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A School That Comes
Alongside Families

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At Haw River Christian Academy, we believe education is more than academics. It is the formation of intellect and character, rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

Our Mission

Haw River Christian Academy serves Christian families by offering a classical education grounded in biblical truth.

Our desire is to help students grow into thoughtful, capable young adults who:

  • Think clearly
  • Communicate with wisdom
  • Live with faith and humility
  • Pursue excellence for God’s glory

Our Story

Since 2008, Haw River Christian Academy has partnered with families across Chatham County who want an education that supports what they are teaching at home and in church.

What began as a desire for a more faithful, intentional approach to learning has grown into a JK–12 community committed to:

  • Strong academics
  • Deep relationships
  • Christ-centered formation
  • A love of truth, goodness, and beauty

We are grateful to walk alongside families through every stage of their child’s education, from the earliest years through graduation.

Read Our Statement of Faith with this link

A Distinct Approach to Education

Families come to Haw River because they are looking for more than a standard classroom experience.

Here, students are shaped through a classical model that teaches them how to think, not simply what to repeat.

Our classrooms are marked by:

  • Small class sizes and personal attention
  • Teachers who know and care for their students
  • Faith integrated naturally into every subject
  • A community that feels like a partnership, not a transaction
  • Academic rigor paired with warmth and encouragement

Why Classical Christian Education?

Classical education is built on the belief that students flourish when
they are taught with structure, depth, and purpose.

At Haw River, the classical model helps students:

  • Develop strong foundations in reading, writing, and reasoning
  • Grow in confidence as communicators
  • Engage ideas thoughtfully through a biblical worldview
  • Prepare for college, calling, and life beyond school

Faith is not added on; it is woven into everything we do.

A Covenantal Community

Haw River Christian Academy is more than a school. It is a community of families, faculty, and students bound together by a shared faith and a common calling.

We believe God has entrusted children to their families first. Our role is to come alongside parents — not to replace the home or the church, but to partner with them in the long work of formation. That partnership is what we mean by covenant: a shared commitment to see students grow in wisdom, character, and faithfulness to Christ.

In a covenantal school, education is discipleship. Every subject is taught with the understanding that students are image-bearers of God, not simply future professionals. We are shaping hearts and minds together — and that work belongs to all of us.

We believe education works best when:

  • Families are engaged
  • Teachers are trusted guides
  • Students are known and cared for
  • Christ is central

Meet Our Faculty and Leadership

One of the greatest strengths of Haw River Christian Academy is the people who serve here.

Our teachers and staff are committed to the academic, spiritual, and personal growth of every student.
They are mentors, guides, and partners to families throughout each season of learning.

Heather Baker

Head of School

J. Wesley Seawell

Principal

Joanna Barbour

PE Teacher

Elizabeth Biggers

Director of Development

Kim Bodine

Director of Enrollment,
Upper School Spanish & Latin Teacher

Travis Bodine

Upper School Literature &
Theology Teacher

Amy Bulbrook

Administrative Assistant

Rik Carlson

Music Teacher

Polina Chebotar

Kindergarten Assistant

Beth Deichler

Drama Teacher

Sheena Frost

Grammar School & Enrollment Assistant

Katy Gasiorowski

Events Coordinator

Joe Godfrey

Upper School History Teacher

Renee Godfrey

Second Grade Teacher

Janice Hansen

Academic Dean, Upper School Literature
& Senior Thesis Teacher

Tripp Harmon

Upper School Literature &
Theology Teacher

Hillary Harrell

Grammar School Assistant

Marie Harrison

First Grade Teacher

Angie Hill

Third Grade Teacher

Connie Johnson

Grammar & Upper School Science
& Math Teacher

Laurie Jones

Receptionist

Steve Jones

Upper School Math Teacher

Suzanne Jones

College and Career Counselor,
Logic & Rhetoric Teacher

Lori Lusk

Sixth Grade Teacher

Erica Melton

Director of Athletics

Jamie Owensby

Upper School Science & Math Teacher

Stephanie Patten

Fifth Grade Teacher

Sue Robinson

Kindergarten Teacher

Carole Sanders

Fifth Grade Teacher

Trisha Santiago

Fourth Grade Teacher

Kelly Smith

First Grade Teacher

Crystal Sparrow

Upper School Spanish & Elective Teacher
& Archer’s Zone

Ginny Strum

Art Teacher

Corné Jansen van Rensburg

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Grace Watts

Third Grade Teacher

Teachers Who Invest in Students

Our teachers are trained in classical education and committed to the spiritual and academic growth of every student.

They are not simply instructors, they are mentors who:

  • Encourage curiosity
  • Cultivate wisdom
  • Challenge students toward excellence
  • Care deeply about who each child is becoming

Serving Families Since 2008

For almost 2 decades, Haw River Christian Academy has helped families find clarity, stability, and a Christ-centered foundation for education.

Students graduate prepared for the next step, equipped with strong academics
and a steady faith.

“

We could not be happier to have our children educated in a Classical Christian School. It has been one of the best decisions and investments we have made for our children.

