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.”

Director of School Programs

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.

Chief Business Officer

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.

Director of Admissions and Development

Natalie is first and foremost the beloved daughter of our Lord, Jesus Christ. She is the proud wife to Rick and mother to Reagan and Will (and Maddie, their poodle). The Spieker family has been with Harvest Academy since the inaugural year.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Spanish, and brings nearly two decades of experience in sales and marketing.  Throughout her corporate career, Natalie was known for her creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver high-impact solutions to clients. Her excellence was consistently recognized with top honors, including Presidential Awards, Gross Profit Champion, and Representative of the Year. In 2022, Natalie felt the Lord calling her to walk away from work outside of the home and be fully dedicated to her family and the University-Model of schooling. She now applies her professional expertise and relational strengths to supporting families through the admissions process and advancing the school’s mission through development efforts.

Natalie and her family are covenant members at Mercy Hill Church and currently reside in Browns Summit where they enjoy all outdoor activities!

Director of Teaching and Learning

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.

Director of Preschool

Mrs. Heyden joined Harvest staff in 2024. She 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.

Athletic Director

From an early age, Todd participated and developed a love for all sports. In college, he played football for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where the values of teamwork, perseverance and commitment were further instilled into his character. After college, Todd began a professional career in the death care industry where he continues as a business owner today. 

Married to his beautiful wife, Cindy for 41 years, they raised three children, Constance, Patrick and Taylor, who all inherited his love for sports. Their passion was encouraged by coaching many of their sports teams. Coaching numerous sports for both his children and grandchildren, Todd recognizes the importance of mentoring through sports and how sports provide a unique opportunity to impact young lives for the Gospel. Modeling Christ is a daily requirement. As iron sharpens iron, Harvest Academy Athletics is purposefully designed to integrate faith into every aspect of the athletic department for the spiritual and overall development of all our students.

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

Lisa Flowers is excited to return to the Greensboro area, where she spent most of her school years growing up. She earned dual undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and English from UNC–Chapel Hill and later completed a master's degree in Mathematics Education there as well. Lisa earned her National Board Teaching Certification in 2010 and renewed it in 2020.

With 27 years of teaching experience, Lisa began by teaching first and second grades in Durham Public Schools before spending the past 23 years as a kindergarten teacher in Wake County Public Schools. She has also served in her church's Pre-K and Kindergarten Sunday School ministry for more than 20 years. 

Lisa recently moved to the area with her family after her husband accepted a position at Camp Caraway. They have three children: Josiah, a senior at UNC Charlotte; Rachel, a freshman at Appalachian State University; and Caleb, who is beginning high school through Liberty University Online Academy. 

Lisa is passionate about early childhood education and loves helping young learners build a strong foundation academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. She is grateful for the opportunity to teach in a classical Christian school, where she can integrate Biblical truth with her love of learning and years of experience.

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.

Teacher Assistant - Kindergarten

Having been a substitute TA last year, Rebecca Wright is excited about joining the Harvest Academy team and working with kindergartners in a full-time capacity.  She continues to pursue her homeschool graduation requirements, while beginning dual enrollment classes geared towards a degree in nursing.  Growing up as the second child in a family of six girls, she is used to being around young children and has a special ability to connect with them.  She manages to stay very busy, but when she has time, she enjoys baking.  Her current obsession is trying to conquer the art of making sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls!  Along with her love for children, Rebecca enjoys animals in general, and her beloved cock-eared dog, Schatzi, in particular.

Lower School Coordinator & 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 UNC Greensboro 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. Cruz was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. After earning her Associate in Allied Health from Hillsborough Community College, she married her high school sweetheart, Raul. Together they have three wonderful children: Kaylee, Zayne, and Khloe.

Before starting her family, Mrs. Cruz worked as an assistant teacher in both kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classrooms. When her children were born, she embraced the role of stay-at-home mom for five years, cherishing every moment of their early development.

In the summer of 2022, the Cruz family relocated to North Carolina, where they have delighted in the state’s gentle seasonal shifts and the warmth of its communities. Mrs. Cruz treasures time spent watching movies and reading the Bible with her children, and in quieter moments she finds joy and renewal in Scripture—especially her favorite verse, Colossians 3:23:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Her deepest desire is to honor Jesus in all she does. Mrs. Cruz is thrilled to bring her passion for faith, family, and education to Harvest Academy and to share God’s light with her students each day.

Teacher Assistant - 1st Grade

Mrs. Brown joined 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.

Family Ministries Director & 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.

