Meet our team.
The Jessamine Christian Academy staff is a diverse and talented group of individuals that bring many gifts, educational backgrounds,
and skill sets to the school.
Lisa Owens
Principal & Elementary Teacher
Ms. Lisa Owens has BA from the University of Kentucky, a Masters from University of the Cumberlands and an Education Specialist- School Leadership Principal certification from the University of the Cumberlands. She is a retired educator of 17 years from the Fayette County public school system. She loves Jesus, her family, and traveling, and we are more than blessed to have her at Jessamine Christian Academy!
Linsay Piersawl
Elementary Teacher
Meet Ms. Linsay Piersawl! Linsay obtained her BA with an emphasis in education and behavioral sciences from the University of the Cumberlands. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Masters in teaching from there as well. She has 5 years of experience as an educator with the Fayette county public schools. K-5 and 2 years of experience with preschool and Pre-K at the Learning Tree Christian Academy. She's a devoted mother of an elementary aged daughter and has played a vital role in helping set up JCA from both the teacher and the parent perspective. When not teaching, she loves reading, crafting / DIY projects, and cooking. What a blessing Linsay is!
Hope Helms
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Tracey Kirkland
Art Teacher
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Tonya Stidham
Parent Liaison
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Tonya comes to Jessamine Christian Academy with 15 years serving as global pastors wife, a women's ministry pastor, and children's pastor. She has an extensive background in customer service and the medical field. She has homeschooled her three beautiful children and look forward to being on the administrative staff of JCA. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading, and singing.
Kristy Nevil
Music Teacher, Elementary Teacher
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Mrs. Kristy Nevil holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education P-12 from Asbury University. While at Asbury, she was Band Librarian, Jazz Ens. Chaplain, Concert Master, Principal Clarinet, Lead Jazz Alto/Tenor Saxophone, and Homeschool Lab Band Instructor. She received the first ever Concert Band Scholarship and was chosen all four years for the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band. She won the Asbury Concerto Competition and the prestigious Peniston Honor's Recital. She has worked extensively in music education as marching band faculty in Jessamine, Garrard, and Estill Counties. She also taught at Camp Barakel, a Christian music camp in Michigan, and regularly is an Asbury All-Star Band clinician and instructor. She has also given private lessons to varying ages of students 40-plus years. She worked as a Sunday School teacher/Superintendent, Children's Church Director and VBS Director. She has also taught Bible studies in the local jail. Mrs. Nevil performs in pit orchestras in Jessamine, Fayette, and Woodford Counties. She is a current member of The Metrognomes (Jazz), the Advocate-Messenger Brass Band, the Lexinton Summer Concert Band, Asbury University Bands, and most recently, The Jessamine County Community Band. One of Mrs. Nevil's fondest joys is to transfer and share her love of music with her students!!! She loves spending time with her family, baking, and most of all... she loves JESUS!!! LIFE VERSE: Proverbs 3:56 "Trust in The Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding; In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."
Vanessa Jimenez
Spanish Teacher
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Vanessa was born and raised in Honoduras. She is fluent in Spanish and English, has taught both and her children are bilingual. She's pastored children's ministry for the last 10 years and served as a youth pastor for 5. In her free time, she loves listening to music, traveling, learning about geography, different cultures, and different languages. Teaching Spanish in early elementary is a need that we are so excited Vanessa will meet for Jessamine Christian Academy. We are so blessed to have her on board!
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Johnathan Stidham
Physical Education Teacher, Pastor
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Dr. Johnathan L. Stidham is a husband, father, author, and called by God to build up regions to experience the presence and manifested glory of God.
He accepted the call to ministry at the age of 16 and was immediately filled with a burning desire for the body of Christ to encounter miracles, signs, and wonders as the early church experienced. He is known for his prophetic accuracy in the body of Christ as well as the government. He has planted numerous churches and is the founder and overseer of a global ministry, Johnathan Stidham Ministries. Johnathan travels locally, nationally and internationally training and equipping leaders while maintaining a thriving congregation at his home church Christ Embassy in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
He is a decorated veteran serving 2 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and has a heart for the lost and those suffering with ailments and infirmities believing for restoration and a new life in Christ Jesus.
Johnathan and his wife Tonya are respected members of their community in Nicholasville, Kentucky where they reside with their three beautiful children.