Steve & Suzanne Jones, Teacher + College Counselor | Parents of a 2nd, 7th + 2025 Graduate

Our children are thriving academically and enjoy going to school each day. It is our hope that residents of Chatham County take full advantage of the opportunity that HRCA presents to their families!

Keith Smothers & Evelien Van Ekert, Parents of a 6th and 9th grader

We have watched our children grow into mature, well spoken, respectful and well rounded individuals who love the Lord. Our children are thriving at HRCA through the love, support and genuine desires from the staff.

Matt & Jennifer Cashion, Parents of a 3rd, 8th, and 9th grader

One of the best decisions Christian parents can make is to enter into the covenant relationship that blesses and empowers their children with a classical Christian education.

Dr. Tripp Harmon, Teacher & Parent of a 12th Grader

The high academic standard is paired with a joyful, loving, Christ-centered environment where the word of God is taught and honored. It has been one of our greatest blessings to be part of this school!

Hans & Joanna Beutel, Parents of a JK, 3rd, and 6th Grader

HRCA students can reason well, work hard, and communicate clearly. Students are taught by well-educated teachers who genuinely care for each student and their well-being.

Brian & Kelly Jacoby, Board Member and Parents of 2024 Graduate

We’d Love to Welcome Your Family

You don’t have to navigate this decision alone.

Come visit Haw River Christian Academy to discover a school community
committed to forming students with wisdom, faith, and excellence.

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Heather Baker

Head of School

Mrs. Baker has been an integral member of the Haw River Christian Academy team for 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Baker grew up in rural England before moving to the US at age 9. When she was in Eighth Grade, she began to attend a Christian school, which changed the way she thought about education. Despite spending three years in the pharmaceutical industry, where she met her husband, Bob, she found herself teaching part-time at a Christian University and has never looked back. Her career has taken her through substitute teaching at public schools, homeschooling her own children, and teaching at a local charter school before bringing her to HRCA. The freedom to teach from a biblical worldview—to teach what she has believed from a very young age—is what first drew her to HRCA. She loves that the students are blessed by the incredible faculty and staff who love, care, and pray for each child daily. Over the past 15 years, Mrs. Baker has filled many roles at HRCA. She has taught many grades and subjects and also served as Upper School Principal, Academic Dean, and Assistant Head of School. Two verses anchor the way Mrs. Baker approaches her work: 1 Corinthians 16:14, which speaks to the importance of doing everything out of love, even if it means that doing what is best is not easy, and Colossians 3:23, which is a reminder to work with your whole heart in service to God, not man. Together, they reflect her strong conviction that her work at HRCA is a service to God, and she desires to honor Him in all of it. Mrs. Baker enjoys baking, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, and is an avid reader. Mrs. Baker has three children and is blessed that her three grandchildren attend HRCA—a place where the two most important things in her life, faith and family, come together every day.

J. Wesley Seawell

Principal

Mr. Seawell brings a wealth of leadership and teaching experience, as well as a love for God and classical Christian education to his role as Principal at Haw River Christian Academy. Mr. Seawell served as an Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Army before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He began teaching in 2011 at Lee Christian before joining the Haw River teaching team in 2014, where he taught Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric classes, coached soccer, and led the Drama department for seven years. He then spent several years serving on the Sandhills Classical Christian School administration team as their Facilities Manager, and when the opportunity to return to Haw River as Principal arose, Mr. Seawell was thrilled to rejoin the HRCA team. Mr. Seawell’s two favorite Scripture passages are Deuteronomy 31:6 and Romans 12:2, which serve as a reminder to stand firm in the Truth and to not be afraid of doing what God has called you to do. He believes that as Christians, we are called to be different from the world, and all of our actions should reflect our high calling. Outside of school, Mr. Seawell enjoys spending time with his wife, Angel, and their son, J.W. He also likes to garden and go horseback riding whenever he can. Mr. Seawell loves reading, and his tastes in books are eclectic, ranging from history to science to science fiction to Westerns. He particularly enjoys the stories of ordinary people who took a stand for what they believed in.

Joanna Barbour

PE Teacher

Mrs. Barbour is currently the Physical Education Teacher at Haw River Christian Academy, where she aims to challenge students to glorify God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). Her love for health and fitness began after she graduated high school and began working at a local gym. Now she works to encourage HRCA students to build character and resilience through movement. She was first drawn to HRCA as a parent because of the Christ-centered education it provides, eventually leading her to volunteer before joining the HRCA team officially. Her favorite verse is Psalm 18:2, which reminds her daily that God is her refuge and strength, and she seeks to encourage students to trust in God as their stronghold and the source of their salvation. She views PE as an opportunity to teach discipline, endurance, courage, and self-control. Outside of school, Mrs. Barbour is a pastor’s wife and mother of four children, one of whom is an HRCA graduate, while Joseph, Jaxon, and Sadie are current students. She enjoys fitness, gardening, interior design, and creative projects.

