Mike Rogers, Administrator
Heritage Christian Academy administrator Mike Rogers, a 20-year Cullowhee resident, holds degrees from Florida State University and Western Carolina University. Certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade, Rogers has taught second grade, pre-school, fifth grade and physical education in the Jackson County school system, and was Business Manager and Director of Development at Summit Charter School in Cashiers from 2005 through 2007.
He and his wife Anita – Heritage Christian Academy’s lower school lead teacher – met at Western Carolina University in the early nineties. Their son Adam and daughter Madison both attend HCA. They are members of Webster Baptist Church.
“What’s exciting to me, from an administrative standpoint, is the chance to represent Heritage Christian Academy and it’s purpose by expressing the exciting news of Jesus’s ministry through the school to students, families, prospective families and the community.”
Deanna Wright, Principal
Heritage Christian Academy Principal, Deanna Wright, is a highly qualified and experienced Christian educator. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University and is qualified to teach Kindergarten through 9th grade. She is not only the acting principal but also is a 7th/8th grade instructor.
Ms. Wright’s educational experience has taken her to many places including the Philippine Islands, Australia, Canada, Illinois, Georgia and finally Western North Carolina.
With over 30 years of experience in education and five years as principal, she holds strong Christian beliefs and is an active member of Webster Baptist Church. She enjoys history, knitting and other crafts, reading, traveling and music.
“I feel I have come back to my first love! I enjoy working with the children and imparting knowledge. This to me is fun and exciting, as well as rewarding.”
Anita Rogers, Lead Teacher, Lower School
Lower school lead teacher Anita Rogers, a native of Cullowhee, has been a teacher in Jackson County for over a decade and heads up Heritage Christian’s second and third grade classes.
She earned both her undergraduate and masters degrees in elementary education from Western Carolina University, went on to teach for four years at Cullowhee Valley Elementary School, then launched Rogers Academy in 2004. She and her husband Mike, Heritage Christian’s Administrator, operated Rogers Academy for four years before it became part of Heritage Christian. Their son Adam and daughter Madison both attend HCA. Their black lab Banjo is a student of life. The family attends Webster Baptist Church.
“I am so grateful to be working at HCA because the partnership between families is so important. The families minister to me in their support and involvement. I also love the fact that I get to speak the Word of God, read the Word of God, and worship and praise God with the kids everyday. God reveals himself to me each day as I see and hear what He is doing in the lives of His children!”
Joni Carter, Teacher, Middle School
Joni Carter is the fourth and fifth grade instructor at the Heritage Christian Academy lower campus.
She earned her bachelor of arts degree at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. She home schooled all four of her children for eight years in Virginia, where she started a home school co-op teaching history/geography/music. She also taught the fourth grade in a Christian school in Virginia before moving to Webster three years ago. Her husband pastors Webster Baptist Church.
“The Lord answered my prayer by calling me to teach at Heritage. When I moved to Webster, I missed my students I taught in Virginia so badly, so prayed that the Lord would open up a Christian school for me to teach. Soon after moving, the Lord did start the 4th-8th grade at Heritage, and I was called to teach the fifth and sixth grade. I love my students, love my parents, love the Christian curriculum, and love how I can freely talk of the Lord’s grace and mercy all day to my students. Praise the Lord for Heritage Christian Academy!”
Arlene Davis, Teacher, Lower School
Lower school teacher Arlene Davis has taught at Christian schools in NC and SC, and in home schooling in North Carolina and South Africa.
She holds a bachelor of science in elementary education from Pensacola Christian College, has done graduate work at Bob Jones University, and pursues a variety continuing education opportunities.
Davis is a twenty-year resident of the Savannah Community, and attends Victory Baptist Church on Cowee Mountain.
“Heritage Christian Academy’s families are really special to me. Teaching is an incredible joy when I know my classroom instruction is complementary to the core Biblical principles being taught by parents in their homes.”
Jessica Clontz, Teacher, Physical Education
Physical education instructor Jessica Clontz is a Haywood County native who now lives in Sylva.
She earned her degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Health Promotion and Wellness from Western Carolina University, and was a student teacher at Franklin High School and Sylva’s Fairview Elementary before accepting the position at Heritage Christian.
Licensed to teach kids in grades K-12, Clontz is currently studying for her master’s degree.
“The kids at HCA are so different than any other school I have taught in. The kids at HCA are so well behaved and have such good manners. I never have any discipline problems. It is nice to know that I have the opportunity to converse with the students about Jesus and I don’t have to worry about offending anyone or crossing any lines. I really enjoy working with these kids. They make teaching PE so much fun!”
Annie Handy, Assistant, Lower School
Annie Handy serves as a teacher’s assistant for Ms. Anita’s 2nd and 3rd grade classroom. She moved to Western North Carolina nearly 2 years ago from Chicago where she lived for 9 years. With home school experience and a BS degree in Social Work from Miami University, Annie really enjoys working with the students at Heritage Christian Academy.
When she can find the time, Annie helps with college students at WCU and is very active in leading Bible studies and discipling others. She also helps her husband coach youth soccer.
Her son’s Caleb and Joshua both attend HCA and are in 3rd grade and kindergarten. Annie’s family attends Blue Ridge Community Church where her husband is pastor. Annie also enjoys hiking, reading and photography.
“I am thrilled for this opportunity to partner with parents in giving their children excellent academic training as well as equipping them to love God and live with a Biblical perspective”
Heather Queen, Assistant, Lower School
Heather Queen serves as a teacher’s assistant for Ms. Arlene’s Kindergarten and 1st grade class. After moving from Charlotte, NC, Heather has made WNC home for the past 24 years. She has worked with the Head Start program for 3 years as well as serving as a substitute teacher for nearly 3 years in the Jackson County Public School system. Heather’s daughter is in 1st grade at HCA. She attends Balsam Grove Baptist with her family and enjoys gardening, canning and camping.
“My daughter attended HCA last year as a kindergartner and we, as a family, fell in love with the school. HCA has become a part of our family and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in such a wonderful way.”