Staff Directory
Alex Burgess
Social Studies and College GuidanceAlex Burgess
Social Studies and College GuidanceB.A., Roberts Wesleyan College
M.Div., Westminster Theological Seminary
History comprises all aspects of human life, including the arts, religion, government, and technology. Everything has a history, and that’s what makes it exciting. Alex Burgess wants his students to discover through the study of history what it means to be human. He wants them to ask how we humans, as image-bearers of God, have both displayed our creative potential and misused our remarkable gifts. Alex especially likes teaching history at BCA because it is a school committed to exploring the most important questions of life. In addition to his teaching, Alex Burgess is also an ordained Congregational minister. Alex serves as the pastor of Ward Hill Church of Christ the King and guest lectures at theological training schools in southern Africa. He enjoys his family, music, books, and watching baseball.
Sarah Chapin
Assistant Director of Admissions and MarketingSarah Chapin
Assistant Director of Admissions and MarketingB.A., Southern New Hampshire University
Paralegal Certification, Boston University
I live in Amesbury with my husband, Matt. We have three kids that all attend BCA. We have two Cockapoos, Han Solo and Chewbacca. My background is family law (paralegal) but I really love Christian education and I believe very much in the mission of BCA. I began subbing at both the lower and upper schools two years ago and have really enjoyed my time here. I’m excited to make a slight pivot from assisting teachers to assisting the admissions team this year. I often say to new parents (as I, too, am a parent here), BCA truly is everything we think/want it to be, and I can say that as someone who is “on the inside”. The staff and administration CARE about our kids. They KNOW our kids. They WANT to see our kids succeed. BCA is truly a loving and safe environment where our kids can be who God created them.
Mark Christen
Band TeacherMark Christen
Band TeacherBrenda Clark-Warne
ScienceBrenda Clark-Warne
ScienceB.S. Microbiology and Biochemistry, Eastern Michigan University
M.S., Molecular Biology, Purdue University
Brenda Clark-Warne teaches AP Biology and Anatomy and Physiology. Brenda was the first high school science teacher (Biology) when BCA opened its doors in 2004. Brenda graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a double major in Microbiology and Biochemistry. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology from Purdue University. Brenda taught in Crawfordsville, Indiana, before she moved to Massachusetts with her husband. She then taught at Exeter Public High school until she had children. Brenda also coaches cross country and track. She coached at Methuen and Andover High School for over 30 years. She currently coaches the cross country and track teams. Brenda lives with her husband Nick in Andover and has four children.
Margret Cottrell
Support SpecialistMargret Cottrell
Support SpecialistMargaret Cottrell oversees academic support for grades K through 12. Ms. Cottrell is Massachusetts certified in Varying Exceptionalities K-5, and Moderate Disabilities 6-12, Middle School Science, Health, and English as a Second Language. She has served as part of BCA’s leadership for many years. Key among her contributions is the launch of our elementary program in 2014. Currently, in addition to her role in academic support, Ms. Cottrell provides technology support for teachers and students. She and her family are active members of West Congregational Church in Haverhill, MA.
MacKenzie Croteau
School CounselorMacKenzie Croteau
School CounselorB.A., Liberty University
M.A., Liberty University
After living in Virginia for 6 years, my husband and I decided to move back up north to be near family and experience the beauty of snow again! I enjoy playing music, hiking, reading, paddleboarding, any competitive sport, and board games/cards with family and friends. Since moving back to New England, we have spent most of our free time exploring new and old parts of the area, and of course, being Auntie to our nieces and nephews is a highlight of life!
I am happy to join the BCA community! Attending a Christian Academy for most of my education caused a love for their structure and purpose to grow in my heart. After coaching sports, teaching, and working with students for a number of years at another Academy, I knew I wanted to be back working in this environment. Hearing that BCA cares so much about the mental, social, and emotional health of its students that a school counselor is a priority is a great encouragement to me.
Andrew DesBois
Upper School Science FacultyAndrew DesBois
Upper School Science FacultyB.S., Middlebury College
I grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts and studied biochemistry in college. After graduating, I moved to Connecticut to work at Suffield Academy, a secondary boarding school where I taught chemistry, coached soccer and track, and led a boys’ dormitory. I did soccer and track in high school, and I am still an avid distance runner. Two years ago, I decided to make a change, and so I moved back to the North Shore of Massachusetts to be closer to family and to look for teaching positions at small private day schools. As my Christian faith has deepened in recent years, I also started to look into positions at Christian schools, and Bradford Christian Academy looked like a great fit. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach science at BCA!