Elizabeth Biggers

Director of Development

Mrs. Biggers brings significant marketing and sales experience to her role as Director of Development at Haw River Christian Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Marketing with a minor in Psychology. Prior to joining the HRCA team, she worked in advertising and marketing before transitioning into pharmaceutical sales. What Mrs. Biggers loves most about working at HRCA is that we are a community of believers, each with our own individual skillsets, who have been called together by the Lord to build something truly special for His kingdom. Mrs. Biggers wants everything she does to reflect integrity, gratitude, and trust in God’s plan. Her favorite Bible passage is Psalm 23, which has been a source of strength for her in some of life’s hardest moments. Outside of school, Mrs. Biggers has been married for almost 14 years. She enjoys traveling, cooking, playing games, and seeking out adventures with her family, and especially loves watching her two children, Avery and Miles, grow and learn in the same school where she serves every day.

Kim Bodine

Director of Enrollment, Upper School Spanish and Latin Teacher

Mrs. Bodine is one of the first people you meet when you set foot on Haw River Christian Academy’s campus, where she currently serves as the Director of Enrollment. Before joining HRCA, she worked as an RN in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, and then spent time homeschooling her children. She first encountered HRCA when she brought her daughter to the school as an 11th grader, and she joined the HRCA team the next year, eventually adding teaching Spanish and Latin to her repertoire. Faith is the foundation of all that Mrs. Bodine does, and it is only through God that she is able to do all that she does. This conviction helps her to focus on what is truly important—honoring the Lord through her service at HRCA. Passing this same sense of purpose on to the next generation is something she takes to heart, both in the classroom and in her work, as she welcomes families to the HRCA community. Outside of school, Mrs. Bodine enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis, and their two children, Alex and Maddie. She loves to read, knit, and crochet.

Travis Bodine

Upper School Literature and Theology Teacher

Mr. Bodine brings a love for theology, great literature, and learning to Haw River Christian Academy. He currently serves as one of the pastors at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and before this, he spent 23 years as a land surveyor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, and he is currently working on a Master of Divinity. After his daughter graduated from HRCA and he saw all that she experienced here, he knew that he wanted to teach at HRCA. Mr. Bodine loves what the school stands for and the opportunity to work with the wonderful community of students and staff. He believes that the chief end of man is to glorify the Lord and enjoy Him forever, and Mr. Bodine aims to help students do just that. All life is to be lived to the glory of God, and this includes the way we use our minds and learn of His world and His ways. His end goal is to inspire his students to be joyful learners who see their education as one aspect of glorifying the Lord with their lives. Outside of school, Mr. Bodine enjoys spending time with his wife, Kim, and their two children, Alex and Madison. He loves outdoor activities and reading, especially books by his favorite author, J.R.R. Tolkien, and his favorite book of the Bible is Ephesians.

Amy Bulbrook

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Bulbrook has been part of the Haw River Christian Academy team for 12 years, serving in roles ranging from the classroom to the office. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and has taught Junior Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Sixth Grade before stepping into her current role supporting the admin team. Her connection to HRCA runs deep, as she enrolled her oldest daughter the year HRCA opened its doors and watched her become HRCA’s first graduate. The classical Christian model of education resonated with her, and she eventually joined the HRCA team because she felt called to be part of what the Lord was doing through the school. Her faith shapes all that she does here, and she approaches every task wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. Outside of school, Mrs. Bulbrook has been married for 31 years and has three children. She loves to read, cook, and collect stickers. One of her favorite books is Jane Eyre, a novel she loves because of the example of faith in the face of difficult circumstances that Jane sets.

Rik Carlson

Music Teacher

Mr. Carlson serves as the Music Teacher at Haw River Christian Academy. He brings a wealth of musical talent and experience to the Haw River team. He studied music in college, has led worship for 35 years, and has served as a youth minister for 30 years. Mr. Carlson has also taught music, in groups and privately, for 27 years, and he loves to teach students to worship the Lord by developing their musical skills. He loves the opportunity that teaching HRCA students provides to shape children into Christians who pursue a living faith, and he wants their Christianity to inform every part of their lives. He also believes that our times in worship enable us to hear God’s leading more clearly, and through his work at HRCA, he gives the students key tools for private devotion and public leadership. Mr. Carlson loves being able to worship God in all that he does, and he instills this same love in the students he teaches.

Polina Chebotar

Kindergarten Assistant

Mrs. Chebotar brings a love for teaching and learning to her role as Kindergarten Assistant at Haw River Christian Academy. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, she graduated from university with a degree in linguistics and taught middle and high school for about 7 years. Mrs. Chebotar believes that God truly blessed her in the most unexpected way when she found HRCA completely by accident. From her very first week as part of the HRCA team, she fell in love with the warm family atmosphere—something she had not felt anywhere else. Not long after, she moved her three children (Sergei, Sofiya, and Michael) to HRCA as well. She is grateful to be surrounded by children who often ask surprisingly deep and thoughtful questions, and she loves that she gets to answer them with wisdom and clarity from the Bible. One of the passages that has always stayed close to her heart is the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. She often reflects on the words, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21), which reminds her to keep her priorities eternal rather than temporary. Outside of school, Mrs. Chebotar enjoys spending time with her husband and three, soon-to-be four, children. As a family, they enjoy hiking in new places, playing board games, and taking road trips together.

