Administrative Staff Profiles
| Admin. Staff Profiles | Lower School Profiles | Upper School Profiles |
| Principal's Office |
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Debi Sass, Principal - ext. 4232
Debi graduated from Kansas State University with a BS degree in Education and a major in Art in 1976. She completed her MS in Education with an emphasis in reading shortly thereafter. She now holds administrative certification, professional development and appraisal certification, and instructional leadership training from the state of Texas. She recently completed another Master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, and is beginning her doctoral work at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Prior to joining MCA in 2002, she taught school for twenty years before going into administration. After receiving her administrative certification, she trained administrators throughout the Dallas metroplex for two years. Debi then served as Director of Children's Ministries at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and became widely recognized as a speaker and advocate for children with special needs. She has received a number of awards in education and community service over the years and is a member of several international honor societies.
Debi's favorite scripture verse is Ephesians 3:20- "Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or imagine-infinitely beyond our highest prayers." |
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Melodie Bajema - Assistant - ext. 4202
Melodie joined MCA in 2001 as the Lower School Assistant. She holds a B.A. in Social Science from Washington State University. She previously was a travel consultant and childcare provider.
Melodie's favorite verses are James 3:13:18 - "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom......" |
| Administrative Staff |
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Amy Groff - Receptionist- ext. 4201
Amy Groff joined MCA in 2004 as our receptionist and "mommy nurse". She also assists her husband with accounting matters in his business.
Amy's favorite verse is Psalm 138:8 - "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands." |
| Pre-School |
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Elaine Mayberry - ext. 4222
Elaine Mayberry joined MCA in 2008 as our Pre-K 3 day teacher. She previously taught 11 years in Pre-K, Kindergarten and 2nd grade. She holds a B.S in Health and Education from Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX.
Elaine's favorite verse is Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." |
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Laurie Shackelford - ext. 4223
Laurie joined MCA in 2008 as our PreK 5 day teacher. She has 8 years of teaching experience in 1st and 3rd grade. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Elementary Education.
Laurie's favorite scripture verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." |
| Kindergarten |
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Cindy Hamilton - ext. 4221
Cindy joined MCA in 2006 as a teaching assistant. She began teaching Kindergarten in 2007. She graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Cindy's favorite verses are Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."..... |
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Karen Stewart - ext. 4203
Karen graduated from Florida State University with a double major in Child Development and Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Although she has taught a variety of Elementary grade levels, the youngest Elementary ages are her passion. She began the PreK program at MCA in 2003, then graduated to teach Kindergarten.
Karen's favorite verse is Jeremiah 9: 23, 24- "Thus says the LORD, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,' declares the LORD." |
| 1st Grade |
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Laura Christopher - ext. 4220
Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Baylor University, where she specialized in Reading. She joined MCA in 2002 to implement the award winning S.P.I.R.E reading program and in December 2006 accepted the position as one of our 1st grade teachers. She previously taught grades 1st, 3rd and 4th.
Laura's favorite scripture verse is - Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you thus saith the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." |
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Lori McWilliams - ext. 4219
Lori attended Texas Tech University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Deaf Education, as well as Elementary Education certification. Lori has sixteen years of experience in Pre-K, kindergarten and elementary special needs. Lori began teaching kindergarten at McKinney Christian in 1998. In 2008, she moved up to 1st grade.
Lori's favorite scripture verse is Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." |
| 2nd Grade |
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Denise Francis - ext. 4204
Denise graduated from Chico State University in California with a B.A. in Social Work in 1981. She later attended Sacramento State University, where she specialized in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education for the Severely Handicapped. In addition to this training, Denise received certification in Early Childhood Development and her teaching certification to teach EC-4 grades at Region 10 in Richardson, TX. Denise had 15 years of teaching experience before coming to McKinney Christian Academy in 2001.
Denise's favorite verse is Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." |
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Genie Zook - ext. 4205
Genie graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia and joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ in 1977. She worked on college campuses in a discipleship ministry with students. She joined MCA in 1998 and has also taught 1st and 3rd grades at MCA.
