LCA Teachers & Staff

Llano Christian Academy Teachers & StafF

Sarah VANDERBERG - Pre-Kindergarten

Linda Arbaugh - Kindergarten

When I think about why God placed me at Llano Christian Academy, so many things come to mind. As far as my being a PreKindergarten teacher and part of the team at LCA, I feel that I have been placed here to grow my students in their knowledge of God's love and His world. As far as an individual person, I receive a daily reminder of His love for me.

My goal as the PreKindergarten teacher is to prepare my students for a successful school career. I feel that a good PreKindergarten experience will give them a strong foundation that each year they can build upon. I want my students to have a positive self-image and believe they can accomplish each goal that is put before them. Through our daily Bible lessons, Chapel times and classroom experiences, my prayer for each student is to realize that he or she is a unique individual - in this world and in the eyes of God.

Judy Pierce - 1st Grade

I retired after 30 years in public education and joined the staff at Llano Christian Academy. Yes, I've started my 31st year and still love coming to work each day to teach children. I have lived my entire life in Texas. I enjoy the lifestyle that goes along with small town living. My husband is employed as San Saba's County Agent. In my spare time I enjoy family time, church, church activities, horseback riding, cooking, reading and walking with my dog. His name is Hossy Bear and he is a Welch Corgi. It is my privilege this year to be the first grade teacher with five precious boys.

Teaching children is an awesome responsibility and I take the challenge of teaching the academics needed to be successful and helping to build a Christian foundation for each child seriously.

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Shelly Snow - 2ND & 3rd GRADEs

Mrs. Shelly Snow was born in Wichita Falls. Shelly married a wonderful, God fearing man and they have two children. She holds two B.A.s, a M.A. and had started my doctorate while teaching college in Nevada. One summer she taught "College for Kids" and was forever changed - "children changed my life and my profession."

Mrs. Snow earned a teacher certification at Sierra Nevada College at Lake Tahoe and started her career teaching 6th-8th grades science and social studies. She has taught on an Indian Reservation teaching 7th-12th Indian Lore and history. Shelly moved back to Texas and taught in Cherokee. She was offered a teaching position in Brady but after much prayer asked the Lord to guide her to serve Him better. He lead Shelly to LCA and Dr. Smith. She will serve the Lord and the children at Llano Christian Academy.

Jennifer Berry - 4th Grade

I am Jennifer Berry! I am so excited to be a part of the LCA Family!

My husband, Ricky, and I have been married 10 years this December. We are the parents of two beautiful boys, Bryan and
Jacob. Our family is brand-new to Llano. We have already fallen in love with this beautiful area surrounding us. We are ready to see how God blesses the new chapter in our lives.

Thank you for allowing me to work with precious children everyday in a Christian environment.

Elizabeth Previe - 5th Grade

Mike Garcia - 6th Grade

SUSAN GRIFFITH - 7th-12th Grades Math & Science

After 32 years in education, 31 years teaching in grades K - 12 and one year as a program coordinator for a community college, I decided it was time to retire and concentrate on being a grandmother. That was in 2011; now fast forward to 2014 as my grandson entered Kindergarten at Llano Christian Academy. What a blessing that turned out to be, not only for him, but for me, as well.

The moment I walked through the LCA door for the first time, I felt an instant connection-God's connection. I knew I wanted to be a part of that connection and was soon afforded the opportunity when I was asked to substitute for one of the teachers. The more I subbed, the more I realized what a special place God had created within the walls of LCA. You can feel God's presence everywhere - with the students, the faculty, the volunteers and the parents. God soon began to whisper in my heart that this was where I needed to be and where He wanted me to work. As I prayed and the louder His words resonated. He was, very slowly, telling me it was time to end my retirement and return to the profession I had always loved. I spoke with Dr. Smith about the possibility of becoming part of the LCA family.

I am so grateful I followed God's will (for sometimes I can be very stubborn in this area), because I am a full-time member of the staff starting the 2015-2016 school year. I will be teaching the Grades 3 - 5 Language Arts and Social Studies this year. Being able to bring God's Words, and works, into the classroom each and every day through a Christian-based curriculum is a true blessing. Each students will be prayed for on a daily basis. I want and expect my students to have fun while learning the value of their education. God belongs in our classrooms. I am so happy to be back in the classroom knowing He will be there with us and we can openly praise Him. God is great, God is good - always!

Sidonie Thornton - 7th-12th grades English & social Studies

As a sixth generation native of the Valley Spring community, it is great to be back home on my family's ranch at the bottom of Smoothin' Iron Mountain. During the twenty-four years of being from Llano, I enjoyed teaching Language arts and coaching speech for Cherokee ISD. While in Cherokee, I also worked with the youth creative ministry team at Cherokee FBC. We ministered in neighboring communities and conducted mission trips on bother sides of Texas/Mexico border. What a joy to see students passionately tell others about Christ while using their God-given talents!

I then had an opportunity to teach creative ministry, theater arts, and language arts at the Christian school in Brownwood. What a fun five years- dinner theatre plays, mission trips, creative ministry competition, public school outreaches! However, I knew it was time to return to the land I love and spend more quality time with my children's families. After all, I was now a Nana of five grandchildren. The "icing on the cake" came when Dr. Smith invited me to join the family at Llano Christian Academy! I love being able to teach and minister in this amazing school!

Wendy Hall - Secondary Aide

EllaDaye Flowers - Art & Music

Daniel Adams - physical education & Peaceful Warriors MArtial Arts

Daniel is honored to be part of the Llano Christian Academy family. He has taught classes after school to our students through his Peaceful Warriors mixed martial arts program for over 3 years.

Daniel was born & raised in Missouri, but moved to the hill country in 8th grade and graduated high school in Burnet, Texas. He served more than 16 years in the US Air Force as a Crash Rescue Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Technician, Emergency Medical Technician and a member of the Air Forces Disaster Response Force.

A dedicated martial artist since the age of 14, Daniel earned a national championship in TaeKwonDo and two Pan American silver medals in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His passion is passing on these arts to both children and adults and has been instructing since 1998.

Daniel and his wife Sierra have one son, Kona, and live in Marble Falls. He loves working with the children of LCA and teaching them about the importance and enjoyment of physical activity.