BCA’s approach to faith and education within a small, Christ-centered community is unique. The school’s foundation of Christian faith is strong and promotes the personal spiritual growth of each student. The school’s philosophy of education emphasizes teaching students how to think for themselves. The adults in this community care deeply about their students, guiding and challenging them to strive for excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and in their character and actions as members of the body of Christ. The community feels more like a large family than a small school, a family united by common purpose, love for each other, and love for God.
Nicole Dole
Executive Assistant of the Upper SchoolNicole Dole
Executive Assistant of the Upper SchoolNicole is based at the Upper School and provides administrative support to the Dean of the Upper School and the Associate Dean of the Upper School.
Briana Fitzgerald
Finance & Human Resources AssistantBriana Fitzgerald
Finance & Human Resources AssistantBriana is based at the Lower School and provides administrative support to the Director of Finance.
Ann Fugate
5th GradeAnn Fugate
5th GradeB.A. English literature, University of Tennessee M.Ed. UT (Knoxville)
Ann is from Tennessee but has lived in MA since 2009. She love water parks and spending time at the beach, hanging out with friends and family, reading, baking, exercising and travel. Ann lives in Amesbury with her husband and four sons. She love teaching 5th grade because she says “it is the most fun age!”
Rebecca Fuller
Middle School Math FacultyRebecca Fuller
Middle School Math FacultyB.A., Appalachian Bible College
M.A., Marshall University
CAGS, Liberty University
I am a lifelong learner with degrees in Theology/Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Mathematics, and a CAGS in Instructional Design and Technology. I’ve taught in public and private schools with 13 years of teaching experience. I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and hiking in the mountains. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends. I believe that Christian education is an important opportunity for students to excel academically with a Christian worldview. BCA has developed a strong college preparatory program for those in the community and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this mission.
Heather Gaither
Language Arts FacultyHeather Gaither
Language Arts FacultyB.A., English Ed, Evangel University
M.Ed., Lesley University
Heather taught English for 5 years in Missouri public schools before moving to Haverhill, MA. She has been teaching at BCA for 15 years. Heather teaches 7th and 8th grade English and Health class. In previous years she has also taught Sociology and Psychology. It was her love of reading that inspired her to become a teacher and she hopes to share that with her students through teaching literature and writing. Heather hopes that her passion for her subject and training as an educator will inspire her students to become lifelong readers and learners.
Sarah Gilbert
KindergartenSarah Gilbert
KindergartenSarah was a member of BCA’s inaugural high school class. After graduating from Eastern, Sarah taught pre-kindergarten and spent three years at an elementary school located in Boston, MA before joining us in 2020. She loves using creative and fun ideas to teach math, science, and English language arts! She is a big believer in learning through hands-on activities and play, all while intertwining healthy social-emotional skills. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She loves to travel and spend time outdoors.
Shannon Granitsas
Art TeacherShannon Granitsas
Art TeacherB.M., Voice, Wheaton College
M.M., Opera, New England Conservatory
Shannon teaches visual arts from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Shannon endeavors to expose her students to a variety of artists outside of the most famous, including women, and a variety of cultures, eras and techniques. She challenges her students to try many different mediums, including weaving, pottery, sculpting, carving, printing, cutting, painting and drawing while applying the elements of art and design. Her goal is to create students who can connect art to other areas of their lives, such as math, history, politics, and science. As God has created us in His image, everyone has the capacity to create and to express personal viewpoint. When not teaching art Shannon leads a women’s bible study and teaches VBS. Shannon lives in Groveland, MA, she has three sons, who all attend BCA.
Emma Griffin
2nd GradeEmma Griffin
2nd GradeB.A., Framingham State University
I am so glad I found BCA! I spent two years working in education in Andover, MA, and I am currently working on my master’s degree through Framingham State University. I live in Wilmington, MA and I love to spend time with my family and friends! I love how BCA is a close-knit community. I really enjoy that the smaller class sizes allow me to connect with each student. In my past experiences, the classes I taught had between 18-23 students. Throughout my first weeks at BCA, I have realized that the connections and relationships I make with my students are going to be greatly impactful for the year ahead. I am looking forward to a great year in second grade!
Susan Hanscom
Middle School Division LeaderSusan Hanscom
Middle School Division LeaderB.A., Middle School Education and History, Gordon College
M.Ed., Gordon College
Sue Hanscom earned a Bachelors Degree in Middle School Education and History as well as a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Moderate Learning Disabilities all from Gordon College. As a teacher in Amesbury for 17 years, she taught Geography, Ancient and Modern World History, and US History. Sue loves to travel and enjoys sharing her love of the world through Geography classes at BCA. As a small group Bible studies leader at Hope Community Church, she developed a desire to know more about the plans and promises God has for us and is anxious to share this quest with her students.