2nd Grade Teacher

Ragan is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. She is the wife of John and loves spending time with him and their two dogs, Rex and Chester. Together, they enjoy hiking, exploring the mountains, and spending time outdoors.

A graduate of Appalachian State University, Ragan earned her bachelor's degree in education and has spent the past two years teaching in public schools. She is excited to join the Harvest Academy family for her third year of teaching and is passionate about fostering a classroom where students are challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and known personally.

Ragan looks forward to partnering with families to help students grow in both their knowledge and their faith while creating a joyful, Christ-centered learning environment.

Teacher Assistant - 2nd Grade

Sydney grew up in Greensboro, NC and attended Classical Conversations from elementary school through high school. She is a recent graduate of Liberty University where she earned her B.S. in Christian Leadership and Church Ministries with a minor in Youth Ministry. Sydney has been working as a preschool teacher and has served in her local church as a youth leader and in children’s ministry for five years. She was also a children’s ministry intern at her church in Virginia during her time at Liberty. She and her husband were married this past December and recently moved back to the area from Virgina. Her husband, Jack, is pursuing full-time vocational youth ministry. Jack and Sydney have a deep love for the local church and are passionate about serving in ministry together.

Sydney is passionate about helping children grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus. She loves God’s Word and has a heart for discipleship. Her desire is for each child to come to a deep understanding of who Jesus is and His love for them. One of her greatest joys is helping children develop an excitement for learning and believes it is an opportunity to point them back to Christ.

In her free time, Sydney enjoys watching and playing sports, trying new coffee shops with her husband, being outdoors and going to the beach. She has a heart for hospitality and she and her husband have a passion for hosting and cultivating ministry opportunities in their home.

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 joined 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.

Teacher Assistant - 3rd Grade

Rachel was homeschooled through high school and recently graduated from Emmaus University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and in Intercultural Studies, as well as a certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).  In addition to her formal education, Rachel has been blessed with opportunities to learn by serving in various ministries, being involved at church, and working on staff at Mountain Top Youth Camp for the past four summers.  When she has free time, Rachel enjoys reading, playing the guitar, writing songs, and almost anything that involves exploring the outdoors.  Rachel hopes to serve the Lord overseas in the future, but she is excited to see what the Lord has planned this year as she steps into the role of Third Grade Teacher Assistant at Harvest Academy.

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.

4th Grade Teacher

Adrian Hronich is excited to join the Harvest Academy community this school year! Adrian graduated from Bucknell University, where she double majored in English and Sociology. She went on to earn her law degree from Seton Hall Law School, where she was a published member of the Law Review and a competitor on the moot court team. After practicing telecommunications law at a large private firm, she left her legal career behind to raise her children. 

The Lord has blessed Adrian and her husband, Glen, with seven children. During the past two and a half decades, Adrian has homeschooled them all. They are now ages 16-28 (and a second grandbaby is due in August). God has faithfully provided every step of the way. 

Over the years, Adrian has also taught  various grade levels at her church and at several homeschool coops (EMMA, STEM, Friendly Educators, and Classical Conversations). She truly loves working with children and encouraging their natural curiosity. Most of all, she wants them to know the incredible love of the Almighty God who made them each unique and wonderful. When she is not teaching, Adrian enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cheering for her children at their sporting events, playing board games, meeting new people, and exercising.

Teacher Assistant - 4th Grade

Ms. Marti was born and raised in Loganville, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in French. Anna came to faith in her freshman year of college through the ministry of Campus Outreach. At the same time that ministry was challenging her worldview that year, the LORD was also working through the content of one of her math classes to show her need for Him. Anna has had a strong passion for learning and excellence in academics since she was young, but it was in college where she understood God’s lordship over all knowledge. Since then, Anna has grown in her desire to walk with Jesus alongside other believers and has found joy in learning how mathematics reflects God’s character. She strongly desires for children to find awe in the LORD through their studies earlier than she did, and desires to start children off on the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6) in all things.

Anna is a pure mathematics enthusiast and has enjoyed tutoring math for the last four years at all different levels. She loves unifying concepts across different areas of math; she believes that consistency in math reflects the consistency of God’s Word. Her favorite area of math is geometry, and her favorite concept to think about is the prime numbers! Anna also has a heart for international missions and language-learning. Additionally, she loves to sing and play the French horn.

Middle School Coordinator & Humanities Teacher

Mr. Jordan holds a Master of Arts in English Composition from Liberty University, and a B.S. in Christian Counseling, 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.