Emilie Clarke

Accountant and Upper School Math Teacher

Mrs. Clarke brings creativity and a desire to support the next generation to her role at Haw River Christian Academy. She currently serves as an accountant and Upper School Math Teacher, and she is deeply committed to helping our young generation grow up to be well-learned and independent disciples of Christ. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and her professional background includes corporate finance, vocational school tuition management, and ballet instruction. One of Mrs. Clarke’s favorite verses is Psalm 61:2, which is a reminder that God is our refuge in times of need, and her faith is central to and shapes all that she does. She believes that we are created to serve God well by seeking to glorify God in all that we do. Outside of school, Mrs. Clarke is a busy and devoted mother of three children (Henry, Boone, and Pippa), all of whom are Grammar School students at HRCA. She loves dance and home design, and her experience raising children with neurodivergence has grown her understanding of the unique gifts God has given to each person to further His Kingdom.

Sheena Frost

Grammar School and Enrollment Assistant

Mrs. Frost serves as our Grammar School and Enrollment Assistant at Haw River Christian Academy, where her love for people and desire to honor the Lord shine. She studied Marketing and Fashion before building a career that spanned insurance, real estate, and fashion. Her children drew her to HRCA, and she fell in love with the school immediately. She especially appreciated the warm and safe environment for them to learn and grow in both faith and academics, and she will tell you that joining the HRCA team was the best yes she said to the Lord in a long time. She loves her colleagues, the students, and her job, and Mrs. Frost desires to honor God and reflect Him through all that she does. Her favorite verse (though it was hard to pick) is Jeremiah 33:3, which reminds her of all the times God has tangibly answered her in her need. Mrs. Frost enjoys spending time with her husband and children, three of whom (Brooklyn, Brylee, and Jaxon) attend HRCA. She also loves the beach, biking, Pilates, and watching her children compete in HRCA sports. Her favorite way to decompress is to read her Bible before bed, and she loves learning, especially about theology.

Katy Gasiorowski

Events Coordinator

Mrs. Gasiorowski’s love for bringing people together serves her well in her role as events coordinator at Haw River Christian Academy. She holds a degree in Animal Science and worked as an Employee Benefits Account Manager before raising her daughters. After her children started school, she spent many years investing in their school life by serving as the PTA President, which laid the groundwork for her role at HRCA. Mrs. Gasiorowski came to HRCA first as a parent, and she loves working here because she gets to be part of a school where faith is part of everyday life. She also enjoys getting to know the students and their families as she works to create events that bring everyone together for fun and fellowship. One of her favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28 because it reminds her that God is always working for the good, even in situations we cannot understand. Outside of school, Mrs. Gasiorowski loves to spend time with her husband and two daughters, Liza and Penelope, who are both students at HRCA. She enjoys working with horses, exercising, traveling—especially when it involves a trip to the beach—and reading historical fiction.

Joe Godfrey

Upper School History Teacher

Mr. Godfrey brings a lifelong passion for history to the Haw River Christian Academy team, where he currently serves as the Upper School History Teacher. Prior to joining HRCA, he studied Electronics Engineering Technology, and his career path included 14 years in electronics manufacturing, 20 years in the Life Safety industry, and then managing a business for a large corporation. After hearing wonderful things about the HRCA approach to education from several staff members who attend his church, Mr. Godfrey wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to teach history when it arose. Now, he enjoys sharing his passion for history with his students, teaching them to think critically, to see God’s guiding hand in the history of the world, and to remain grounded in God’s truth. He loves speaking to students about faith, and one of Mr. Godfrey’s favorite passages is James 2:14-19, which discusses the importance of living faith through action. Mr. Godfrey is married to his bride of 36 years, Renee, who also teaches at HRCA, and they have two sons, Adam and Caleb. He is an avid sports fan—rooting for UNC and the St. Louis Cardinals—and he also tends a large garden each summer, sharing its bounty with the community. He is also deeply involved in local politics, serving as the Chair of the local Republican party affiliate, and loves reading about the Founding Fathers and their contributions to history.

Renee Godfrey

Second Grade Teacher

Mrs. Godfrey teaches Second Grade at Haw River Christian Academy and brings a wealth of experience from a long career in the corporate world, working as a contract manager for BCBSNC. After retiring early, God led her to HRCA, where she started as a substitute teacher before joining the team full-time. She brings love, patience, and kindness to the classroom, and her deepest hope is that her students see Jesus through her. She loves that HRCA allows her to teach biblical truths and values, and she desires to teach her students to put their faith in the Lord, respect others, and make wise decisions. Her favorite passage of Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 because it reminds her that when we trust God and surrender control to Him, we will not miss out on the blessings that He has prepared for us. Mrs. Godfrey has been married to her husband, Joe, for 36 years, and they have two sons, Adam and Caleb. She loves spending time with her family, singing Southern Gospel music, and playing the mandolin. Her favorite book is the Bible, and she has taught children’s Sunday School for over 30 years, which has prepared her well for pointing her students to Christ in all that she teaches.

