of excellence, while doing my best to create a classroom environment that encourages kindness and honesty among my students. I am looking forward to getting to know my students better and growing as a teacher. My verse for the year is “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10a

I attend Meadowbrook Church in Wauwatosa. I am very passionate about music. I’ve played a wide variety of different instruments including guitar, piano, and violin. I have broken each of my limbs at least once, and each at different times- I was apparently a fragile kid!

I have been an educator for the past 39 years in the public school setting as a high school social studies instructor and as a special education teacher. I retired from the public schools and  started my 40th year in education at GCA this summer. My role here is as the Director of Special Education Services and as the high school social studies teacher. This year, my classes will be studying American Government. We will be utilizing the documents, writings of important Americans, historical precedents, and many projects that will challenge students to better understand the republic that we live in. 

My wife and I have five grown children and we will be welcoming our 9th grandchild at the beginning of March. We live in Rochester with our 3 Hungarian Vizsla dogs. My wife runs a home business where we welp and raise Vizsla puppies selling them all over the United States, Canada, and even Central America and as far away as Singapore. I am also an elected official serving on the Rochester Village Board as a trustee.

Coming Soon

My name is Mr.Reducindo! This is my first year teaching at GCA and I am super excited about getting to work with all of the students. I have a strong passion for teaching the Bible and coaching so I am also looking forward to coaching the Boys Soccer Team. I am excited to teach students about the Bible and help them along their faith journey.

This is my first year working at GCA and I am excited for what the year will hold! I desire for every student to come to know Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior, and learn to live by faith in Him moment by moment of his/her life.

My goal as the PE Teacher and Athletic Director is to help students and athletes steward their physical bodies well, to use their skills to glorify the Lord, and to have their souls nourished through the teaching of God's word.

I grew up in Illinois and attended Carthage College where I play football. This will be my ninth year teaching. My wife and I have been happily married since 2021 and have two little girls. I attend Lake Country Bible Church where I serve as a Deacon, as well as in other ministries. I also enjoy reading, cooking, sports, being outdoors, and spending time with my family.

A verse that gives me encouragement as an educator is, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach at Grace Christian Academy this school year.  My goal for my students this year is to create an environment where students are valued for their uniqueness, where in the classroom they are able to grow their talents and learn new skills. I believe in creating a classroom culture of learning through mistakes and overcoming obstacles through teamwork. The everyday wins are what I plan to celebrate with my students. I also want to help students realize that creating is something you can do all your life, and you can utilize those skills you learn in art class in every job you do. My philosophy of teaching is a blend of encouraging students to become lifelong learners and showing them the passion for making.  

In my free time I enjoy taking hikes and cooking with my husband, getting together with friends and family on weekends, watching the Brewers and Packers, and painting some of my own work when I can find the time. I also grew up in New Berlin, so being able to work in a community that is so close to home has been a special blessing for me. 

I am looking forward to all the wonderful things this school year will bring!

This is my first year at GCA, and it is also my first year as a teacher! I'm excited that I'll be teaching the elementary (K4-5th) music classes and the school's Shine Worship Band. In addition, Mr. McNally and I are working in tandem as managers for the theater department. Outside of school, I will be working as the head coach for the girls basketball team during the winter sports season.

My ultimate goal as an educator is to get the best out of my students' potential. Whether it be their musical, leadership, or athletic capabilities, that goal will remain the same.

I grew up in New Berlin and Muskego, Wisconsin. I received my music education licensure in the fall of 2025 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I've attended Fox River Christian Church since I was in 3rd grade. At home, I have a 1 year old french bulldog named Bueller who's always full of energy. My main hobbies are playing/listening to music, playing/watching sports, and playing video games. In my free time, I also enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my significant other.

I find great peace and strength in the words of Psalm 23, trusting in the Lord as my shepherd to guide my path. My family and I are active members of Elmbrook en Español in Brookfield, where we have been serving in various ministries, including Sunday School.

At GCA, I serve on the support staff, where I have the opportunity to welcome prospective families and help them get to know our community, while also working behind the scenes in technical data management. Outside of school, I cherish quality time with my husband and children, keeping Jesus at the center of our lives and our home.

Guided by a deep commitment to faith and purpose, I draw inspiration from Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This foundation shapes both my personal values and professional approach, emphasizing integrity, humility, and trust in every endeavor.

 After prayerfully seeking a meaningful and purpose-filled opportunity, I felt led to Grace Christian Academy as a new career path. In my role, I support the Principal, administrative staff, and teachers, helping advance the school’s mission and daily operations.

