Toni Young - Head Of School

High School: Plano Senior High School
College(s): Abilene Christian University, University of North Texas
Degree’s held: BS Ed. (Elementary Education) 1984 – ACU
M Ed. (Secondary Education – Reading Specialist) 1991 – UNT
M Ed. (Educational Administration) 2008 - ACU
Years experience at NTCA: 5 years as the Head of School
Total years of teaching experience: 12 years classroom teaching & 5 years administrative

Professional accolades/awards: Head of School – NTCA; Phi Delta Kappa; Presenter at Reading Conferences

Areas of specialization: Elementary Education (1-8); Reading Specialist; Library Media Specialist; Principal Certification

Professional Goals: to lead North Texas Christian Academy in educating the leaders of tomorrow; to continue learning through conferences and workshops; to present at conferences and workshops; to pursue my doctorate in Education

Favorite Scripture: “Great is His love for us; His faithfulness endures forever.” 
Psalm 117:2

Personal Information:

I have been married to Todd Young for 20 years. We have lived in Allen for 18 years and have two beautiful daughters, Heather and April. Heather is a senior and April is a sophomore in high school. Much of my free time is spent watching my girls participate in events such as cheerleading competitions and band performances. I also enjoy watching football with my husband, and I love to read. My favorite color is purple, and I even decorate one of my Christmas trees with purple ornaments.

Diane Newhouse  - Preschool

High School: Richfield High School, Waco, Texas
College(s): Abilene Christian University
East Texas State University
Degree’s held: BSEd, MSEd, Kindergarten certification, bilingual certification
Years experience at NTCA: 3 
Total years of teaching experience: 32

Professional accolades/awards: Graduated Cum Laude, ACU

Areas of specialization: Early Childhood, bilingual

Professional Goals: I want to take the children where they are and take them as far as they can go in the time that we have together. This includes developing academic skills as well as social skills, but it also includes learning about God and how much He loves and cares for us.

Favorite Scripture: Luke 10:27 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Personal Information: 
I was born in Lubbock, Texas, and lived there until I began high school, at which time my family moved to Waco, Texas. After graduation, I attended Abilene Christian, where I met and later married my husband, Paul. We have been married for nearly 40 years and have two children: Ryan, who is married to Claudia, whom he met and married while working in Chile as a missionary; and Emily, who is an attorney in Austin. In 1980, we moved to Dale City, Virginia where my husband worked for the Agriculture Department in Washington, D.C. for 3 years. In 1983, Paul’s job moved us to McKinney, where we have lived ever since. After having previously taught various levels of learning disabled children, I began teaching kindergarten at Finch Elementary, and I continued to teach there for 22 years. During the last 5 years of my time there, I taught a bilingual kindergarten class. After working in other districts for a while, I then came to North Texas Christian Academy in 2007 to teach 2nd grade. The following year I switched to preschool where I remain.

My family has a love for missions and sharing the gospel, and we have been involved in missions for several years in many parts of the world. My husband and I are both members of the evangelism committee at High Point church of Christ, and we have worked extensively in Central America, helping to establish new congregations there. We maintain contact with the churches there and act as liaisons between the preachers and the evangelism committee. We are also very involved in a children’s program in El Salvador that enables over 450 children to remain in school and receive an education.

Sharing Christ and his love for us is important to me, and whether it’s with the children at NTCA or in another country, I am fortunate that God has blessed me with the opportunities to do so.

Diane Cristina - Second Grade

I teach third grade here at North Texas Christian Academy. I have been working with this school since my family moved here from Missouri in 2002. The timing was just right for my children to be a part of the school. I have loved being a part of this school's growth as a parent and staff member.

I received a degree in elementary education first and then went on to get my certification to teach middle and high school Language Arts. I began my teaching career at a small combined middle/high school in the Northwest corner of Missouri. There I taught college-prep Language Arts classes and directed two high school dramas. Once, my first daughter, Dezri, came along I began substitute teaching. I did this for several years as well as teaching a preschool class at East Grand Church of Christ in Springfield, Missouri.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband, Brad, teaches Hapkido twice a week. My 10 year old daughter and I recently tested to receive our yellow belts. Dezri ice skates, so we spend considerable time at THE ICE in Frisco. My kindergarten daughter, Trinity, loves to play big Monopoly and would be proud to let everyone know that she can beat me.

Being a part of a Christian school is a huge blessing to me. I love being allowed to relate all subjects to the One who created us. Nothing can take the place of having God in our classrooms!

