P.E. Teacher

 Phil Bevins

Phil Bevins received his B.S. in Biology from UT-Martin in 1990 and his B.S. in Physical Therapy from UT-Memphis in 1992. Mr. Bevins is married to Lynne, and they have three children - Parker, Pryce, and Meredith. As a marathon coach and physical therapist, Mr. Bevins is a firm believer in physical fitness because he knows that if kids develop good health habits early, they are much more likely to continue them when they are adults. His favorite verse is Isaiah 40:31 – “But those that 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.”

 K5

 Priscilla Deets

Priscilla Deets majored in Christian Education, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Erskine College in South Carolina in 1997.  Her previous teaching experience includes working both as a lead teacher and as an assistant teacher to children in grades pre-kindergarten through first grade. She has worked at Farragut Church of Christ Preschool and Christian Academy of Knoxville. In addition, she has served in her church teaching Sunday school and has also served as co-director for children’s ministry at another church. She and her family currently attend Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church. She has three children, all of which attend River’s Edge CA – Nathan, Emma, and Anders.

K5

Laura Greene

Laura Greene is the wife of Todd and mother of two boys, Tucker and Tate.  She has been teaching K5 at River’s Edge CA since 2008.  Prior to becoming a mother, she taught six years for the Sevier County School System.  She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees from Carson-Newman College.  In attempts at finding balance in life, her favorite scripture is Psalm 46:10a - “Be still and know that I am God.”

1^st Grade

Lori Dale

Lori Dale graduated with an elementary education degree from Northwestern College, a Christian college in St. Paul, MN, where she met and married her husband, Tim. Prior to starting a family, she taught first and second grades for seven years in public and Christian school settings. For the past ten years, Mrs. Dale has enjoyed spending time with her two boys, Nathan and A.J., while volunteering extensively at her church. She has taught in the Children's Church, written a children's church curriculum, and is currently the K-5th Children's Ministry Director at Calvary Chapel. As Mrs. Dale is looking forward to using her gift of teaching as part of the River's Edge family, she is encouraged by her favorite verse, Deuteronomy 31:8, "And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

1^st Grade

Kathie Garzony

Kathie Garzony is a dedicated educator with over 30 years experience in elementary education.  She has taught kindergarten through fifth grade using Bob Jones Press, A Beka Books and conventional curriculums. Mrs. Garzony is experienced as a Certified Academic Language Therapist (working with dyslexic individuals) and an elementary school supervisor. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education, and Learning Disabilities from Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For seventeen years she has taught a handwriting class and currently tutors children in reading and spelling using the Spell to Write and Read curriculum. She is married to Ray Garzony, who is a deacon at Oak Ridge Baptist Church, where she is currently serving as women's ministry leader.  They have six grandchildren, all of whom are being homeschooled. 

1^st Grade (Smithwood)

Sarah Lewis

As far back as she can remember, Sarah Lewis has been teaching, whether it was being the “teacher” when her sisters and she would play “school” or tutoring her classmates who needed a little extra help. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee Tech University. After graduation, she taught 2nd grade at Sunnyview Primary for two years. Three years ago, she left Sunnyview to assist her husband with their business, Raindrop Irrigation Services. She has been happily married to her husband, Marshall, for nine wonderful years. They currently teach 4th and 5th grade Sunday school at Calvary Chapel Knoxville. At this time, they do not have any children, but the Lord has blessed them with a plethora of nieces and nephews. In their “spare” time, they fellowship with friends, are very active in their church, work in the garden, and enjoy the great outdoors. She is thrilled to get back to teaching especially in a Christ-centered atmosphere.

2^nd Grade

Christy Allison

Christy Allison earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee. She is licensed in the state of Tennessee to teach grades 1-8. Prior to River’s Edge CA, Mrs. Allison taught for seven years in the following school systems: Lenoir City, Knox County, and Memphis City. These years were spent teaching grades 1-3. Mrs. Allison has been happily married to her husband, Mark, for 12 years. They have two children, Sarah Kate and Aiden (both attend River’s Edge CA). She loves teaching and feels blessed that God has led her to such a wonderful school. One of her favorite verses is Psalm 55:22 - “Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

2^nd Grade

Jennifer Shaw

Jennifer Shaw has been happily married to Billy Shaw for 12 years, and they have two small children - Ava and Jack. Mrs. Shaw loves being a wife, mommy, and teacher! She has been in education for seven years and has taught Pre-K4, second grade, and third grade. Mrs. Shaw graduated with a Bachelor of Art degree from the University of Tennessee and received her ACSI K-12 Teacher Certification from Johnson Bible College. She loves Jesus and is so thankful for all the blessings God has given to her. Her life verse is to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever” (2 Peter 3:18).

