Elementary

Mrs. Atkins was born and raised in Colorado Springs and is an ECA alumni. She married her high school sweetheart, Luke, and together they are raising their 4 children and running their plumbing company. Justine was the Pre-K aide at ECA for 6 years, and has been the Pre-K Director for 2 years. She has obtained her Early Childhood Professional Credential. She is so thankful for the way Biblical truth and character building are at the forefront of ECA’s education model. She also enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, hiking and camping with her family.

“They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.” Jeremiah 32:38-41

Alaina Blake started at ECA during the 2024-2025 school year. She is a Colorado native, but she spent three years in Arizona for college. Alaina got her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona in 2024. She absolutely loved her time there but is glad to be back in Colorado. Her original goal was to pursue counseling with kids, but God had other plans. She feels so blessed that God lead her to ECA to be a teacher’s aide. Alaina has been a follower of Christ since she was ten years old and loves that she gets to work with other fellow Christians who love the Lord just as much as she does. She enjoys spending time with family/friends, singing, dancing, reading, and going to church!

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Mrs. Blue received her Bachelor of Science from Chadron State College in 1982.  She has been involved at ECA since 1990 when she and her husband enrolled their oldest daughter in the pre-school program. Since that time Mrs. Blue has been active in a variety of roles as class mom, substitute teacher, coach, 3rd grade teacher, principal, and now as aide in the 4th and 5th grade classrooms. She is thankful to be able to continue to interact with students and staff,and prays that she is making an eternal impact for His kingdom. 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Shana began teaching first grade at ECA in 2023. She was married to her husband, Brett, in June of 2023 and moved to the Springs shortly after. Mrs. Boswell grew up in southern Virginia. She earned her degree in Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina- Wilmington. During her senior year of college, the Lord provided Shana with an opportunity to be the maternity leave teacher for a Kindergarten class at a Christian, classical school in North Carolina where the Lord showed her His will. She is passionate about theology and classical education.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Education: B.A, Biblical Counseling from Masters Divinity College

Mrs. Bundy serves as an aide in the Pre-K and 1st Grade classrooms. She is a Colorado native and came to live in Colorado Springs August of 2010.  She and her husband, along with their two sons moved for her husband’s job, and that is when the Lord led them to ECA.  Both of their boys have attended ECA, and she is so thrilled they have had a Christian, classical education throughout their formative years. Her hobbies include reading and music and spending time with family and friends.

“For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.” Psalm 25:11

Education: B.A., Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado with minor in Earth Sciences

Mrs. Cupples considers it an honor and blessing to be able to teach God’s truth in the classroom here at ECA. She takes ECA’s mission to heart to “educate, equip, and empower students to pursue their purpose in Christ”.  It is Mrs. Cupples’ prayer that her classroom be one of academic excellence to the glory of God and a place for students to grow in their relationship with Christ.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Bio to come

Amabel graduated from Mississippi State in May 2024 with an elementary education degree. She joined ECA in 2024.

Her favorite passage is Psalm 90 ending in “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

Ms. Gaines is a Colorado Springs native, who graduated from ECA in 2013. She has a deep love for ECA and the students who attend. Ms. Gaines is mama to the 2 best kiddos who hopefully one day, when they come of age, will attend ECA. She loves camping, football and spending time with her family. She also helps coach the Volleyball team at the secondary campus. One of her favorite things about being the Kindergarten Bridge teacher at ECA, is that she has the opportunity to share the gospel with every kiddo who steps foot into her classroom. She has a love & desire to invest in the youth of this generation to instill in them the love of Jesus and drive to further His Kingdom.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬-‭33

