Head of School

Mr. Carter is one of the founding parents of Harvest Academy and currently serves as the Head of School. He holds a B.S. in Horticultural Science from North Carolina State University and a Master’s in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at Regent University. Prior to leading Harvest Academy, Mr. Carter served as a 6th-12th science teacher, middle school assistant principal and elementary assistant principal. He believes wholeheartedly that God’s plan for children in school is to grow and flourish academically, while experiencing His joy through friendship and His Spirit through fellowship.

He is married to Becca and they have three boys; Barron, Simon, and Banks.

“Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Administrative Coordinator

Melissa is one of the founding parents of Harvest Academy. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in social work and political science from Gordon College and holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Melissa has worked with various nonprofits that serve children and families throughout the Triad, and has taught elementary school in Honduras. She is passionate about the University Model and is grateful for how God has used this model of education to provide for her family. Melissa looks forward to being a part of the many ways parents and teachers can work together to nurture & support students who love the Lord and become life-long learners.

Melissa and her husband, Roger, have two children and enjoy being outdoors, traveling, growing at church, and connecting in community.

Operations and School Business Manager

Jennifer obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Accounting from UNCW. Jennifer moved to the Greensboro area after college and worked in public accounting as an auditor and later worked as a financial analyst in private industry.

Jennifer is married to Brandon, and they have two children. Both are students at Harvest Academy. She is grateful for Harvest and its emphasis on God’s Word. She is active in the local church and has spent several years in Bible Study Fellowship. Jennifer enjoys the beach, tennis, golf, and spending time with her family.

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Shelley was born and raised in Greensboro, NC and went on to study in the School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Since becoming a mom four decades ago, she has had a passion for teaching children. In addition to homeschooling her four children for 25 years, she spent 17 years teaching US Geography and Ancient History at the EMMA Resource Classes for homeschoolers, while also serving as Head Administrator there for 14 of those years. She has been a Bible Study Fellowship Children's Leader for the past 10 years and is the Sunday School Coordinator for the 2-year-old through 2nd-grade classes at her local church. She believes that a Biblical worldview is foundational for a holistic academic experience that honors God and His design for the world.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, including her eight precious grandchildren. She is a pickleball enthusiast and enjoys long walks in the park. She is passionate about music, reading, hospitality, and serving at her local church, where her husband, Mark, has been in full-time ministry for 30 years.

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Parker joined our team in our inaugural year, 2023. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, with a concentration in Language and Communication. She previously taught 1st grade at The Covenant School, has a deep love for classical education, and has a strong desire to foster a love of learning in her students.

She grew up in McLeansville, North Carolina where she cultivated a love for the Lord and His creation. In her spare time, you may find her bass fishing, exploring the outdoors, gardening, baking, or cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs in football. Kace has a deep love of global missions and has a special place in her heart for Angola.

Teacher Assistant - Kindergarten

Mrs. Heyden earned her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Meredith College and Haywood Community College. For over twenty years, Mrs. Heyden worked in various roles at Seawell’s Daycare and Preschool, serving as Director of preschool, afterschool, and summer care programs.

She has always felt called by the Lord to work with children, and is excited to be part of an academic organization that puts Jesus first in all areas of learning. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors with her husband and five beautiful children. She enjoys all things crafty, including crocheting, sewing, screen printing and embroidery.

Teacher Assistant - Kindergarten

Mrs. Davis holds a BS in Economics with a Concentration in Homes Furniture Marketing, from High Point University. She spent many years working in the Furniture/Design field. During the past 15 years she has enjoyed working as a Teacher Assistant at Caldwell Academy (8 Years) and Guilford County Schools (7 years). She is looking forward to being back in a Christ-Centered school environment. Mrs.Davis is also excited to be a part of her Grandchildren’s education. Her son Jonathan is married to Hannah and they have 3 children, Grady, Millie and Clifford.

Mrs. Davis and her husband Glenn attend Christ Covenant Church. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, vacationing at the beach, gardening and watching football and golf. Mrs. Davis is so thrilled to be starting the 2025 school year as an Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten at Harvest Academy.