Genie's favorite scripture verse is I Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is He who calls you and He will bring it to pass." |
| 3rd Grade |
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Kim Yates - ext. 4218
Kim graduated from UTA with a degree in Communications and Elementary Education. She joined MCA in 2001 and has taught 1st grade, 4th grade and was the PreK 3 day teaching assistant.
Kim's favorite scripture verse is Romans 8:28 - "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." |
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Kathy Purdum - ext. 4216
Kathy Purdum joined MCA in 2005 with five years of teaching experience. She graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in Speech Pathology and a minor in Special Ed and holds a teaching certificate.
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| 4th Grade |
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Donna LaVecchia - ext. 4215
Donna graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2004 with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is certified to teach 4th-8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies and worked with special needs children in the Plano ISD prior to joining MCA in 2005.
Donna's favorite scripture verse is Galatians 2:20. "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." |
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Laura Clow - ext. 4208
Laura joined MCA in 2008. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She has training in Gifted and Talented programs and taught students for several years.
Laura's favorite scripture verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." |
| 5th Grade |
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Phyllis Thomas - ext. 4214
Phyllis attended Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has over 30 years of elementary teaching experience and was nominated by one of her students for "Who's Who of American Teachers", "Disney's Teacher of the Year" and "Teacher of the Month" (Dallas Morning News). The student noted in her entry that Mrs. Thomas is always smiling. She joined MCA in 1993 and is our most tenured staff member.
Phyllis's favorite scripture is Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfact, because he trusts in you." Phyllis's favorite scripture verse is Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." |
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Edna Pajela - ext. 4209
Edna joined MCA in 2007 as our 5th grade Math/Science teacher after teaching ESL for many years. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in AG Economics and Finance. She then pursued a major in Accounting at Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Edna's favorite scripture verse is I Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." |
| 6th Grade |
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Kristi Clark - ext. 4210
Kristi graduated from Texas A&M in 1992 and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Kristi graduated with high honors, a Suma Cum Laude graduate, and was awarded the Texas A&M Distinguished Senior Award. She joined MCA in 2001 and previously taught 7yrs in 5th, 6th and 8th grades.
Kristi's favorite scripture verse is II Corinithans 4:16-17-"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day...." |
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Maureen Marolf - ext. 4211
Maureen graduated with honors from Arizona State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in education. She was nominated "Rookie Teacher of the Year" during her first year of teaching in Arizona. Maureen joined MCA in 2004 after teaching 9 years in Special Education.
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| Fine Arts |
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Kevin Marshall - Art - ext. 4315
Kevin Marshall joined MCA in 2005. He graduataed from Oklahoma Christian College, Abilene Christian University and Bear Valley School of Biblical Studies with a majors in Advertising Design, Journalism/Mass Communication and a minor in Bible. He taught at CCCCD and owned Alpha Graphics.
Kevin's favorite scripture verse is Luke 5:4 - "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." |
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Jeremy Knight - Music - ext. 4212
Jeremy Knight joined MCA in 2005 as our US Band and Choir teachers. He brought with him six years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Pensacola Christian. He is a member of Texas Private School Music Educators (TPSMEA).
Jeremy's favorite scripture verse is Psalm 34:8 - "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." |
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Paul Thompson - Drama - ext 4224
Paul graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a B.S. in Music Education and Masters in Choral Conducting. He joined MCA in 2007 as our US Drama teacher and LS Music teacher grades 3rd-6th.
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Pamela Burke - Music - ext. 4271
Pamela Burke joined MCA in 2005 as our LS Music teacher. She brings with her 19 years of experience teaching Pre-K and elementary music, band and choir. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwest Missouri State University and is certified in Orff-Schulwerk.
Pam's favorite Scripture is Isaiah 40:31 - "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." |
| Spanish Department |
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Belinda Kennedy - ext. 4262
Belinda graduated from Abilene Christian University with a major in French and a minor in Spanish. She joined MCA in 2004 with seven years of teaching experience.
Belinda's favorite scripture verse is Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and ....." |