Anna has been an aide and substitute teacher for the Elementary since 2023. She earned her Bachelor degree in Mass Communication/Journalism in 2004 and her Masters degree in Organizational Communication in 2008 from UCCS. She, her husband David, and their three kids enjoy spending time on their farm in Peyton where they raise all kinds of animals.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Mrs. Hartnett was born and raised in a military family and continued the tradition by marrying into the Navy. After numerous moves, they transferred to Colorado Springs and now call it home. Mrs. Hartnett has been with ECA since 2006. She started as a classroom aide for Pre-K, 2nd grade, and 5th grades, taught library, and landed in her current position, Elementary Administrative Assistant, where she plans to stay! She and her husband have two children, who both graduated from ECA. Christian Education has always been a high priority for their family and ECA was by far the best fit for them! Visiting the Elementary campus for the first time, they could sense the love of Jesus and were greeted with warm, caring hearts of the faculty and staff. Mrs. Hartnett believes everyone should receive that same welcome which she did many years ago and continues to exude that same feeling as new (and old) families walk through the door.

Education: Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy/Paralegal certification through NALA [National Association of Legal Assistants]

Mrs. Hoover was raised in Colorado and is married to Lincoln, a licensed aviation maintenance technician. She loves working with children and has done so from a young age when she babysat for family and friends. She also teaches Sunday school in her church (Springs Reformed Church). Some of her favorite things to do in her spare time include ice skating, reading, writing, and working on crochet and knit projects. Linda is excited partner with ECA and its staff to help nurture and grow the students’ understanding of Biblical truths and Godly character traits!

Bio to come

Mr. Howard, a New England native,  has lived in Colorado Springs and has taught at ECA since 2006. He is the proud father of two grown daughters, two sons-in-law and a son. Rob received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA in 1994 and a Masters in Choral Conducting degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN in 1996. He taught at a private Christian school in Maryland for nine years before moving to Colorado Springs. Rob loves to cook and share good food and drink with friends and gets outside to run, hike and walk as often as he can. He enjoys working on home improvement and gardening projects around his house and can often be found reading a great book on his front porch while watching the sun sink below Pike’s Peak. Mr. Howard loves his job at ECA and can’t imagine spending his time on anything else than inspiring children of all ages to seek God through the beauty of the arts. When not at school teaching Rob can be found playing the organ, overseeing the music program, directing the adult choir and performing regularly in a semi-professional music trio at St. George’s Anglican Church in downtown Colorado Springs. Rob is blessed to be part of the ECA family and looks forward to many more years hearing and inspiring the laughter and singing of children.

“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.” Jeremiah 29:11.

Terina graduated from UCCS with a Bachelor’s in History and a minor in Early Education. She started teaching at ECA in 2022. Her son is a current student at ECA. She learned to love God and to teach kids when she accepted Christ in the second grade at a bible camp. She grew up in Japan on a military base and learned a lot about mission work and how to talk about God to non-believers from her missionary friends. She loves to teach kids about how to use the tools that God has provided to us to pursue their mission and relationship in Christ.

“Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you.” Isaiah 41:10

Mrs. Hudson attended ECA as a student from Kindergarten through 12th grade and feels extremely blessed to now be teaching 3rd grade at this incredible school that has been instrumental in forming her faith and Christian Worldview. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia and is enjoying her ninth year of teaching at ECA. Outside of teaching, she and her husband, Joseph, are passionate about ministry, traveling, pickleball, basketball, and golf.

“I pray that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-18 

Bio to come

Sandi Moede is a native of Colorado Springs and her family attended the church that launched ECA. She got her BSN from C.U. and is now a retired nurse. Her three boys all went to ECA back in the 1980s. She is happy to be reconnected with ECA, serving as an aide in the kindergarten classroom.

“I would have despaired unless I believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13

Mrs. Morton is honored to be a part of the ECA community for another year as the 2nd grade teacher. She was first hired to teach at ECA in 1995. She has served the students in many roles over the years as a substitute, teacher’s aide, fourth grade teacher, fifth grade teacher, and coach. Mrs. Morton and her husband Drew have four children who attend or have graduated from ECA. She believes that the solid Biblical foundation of classical Christian education is important in raising children to love the Lord and serve in the community to which they have been called. She strives to follow the wisdom found in 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.”

