Staff

OCA School Staff

Our school staff is dedicated to bringing quality Christ centered education to all the students our academy services. We not only concentrate on our children's educational development but also on their spiritual and moral character. We want the children who graduate from OCA to make a significant impact on the world.

Chris Cleveland - Administrator

With a lifelong commitment to faith, family, and community, Mr. Cleveland brings a rich background in ministry, business, and education to his role as Administrator at Otsego Christian Academy. A longtime resident of the Oneonta area, he has faithfully served as a music minister and pastor for over 20 years, nurturing hearts in worship and guiding lives in truth.

In 1971, his family opened The Eighth Note Music Store in Oneonta, that has served generations of musicians and families. Drawing on both his entrepreneurial and pastoral experience, he began serving in Christian education in 2008, leading as Administrator at both Lighthouse Christian Academy and Otsego Christian Academy.

His deepest desire is to see the body of Christ united in purpose, working together to disciple the next generation. With a passion for raising up children who know, love, and serve Jesus Christ, he remains dedicated to fostering a Christ-centered, academically strong, and spiritually nurturing environment for every student.

Tracy Wood - Education Director

Meet Mrs. Wood, one of the high school math teachers here at OCA. With a Master's in Teaching Secondary Mathematics and over 10 years of classroom experience, Mrs. Wood brings both expertise and heart into everything she does. With a teaching style that blends clarity, humor, and compassion, she helps students build confidence and truly enjoy learning math.

In addition to inspiring students, Mrs. Wood also invests in our staff as Director of Education, overseeing curriculum development and supporting teachers across the school.
She's passionate about equipping educators with the tools and encouragement they need to thrive in their calling.

Mary Dirig - Family Relations Director

Meet Mrs. Dirig, a true gem at OCA, who serves as our Family Relations Director and a part-time math teacher! With a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and over 6 years of service at our school, she brings both precision and passion to everything she does. Mrs. Dirig also shares her love of movement and discipline as a ballet teacher for children and adults at Decker School of Ballet - combining beauty, grace, and strength both in and out of the classroom.

Whether she's welcoming new families through the admissions process or guiding students through challenging math concepts, Mrs. Dirig is committed to helping others feel confident, capable, and connected. She loves exploring different ways to present material so that students can truly understand and engage with what they're learning

Johanna Brown - Special Education Director

With 18 years of experience in education including public school, homeschool, and now Christian education, Mrs. Brown brings both expertise and compassion to her role as Special Education Director at OCA. She holds a Bachelor's in Social Studies Education and a Master's in Adolescent Special Education, and she is deeply committed to ensuring that every student is seen, supported, and celebrated.

Mrs. Brown believes that everyone can learn and that every student is a gift from God. She is passionate about differentiation, meeting students where they are, and partnering with teachers to get students the tools and support they need to thrive. Her belief in the value of every child is evident in all she does.

Amy VanDewerker - Office Operations/Math

Meet Mrs. VanDewerker, the middle school math teacher at OCA. With five years of classroom teaching experience and over 13 years working behind the scenes in administration, bookkeeping, and accounting, Mrs. VanDewerker brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role. Her passion for math and learning shines through in every lesson she teaches. She makes even the toughest math concepts feel approachable and engaging for her students.

But what truly sets her apart is her heart. With patience, grace, and empathy for each student, she goes above and beyond to encourage and support those in her classroom.

Her steady presence and servant-heart also make her a trusted colleague and mentor to many.

Meghan Bellino - Resource Room

Meet Mrs. Bellino, the Elementary Resource Room teacher at OCA. Since joining our team three years ago, she has become a vital part of our school family, bringing compassion, insight, and unwavering support to students and staff alike. Mrs.
Bellino has a gift for helping students discover their strengths and reshape the way they see themselves. She lives for those "aha!" moments when a struggling student finally has something click and their confidence begins to grow. As their biggest cheerleader, she celebrates every win, big or small, with joy and enthusiasm.

Her passion lies in teaching students personalized strategies, building lasting skills, and supporting classroom teachers with fresh approaches that make a real difference. She's also a fierce advocate for those who need one, always ready to stand in the gap and speak up for her students.

Dawn Hogan - PreK 3

We're so excited to spotlight Mrs Hogan, one of our preschool teachers here at OCA This will be her 4th year teaching our 3-year-olds, and she brings a total of 8 years of experience in the education setting

Mrs. Hogan creates a classroom where children feel safe, loved, and known. Her greatest joy is teaching them just how much God loves them and helping them learn to love Him in return-all while having tons of fun along the way! From songs and stories to giggles and games, her classroom is filled with warmth, excitement, and purpose. She makes the very first years of school a beautiful beginning for every child she teaches.

