STARBOARD STAFF

Mrs. Akins is originally from Florida, but has lived in North Carolina for the last 10 years with her husband, Troy, and their four children.  Their daughters, Emily and Lauren are 14 year old identical twins. Their son Luke is 13, and his younger brother Colt is 5. 

She attended high school at Warner Christian Academy in Daytona Beach, and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Florida.  She specialized in early childhood, and has enjoyed teaching young children ever since.  Most of her experience is in kindergarten, although she has taught first grade and pre-school as well.  Gloria has nearly 20 years of education experience in public, private, and University-Model (R) Schools.  Her  own children attended a University-Model (R) School, so she has gained perspective as at teacher and a parent.  

"The University-Model (R) is a great education option that I have truly enjoyed. I love that this model also allows us to integrate Godly values, and a Biblical word view into our children's education." 

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family doing anything outdoors!

 "I am excited about teaching at Starboard!"

Mrs. Deal grew up in Catawba County where she still resides with her husband, Brad. Robin grew up in a loving, Christian home on her family’s farm. The home where she and Brad reside is built where her grandparent’s home once stood. She loves her family and life in the country. Mrs. Deal also loves her church family. She and her husband are members of East Maiden Baptist Church.

Mrs. Deal received her degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University, Go Mountaineers! She recently retired from Catawba County Schools where she taught for 30 years. An interesting fact is that 28 consecutive years of her 30-year career were as a second grade teacher.

Brad and Robin share 2 children, Nolan and Aimee. Nolan and his wife reside in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Nolan is a software engineer. Aimee resides in Claremont and is a medical assistant.

Mrs. Deal is very excited to be a part of our Starboard family. She is looking forward to getting to know each of you and a wonderful year filled with new friendships.

Mrs. Templeton grew up in Missouri and has lived in Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. She married her husband, Bob Templeton, the day of his college graduation in 1975. They began their journey in ministry to young people the next week. They started as youth director and wife and moved to the Christian day school ministry as head of school and assistant or teacher for thirty-five years. 

Mrs. Templeton, has taught every grade from Pre-K to 12th. She has spent the majority of her career as an assistant to or teaching 3rd-8thgrade. She returned to college after her son and daughter finished high school to finish her degree in education. She holds ACSI certification and a Bachelors degree in Education and Psychology from Liberty University. Her students over the years have lovingly referred to her as Mrs. T and she has had the privilege of serving students and their families in Christian education for 37 years. 

The Templetons returned to Hickory two years ago to be closer to their grandchildren and enjoy the beauty of North Carolina. They attend Harvest Bible Chapel Hickory.

Landa Wheeler is the wife of Dr. Alan Wheeler, pastor of Redeemed Baptist Church. She is also the mother of four and a Grams. 

She is an advocate for homeschooling and even helped her youngest child complete his schooling by returning to the homeschool community. She is a native of the Lincoln County area and has lived many years in Pumpkin Center, NC. She is a graduate of Lenior-Rhyne University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has specialized training in Orton Gillingham and has tutored several Dyslexic students. 

Even before coming to Starboard Christian Academy, Landa was working with Lincoln County middle and high school students. She has taught various grades from elementary to high School both at Tri-City Christian and Cornerstone Christian. Outside of school she enjoys reading, art, ministry and being a Grams.