Michaela Hume
ParaprofessionalMichaela Hume
ParaprofessionalMichaela is based at the Lower School and provides extra support for students and teachers. Michaela helps out in classrooms and on the playground.
Brian Indrelie
Bible, Theology, & Ancient LanguagesBrian Indrelie
Bible, Theology, & Ancient LanguagesB.A., Biblical Studies, Northwestern College
M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Th.M., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Brian Indrelie is the chair of the biblical and theological studies department. Prior to coming to BCA, he previously taught Bible to urban youth at a rescue mission while living in Minneapolis. At BCA, Brian has built the four year high school Bible program, and has taught all Bible subjects including Hermeneutics, Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Thought, Ethics, Leadership, and Missiology, in addition to directing our all-school chapels and commencement exercises. He has also pioneered BCA’s ancient languages program, teaching beginning and intermediate Greek and Latin as well as Hebrew. In addition to teaching Brian established and advises the National Honor Society at BCA. Brian, his wife Joy, and his daughters Leah and Lydia currently live in Beverly. They are members of North Shore Community Baptist church, where Brian has served on the Leadership Council and where he currently directs the Adult Christian Education program.
Graham Jackson
Language ArtsGraham Jackson
Language ArtsB.A. English, Patrick Henry College
M.Ed., Gordon College
Graham Jackson teaches Modern World Literature to freshmen and sophomores. Graham earned his BA in English from Patrick Henry College in Northern Virginia, and an M.Ed degree at Gordon College. He formerly taught at Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden, MA, and at HSLDA Online Academy in North Andover. Graham enjoys helping students cultivate the ability to write effectively and truthfully, which he believes is key to sharing the value of words, asking hard questions and confronting mysteries. Born and raised in North Andover, Graham has an undying love for the history and beauty of New England and its woods. From Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country to Robert Frost’s poetry, he loves it all and enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for world literature with his students.
MacKenzie Kennedy
World Languages FacultyMacKenzie Kennedy
World Languages FacultyB.A. Cultural Anthropology and Spanish, Wheaton College, IL
M.Ed., Gordon College
MacKenzie Kennedy has taught at BCA since 2017. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and Spanish from Wheaton College, IL, and a Master of Education in Secondary Spanish from Gordon College. During college, MacKenzie lived in Costa Rica and Spain, studying the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Before teaching at BCA, she worked as a Volunteer Coordinator for Amirah New England, an organization that serves survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. At BCA, MacKenzie teaches high school Spanish, sociology, and culture studies and co-leads the school’s service to the Dominican Republic. MacKenzie is a member of West Congregational Church in Haverhill, MA.
Victoria Kennedy
President, Head of SchoolVictoria Kennedy
President, Head of SchoolAs President and Head of School, Mrs. Kennedy oversees strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, business operations, and a facility management. As a founder of the school, Mrs. Kennedy has actively participated in the school’s leadership since its inception serving as its first Chair of the Board of Directors. Mrs. Kennedy received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College, IL . For fifteen years she worked for CASCAP, Incorporated, a non-profit human service organization based in Cambridge, MA. She spent ten years as CASCAP’s Director of Operations. In this role, she managed CASCAP’s business and program operations including real estate acquisition and rehabilitation, property management, and community-based residential support services for frail elder and psychiatrically disabled populations. She left CASCAP to raise a family. Mrs. Kennedy also served on the Board of Directors of the New England Salem Children’s Trust in Rumney, NH for ten years and on the building committee for West Congregational Church in Haverhill, MA, where she attends with her husband and three children.
Jin Kim
BibleJin Kim
BibleB.S., in Design, UC Davis
M.Div., Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, MA
M.A., Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary
Pastor Kim has taught Bible and English in the U.S. and overseas. He has heard a Master of Arts in Old Testament and a Master of Arts in Biblical Languages, both from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity, degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Design, degree from UC Davis. Pastor Kim’s philosophy of Christian education states that, “Christian education is not just transfer of knowledge. True and effective education affects the heart and transforms the soul. For this to happen the teacher must exemplify in his/her life what he/she aims to teach.”