3^rd Grade

Debera Harmon

Debera Harmon is a native of Kokomo, Indiana, and a graduate of Tennessee Temple University, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1980. Upon graduation she came to Knoxville to teach in a new Christian School at West Park Baptist Church. While there she worked with the deaf ministry. She began teaching a combined third and fourth grade class. Then as the school grew, she taught third grade only. After that school closed, Mrs. Harmon taught second grade at Temple Baptist Christian School, attended the church, and worked in the bus ministry for a year. When River’s Edge Christian Academy first opened its doors, Mrs. Harmon was hired and has remained on staff throughout the lifetime of the school. Debbie married Gene Harmon in December of 1989.  They have two boys, Samuel and Stephen. The family attends Oak Ridge Baptist Church. Romans 8:28 is a verse that has been a mainstay for Mrs. Harmon through the years:  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

3^rd Grade

Faith Pinkerton

Faith Pinkerton graduated from Crown College in 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education.  Faith was born and raised in Northern Virginia but has settled here in TN with her husband and two children.  She loves teaching.  When she is not teaching at River's Edge, she is teaching Piano lessons at home. 

4^th Grade

Pamela Shields

Pamela Shields is married to Robert Shields, a middle school teacher in Roane County. They have two children who attend River’s Edge Christian Academy. She and her husband are members of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church. She has many years of experience in children’s ministries. Mrs. Shields has been a tutor for elementary age students as well as a co-owner of a tutoring business. She is originally from Northern California and graduated in 1991 with a B.A. in Sociology and Education. After completing her undergraduate college degree, she obtained certification as an activity director and social services advocate. She taught job skills to developmentally disabled adults as well as directed activities for elderly in convalescent hospitals. In early 2007, the Lord led the Shields family to Tennessee where they are pleased to call Knoxville “home.” In 2009, Mrs. Shields obtained her Tennessee teaching license through the post-bachelor TEACH program at South College. She enjoys teaching at River’s Edge Christian Academy as well as being involved in the education of her own children. A favorite verse of hers is, “Since you are my rock and my fortress, Lord, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.” - Psalm 31:3

5^th Grade

Angie Wilkinson

Angie Wilkinson has been teaching for over four years.  She is currently teaching 5th grade at River's Edge Christian Academy.  She received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee with a minor in Education in 2004 and received her Master in Education from the University of Tennessee in 2006.  Angie is certified to teach K-8 and is highly qualified in grades K-6.  Angie has been married for 15 years and has three biological sons.  She and her husband are also foster parents.  One of her favorite quotes is, "Do not be consumed by fear of being hurt, but instead offer your love freely and replenish from God's wellspring."

 5^th Grade

Tammy Logan

Tammy Logan graduated from Bob Jones University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She has 12 years of experience in teaching in the states of Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee and has taught at River’s Edge since 2008. She was born and raised in Ohio and moved to Tennessee to be closer to family. Mrs. Logan is married and has two children.

Wellness

Tammy Puckett

Tammy Puckett has earned an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, in addition to having earned her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. She is an ACSI certified teacher and administrator with 14+ years of experience in Christian schools including First Baptist Academy (Powell), Grace Christian Academy, and King’s Academy. She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in educational administration. Mrs. Puckett has extensive experience in initial accreditation for Christian schools as well as experience applying state and national standards. She has significant knowledge and training in biblical application in all subject areas. Her husband, Mike, is a pastor and Bible teacher. She has two sons, T-Bone, a sophomore at East Tennessee State University, and Bill, a graduate student at University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and his wife, Sarrah, also a graduate student at UTC. Tammy’s life verse is John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Middle School Math

Joan Meletiou

Joan Meletiou is a sixth grade math teacher at River's Edge Christian Academy. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. She did additional work toward a Master of Science degree from both the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and East Tennessee State University. Her teaching certification is in Mathematics (013), grades 7 - 12. She taught for over 30 years in the public schools before coming to teach at River’s Edge CA. She also has experience teaching at the college level at Pellissippi State Community College. Mrs. Meletiou is married and has two adult children, Mary Raney and Michael Meletiou. She is a musician and plays keyboard and organ for her church. Her favorite scripture verse is I John 4:16. 

