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 over 40 years. 

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

*picture coming soon!

Jenny Crosby was born in Jacksonville, FL. Her father entered the ministry life when she was in 7th grade moving her to Wilmore, KY and then bringing her to Bailey, NC. She graduated from East Carolina University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she took a job working as a camp counselor for Norwegian Cruise Lines for a year and half, and then settled in Union County, NC as a 2nd and then 3rdgrade teacher. After getting married in 2008 to her Marine Corps husband, she made the move to Havelock, NC and taught 3rd grade there for a little over a year before she welcomed her first child. 

Jenny has two children Payton and Hayden. She has enjoyed watching them attend Christian schools and homeschooling in a Christian home. Both she and her husband Matt see their number one role as parents is to help their children develop an eternal relationship with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They actively attend The Pointe Church in Belmont, NC and truly love their church family. 

Jenny and her family live out in the country of Iron Station. She enjoys traveling with her family and taking them on fun adventures to explore our world. She also enjoys a good book, playing games, and cooking.

Jenny is truly excited to teach in an environment that takes the best of what a classroom has to offer and the best of what homeschooling has to offer and bring them together. 

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. 

Mrs. Ballard joined Starboard's team in September 2018.  She has lived in Lincoln County since 1969.  She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and is a certified K-6 Teacher.  Mrs. Ballard has been a teacher assistant for 16 years before returning to UNCC and obtaining her teaching degree in 2007.  Before coming to Starboard, she was a first grade teacher at Pumpkin Center Primary School before retiring in 2016.   

Mrs. Ballard has been married for over 46 years to Ray Allen Ballard.  They have 3 children; Brian who is in the wood business and an assistant coach at Bandy's High School; Deanna, who works for Samaritan's Purse and is a State Senator for the 45th district; Phillip who is presently serving in the US Navy.  Mrs. Ballard has 3 grandchildren (all boys).  She and her husband attend Lake Norman Baptist Church.   

Mrs. Santaniello joined Starboard’s team in 2019. She grew up in rural South Carolina next door to her grandparents farm. After high school she received her Bachelor's Degree in Music with a Minor in History from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Before coming to Starboard, she was a 911-Police and Fire Dispatcher in Charlotte, NC for 15 years. Over the past four years, she has been a stay-at-home mom to her two young children. 

Mrs. Santaniello has been married for almost 10 years to her husband, Mark. They have 2 children; Lillian, 6 years old and Christian, 4 years old. In her free time, Mrs. Santaniello enjoys music, photography and studying her Bible. 

She and her husband attend Church at Denver.

Mrs. Macdonald came out of retirement to join us in the Fall of 2021.  She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, in Tampa, FL.  After 30 years of teaching, she and her husband, Chris, came to NC to be close to their 3 grandchildren.  She enjoys gardening, arts & crafts, and music.  As a member of Westport Baptist Church she is involved in the choir, teaches children's Sunday school. and works in Awanas.  

Mrs. Witherspoon moved here from Greensboro with her husband and two daughters in July of 2020.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from UNC Greensboro and taught high school science for 7 years before starting a family.  

Ashley enjoys traveling with her family, the lake, working with children, and teaching them about the amazing world of science!  Ashley and her family attend Denver United Methodist Church. 

Haven is a therapy and reading dog in training. She is being trained to promote social-emotional wellness, communication skills, and to increase academic performance in reading.  

Haven comes from a long line of service and therapy dogs and was donated by the Honor Service and Therapy Dogs organization out of Charlotte, NC.  

Haven loves listening to children read, relaxing in the sun, and chasing tennis balls.  Her gentle spirit makes her a perfect fit for a reading dog.  She is a great addition to our Starboard Staff!  

Check out a video from Haven HERE.