Head of School
Brian Beemer
​Brian Beemer has served as Head of School at River’s Edge since 2015. He holds a B.A. in Pulpit Communications from Tennessee Temple University and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brian has experience as a teaching pastor and in leadership roles in the private sector, and he and his wife Jessica homeschooled their four children, with two graduating from River’s Edge. An elder at Crossway Bible Church, Brian is passionate about guiding students and families in both academic excellence and Christ-centered growth.
River’s Edge Christian Academy’s mission is to work in partnership with parents to produce Christ-centered, lifelong learners by combining the best of both home and traditional Christian classroom education, infusing a biblical worldview, focusing on character, and supplying college and career worthy academics.
Meet Our Principals
Christy Allison
West Campus
Christy Allison has led our West Campus since 2025, after teaching 1st–3rd grades at River’s Edge since 2009. She brings a passion for Christian education, strong faith, and building meaningful relationships with students and families. Christy holds a Master of Science in Elementary Education and has over 7 years of teaching experience in public schools. She and her husband of 25 years have two children, including a River’s Edge alum, and her favorite verse is Psalm 30:11–12, reflecting her joy and purpose in Christ.
Christie Miller
Buffat Heights Campus
Christie Miller has served as our Buffat Elementary Principal and a West Campus teacher since 2013. She holds a Bachelor’s in Human Ecology of Child Development from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Liberty University, along with Tennessee K–6 and ACSI certifications. Christie and her husband Eric have two children, including a River’s Edge alum, and are active in church leadership. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:7, reminding her of God’s peace that guards our hearts and minds.
Faith Pinkerton
Cumberland Campus,
Elementary
Faith Pinkerton began teaching at River’s Edge in 2006 and became the Cumberland Campus Principal in 2022. She brings years of elementary teaching experience and a passion for nurturing students academically and spiritually. Faith and her husband Joe have four children, are active in Oak Ridge Baptist Church, and love guiding children to grow in their faith. Her favorite verse is Psalm 40:3, reflecting her desire to be a shining light that draws others to Christ.
Zach Wishart
Cumberland Campus,
Middle & High School
Zach Wishart has served as a principal at River’s Edge since 2022. He holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, an M.Ed. in Christian School Administration from Bryan College, and an Education Specialist degree from Columbia International University, along with ACSI principal certification. Zach is passionate about partnering with parents to develop kingdom-minded students grounded in biblical truth and looks forward to seeing how God continues to work through River’s Edge.
Board of Directors
The Board is the policy generating body of River’s Edge Christian Academy, with the Administrator having responsibility for the implementation of the Board’s policies. The establishment of long range policies is the most important single function of the Board. By the establishment of such policies in written form, the Administrator and other employees of the school may proceed with the assurance that they are administering in accordance with the wishes of the Board.
Purposes
Of our School Board
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Be spiritual leaders in the school, to seek God’s will and direction for the school, and to take responsibility for preservation of the Christian heritage of the school.​
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Make and amend policies as necessary to carry out the objectives and purposes of the school.​
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Hire qualified administrators, faculty, and staff for the school and hold accountable to affect the policies of the school.​
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Approve the salary schedule for the administration, faculty, and staff.​
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Approve the annual budget as presented by the Administrator.​​
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Monitor income and expenditures against the budget, and take corrective action if needed.​
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Maintain open communications with the faculty, parents, alumni, and friends.​
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Maintain proper relationship with government authorities.​
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Perform strategic planning for the school’s growth.​
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Have a vision for the future of the school.
2025-2026 Board Members
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Scott Andrews, Chairman
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Cody Hoover, Vice Chairman
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Ginny Bertelsen, Secretary
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Laura Beaman
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Megan Davis
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Julie Callis
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Adam Slack​
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Brian Beemer - Head of School