Meet Our Faculty and Staff
True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character. It needs men in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle. (Education p226)
Dip. in Teaching Math & Science; B.Ed & MA in Math Ed
With 20 years in education, Mr. Reid is currently pursuing his PhD in Educational Leadership at Andrews University, has been recognized as the Most Innovative Teacher in America, and consistently evaluated as a distinguished educator in the State of North Carolina. He has taught upper school math and science all his career including physics, chemistry, pre-calculus, and biology.
Mr. Reid has a deep desire to glorify God by leading MAA to become the premier school (in Memphis) for a Christ-centered, growth-focused, holistic, college-and-career-ready education that prepares a diverse student population for a saving relationship with Christ, and service to humanity. He is married to Elicia Reid and together the two have three children who attend MAA. When not engaged in family life, work duties, Church planting in both regional and non-regional conferences, and university studies, Mr. Reid can be found gardening, playing friendly games, or spending time in nature.Mrs. Nelson has been a part of the Memphis Junior Academy family for12 years, first as a parent, then as Home and School Leader, and currently as the Administrative Assistant. She considers it a special honor to serve the students, families, and staff at MJA. She and her husband, Robert, have lived in the Memphis area for over 16 years and have three wonderful children.
Mrs. Nelson's favorite verse is Joshua 1:9. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."BA Early Childhood Education; BA Psychology
Mrs. Baughman began her career teaching 2nd grade and then spent many years working as a Disabilities Consultant for the Head Start program with children 2 -5 years old. After having two children, Mrs. Baughman decided to retire from her career and focus on just being a mama. When child number 3 headed off to Kindergarten, she decided to go right along with her. Mrs. Baughman will be coming up on her 4rd full year of teaching this December, but has had years of experience as a favorite substitute here at Memphis Junior Academy. She is a teacher and a parent at our school, with a 2nd grader, a 5th grader and an 9th grader. Mrs. Baughman is married to her college sweetheart, Brandon.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Cheryl Hines hails from New York City. She attended Howard University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Mathematics and Science. She worked in this field for two decades then entered the classroom as a fifth-grade teacher in Washington, DC. She later set her sights on natural medicine and became a medical missionary. In her spare time (!) she obtained a culinary arts diploma from the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in NYC with a specialty in vegan cuisine. She also holds a certificate as a Vegetarian Cuisine Instructor. She plies her trade as the founder and Executive Chef of the Covenant Café. Recently, she completed a certificate in Plant Medicine from Cornell University for whom she worked in Cooperative Extension as a Community Educator, teaching nutrition and health to K-5 and adults. A perpetual learner, she is now enrolled in a naturopathic medicine program.
BA in Religious Education minor in English
Mr. Mote is starting his 2nd year with us and has been very excited about joining the MJA/MAA Family.
He is originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he attended Louisville Adventist Academy for all 12 years of school. He graduated from Southern Adventist University in 2021 with a degree in Religious Education and a minor in English. Mr. Mote has one goal at MJA/MAA, both through my English and Bible classes, and that is to guide students through the most important words that have ever been written, and show them Jesus in every word. His prayer and his mission is to educate, enlighten, and understand questioning youth to promote searching for coherent biblical answers, and guide those youth to a deeper relationship with God.Diploma in School Counseling & CNA
Mrs. Reid has a 3-year diploma in school counseling, and a certificate as a CNA. Between 2008-2022 she has worked alongside her husband, our principal, Mr. Reid, as a church planter in North Carolina. During that time she worked as a CNA for several years and between 2020-22 as a teacher aide at Tri-City Christian Academy. She now enjoys aiding Mrs. Kaylee with PK/K.
Bachelors of Arts (BA)
Mrs. St. Bernard is our 1st and 2nd Grade teacher here at Memphis Adventist Academy. She has had the privilege of working with some bright and energetic young children in the past. As a teacher, she has encountered various challenges, but by the grace of God she has made it through with amazing learning experiences and incredible growth in each of her students. Mrs. St. Bernard has been married for 17 years and have two children, a junior and a senior in high school. She enjoys traveling, and spending time with family, and she loves visiting botanical gardens and taking nature walks. She also loves decorating, organizing, creating, and making spaces beautiful.
Mrs. St. Bernard believes teaching is invaluable. “Children are our future, and education is integral in shaping the minds of the future,” she says. As an educator, she wants to grow and develop her students into the wonderful people God created them to be. She wants to help students develop holistically – mentally, spiritually, physically, and socially. She is guided by the philosophy that true education walks hand in hand with redemption and draws our students into a connected relationship with God. Her hope is to inspire her students to want to know their Creator and to help them multiply the abilities God has already instilled in them.B.S. Biology, B.A. Religion, M.Ed Secondary science
Ms. Lodge is an enthusiastic teacher, with a drive and a passion to engage her students in the joy of learning and in developing a relationship with their Creator. God has gifted Ms. Lodge with creativity, and it is her joy to use innovative approaches to immerse herself and her students in discovery learning. She highly values finding ways to get students outside and spending time in the great outdoors for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Ms. Lodge has a B.S. in Biology, a B.A. in Religion, and an M.Ed in Secondary science education. With over 20 years of experience in the classroom, Ms. Lodge has taught all grades from Pk-12 and has served as principal at Valley View Christian School in MT and Bay Knoll SDA School in NY.