1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Long was born in Alabama and grew up in southwest Virginia. She, along with her husband Nathan, and daughters Riley and Colbie have lived in Browns Summit since 2012. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with concentrations in English and Special Education and has a M.S. in School Counseling. Mrs. Long previously taught 4th grade, was an elementary guidance counselor, reading tutor for 5th grade, and a preschool teacher. She has a passion for fostering a love for learning in children and especially loves experiencing their ‘lightbulb’ moments.

In her spare time Mrs. Long enjoys spending time with her family and the outdoors- especially hiking and kayaking. She also loves to cook, bake, crochet, put together puzzles, and read. She has a great love for God’s Word and a special place in her heart for Bible Study Fellowship where she was a student, group leader, and substitute teaching leader for several years. She is actively involved in both discipleship and women’s ministry at her church.

1st Grade Teacher

Kathy is wife of 40 years to Lee, her college sweetheart, Mom to three boys (two CFA Operators and a Marine) and their wives and “Kitty” to 11 wonderful grandchildren. 

Kathy graduated from UNCGreensboro with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She homeschooled her three boys through high school, so she has a good understanding of the commitment that calling requires. She has also taught for 27 years at a local homeschool co-op. 

She has spent her time after graduating her sons in children’s ministry on staff at Westover Church and Definition Church. In 2019, she moved to Raleigh and launched her own successful small business called KidMin Care which provided ministry and childcare to Triangle area churches. 

She feels the Lord leading her to close that business and focus on being in the classroom again. Teaching is her passion and she looks forward to partnering with parents in developing and leading young children.

She loves the verse Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom”. 

Teacher Assistant - 1st Grade

Mrs. Brown joins Harvest Academy in 2024 as both parent and staff member. She graduated in 2014 with a BS in Elementary Education from UNCG and taught several elementary grades in Guilford County Schools for six years. Mrs. Brown is married to her high school sweetheart Russell, and they have two children, Evelyn and Nora Kate. As a family, they attend Mercy Hill Church and are committed to their walk with the Lord.

Outside of her passion for teaching and learning, Mrs. Brown loves summers at the beach and Duke basketball.

2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Thomas was born and raised in Wisconsin. She attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, then went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to complete her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance. Shortly after marrying her husband Dan, his job moved them to North Carolina. When her two children came along, she felt called to homeschool them in the classical model. In addition to homeschooling her own children, she also tutored with Classical Conversations. She loves igniting a passion for learning in children, encouraging them to see things through God’s Big Story. She loves spending time with her family, especially her four amazing grandchildren. She is passionate about God’s Word, the Touring Theatre of NC, and encouraging women in their walk with God.

Teacher Assistant - 2nd Grade

Mrs. Harvey joined our community in 2023 as one of our first families, serving as the teacher assistant in 1st and 2nd grade. Mrs. Harvey discovered her love for helping children learn and grow when she became a parent and homeschool educator almost 5 years ago.

She believes that cultivating a lifelong love of learning starts with helping children understand both their own unique learning styles and how to leverage those strengths to reach their full potential. Mrs. Harvey is passionate about fostering curiosity and kindness in students, and believes in modeling those same behaviors when she is interacting with the class.

She grew up in a military family and settled in North Carolina with her husband, Dustin, 9 years ago. In her spare time, she enjoys serving in children’s ministry, baking, and going on adventures with her husband, two children and their puppy!

3rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Williard is joining our team in 2023. She is a 25-year homeschooling veteran, educating her five children K-12, along with coordinating and teaching many children through cooperative classes. She attended the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, majoring in Intermediate Education (4-9) with a concentration in English. Mrs. Williard loves to make education come alive, and to help students know that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Jesus.

She and her husband, Jeff, have joyfully served in children’s ministry for over 40 years. She also has a heart for young moms and desires to mentor them in the practical and biblical teachings of marriage, homemaking, and motherhood. She is Memaw to eight precious grandchildren, who keep her young at heart.