Janice Hansen

Academic Dean, Upper School Literature and Senior Thesis Teacher

Dr. Hansen serves as the Academic Dean at Haw River Christian Academy, where she also teaches Senior Thesis and eleventh- and twelfth-grade literature. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in German and Linguistics, a Master of Science in Library Science, and a PhD in Literature. Prior to joining HRCA, she spent six years teaching at the university level, two years working in special collections, and five years freelancing—writing classical Christian homeschool curriculum, editing, coaching college essays, and doing educational consulting. She first encountered HRCA in 2019 when searching for a different schooling option for her oldest daughter, joined the team in the 2023-2024 school year, and has since grown into her current role as Academic Dean. What Dr. Hansen appreciates most about HRCA is that Scripture is the standard against which everything is measured—that even hard and difficult topics are approached through the lens of God’s Word. One of her favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10, which is a reminder that God promises us the strength and help that we need to serve Him. Outside of school, Dr. Hansen enjoys spending time with her husband and five children (Eleanor, Caroline, Penelope, Lucy, and Theodore), baking, cooking, reading, growing fruit and flowers in mass quantities, and adding to an ever-growing book collection.

Tripp Harmon

Upper School Literature and Theology Teacher

Dr. Harmon brings extensive experience in pastoral ministry and a strong commitment to discipleship to his work at Haw River Christian Academy, where he currently teaches Upper School Theology and Literature. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Apologetics. He has served on staff at North Carolina Baptist churches since 1993, and currently serves as Associate Pastor at New Salem Church. What Dr. Harmon loves most about teaching at HRCA is the opportunity to engage in discipleship at a deep level and to witness his students’ spiritual growth firsthand. Disciples make disciples—that is his life calling and the way he approaches teaching at HRCA. His favorite passage of Scripture is 1 Corinthians 15, which he terms the guts of the Gospel, and it is that Gospel that he aims to share with each and every student. Outside of school, Dr. Harmon is married to Amy, and they have three children, Karlie, Grayson, and Isaac, who is soon to be a graduate of HRCA. His favorite book is the Bible, and in his spare time, he likes to play drums with a group at church and with a blues-and-rock band.

Hillary Harrell

Grammar School Assistant

Mrs. Harrell brings 20 years of experience nurturing and educating children to her role at Haw River Christian Academy. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has spent her career supporting the development of children with compassion and patience, which makes her a wonderful addition to the HRCA team. Mrs. Harrell loves the positive collaboration with teachers, the opportunity to connect with students each day, and the close-knit community she has found at HRCA. One of her favorite passages of Scripture is Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages her daily to replace anxious thoughts with prayer and gratitude, and to find peace and comfort in God in times of need. Outside of school, Mrs. Harrell is a wife and mother to three HRCA students, Olivia, Maggie, and Sadie. She lives on a small farm with honeybees, chickens, dogs, and a turkey, and she loves canning, food preservation, baking, traveling, boating, and spending time with her family.

Marie Harrison

First Grade Teacher

Mrs. Harrison brings a deep love for Jesus to her First Grade classroom at Haw River Christian Academy. She holds a degree in Social Work and has worked with mentally-challenged, elderly, psychiatric, and medical patien. Still, shehe will tell you without hesitation that the best job she ever had was raising her seven children full-time, with working at HRCA running a close second. What drew Mrs. Harrison to HRCA was finding a job where she could share the Gospel freely and help students develop strong reading skills, and HRCA fit the bill perfectly. Her favorite passage of Scripture is Colossians 3:23-24, a reminder to work wholeheartedly as unto the Lord, and her deepest desire is to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” when she stands before the Lord. She prays for her students, laughs with them, and seeks to model kindness, daily pointing them to the One who is perfect even though she is not. Outside of school, Mrs. Harrison has been married for over 40 years and is the proud mother of seven adult children and a grandmother to several grandchildren. Born in Miami, she has happily called North Carolina her home for the past twenty years, and she enjoys crocheting, cross-stitching, eating too many sweets, and finding great humor in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Angie Hill

Third Grade Teacher

Mrs. Hill has been a beloved member of the Haw River Christian Academy team for 16 years, and she has taught Junior Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Sixth Grade during her time here. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management, and prior to joining HRCA, she taught at Richland Creek Church Preschool in Wake Forest and was a substitute teacher for Chatham Charter School in Siler City. God brought her to HRCA in answer to her prayer for a job and a school for her son, and she has been part of the team ever since. Mrs. Hill’s faith shapes everything about how she sees and serves her students. She believes that each child is created in God’s image with unique gifts and abilities, and she loves being able to share the Gospel with them each day and seeing them grow in their faith. Her favorite passage of Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 because it serves as a reminder to trust in the Lord, because He will always lead her in the right direction. Her husband, John, is the Associate Pastor at Emmaus Baptist Church, and Mrs. Hill also serves in many ministries there, including teaching Sunday School, leading a Life group, and singing in the choir. She enjoys spending time at Topsail Island, watching The Andy Griffith Show, and sipping hot tea while enjoying a good British mystery—whether on screen or on a page.

