Position: Principal
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: Rnomura@gccsda.com
Mr. N graduated with a B.A. in Mathematics earning his teaching credentials through La Sierra University and University of Phoenix. He attended Southern Adventist University where he completed his second Master’s degree, this one in Administration/Leadership. He holds a current Professional Certificate with endorsements in Mathematics, Elementary Education, Junior Academy General Science, Junior Academy Religion & an Administrator Certificate in Principal.
Highest Degree: MSEd-Instructional Leadership
Major Field: Mathematics & Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Randy Nomura, our principal at GAA for 13 years, brings with him over 30 years of teaching experience from the college level all the way down to pre-Kindergarten where he taught PE. His favorite subject to teach is still PE, but he will also say that about math.
"Mr. N" as the students affectionately call him, enjoys being the Student Association sponsor and spending time with his students on class outings and mission trips. He is most delighted about enriching and expanding our high school program and he highlights Redemption as the great objective of education at GAA and the principal purpose of life.
Position: 11 & 12 Homeroom
Email: aemde@gccsda.com
Graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.A. in history and a minor in English. She holds a current Standard Certificate with endorsements in Elementary Education, English, History, and Religion.
Highest Degree: Bachelor's
Major Field: History and English
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Mrs. Emde teaches Bible, English, and social studies in the high school. She has 18 years of teaching experience in grades 1-12 and this is her 9th year at GAA. Mrs. Emde believes that education should be fun and spiritually impactful, preparing students for eternity. She delights in taking her students on overseas mission trips. In her spare time Mrs. Emde enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Position: 9 & 10 Homeroom
Email: pmitchell@gccsda.com
Graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and holds a Master of Spanish degree from New Mexico State University. He holds a Professional Certificate with endorsements in Elementary Education, Physics, Spanish, Jr. Academy English, Jr. Academy General Science, Jr. Academy Health/PE, Jr. Academy History, Jr. Academy Math, and Jr. Academy Religion.
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Spanish
College Where Earned: New Mexico State University
Philip is the 9th/10th grade homeroom teacher and the high school Spanish teacher. He has 26 years of teaching experience in grades 3-12 and this is his 6th year at GAA. Mr. Mitchell enjoys the challenge of discovering how to encourage and support each student’s individual needs in his or her quest for excellence. His approach to teaching is one where students know of their eternal value and therefore desire to excel in the classroom and beyond. Mr. Mitchell enjoys canoeing and biking with his students. In his spare time he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities.
Position: 7 & 8 Homeroom
Email: kshumaker@gccsda.com
Attended Andrews University, earning a B.S. in elementary education with minors in history and biology and holds a Master in Educational Administration degree from Southern Adventist University. She holds a current Professional Certificate with endorsements in Elementary Education, History, Biology, History, Jr. Academy Religion, and an Administrator Certificate in Principal.
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Kim teaches a variety of subjects to grades 5-10, with an emphasis on science and social studies. Mrs. Shumaker has 20 years of teaching experience in grades 3-10 and this is her 14th year at GAA. Mrs. Shumaker believes education needs to be a meaningful experience and strives to incorporate a variety of learning experiences and activities in classes. In her free time she enjoys gardening and hiking.
Position: 5 & 6 Homeroom
Email: kelliott@gccsda.com
Mrs. Elliot graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Southern College of Seventh-day Adventists in 1990, then earned her Master's in Psychology in 1994 from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 2003, she earned another Master's Degree in Education and Allied Professions from the University of Dayton as well as an Ohio State Teacher Licensure (Youth, grades 7-12). In 2012, she earned the Tennessee State Licensure, Praxis completion, grades 7-12; Geography, Sociology, Psychology, and History, which she is currently working on re-instating. She is also currently working on her NAD certification.
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Education and Allied Professions, Psychology
Mrs. Elliot has 28 years of teaching experience, and while this is her first year teaching at GAA, she has been involved in our community for 12 years in various capacities, such as Adventurers, GAA Development Committee, band, and Pathfinders.
Position: 3 & 4 Homeroom
Email: crobinson@gccsda.com
Caleb graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Arts in 2007 from Southern Adventist University and completed his M.S. in Outdoor Education in 2014. Caleb holds a current Professional Certificate with endorsements in Kindergarten, Elementary Education, Jr. Academy Bible, Jr. Academy English, Jr. Academy General Science, and Jr. Academy Social Studies.
Highest Degree: MSED Outdoor Teacher Education
Major Field: Liberal Arts
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Year Earned: 2007
Caleb has 17 years of teaching experience and this is his third year at GAA. He enjoys spending time outside with his family, playing games, biking, and a good prank.
Position: 1 & 2 Homeroom
Email: lwensell@gccsda.com
Mrs. Wensell graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.S. in Education and a minor in Psychology and earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education. Laura holds a Professional Certificate with endorsements in Kindergarten, Elementary Education, Jr. Academy Religion, and Jr. Academy Social Studies.
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Year Earned: 2006
Mrs. Wensell has 23 years of teaching experience in grades pre-K to 2nd and this is her eighth year at GAA. Mrs. Wensell wants to share Jesus with her children throughout the entire day. Her goal is to equip her students to be prepared for sharing Jesus with the world. She loves teaching math, playing educational games, and showing her students how to look up Bible verses. She hopes her children can have fun and love school so much they don’t even know they are learning. In her free time she enjoys hiking, collecting children’s books, and spending time with her family.
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Email: joleffers@gccsda.com
Mrs. Joy holds these Professional Endorsements: Early Childhood Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Elementary Education, Special Education, Jr. Academy Bible, Jr. Academy English, Jr. Academy Social Studies
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Early Childhood Education
College Where Earned: Concordia University
Mrs. Joy has 30+ years of teaching experience. She has taught all grades K-8. She has a passion for early childhood education. She wants her students to know that Jesus loves them, and she does, too! In her free time she likes hiking, camping, and crossword puzzles.
Position: Administrative Assistant
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: secretary@mygaa.org
Position: Bookkeeper
Ms. Sonatina is a Certified Public Accountant.
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Accounting and Auditing
College Where Earned: Florida State University
Position: Music Director
Anne holds a Designated Certificate with an endorsement for Handbells/Choir for grades 7-10.
This is Ms. Anne's ninth year as the Music Director at GAA. Anne is the director for Cherub, Junior, and Senior Choirs, Octet, Advanced Handbells, and Beginner Handbells. She teaches piano and oversees all aspects of our music program.
Position: Band Director
Tom Cushing has been our Band Director for eight years. Coach has a passion for teaching his students how to share the love of Jesus through their talents the Lord has blessed each of them with.
Position: Art and Music Teacher
Highest Degree: Master of Fine Arts
Major Field: Painting
College Where Earned: Savannah College of Art and Design
Ms. Marta is our Art teacher for grades K-8 and Art Club for grades 7-12. She is also the Director of our strings program
Position: Home & School Leader
Ms. Katie has been our Home & School leader for the last 3 years and is a blessing to our school! She enjoys hiking, sketching, and spending time on the lake with her family.
Position: Treasurer
Position: School Board Chairman