Mrs. O’Neill graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in education with concentrations in art and psychology. She has taught in Christian schools all over the country and has been teaching elementary art at ECA since 2018. She loves engaging children’s hearts and hands to discover God, His amazing creation, and their own creativity through art. In her spare time Mrs. O’Neill enjoys time with family, horseback riding, and writing for Christian publications.

“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” Psalm 9:1

Rebecca Parton moved to Colorado in 1993 with her family of origin. She graduated from the CO Institute of Massage Therapy in 2003. Mrs. Parton enjoys reflecting on the many years of experience she has caring for children. In 2009, she became a mother. Rebecca treasures this valuable role. She enjoys reading, baking, playing piano, and spending time – at home or in the mountains – with her husband and their son. He began attending Evangel Christian Academy in 2022: which continues to bless him through a quality classical Christian education. Mrs. Parton joyfully joined the ECA Elementary support faculty in 2024, assisting Mrs. Atkins in the pre-kindergarten classroom. She graduated from the Unveiled Worship Academy in May of the same year. Rebecca aspires to become a lead worshiper in any capacity that the LORD, her Rock, desires.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD.” Colossians 3:16

Mrs. Poli has served at ECA since 2010. She is currently at the Elementary office and has served in admissions as well as classroom aide in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 6th grades over that time. She is delighted to be in the office to support our principal, teachers, students, and families. Her life as a military wife deepened her devotion to our amazing country while also inspiring her to travel and learn about different countries and their cultures. Mrs. Poli is dedicated to the education and development of ECA students and is looking forward to a school year filled with the joy of the Lord.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

Mrs. Schaap grew up in Georgia and was an ECA parent for 16 years. Her three children attended ECA and two graduated from ECA. She has coached multiple sports over the years and has taught 4th grade and aided, while also substitute teaching.  She previously worked in children and youth ministries. Along with her passion for sports, she brings a high level of energy and creativity. It is her goal to foster an environment in Physical Education where students are engaged in challenging activities that team build, problem solve, and provide an outlet for movement and fun. She loves watching her students develop new skills and grow in the fruit of the Spirit. Her life verse is Isaiah 61:1-3. When she is not at ECA, you can find her playing pickleball, watching USWNT soccer, hiking in the mountains with her husband and dog, and enjoying good music.

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Mrs. Trumble moved from Iowa in 1992 to teach 5th grade at ECA. She got married two years later and chose to stay home as a mom in 1996. Her four children attended ECA. From 2010 to 2013 she taught 2nd grade in Malawi, Africa at African Bible College Christian Academy. In December 2023 she returned to ECA as a part-time Kindergarten aide, and in August 2024 she began teaching the Beginnings class at Collegium. She prays that God will use her to point all the children to Jesus and that they will learn to hunger for Him and His Word.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

Mrs. Vann-Crockett began teaching at ECA in 2023. She loves guiding her students to see how God has made the world to work, how He has moved throughout history to fulfill His purposes, and to appreciate Truth, Goodness, and Beauty from a Christian perspective. She feels privileged to work at a school that cares for every student, partners with parents, and keeps Christ at the center of everything. Her prayer is that her 5th graders will love the Lord more as they gain a deeper knowledge of Him throughout the school year.

“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a Mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 

Emily Vandeventer is a Colorado native and graduated from the ECA Secondary Campus in 2022. She graduated from Colorado Christian University in 2024 with a Bachelors of Science in Business Marketing. This is her first year staffed at Evangel Christian Academy and she is thrilled to see all the ways the Lord works in and through her this year. Emily married her best friend Daniel on August 2, 2024 and is excited to not only have the adventure of a new job ahead of her, but also marriage. When she has free time Emily enjoys hiking, playing piano, and painting/drawing.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7