Connie Johnson

Grammar and Upper School Science and Math Teacher

Dr. Johnson brings a deep love for life science and how it reveals the wonders of God’s creation to Haw River Christian Academy, where she teaches science from Kindergarten all the way to Rhetoric School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She spent three years practicing as a chemist and 30 years in small animal medicine before her path took a turn toward her other dream vocation, teaching science, which she has now been doing for eight years at HRCA. What drew Dr. Johnson to HRCA was the community, which she heard about through a local Bible study. Her love and passion for life science, combined with the opportunity to share a Christian worldview of it with students, is why she loves teaching at HRCA. She strives to shine the light of Christ in everything that she does, and her favorite passages are Ephesians 3:20 and Philippians 4:5-7, which remind her that God is the source of all things, including a peace that passes understanding. Dr. Johnson loves animals, and her favorite book is Watership Down. She enjoys spending time with her husband and is very proud of her three adult children.

Laurie Jones

Receptionist

Mrs. Jones brings joy, warmth, and a servant’s heart to all that she does in her role as receptionist at Haw River Christian Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, and prior to joining the HRCA team, she and her husband homeschooled their four children. Mrs. Jones seeks to be a blessing to everyone who walks in HRCA’s doors, loving others as Christ has commanded us to do, and this conviction shows up in everything she does. She counts getting to know the students as one of the greatest gifts of her job, and she appreciates the family-like environment that defines HRCA. Outside of school, family is at the center of Mrs. Jones’s life. She loves cooking, baking, and planning celebrations for family and friends. One of her favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 23, which is a reminder of God’s deep love and constant provision in every season of life.

Steve Jones

Upper School Math Teacher

Mr. Jones brings a love for all things related to math and a desire to serve the students to his role at Haw River Christian Academy, where he currently serves as the Upper School Math Teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and uses this background, along with his passion for math, in his work with HRCA’s students. Mr. Jones believes that teaching is an act of service, and he strives to serve his students in any way he can. You will often find Mr. Jones arriving early to work on k problems on the board with students so they fully understand the concepts they are struggling with. His favorite verse, Psalm 1:3, is a reminder of the importance of delighting in and meditating on God’s Word, and he strives to model this approach to life in all that he does. Outside of school, Mr. Jones enjoys photography and reading. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Suzanne, who also works at HRCA, and their three children, two of whom are current HRCA students and one of whom is an HRCA graduate.

Suzanne Jones

College and Career Counselor, Logic and Rhetoric Teacher

Mrs. Jones is a Chatham County native who has spent the majority of her life in or around the community she now serves at Haw River Christian Academy, where she serves as College and Career Counselor and Upper School Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and spent 14 years teaching in Chatham County prior to joining the HRCA team. Her connection to HRCA began when she enrolled her oldest in kindergarten, drawn to the challenging curriculum and the way every subject is taught from a Christian perspective. She and her husband remained involved as parents, and Mrs. Jones was blessed to step in as staff when an opening became available. She tries to approach each day as a gift from God, and her favorite verse is Nahum 1:7, which talks of God’s promise to be a stronghold in hard times. Outside of school, Mrs. Jones likes to spend time with her husband, Steve, and their three children, Jackson, who is now an HRCA graduate, and Elizabeth and Emeline, who are currently students at HRCA. She also enjoys running, reading, and baking bread.

Lori Lusk

Sixth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Lusk brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a love for the Lord to her classroom at Haw River Christian Academy, where she currently teaches Sixth Grade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, and before joining the HRCA team, she taught at a Christian school in Mexico and homeschooled her two older children. Mrs. Lusk was five years old when Jesus called her name to follow Him, and He has never forsaken her. She loves the community of Christ-minded people that make up HRCA. Her faith and life experiences shape everything about how she approaches teaching—she pursues excellence in all things despite her shortcomings, praising God that He didn’t, doesn’t, and will never fall short. She trusts in God’s daily grace and provision for all her needs and the needs of her students, and this gives her the peace and freedom to live each day to its fullest. Her favorite verse is Psalm 143:8, which is a reminder of God’s unfailing love and guidance. Mrs. Lusk has been married to her husband, Aaron, for 20 years, and together they have three children, the youngest of whom (Isaac) is a student at HRCA. Her hobbies include painting, reading, and walking.

Erica Melton

Director of Athletics

Mrs. Melton brings a desire to serve others and a love for athletics to her role as Director of Athletics at Haw River Christian Academy. Her professional background spans healthcare and public education, and she is also a preschool teacher at Pittsboro Baptist Preschool. Mrs. Melton has been part of the HRCA family for eight years, and she feels like it has truly become an extension of her own family. She is honored to share her faith alongside like-minded individuals who value Christ-centered education and community. For the past five years, she has been involved in athletics at HRCA in various capacities and has found it a joy to watch students grow not only in their athletic abilities but also in their faith and academics. She especially enjoys seeing each athlete discover their passion for sports while developing character, teamwork, and confidence along the way. Her favorite verse, Hebrews 13:16, reminds us that just as Jesus sacrificed for us, our sacrifices and service to others are pleasing to Him, and this shapes everything about how she serves at HRCA. She strives to reflect the love of Jesus in every interaction, approaching each responsibility with integrity, kindness, patience, and purpose. Outside of school, Mrs. Melton is married to her husband, Adam, and together they have three children, Carter and Olivia, who are HRCA students, and Lucas, along with his wife, Kali, and their three grandchildren. She enjoys serving in her church and spending her free time antiquing, cooking, and taking in the beauty of mountain trips.