Joni Boucher - Preschool

High School: Childress High School
College(s): Abilene Christian University
Degree’s held: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health
Years experience at NTCA: 7 years
Total years of teaching experience: 10 years

Areas of specialization: Athletics

Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:28

Personal Information:

My name is Joni Boucher. I have a wonderful husband (Jean) and 3 children (Luc 8, Emily 6 and Marc Allen 3). I enjoy going on walks or playing at the park with my family. My favorite hobby is Scrapbooking. I have a passion for teaching and coaching. My mom and dad were both teachers and my dad has coached in Childress for 42 years. So I guess you could say it is in my blood. I have been at NTCA for 7 years. I have taught the 2’s, 3’s and Physical Education). I have enjoyed being a part of this wonderful school.

Gregory Stephen Smentek - Science

High School: Vacaville high school
College(s): Abilene Christian University, California State University @ Northridge. University of Oregon
Degree’s held: ACU BSE Physical Science and Science…U of O MS Physical Education, Special Needs Education, Drivers Instruction
Years experience at NTCA: second year
Total years of teaching experience: 43

Professional accolades/awards: Ford Teacher of the Week, Abilene, Wal-Mart teacher of the Year, NASA Teacher in Space Qualifier, Who’s Who American High Schools

Areas of specialization: Creation Science, Physical Education, Driving Programs, Special Needs Instruction, Charter and School Bus Operations, and Co-ed Dance Theory
Professional Goals: Phd from the Creation Institute, Wild Life Specialist @ Yellowstone National Park, and full-time assistant to Queenie Smentek (plus Grandchild Expert)

Favorite Scripture: I never met a scripture I didn’t like…..I like the Creation Story, David and Goliath Saga, and 23r Psalm

Personal Information:
Wife Lisa is Tallenette Director @ Allen HS, Daughter; Chantel and Nichole live with Husband; Jeff and Dave plus Grandchildren; Sofia, Angelo, Stella, and Sadie Mae in California. Son Theron is a Junior @ ACU. We have a lot of family with a gigantic reunion Summer 2010 (I’m in charge of pyrotechnic). I also include GOC of C, NTCA, and Allen Transportation as part of ‘the family’. 
I am growing especially close the Leadership, Faculty, and Children (and their families) @ NTCA and GOC of C.

Lisa prefers NYC and likes Montana. I prefer Montana and like NYC…so we are close on travel plans.

Our Lord continues to bless us abundantly enough for our needs…
In closing: family, reading (science/Bible related), outdoor activities, conservative Christian talk radio , and naturally, entering large quantities of data onto renweb are some of my primary interests…J
God Bless, Capt Science

Marie Wallace - Kindergarten Readiness

High School: Putnam City North
College(s): University of Central Oklahoma; Collin College
Degree’s held: B.A., Journalism/Public Relations; EC-4 Generalist
Years experience at NTCA: 1st year as a full-time teacher, plus two years prior experience as a substitute teacher
Total years of teaching experience: 3 yrs, including substitute teaching and student teaching
Areas of specialization: Early Childhood – 4th grade

Professional Goals: My teaching goal is to meet the individual needs of my students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. In order to reach this goal, I hope to gain knowledge through my professional experience as well as continuing education programs.

Favorite Scripture:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Personal Information:

My name is Marie Wallace and I’m a new teacher at NTCA. I currently teach the Kindergarten Readiness class on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I’m thrilled to be a part of this wonderful staff and their commitment to teaching biblical truths along with the daily curriculum. God has blessed me with a husband, who I love very much, and two beautiful children. I spend most of my time with my family and friends. Most of our family activities revolve around school, sports and church. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and creating new recipes.

Janet Chowning - Preschool Director

High School: St. John High School, St John, KS
College(s): Abilene Christian University
Degree’s held: BS in Vocational Home Economics Education
Years experience at NTCA: 3
Total years of teaching experience: 6
Areas of specialization: Minor in English

Professional Goals: To continue helping families educate their children outside of the traditional public school venue.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Personal Information:

I am the wife to an amazing man, Aaron, for almost 14 years. Aaron and I started a tutoring business 3 years ago and continue working it together. I am also the mother to two wonderful children, Mylen, 5, and Aivlyn, 2. I enjoy running, baking, and spending time with my family. As a family, we enjoy camping and hiking, playing games (Hide & Seek, Uno, Wii), and reading. I could not be more blessed by God, and I am grateful to Him each day for all the opportunities He presents to me.