Middle School History

Dee Dee Burnette

Dee Dee Burnette is our middle school history teacher. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management/Marketing from Tusculum College and graduated from Carson-Newman College with a Master's Degree in Teaching. Her favorite past time is being with her husband, Travis, and their two children, Caroline and Carter. Her goal is not only to teach history, but to encourage students to see the connection between the past and current events.  A favorite verse is, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)

Middle School Language Arts

John Bair

John Bair is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Bible (now Philadelphia Biblical University) and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been teaching over 40 years in Christian schools and colleges in the areas of Bible, language arts, history, and foreign languages (biblical and modern). Most recently, he has been humanities director and instructor at the St. Andrew’s School of Wears Valley Ranch, where he taught mostly middle and high school students. His greatest passion is teaching and discipling adolescents to equip them to better understand and accomplish God’s plan for their lives. Mr. Bair lives in Farragut with his wife, Elayne. They have two daughters and six grandchildren.

Middle & High School

Science

Carolyn Burris

Carolyn Burris has a Masters degree from the University of Tennessee in the field of science, with a major in nutrition. She successfully taught her own children, who were home schooled through high school and now attend college. Her son, Jared, is pursuing a degree in a science-related field in the area of computer technology. Mrs. Burris has taught health and nutrition classes in public and school settings and currently works part-time at Cedar Springs Christian bookstore as a home school curriculum consultant. She also works in the children’s ministry at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church and served for three years at Thursday Connection as a break room supervisor. Her other interests include piano, reading, walking, 4-H Club, equine management, Christian Youth Band, church, and volunteer activities.

Middle & High School

Science

Marilyn Jorgensen

Marilyn Jorgensen received her B.S. in Chemistry from Georgia Tech in 2001 and her M.Ed. in Science Education from Georgia State University in 2003. She taught for 7 years in Atlanta, Georgia, as a high school biology and chemistry teacher before locating to Knoxville in June 2011. Her passion is to instill in children a love of science and she feels so blessed to be able to accomplish this at River’s Edge CA. Outside of school, Mrs.Jorgensen enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Cory, hiking, playing games, and catching up with friends and family.

High School History & Geography

Kathryn Jones

Kathryn Jones received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee with a major in history and a minor in historical philosophy. She is a 3rd generation history teacher and former director of women’s ministries with 18 years of accumulated teaching experience. Kathryn is currently pursuing her graduate and doctoral studies in Modern European history with a concentration in the history of modern Germany. Her scholarly and occupational ambition is to teach at the university level as a professor of Modern German History. Kathryn holds memberships with the U.S. Memorial Holocaust Museum, American Historical Association, Yad Vashem and the German History Society. She and her husband, Andy, have been married for 14 years and currently serve at Valley Grove Baptist church where her husband is the music minister. In her spare time she enjoys researching, reading, teaching bible studies at her church, and spending time with her two Chihuahuas, Ariel and Sebastian.

High School Computer Science

Mike Puckett

Mike Puckett is an award winning teacher (Who’s Who of America’s Teachers three times) and a state champion producing coach (football, wrestling, baseball) who brings 10 years of classroom experience to RECA. Mike is currently pastoring a church plant in Oak Ridge along with developing and teaching in depth studies from the New Testament. He has taught middle and high school Bible, History, Math, Technology, and was a Special Education teacher for Knox County Schools. Mike brings a passion for teaching with a creative flair that draws students of all ages into learning. He is very excited about sharing his 23 years of experience using advanced technology with our students enhancing their ability to use these tools in their academic, spiritual, and personal pursuits. Mike graduated from Johnson University with high honors.

High School Language Arts

Joy Rhea

Joy Rhea is a highly respected English teacher, having earned her Master of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1984 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1979. She also completed some post-graduate study in Educational Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Rhea has taught English for almost 25 years in a variety of venues including teaching public high school students, home school students, as well as college students. She has held various editing and journalism positions. She taught English classes at the Master's Monday and Thursday Connection programs for a number of years, having developed some of her own writing curriculum for those classes. She comes to us with a very strong reputation among home school students who have attended her classes. She is presently an adjunct instructor of freshman English Composition & Literature at Pellissippi State Technical Community College, where she has been teaching for 10 years.

Chris Francis received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics from UT and a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis. Along with 10 years of experience as a nuclear engineer, Mr. Francis has also accumulated over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher. He has spent more than 25 years as a pastor and is currently the pastor of New Sevier Home Baptist Church in Knoxville. Mr. Francis has been married to Linda for 39 years and has three grown children and six grandchildren.

Linda Nordmoe is a graduate of Wheaton College and has recently retired from Knox County Schools after 20 years teaching in the high school classroom. She has taught Spanish at levels I thru AP. She has taken four overseas trips to Europe with her students and five missions trips to the Dominican Republic. Teaching high schoolers has been her passion and ministry.