4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Feldmann has a B.S. in Music Education from Bob Jones University, where she met her husband Skipp in harmony class! Even though their four children are now grown, music remains an important part of their family. Becky loves playing the ukulele and teaches private voice and ukulele lessons during the summer.

God has blessed her with over thirty years of a diverse and joyful teaching career. She spent twenty years in traditional classroom settings, teaching K-12 music and high school writing, and ten years as a homeschool mom and Classical Conversations tutor. This past year, while teaching 3rd-grade at The Covenant School, she discovered that she loves the University Model of education. Now, Becky is thrilled to partner with Christian families at Harvest Academy to educate the future generation of believers.

In her free time, Becky loves to travel and has had the opportunity to do mission work in over fifteen countries worldwide. She also loves to connect personally with her students, and routinely has them over to her home for painting classes, study groups, and holiday get-togethers. Recently, after several years of hard work, she finally completed and published her first faith-based mystery novel for children. The book, Call Me May, is now available on Amazon. She is a member of Christ Covenant Church in Greensboro.

5th Grade Teacher

Mr. Gardner was born and raised in Michigan. He graduated from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a B.S. in Elementary Education. After college, he spent three years in East Asia teaching English to university students.

After spending their first year of marriage in the United States, Chris and his wife Christin returned overseas to the Middle East. While there, they enjoyed studying the local language, eating hummus and falafel, and welcoming their two beautiful children into the world—Gracie and Noah. Mr. Gardner also spent two years teaching English to fourth-grade local students at a K–12 school.

He and his wife Christin share a passion for spreading the love of the Father with anyone and everyone. They also enjoy drinking coffee and going on long walks. Additionally, he enjoys playing sports—especially basketball—and listening to music. In June of 2024, Mr. Gardner and his family returned to Greensboro. He is thrilled to be a part of the Harvest family, both as a parent and a teacher. He is excited to see what the Good Shepherd has in store during this new season as He leads.

“He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.”
—Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

Middle Grades Math

Jeff holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from NC State University. After college, he and his wife Vivian raised their three children on a portion of his grandfather’s farm in southeast Randolph County and now live near Browns Summit. Their family has expanded to include two sons-in-law and three grandsons. Jeff has spent his career in Electronic Design Automation, supporting semiconductor design with an interest in best circuit design practices. His Masters degree included a minor in mathematics, and his love of applied math goes all the way back to algebra and geometry in high school.

Jeff sees all the studies of the sciences and mathematics as ways to expand our view of the glory of God. Not only has the Lord created an incredibly beautiful universe, but He has given us elegant ways of learning about it, understanding it and describing it. Mathematics itself is a gift from God, and Jeff is excited about helping students come to understand and appreciate it.

Middle Grades Writing, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist

Jenny Swem has a B.A. in Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.  After college, she spent 20 years in East Asia; much of that time working alongside her husband, Alex, to found and operate one of that country’s first and largest Classical Christian Schools.  She has taught a little bit of everything from kindergarten to college, but especially loves bringing history and literature to life in her home and classrooms.   Since returning to the Greensboro area five years ago, the Swems have continued their work supporting Classical Christian Education in Asia.  Mrs. Swem’s role has been to serve as a consultant and mentor for Classical Christian schools, teachers, and homeschool families in East Asia.  She is passionate about helping families hold fast to their role as the primary educators of their children and equipping them with tools for success.

Alex and Jenny have six wonderful children, ranging in age from 2 to 20.  Their oldest daughter is a sophomore at Hillsdale College, their second daughter will be attending Liberty University this fall, and their younger four keep life exciting at home.  They have been a part of Harvest Academy for one year and feel blessed to have found such a vibrant Christ-centered community for their children to grow in.  All of the Swems love spending time outdoors and reading good books together, especially classic mystery novels.

6th Grade Teacher

Mr. Jordan is excited to be joining the sixth-grade classroom at Harvest Academy. He holds a B.S. in Christian Counseling from Liberty University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Composition, also from Liberty, with a deep belief in the importance of lifelong learning—especially when it comes to helping students grow as thoughtful communicators and critical thinkers.

