Kindergarten Faculty

 

Meet Our Kindergarten Staff

Mrs. Vanessa Addis Mrs. Vanessa Addis joined the Grace Christian Academy staff in 2006 after several years of teaching experience in the public school system in the first and fifth grades. A graduate of Western Carolina University, Mrs. Addis holds dual certification with the State of Tennessee and ACSI. Her vast experience working with children in the classroom coupled with years of leadership in children’s ministry creates a classroom environment where children can thrive. Mrs. Addis actively uses this experience serving as the director of the Children’s ministry at her church. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Addis and her husband live in the Knoxville area with their two sons and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Mrs. Kristi Borden Mrs. Kristi Borden has been on the GCA kindergarten staff since 2004 and is the grade level chairperson for the kindergarten team. Mrs. Borden is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds ACSI Teacher certification. Her professional background includes work as a teacher and Family Services Specialist in the Knoxville Head Start program and her former role as Director of Preschools for the Knoxville Community Development Corporation. Mrs. Borden’s distinctive experience in working with a wide range of students has given her a depth of compassion that allows her to interact with students with great understanding and effectiveness. Mrs. Borden and her husband live in the Corryton area and enjoy spending time with their two children and extended family members.
Mrs. Alysia Haluska Mrs. Alysia Haluska is a Texas native who accomplished her undergraduate education at Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. With state teaching certifications in Texas and Tennessee, along with ACSI certification, she has over nine years teaching experience in kindergarten, second and fourth grade, as well as sixth grade physical education. Mrs. Haluska’s experiences include mission work in Belize and extensive involvement in various dance and drama ministries. Mrs. Haluska’s gifts are expressed through her innovative teaching style and allow her to creatively and effectively communicate with kindergarten students. Mrs. Haluska is the Assistant Director of Broadway Children’s Musicals at GCA and coach for the High School Tennis Team. She and her husband, along with their two sons, live in Halls.
Mrs. Jennifer Sluss Mrs. Jennifer Sluss completed her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech and later obtained her teaching certificate during additional study at the University of Tennessee. Mrs. Sluss joined the GCA kindergarten team at GCA in 2006. In addition to ACSI and Tennessee state certification, her credentials also include certification in CPR training. Mrs. Sluss’ background includes two years teaching first and second grade in the public school system and three years in Christian Education as a Pre-K 4 and Pre-K 5 teacher. This comprehensive background solidly prepared her to teach kindergarten and gave her a unique understanding of the needs and developmental objectives for kindergarten students. Her personal interests include traveling, camping, and spending time with her husband and their three children.
Mrs. Lanna Windham Mrs. Lanna Windham, originally from Greeneville, Tennessee, joined the GCA staff in August 2010 after ten years of prior teaching experience in Pre-K and third grade. Mrs. Windham holds dual certification through the State of Tennessee and ACSI, with certification in kindergarten through eighth grade. She is a graduate of East Tennessee State University, where she obtained her degree in Education. Through many years in the classroom, Mrs. Windham has achieved an extensive understanding of appropriate methods used to meet the academic and emotional needs of kindergarten students. During her free time, Mrs. Windham, enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their three children. You can often find the Windham family camping and enjoying beautiful East Tennessee.