Rochelle Krizek -Art

High School:  Orange Glen High School, Escondido, CA
College(s): Palomar Community College
Degree’s held:  Associates in Liberal Arts and Science
Years experience at NTCA:  2
Total years of teaching experience:  2
Areas of specialization:  Fine art, animation
Professional Goals:  To show my students the beauty and art of this wonderful world that God has created for us.  To help my students build a foundation of true art appreciation.
Favorite Scripture:  1 Corinthians 13:4

Personal Information: 
I grew up in Southern California and moved to McKinney, TX with my family 3 years ago.  I spent my childhood painting and drawing on anything and everything I could get my hands on.  I put myself through college by designing business cards and advertising brochures for local mom and pop businesses in the small town in California where I grew up.   I spent one year working at Lightspan Partnership doing assistant animation and designing learning games for children.  My husband is a police officer here in McKinney and we have three children, ages 10, 8 and 6.  I love the students that I teach here at NTCA.  I love each one of their unique personalities and never tire of hearing their differing perspectives on the types of artwork we are learning about.

Meriann Moses - Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Grade Language Arts

I graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1996. I have been teaching for 9 years. I have taught 4^th grade for 5 years in Plano and 1 year in Fairfax, Virginia in the public school system. I have been teaching at North Texas Christian for 2 years in preschool teaching 3 year olds. I currently teach the 5^th and 6^th grade class. It is a fun adventure having the oldest leaders in our school.

Erin Owens - Third Grade

I graduated from Harding University in 1999. I have been teaching for 5 years. I taught 4th grade for 2 years in Carrollton-Farmers Branch in the public school system. I took a break from teaching school and was a nanny for two wonderful boys for 4 ½ years. I have been teaching at North Texas Christian now for 3 years teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. I currently teach the 3rd and 4th grade class. Every day is a new and fun experience.

Melanie Boyle - Music

HIGH SCHOOL: Sacred Heart Academy Louisville, KY
COLLEGE: Transylvania University Lexington, KY; University of North Texas Denton, TX
TOTAL YRS EXP AND AT NTCA: First year teaching

PROFESSIONAL GOALS: To complete my bachelors degree and become a certified teacher
FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 29:11 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.

PERSONAL: 
My husband and I have four wonderful children, Bailey (age 12); Dawson (age 10); Dylan (age 8); and Hope (age 5). We are both challenged and rewarded by being their parents and are grateful to God for them. While most of my daily activities revolve around taking care of my family; I also enjoy traveling, going to the movies, listening to and performing music, attending the theatre, reading and interior decorating. I am starting a new season in my life that allows me more opportunities to focus on reaching my personal goals. Completing my bachelor’s degree and becoming a certified teacher are at the top of that list. I am thoroughly enjoying my new role as the music teacher at NTCA. The children's joy and enthusiasm to learn are contagious and encourage me daily!

Amye Dooley - First Grade

High School: Marble Falls High School

College(s): Texas A & M University, College Station, TX

Degree’s held: BS Psychology

Years experience at NTCA: 5

Total years of teaching experience: 10

Areas of specialization: Special Education, Outdoor Education

Professional Goals: I hope to continue to teach and
serve the children of NTCA for many years to come.

Favorite Scripture:
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever
does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Personal Information:
I have lived in McKinney and worshipped at the High Pointe
Church of Christ for the past 12 years. I have been married
to my husband, Tim, for 13 years, and we have two children.
In my spare time, I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, and traveling.
I especially enjoy vacationing and scuba
diving in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Joy Beach - Administrative Assistant

High School: Harrah High School - Harrah, OK
Years experience at NTCA: 4

Total years of teaching experience: Before coming to NTCA, I worked for five years as a kindergarten aide and one year as a library aide in the Lovejoy ISD.

Professional Goals: I am blessed to be the “face” of North Texas Christian Academy. In being the first and sometimes only impression of NTCA, it is my goal to make everyone’s experience with our school enjoyable. I love to share NTCA with visitors, as well as, assist our current students and families with their needs. I am excited to be a part of such a wonderful growing family of students, parents and teachers.

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Personal Information:

I was born and raised in central Oklahoma. After graduating high school, I married my high school sweetheart, Glen, and we moved to Texas. We have been happily married for 25 years. We have a son in college at Abilene Christian University and a daughter in Van Alstyne High School. I love spending time with my family. Whether it is going to the kids’ activities, watching movies together, or just hanging out, we have a great time being together.

I enjoy photography and would like to learn more about taking and editing photos. This would enable me to photograph friends and family more proficiently. Traveling, another interest of mine, affords me the opportunity to dabble in landscape photography. I got some great shots on a cruise this past summer! I also take pictures for the Van Alstyne High School band to be used on the band’s website.