Elise LoSardo
Performing Arts, BibleElise LoSardo
Performing Arts, BibleB.A., Gordon College
Elise LoSardo directs Performing Arts at BCA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Biblical Studies from Gordon College. While at Gordon, she performed major roles in Steel Magnolias and My Favorite Year. She also hosted Gordon’s late night comedy show, Exit 17 Live. In addition, Ms. LoSardo has worked in technical support and marketing for various theatrical productions. An avid filmmaker, Ms. LoSardo believes in the power of story telling and her goal is to utilize her “love for all kinds of art and all kinds of stories…” to help our students “find the stories they want to tell.”
Amy Maranville
Director of Admissions and MarketingAmy Maranville
Director of Admissions and MarketingGina McKeown
MusicGina McKeown
MusicBachelors of Music Ed., Illinois Wesleyan University
Master of Music, Illinois State University
Gina McKeown graduated with honors from Illinois State University with a Masters of Music and Illinois
Wesleyan University with a Bachelors of Music Education. Her concentrations were Choral Education, Music Therapy and her primary instruments were piano and voice. In addition to teaching music at BCA, Gina runs a private music studio and teaches piano, voice, and ukulele to students of all ages. Gina was previously the Creative Arts Director of the Dorothea Dix Hospital Creative Arts Therapies department in Raleigh NC. In 2015, Gina co-founded the Greater Newburyport Children’s Chorus and serves currently as the Music Director, serving youth in grades 2-12. She was the Music Director of Clinton Presbyterian Church in Illinois and currently serves as a substitute pianist for area churches as needed. Gina resides in Newburyport MA with her husband, 4 children, 3 cats, and her dog.
Kimberly Ngim
Middle School Science and BibleKimberly Ngim
Middle School Science and BibleJosef Novotny
Upper School Math FacultyJosef Novotny
Upper School Math FacultyNancy Overhiser
Academic SupportNancy Overhiser
Academic SupportB.A., John Brown University
Nancy Overhiser provides math and language arts resource support for grades kindergarten through fifth. Mrs. Overhiser was our founding 5th grade teacher and provided love, wisdom, and unforgettable learning for BCA’s fifth graders between 2010 and 2018. Since then, Mrs. Overhiser has operated her own successful tutoring business called The Successful Student. Mrs. Overhiser holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from John Brown University and is a certified Wilson Reading Trainer.
Mackenzie Ozaroff
Middle School English and History FacultyMackenzie Ozaroff
Middle School English and History FacultyB.S., Gordon College
I grew up in New Hampshire, but have grown to love the Massachusetts environment and community. I am an avid reader and have a fairly extensive personal library. Having just graduated and looking for a position that I could best teach in, I found that teaching middle school English and history was perfect for me to begin my journey as a teacher. The BCA community is a family. There is not a strange face or an unnoticed personality. Each strength is played to, and each voice is heard and encouraged. Failures are met with grace and a helping hand to learn and grow.
Miguel Quinones
Athletic Director and Physical Education InstructorMiguel Quinones
Athletic Director and Physical Education InstructorMiguel Quinones oversees athletics at Bradford Christina Academy. His years of experience mentoring and coaching lead him to encourage our students to be the best people they can be, growing in their Christian faith, and inspiring them to reach their personal best in athletics. Mr. Quinones will also teach physical education for grades kindergarten through 5th instilling in them the skills they need to pursue health and fitness and to participate in BCA’s Sentinels athletics program as they enter middle school. He is proud of our value that there is a place for everyone who wants to participate in Sentinels athletics.
Rose Maria Redman
PrincipalRose Maria Redman
PrincipalMrs. Redman oversees the academic program, faculty hiring and development, student support services, and operations at both the Upper and Lower School.
Mrs. Redman comes to Bradford Christian Academy with a deep well of experience as a teacher and as a school leader at both Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen and most recently at Malden Catholic High School. Throughout her thirty-year tenure at Presentation of Mary, Mrs. Redman served consecutively as English teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Head of School overseeing all day-to-day operations of the school.
Calista Resendes
3rd GradeCalista Resendes
3rd GradeB.S. Framingham State University
Ms. Resendes is a graduate of Framingham State University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science Child and Family Studies + Coordinate in Elementary Education and obtained teaching certification for grades 1 through 6. Ms. Resendes has served as a long-term substitute teacher, tutor, and assistant coordinator for a children’s after school program. She tells us that, “Throughout my life I have always wanted to connect my two passions which is teaching young students and my faith in our lord and savior Jesus Christ.”