Jamie Owensby

Upper School Science and Math Teacher

Mrs. Owensby brings almost three decades of teaching experience to Haw River Christian Academy, where she currently teaches Upper School Math and Science. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics, and has taught science and math from Seventh Grade through the collegiate level. She was drawn to HRCA because it is a place where excellence in education is pursued in a supportive, cooperative relationship with the students and their parents, all to the glory of God. Mrs. Owensby believes that intellectual pursuits can be an act of worship. The act of learning is not about simply acquiring information; it is about forming individuals who can reason deeply and change the world for Christ. The passage of Scripture that is currently her favorite is Ephesians 2:8-9, as it is by grace we are saved through faith. Outside of school, Mrs. Owensby has been married to Shelby for 33 years, and they have three grown children. She homeschooled her two oldest children through graduation, and her youngest, Beth, who is an HRCA graduate, through 9th grade. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, soap making, attempting to garden, and taking care of two dogs.

Stephanie Patten

Fifth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Patten is part of the Fifth Grade team at Haw River Christian Academy, where she is committed to excellence and encouraging Christ-like behavior in all of her students. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Finance, and worked in Financial Planning and Analysis before leaving the corporate world to raise her children. She has gravitated towards education ever since, first working in her children’s preschool, then as a substitute teacher in Chatham County, and now as a member of the HRCA team. Mrs. Patten loves working in an environment where faith is shared freely and being at the same school as her children, and she trusts that the Lord has brought her to HRCA to serve Him. She believes that the Bible calls us to work as if working for the Lord, and that belief shapes the effort and care she puts into each lesson. Her favorite passage is Jeremiah 29:11, a reminder of the good plans God has for those who trust in Him. Outside of school, Mrs. Patten has been married to her husband, Scott, for 20 years, and together they have three teenage children—Charlie, Henry, and Violet. She enjoys spending her time outside of work baking, traveling with her family, and attending her children’s sporting events. She is a member of Redeemer Church in Cary, where she enjoys serving and worshipping with her family.

Sue Robinson

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Robinson has been a beloved member of the Haw River Christian Academy team since the school opened its doors 18 years ago, having served as the Kindergarten Teacher, Lead Grammar Teacher, and Principal over the course of her time here. God began preparing her path to HRCA long before the school existed. After a career in retail management, Mrs. Robinson was an assistant teacher at Carrboro Elementary for ten years, followed by three years as a lead teacher at Pittsboro Baptist Preschool. When the original family who dreamed of a classical Christian school in Chatham County was looking for a Kindergarten Teacher, they recruited her, and Mrs. Robinson believes that God had been preparing her for this position all along. She loves every minute of her work at HRCA—the family atmosphere, the godly people she works alongside, and every student she has ever taught. She loves that HRCA is a place where her faith is grown, where she is able to pray with her students and colleagues, and where she can teach through a Biblical worldview. Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11, a promise that she has prayed over her children and students alike. Outside of school, Mrs. Robinson is married to her favorite person, Larry. Together they have seven children and eight grandchildren. She loves to read, garden, and take vacations with her family.

Carole Sanders

Fifth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Sanders has served at Haw River Christian Academy in a variety of capacities for 15 years, currently serving as one of our Fifth Grade Teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management, and prior to joining the HRCA team, she never imagined she would be a teacher. However, God had other plans and drew her to HRCA, where she has taught several grades ranging from JK to Sixth Grade, and worked as an Administrative Assistant. Mrs. Sanders loves that she gets to learn something new every day alongside her students and that she can open the Bible to help them find answers to their questions. Her faith guides all that she does, and her favorite passage of Scripture is Psalm 139, which reminds her that she is not a mistake and was created by God to do His will. God helps her teach and love her students well. Outside of school, Mrs. Sanders is married to her best friend, Lance, and together they have two adult children and two grandsons. She absolutely adores being called “Mimi,” and also loves to cook, knit, read, and spend time with her family.

Trisha Santiago

Fourth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Santiago is our Fourth Grade Teacher at Haw River Christian Academy, and she brings a wealth of experience and a sense of divine calling to her work at HRCA. Mrs. Santiago began her career serving in the U.S. Navy, where she earned certifications in Aviation Maintenance and Business Administration. Then, she spent twenty years in banking, where she stepped away from a position as Director of Branch Operations to support her family during the pandemic and pursue what she felt was her true calling—teaching. She feels that her path to HRCA was divinely orchestrated during her family’s relocation process from Upstate New York, where she had been teaching Second Grade, to North Carolina. While searching for a school for her sons, she felt God calling her to HRCA, which led her to join the team teaching Fourth Grade. As you enter her classroom, you’ll notice an arrow inscribed with James 3:1, which is a daily reminder of the high standards to which teachers are called. Mrs. Santiago grew up on the front pew of her grandfather’s church, and the faith instilled in her from childhood has never left her. She believes that every child is made in the image of God with a unique, God-given purpose, and she strives to wrap each student in love, meet them where they are, and help them see their own worth in God’s eyes. Mrs. Santiago has been married to her husband, Dan, for over twenty years, and together they have three sons, Alex, Andrew, and Avery. She loves painting and reading, particularly novels set in the Old West.