Paul and his wife, Kristian, are North Carolina natives with strong local roots. They have three children—Rafe, Lorelai, and Ella Mae—who are current or future students at Harvest Academy. As a family, the Jordans love exploring their neighborhood, listening to music, and visiting local coffee shops. From the beginning of their marriage, Paul and Kristian have lived by the promise “to always encourage the very best in each other,” a value that Paul brings into his classroom as he helps students discover their God-given potential.

A U.S. Army veteran and Eagle Scout, Paul brings a balance of structure, creativity, and purpose to his work. When he’s not teaching, he can often be found tending his backyard garden, reading aloud to his kids, exercising, writing creative fiction, or enjoying quality time with his bride. Son of a librarian, Paul dreams of publishing children’s books that reflect God’s truth and beauty.

The Jordans attend Church of the Resurrection in Mebane and are passionate about building community through faith, compassion, and intentional living. Paul is grateful for the opportunity to serve at Harvest Academy and looks forward to partnering with families to encourage the very best in each child.

Art Teacher

Alex Valencsin is one of the founding parents of the Harvest Academy. She has worked as an artist for the past 9 years and specializes in acrylic and mixed-media paintings. She is currently a Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Regent University.

Alex believes that God reveals Himself through creation and the process of creating. She wants to help her students worship God and know Him better by cultivating and using their individual artistic gifts. She is convinced that every student is an artist, for they are all made in the image of God.

Alex is married to Steven Valencsin and a full-time Mom to AnnaGrace and Rayne. She loves God’s Word and is passionate about the next generation knowing and following Jesus to the ends of the earth.

Ephesians 2:10 AMP For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

Art Teacher

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Appalachian State University. She gained valuable experience teaching grammar-aged students at a classical Christian school while assisting in the art classroom. She has lead painting classes at a local art studio and also paints commissioned artwork. In addition to her teaching experience, Hannah has worked for six years in showroom, furniture, and textile design.

She believes that God is the ultimate Creator, and that He has made us in His image to do good works—by His grace and love, we are invited to reflect His creativity through our own.

Hannah is married to Jonathan, and together they have three children: Grady, Millie, and Clifford. She enjoys getting to teach Grady on home days, trying out new healthy recipes, caring for her home and little ones, and welcoming others in for meals and fellowship. The Whites are members of Christ Covenant Church, where they serve in the college ministry and love growing and connecting with fellow believers.

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” — Isaiah 64:8

Music and Latin Teacher

Mrs. Fields is from Greensboro, NC. She has Bachelor and Masters degrees in Music Education with a concentration in voice, piano and choral conducting. She is certified Level III in CME (Choral Music Experience) and Level III CGI (Choristers Guild Institute), certified NCK-12 Music, and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools). Tami has taught public, private, and home schools, and community college. She also has been the music director at several churches around Greensboro directing all ages and choirs. More recently she was the K12 Fine Arts Director, Department head, MS/HS Chorus Director and HS Drama Teacher at High Point Christian Academy. Presently she leads the Kids Ministry and Kids Choir at her local church.

Mrs. Fields and her husband Bryan (a corporate pilot) have two amazing adult daughters. She homeschooled her girls and taught at several homeschool co-ops for 11 years. She also has a private music studio (piano, voice, and ukulele.) Tami loves to serve in her church, particularly in the family ministry with moms. She enjoys helping kids find joy and passion for music through singing and playing together, with the desire that her students worship the Lord by creating, and not just consuming, music. In their free time the Fields family loves to spend time at the coast or on the lake!

Physical Education Teacher

Alex graduated from UNCW with a Bachelors in Environmental Science. It is there that he met his wife, Elizabeth. They live in Summerfield with their 3 awesome kids. In his spare time Alex can be found running the trails of Greensboro and spending time with his family.

Alex has always had a passion for running and fitness. He loves sharing that passion with others. He knows that kids can grow confidence and learn life skills while playing sports and trying new activities. He wants to inspire students to try new things, learn teamwork, and practice encouraging each other. His prayer is that the students at Harvest would learn that they can glorify God through their passions.