Jenneth Scharlach
4th GradeJenneth Scharlach
4th GradeB.S., Elementary Education and Sociology, Gordon College
Previous to joining the Bradford staff, Jenneth Scharlach taught for eight years at Boxford Academy in Boxford, Massachusetts. During that time, Mrs. Scharlach taught first grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, and sixth grade classes. She also taught Latin to grades 2-8 and general music for grades K-8. At Bradford, Mrs. Scharlach teaches our 4th grade class. She is a founding member of the BCA faculty since the school’s opening in 2004. She is an active member of Byfield Parish Church in Georgetown, MA. Mrs. Scharlach grew up in Georgetown and lives there with her husband and son.
Natalie Simmons
Executive Assistant of the Lower SchoolNatalie Simmons
Executive Assistant of the Lower SchoolNatalie is based at the Lower School and manages the front office as well as provides administrative support to our Lower School principal.
Andrew St. Germain
Science & Mathematics FacultyAndrew St. Germain
Science & Mathematics FacultyB.S., Physics, Gordon College
Andrew St.Germain received his Bachelor’s in Physics from Gordon College, with minors in both Mathematics and Computer Science. Before coming to BCA, Andrew gained teaching experience as a student teacher at Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford, MA and as a summer teaching intern in Wilmington, DE. While he loves learning about math and science himself, he has an even stronger passion for teaching it to others. One of his biggest hopes for his students is that they will achieve a broader and more complete perspective of the world and their faith through their study of both mathematics and science. Currently, Andrew lives in Woburn, MA, where he was born and raised. Some of his interests outside of teaching include playing tennis, studying the Bible, and watching football and basketball.
David Strasser
MathDavid Strasser
MathB.S., Pennsylvania State University
M. Edu., Columbia University
David Strasser teaches high school math including algebra and statistics. He has taught math in public schools for most of his career. Mr. Strasser holds a Master in Mathematics Education from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University. He served in the Peace Corps working in the Philippines at Pampanga Agricultural College where he taught and developed courses in Agroforestry and forestry. While there, Mr. Strasser also organized a community nursery and tree-planting project in an adjacent village. Mr. Strasser has a strong interest in integrating technology with math education so that students not only learn math operations, but also understand how this knowledge applies to real life. He also tells us that, “Teaching math at BCA is my dream job,” as he has long wanted to teach in a school where he can combine faith and learning.
Scott Sullivan
Elementary Divison LeaderScott Sullivan
Elementary Divison LeaderScott Sullivan graduated from University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in Communications. Prior to teaching Scott worked for Franciscan Children’s Hospital and D.F. Sullivan & Associates. He has also done work for the Perkins School for the Blind and coached AAU baseball. Scott has been the owner and operator of his own painting business since 2005. Scott discovered his calling to education as a Sunday school teacher at Hope Church where he has taught for the past eight years. Scott says he knows he has found his true vocation when he sees the eyes of a child light up with discovery. He is certified in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6 in MA and is pursing his dual Masters in Elementary Education and Moderate Disabilities from Gordon College. He lives in Amesbury with his wife and two children and is an active member of Hope Church in Newburyport, MA.
Monica Villafane
Elementary Teacher - First GradeMonica Villafane
Elementary Teacher - First GradeB.S. Gordon College
BCA Alumna
I am a Bradford Christian Academy alumna, and thrilled to be welcomed back as a teacher. I had the privilege of doing my student teaching at BCA with the previous 1st Grade teacher, Gayle Lynch. I have three older brothers, one of which graduated from BCA as well. I love plants, French bulldogs, and watching students grow in their learning. I believe that all students can learn and that it is a teacher’s responsibility to design an environment in which each child can succeed. I came back to BCA because I know the type of community that is fostered here and love the positive learning environment. I experienced this as a student during my time here, as a student teacher, and now as part of the faculty. This is a place where students have a safe learning environment, but so do teachers. I have seen how the faculty support each other and how the staff’s opinions and voices are always heard and taken into consideration. It is the type of community anyone would be lucky to be a part of. One thing that sets BCA apart is the foundation of faith the school has been built upon. Students thrive here with teachers that not only care about academic success, but also their spiritual walk.
Mitzi Wilson
Director of FinanceMitzi Wilson
Director of FinanceMitzi is based at the Upper School and is responsible for all financial and human resource matters at the school. Mitzi is the point person for tuition, budgeting, and financial aid at Bradford.
Sharon Ziegler
Director of AdvancementSharon Ziegler
Director of AdvancementSharon is based at the Upper School and works in the Advancement Office to facilitate strong alumni relationships with Bradford. She spearheads the annual Alumni Weekend, consisting of Alumni Chapel, faculty/alumni meet & greet, and alumni social and networking events. She also works on BCA’s Enhanced Academy Fund—the school’s annual fund.