Sarah Karasik - UPK

We are so blessed to have Mrs. Karasik as part of our Prek team here at OCA. With a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master's degree in Reading and Literacy, and 16 years of classroom experience, Mrs. K brings knowledge, creativity, and love into her classroom every single day. Her passion for early learning is evident in the hands-on, multi-sensory activities she designs to help young learners explore, discover, and grow. From sensory bins to story-driven centers, she creates a joyful space where curiosity thrives and every child feels supported

What makes Mrs. K truly special is her heart for adapting materials and lessons to meet the needs of all learners. She sees each child as uniquely made by God and works diligently to help them flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.

Jessie Judd - Kindergarten

With a Bachelor's in Elementary Christian Education and 30 years of classroom experience, Mrs. Judd is a joyful and faithful presence in our kindergarten program here at OCA She has a true passion for teaching and loves watching her students grow both academically and spiritually. Nothing makes her heart happier than seeing young children learn about God and His great love for them.

Her classroom is filled with warmth, laughter, and excitement as she works hard to make learning fun, hands-on, and meaningful. She also values the partnership with parents, taking time to build strong relationships and support each family throughout the year.

Miss D - First Grade

With over 35 years of classroom experience and a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Miss D is a true treasure at OCA! As a first grade teacher, she brings just the right mix of wisdom, goofiness, and a Christ-centered passion for teaching that has touched countless young lives.

Miss D loves nothing more than sharing the love of Jesus with her students and laying a strong academic and spiritual foundation for every child. Whether she's teaching reading, writing, or arithmetic, her ultimate goal is to glorify God and equip students to see the world through the lens of Scripture.

Her classroom is a place where little hearts and minds grow in knowledge and in the truth of Gods Word.

Tammy Miller - Second Grade

Say hello to Mrs. Miller, our second grade teacher. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, 15 years of classroom experience, and a heart full of love for her students, Mrs. Miller brings both passion and purpose to her classroom every single day. Her care for each child shines through as she meets them where they are at and thinks outside the box to help them grow. With a hands-on, creative teaching style, she makes learning engaging, meaningful, and fun for her students.

Mrs. Miller also brings many years of experience helping students with learning disabilities. Her compassion, patience, and expertise create a classroom environment where every child feels supported and capable.

Aly Sloan - Third Grade

Meet Mrs. Sloan, our beloved third grade teacher here at OCA. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a heart for Christian teaching, Mrs. Sloan brings more than academics into the classroom. She brings a Christ-centered joy that radiates through every interaction. Since joining our team in 2019, she has created a warm and welcoming environment where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best.

Her students rise to meet her expectations not out of pressure, but out of love and respect. Her gentle guidance, and relational approach help young learners grow not only in knowledge but also in character.

Wendy Hadley - Fifth Grade

Meet Mrs. Hadley, the 5th grade teacher at OCA. With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and 10 years of classroom experience, she brings kindness and purpose to everything she does.

Mrs. Hadley has a gift for seeing the big picture, connecting deeply with students, and weaving the past into the present in a way that sparks curiosity and excitement. Whether she's bringing history to life or using innovative techniques to teach writing, Mrs. Hadley is always looking for ways to make learning meaningful and memorable. Her greatest passion is helping students understand who they are in Christ. Every lesson, every connection, and every encouragement is grounded in the mission of pointing students to their God-given identity and purpose.

Dyani Sands - Sixth Grade

Meet Miss Sands, our 6th grade teacher who brings a quiet strength and steady presence to OCA each and every day. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a heart devoted to the Lord, Miss Sands leads her classroom with a gentle spirit and unwavering commitment. Her calm, consistent approach creates a peaceful learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Though soft-spoken, her impact is powerful. Students rise to the challenge under her guidance because they know she believes in them. Her faithfulness to her calling shines through in everything she does.

Suzannah Monser - Music

With a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance and over 30 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Monser is a true Renaissance woman at OCA. Over the years, she has taught everything from music and theater to Bible, history, health, and even sewing...always with creativity, care, and a passion for hands-on learning.

In the music room, Mrs. Monser finds her greatest joy in watching students grow year after year. She especially loves those moments when a student finally masters a new skill or pushes through a challenge. Their expressions of pride and excitement are priceless. She also loves engaging students in hands-on projects that leave them with something tangible to remind them of what they've learned and accomplished.

Lora Foster-Cave - Art

Get ready to meet the creative spark behind our art program: Mrs. Cave! With over 20 years of experience working with children in classroom and daycare settings, and 5 years as the art teacher at OCA, Mrs. Cave brings a vibrant mix of experience, passion, and personality to every lesson.

Known for her delightfully funky style and boundless creativity, Mrs. Cave is all about inspiring students to express themselves through art. Whether it's painting, sculpting, or mixed media masterpieces, her projects are always fun, fresh, and totally unique...just like her! Students of all ages love her spunky spirit, her splashy classroom (The Art Cave), and the freedom she gives them to explore their God-given creativity.

