LCA Teachers & Staff

Llano Christian Academy Teachers & StafF

Sarah VANDERBERG - Pre-Kindergarten

A native of the Texas hill country, Sarah Scott-VanderBerg is a 2000 graduate of Fredericksburg High School. In 2004 she graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in music, with minors in anthropology & sociology. She completed her master’s degree in elementary education in 2012 at Texas State University. Sarah is passionate about Early Childhood Education and feels tremendously blessed to be teaching at LCA, where she can share the Gospel with her students. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, yoga, reading, baking, and volunteering. She is a member of the Daughters of the King, Highland Lakes Chi Omega Alumnae, Delta Kappa Gamma, Girl Scouts of Central Texas and the Soroptimist Club of Austin.

bonnie wilson - Kindergarten

I’m Bonnie Wilson! I’m a south Texas girl living in the wonderful hill country world. I attended Texas State University, majoring in psychology with an emphasis in child development. Go Bobcats! I am married to a sweet man and we along with our young son live in the mountains of Llano on a beautiful longhorn ranch that my husband manages.

In my spare time I enjoy all things outdoors, crafting, baking and spending time with family.

I am dedicated to my students’ needs and education, and will do my best to ensure they achieve success throughout the school year.

LCA has become my family, and I feel very blessed to be a part of this amazing Christian community

Judy Pierce - 1st & 2nd Grades

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 - 3rd-5th GRADEs science & social studies

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 - 3rd-5th Grades math & bible

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 - 3rd-5th Grades language arts

God began my journey in education at Hardin-Simmons University where I received my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Elementary Education) with a Reading Specialization in 2001. In 2002, God called me to serve as a Missionary/ English Teacher at the Amman Baptist School in Amman, Jordan. Upon returning to the United States in 2004, I taught 10th and 12th grade English in my hometown, Lake Dallas, Texas. I then moved down to 5th grade and loved it. I resigned to stay home with Hannah when she was 2 years old, and we began Homeschooling her Kindergarten year.

God moved my family (husband, Brian, and daughter, Hannah) to Llano in 2016 and to LCA in 2018. I am so excited to be back in the classroom and a part of the LCA family! I love to watch what God does in and through the lives of my students each year! My heart’s desire is that they will know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and grow stronger in their faith each day.

When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, cooking, spending time with family and friends, scrolling through Pinterest, crafting, and participating in church activities.

SUSAN GRIFFITH - 6th-8th Grades

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!

rita boultinghouse - high school math & science

I am going to take you on a journey through my life at LCA. The summer of 2011 started off with me retiring from Texas public education after 32 years of service. The fall of 2012 found me being guilted by a friend into doing weekly science labs for the newly opened Llano Christian Academy. Turns out that I enjoyed bringing my favorite labs to the kids at LCA and watching their faces light up with enthusiasm and amazement about the wonders of science in God’s creation.

During the summer, Dr. Alice visited with me about coming to LCA to be the facilitator for the newly formed 7th and 8th grade. It sounded like a great opportunity to continue working with young people, but this time in an environment where you don’t have to worry about repercussions from giving God the glory for His amazing work in the life and earth sciences. It is a blessing to be in an environment where devotionals, scripture reading, praise, and prayers are daily observances.

Fast forward to the 2019-2020 school year. I am working every Monday and Wednesday, teaching Math and Science classes, Yes, LCA is just in my blood. Love the students, fellow teachers and the ability to incorporate a Biblical worldview in my teaching. The Lord truly blesses those who are faithful to His calling.

amy theiss - high school language arts & social studies

I am excited to be back in my hometown of Llano, and thankful for the opportunity to teach students in a loving Christian environment like LCA. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University, and later earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M. I have taught in both the College Station and Waco areas. I have been married for twelve years and have three precious children that keep us always on the go between church, 4-H, and sports. It is a privilege and a blessing to teach high school social studies and English at LCA, and I look forward to a wonderful year!

Pastor Brian Minter - High School Bible

Brian Minter was born in Fitchburg, MA on Jan. 4, 1976 and has lived in Texas, Delaware and Louisiana. Attending High School in Anna, TX, he married his high school sweetheart, Kristi, on Sept. 10, 1994 and they have 6 beautiful children. After high school, he joined the Army and served as a tanker at “scenic” Ft. Hood, TX. Bro Brian was born again in October 2000 and has been preaching the Gospel for 18 years. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology and serving in various positions at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, TX; he pastored Open Door Baptist Church in Royse City, TX, prior to being called to pastor Bible Baptist Church in September of 2017.

Bro Brian is an ardent student of the Bible. His passion is teaching God’s word to people of all ages, but especially young people. The Bible is a gift from God and he has a sincere desire for people to know and love God’s precious word.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. – Psalm 119:105

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.

Carla Honig - secretary/Business Officer

Hello, my name is Carla Honig. I am the Llano Christian Academy Secretary/Business Officer. I am very excited to be a part of the Llano Christian Academy Family. I have lived here in the Hill Country for 32 years, I have four children and 10 grandchildren (which keep me very busy). I did a online course in Small Business Accounting at Southern Careers Institute. I earned my certification April 2018.

I love working with all my co-workers and seeing all the children each and everyday.

Casha Engleman - Custodian

I am Casha Engleman, I came from Snyder, Texas. I moved to Llano in 2001 where I graduated from Llano High School in 2004. I met my husband Kris in 2003 and have one daughter, Alexis. I am truly excited to be a part of LCA. I am a member of First Baptist Church here in Llano where I enjoy studying the Bible with my Sunday School group. I also volunteer for multiple organizations that support youth in our community.