 My professional background is in property management, with a special focus on working with seniors, along with several years in executive support roles. I feel this position is a perfect fit, especially in an environment where I can openly express my faith and serve others.

 I am married and have two children—a son and a daughter. My family attends Hales Corners Lutheran Church and is actively involved in Hales Corners Lutheran School, where my children attend. In my free time, I enjoy cheering on my son at his baseball games and attending my daughter’s dance recitals and competitions.

My verse for this year is Joshua 1:9 "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

I enjoy using my bilingual skills at GCA to help families, children and staff communicate with each other. I enjoy encouraging students to remember of who they are in Christ daily. In my free time I enjoy camping with my husband, two kids, and dog. We enjoy playing board games, video games, swimming, and music. We have been members of Discover Church since 2015. We are actively involved in various areas of ministry such as Youth, Safety and Security, and Missions.

 After prayerfully seeking a meaningful and purpose-filled opportunity, I felt led to Grace Christian Academy as a new career path. In my role, I support the Principal, administrative staff, and teachers, helping advance the school’s mission and daily operations.

 My professional background is in property management, with a special focus on working with seniors, along with several years in executive support roles. I feel this position is a perfect fit, especially in an environment where I can openly express my faith and serve others.

 I am married and have two children—a son and a daughter. My family attends Hales Corners Lutheran Church and is actively involved in Hales Corners Lutheran School, where my children attend. In my free time, I enjoy cheering on my son at his baseball games and attending my daughter’s dance recitals and competitions.

My name is Rachel Ziegert and I am excited to be the new financial assistant at Grace Christian Academy. My verse for the year is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths."

 In my free time, I spend time with my fiance Logan and taking my dog, Minny on walks or finding new hiking trails in southeast Wisconsin. I also love reading mystery books and trying new restaurants with my friends.

 I am looking forward to working with all the students and families at GCA this year.

My verse for this year is Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".

Serving in the office at GCA gives me the opportunity to encourage and support students, families, and staff each day. I find joy in helping create a welcoming environment where everyone feels cared for and valued. In my free time, I enjoy reading and taking walks, which bring me peace and renewal. This verse inspires me to live each day with hope and share that hope with those around me.

This is currently my 26th year at GCA. I endeavor to instill in each child a love of learning, a love for God’s word and its principles, and to help them learn how to apply God’s work in their daily lives. My verse for the year is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

I am one of 11 children. I love to do crafts, baking, watching old movies, and spending time in nature. I attend Bridge Church in Waukesha, where I have attended since 1981. I am involved in the Meal Wagon.

My favorite verse is Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”

I attend Passion Church. I am excited about working at GCA because I love working with children and being able to share Jesus with them in everything we do. My philosophy is to provide a safe environment and to be able to help each child grow. I just celebrated by 34th wedding anniversary. I love spending time with my children and grandchildren.

I am the K5 paraprofessional and this is my 5th year here at Grace Christian Academy. I am very proud that God led me here with open arms. I enjoy being here with the staff and most importantly the children are the sunshine of every day even if it's a cloudy one. I can be found with a smile on my face - through the day because I have God in my heart to lead me to happiness. I am a very positive person and always trying through prayer to keep the negative behind me. I am a faithful member of Jackson Park Lutheran Church. One of my favorite bible verses that help get me through the year is Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" In my free time I love to spend time with my family and of course my 4 amazing beautiful dogs Harley, Zelda, Riley and Hazel. I also enjoy reading and the beautiful seasons of weather in Wisconsin.

1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” This verse reflects my personal commitment to serving others with purpose and compassion.

I currently serve as a bilingual paraprofessional at Grace Christian Academy, where I support elementary students in grades 1 through 5. Since beginning my role in October 2025, I have been dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, assisting students academically and helping bridge language barriers when needed. My objective is to serve with excellence, integrity, and compassion, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ in His service to others. I strive to use my gifts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the students and families I serve.

I am excited to join GCA this year. I will be working with custodial and handyman duties. I enjoy camping with my wife, two kids, and two dogs. I serve on the safety and security team at the church our family has been attending since 2015. I have had the pleasure of going on many mission trips in North, Central, and South American countries.

 I’m excited to serve at GCA this year as a custodian. I feel blessed to be part of a Christ-centered school community and to help create a clean and welcoming environment for our students and staff. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places with my husband and three children.

Our lunch team makes the best homemade food for our hot lunch program. They are the BEST! They strive to keep the menu fresh and have variety every single day. We are grateful for our team's service at GCA and the quality food they serve to our students.