Kelly Smith

First Grade Teacher

Mrs. Smith brings 16 years of teaching experience to Haw River Christian Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and earned her National Board Certification in 2012. Her classroom experience spans Kindergarten and First Grade across multiple counties in North Carolina, as well as assistant and lead teaching roles at Pittsboro Baptist Preschool, which makes her a natural fit for the HRCA team as a First Grade teacher. Faith is at the heart of Mrs. Smith’s approach to teaching. It guides her lessons, shapes how she handles discipline, and is woven into everything she teaches. She loves being part of a family-like school community where she can freely share her love of Christ with her students and grow their faith. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Smith enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children who attend HRCA, Eliza and Richard, her two adult stepchildren, and her four grandchildren. She also quilts, crochets, gardens, bakes, reads, sings with the choir and praise team at her church, and even keeps bees.

Crystal Sparrow

Upper School Spanish and Elective Teacher and Archer’s Zone

Mrs. Sparrow brings creativity and a deep sense of calling to her role at Haw River Christian Academy. Before joining HRCA, she worked at another Christian school and in a burn unit caring for patients. She loves finding ways to creatively build meaningful lessons that help students grow academically and in their faith, and she brings this passion to the classroom, Archer’s Zone, and everywhere she lends a hand. What Mrs. Sparrow loves most about HRCA is that it gives her an environment where faith, learning, and community come together. Her belief in Christ is the foundation from which she teaches and serves, and Galatians 6:9 reflects her approach well, as it reminds her not to grow weary in doing good, because faithful service will bear fruit. She strives to live with intention, creativity, and compassion, investing in HRCA’s students and finding joy in watching them learn and thrive. Outside of school, Mrs. Sparrow loves spending time with her husband, Jon, and her son, Braxton, who is a student at HRCA, baking bread and sweet treats, as well as enjoying the company of two four-legged family members—Finley, a Brittany Spaniel, and Agnes, a Boston Terrier.

Ginny Strum

Art Teacher

Ms. Strum brings over 25 years of experience teaching art to children and a genuine passion for art and the God who inspires it to her role as Art Teacher at Haw River Christian Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Certification in Early Childhood Education. Her formal visual art studies began over 30 years ago in Manchester, England, and continue today through ongoing classical Christian teacher training. In addition to visual arts, she has a strong background in dance and has explored a wide range of artistic media. She is grateful to be a part of the HRCA community, and teaching art at HRCA allows her to combine two things she cares deeply about—faith and creative expression. She believes that art helps students slow down and observe carefully, allowing them to appreciate the beauty God has woven into the world. Creativity reflects the image of our Creator, and each student carries unique gifts entrusted to them by God. This means she approaches her classroom with patience, structure, and grace, emphasizing effort, growth, and creativity over perfection. Her favorite passage is Philippians 4:11-13, which reminds her to rely on Christ at all times, an outlook that shapes her approach to each day. Outside of school, Ms. Strum spends much of her time with her family on her small farm, caring for a variety of animals and gardening. She enjoys pottery, particularly ceramic sculpture, as well as watercolor painting and needle felting.

Corné Jansen van Rensburg

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Corné grew up in South Africa, where she was blessed to attend a Christian school that nurtured her faith from an early age. She holds a Secretarial Diploma and a Diploma in Daycare and Early Childhood Development. Prior to entering the field of education, she owned and operated several small businesses in South Africa. She was drawn to Haw River Christian Academy for its commitment to Christ-centered education and its partnership with families, because she knew firsthand the importance of a faith-based education. She values working in an environment where Scriptural truths are woven into every subject, and this approach is also reflected in how she teaches and serves at HRCA as our Junior Kindergarten teacher. Her goal is to weave biblical principles naturally into her lessons and conversations with the students, helping them see faith as the foundation of both life and learning. Outside of school, Mrs. Corné is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of five, and she counts her family among God’s greatest blessings. She loves getting lost in a good book, and she and her husband are avid hikers who love spending time wandering through the Irish countryside and enjoying God’s beautiful creation together. She shares this same love of hiking and delighting in all that God has made with HRCA’s youngest students on their daily nature walks.

Grace Watts

Third Grade Teacher

Miss Watts brings a love for science, a passion for books, and infectious enthusiasm and creativity to her role at Haw River Christian Academy. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Developmental Psychology, as well as a Master’s degree in English. She first experienced life at HRCA in the summer of 2023, when she worked as a tutor. She knew right away how unique HRCA students were—kind, sharp, and theologically grounded—and was thrilled to join the team as a Third Grade teacher in 2025. Miss Watts believes that everything comes back to God and His plan, and that when you teach in a way that honors Him, His truths are woven into every subject. This conviction informs her approach to teaching and pointing to God in all that is true and beautiful. Outside of school, Miss Watts spends time writing novels for young adults, trying to revive lost arts like historical sewing, lace-making, and historic dancing, and pursuing her childhood dream of becoming Miss Frizzle.