Tyler Jermyn - Phys Ed

Meet Mr. Jermyn, the Physical Education teacher here at OCA. With a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a heart for Christian education, Mr. Jermyn took to his role this past year like a fish to water!

From day one, his vibrant energy, creative lesson plans, and love for music and movement have transformed PE into one of the most anticipated parts of the day. Whether he's teaching skills, a new game, or scripture memory, Mr. Jermyn makes sure every student feels included and motivated to get active. Kids of all ages can't get enough of PE class and that's thanks to a teacher who brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of enthusiasm to everything he does

Fran Baldanza - Bible

At 80 years old, Mrs. B (the Great) continues to shine brightly as a Bible teacher here at OCA! With over 30 years of teaching experience across nearly every subject, she brings a wealth of wisdom, experience, and unwavering faith into the classroom.

But more than anything, Mrs. B is driven by her love for Jesus, the Bible, and sharing the Gospel. Her true calling is to pass on truth and wisdom to the next generation, helping students not only learn God's Word but grow in their personal relationship with Him. Eclectic, energetic, and deeply committed, she is determined to make every year count. She inspires hearts, challenges minds, and points students to Christ in everything she does.

Terri Baldanza - History

Say hello to Mrs. Baldanza, our history teacher here at OCA. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's in Bible, and over 15 years of experience teaching in various roles at our school, Mrs. Baldanza brings a love of learning and a heart for ministry into everything she does.

What sets her apart is the way she gets to know each student personally. She believes that understanding her students is the key to helping history come alive. Her lessons are thoughtful, engaging, and tailored to spark curiosity and connection, showing students how the stories of the past shape our world today. Mrs. Baldanza inspires her students not only to love history but also to love learning...and that impact lasts far beyond the classroom.

Natalie Gillette - English

We're thrilled to be bringing Miss Gillette back for a second year! With a Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education and a passion for both language and the Lord, Miss Gillette brings energy, creativity, and purpose into the classroom every day.

Whether its connecting classic literature to today's world or guiding students through meaningful discussions grounded in Biblical truth, this teacher uses engaging and relatable methods to make English come alive. From creative writing prompts to thought-provoking projects, she challenges students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and reflect Christ in all they do. Students leave her class not just better writers and readers but stronger thinkers and followers of Christ.

Dana Sheldon - Science

Meet Mrs. Sheldon, the innovative science teacher here at OCA. With Bachelor's degrees in both Elementary Education and Science Education and 30 years of teaching experience spanning from Kindergarten through 12th grade, Mrs. Sheldon brings a wealth of knowledge and energy into every classroom she steps into. She makes it a priority to not only share exciting scientific discoveries, but to also build meaningful relationships and positively influence her students.

One of the most impactful programs she's developed is a unique learning opportunity where high school students partner in science lab with younger elementary students. We love how this builds leadership skills in older students while igniting curiosity and wonder in the younger ones. It's just one of the many ways she makes science come alive for all ages!

Barbara Deemer - Support Staff and Spanish

Say ¡hola! to Mrs. Deemer, the K-12 Spanish teacher at OCA. With a Bachelor's Degree and 10 years of classroom experience, she brings a deep love for both the Spanish language and her students into every lesson.

Mrs. Deemer believes that connection matters more than curriculum, and her classroom reflects that heart. She creates a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel seen, known, and encouraged as they grow in their language skills. Above all, Mrs. Deemer is committed to seeking God's guidance both for herself and for her students. Her faith is the foundation of her teaching, and her passion for Christ shines brightly.

Emily Barclay - Fourth Grade

With a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, 3 years of teaching experience, and a total of 8 years in the classroom, Mrs. Barclay brings both heart and experience to her new role.

Her greatest passion is sharing the love of Christ and the Gospel with her students. She desires to see them come to know Jesus and grow in their understanding of His Word. Her classroom is a place where faith is at the center, and students are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive.

Mrs. Barclay is committed to building strong relationships with her students and creating a safe, nurturing, and joy-filled environment where they feel supported and excited to learn.

Dr. Jason Howell - Science and Math

Dr. Howell comes to us with over 5 years of experience teaching both high school and college students. He initially pursued a degree in Chemistry, but his love for numbers led him to earn a PHD in Mathematics.

He is teaching Chemistry, Physics, Geometry, and Ap Calculus. He's excited to share not just academic knowledge, but also the deep connection he sees between the beauty of mathematics and the glory of God. His goal is building meaningful relationships with students and using his classroom to point them toward truth - both scientific and spiritual.

Anita Cleveland - Spanish

Having recently retired after 30 years in the classroom, she is back doing what she loves most: teaching and connecting with students. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education for French, German, and Spanish, along with a Master's in Teaching Reading.

More than her impressive credentials, Mrs. Cleveland brings a heart for students. She believes that real learning begins with real connection...that students need to know they are seen, valued, and cared for before they'll truly engage. Her warmth, passion for languages, and student-centered approach make her a gift to our school community.