Middle School 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 School Humanities and Latin

Callie is a homeschool graduate and holds a BA in Classical Studies with a focus in Latin from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She has five years of teaching experience through Classical Conversations and Friendly Educators, where she currently teaches Middle and High School English. She is also a youth leader at her local church and loves nothing more than to watch students grow in their understanding. 

Callie is passionate about education, believing that God’s greatest gift to us (aside from our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ) is equipping us with the ability to know and love Him and to make Him known. Language is our best tool to do both, and she believes that Latin is the key to understanding much of our world, from theology to law and the sciences. 

When she is not teaching or studying, Callie enjoys reading, walking through art museums, spending time with her family, and learning more about God through His Word and His marvelous Creation. 

Middle School Humanities

Mrs. McCraw has taught for five years in both public and charter schools. She earned her degree in History Education from Liberty University. Although Liberty was a long way from her home state of Iowa, she loved her time there. While at Liberty, she met her husband, Zach, and they were married in 2018. She has enjoyed serving alongside him in ministry ever since he became a pastor. In August 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Avery, into the world, and she has brought so much joy to their family.

Teaching has always been Mrs. McCraw’s passion, and she is excited to continue sharing her love of learning with her students. She enjoys the simple joys of a good cup of coffee, investing in her church, spending time with family, and eating great Southern food.

Living with eternity in mind, Mrs. McCraw hopes to reflect the love of Jesus and the joy of walking with Him to each of her students. She is excited for the opportunity to love and teach students at Harvest, encouraging them to live life to the fullest while giving their very best for the glory of Jesus.

School Programs Coordinator & Middle School Science

Rebekah Beers is excited to begin her first year of teaching middle school science. She has always had a passion for science and loves to explore the intricacy of God's creation. She looks forward to helping students cultivate curiosity and discover the beauty and the order found in the world around them. 

Rebekah graduated from Hollins University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and French. During her time at Hollins, she served as the Head Formal Events Chair for two years, and discovered her love for event planning and hospitality. 

Originally from Lynchburg, Virginia, Rebekah married her husband, Isaac, in May of 2025. During her free time, she enjoys hosting friends, creating charcuterie boards, and playing Bunco with her church family at Christ Covenant Church. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and looks forward to an engaging year of learning and abiding by His word.

Family Engagement and Marketing Coordinator

Founding parent and wife to the Head of School, Becca has served as a visionary leader and faithful prayer warrior at Harvest since its founding. She brings both spiritual depth and creative excellence to her work, having owned and operated Becca Kate Photography for over eight years. Becca is passionate about prayer, the Word of God, and teaching the next generation to hear and follow the Spirit of God in their lives. Becca holds a degree in Entrepreneurship and Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as a NC Real Estate Broker License. She loves God’s creation—especially dogs and birds—and finds her greatest joy in raising her three energetic boys while serving the Harvest community with faith and purpose.

Theology & Biblical Worldview

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].

Visual Arts Teacher & Creative Content Support

Allison Ludlow is a fine artist and graphic designer from Visalia, California. Allison earned her Bachelors in Fine Arts in Visual Art from Azusa Pacific University. Allison has specialized in acrylic painting, ink and graphite drawing, and ceramic sculpture. Allison has worked the past 3 years as a Graphic Designer for a handful of non-profit ministries in California and North Carolina. In 2024, she moved across the country to work as a Designer and Childcare Specialist at a discipleship school in Sophia, NC. 

Allison is passionate about creating work that reflects the intentionality and artistry of God. She believes everyone was made with an ability to create because we are made in the image of the Creator. She loves to help children discover the value and joy of their own creativity, and believes growing creative confidence from a young age has a lasting impact. 

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” - ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬

Physical Education

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.

Front Office Coordinator

Cindy Apple is a dedicated educator, leader, and family matriarch.  She studied pre-school education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While her foundational training focused on the classroom, her true life’s work has been centered on nurturing her family and investing heavily in her community. As a devoted homemaker, Cindy has raised three children and is now the proud grandmother of six grandchildren. Her passion for teaching and mentorship shines through her extensive volunteer work, particularly in youth ministry and biblical education. For years, she has served as a middle school and high school girls’ Sunday school teacher and served as a Children’s Leader with Bible Study Fellowship. Outside of her ministry and family leadership, Cindy finds her greatest joy in spending quality time with her loved ones. She is an avid lover of the beach, where she enjoys relaxing and creating memories with her family. 

Campus Custodian

Renee was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. She graduated from Northeast Guilford High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from UNC Greensboro.

With a heart for serving others, Renee operated for 10 years as an emergency dispatcher at Guilford Metro 911. She then transitioned to the administrative side of a pediatric practice, where she was employed for 4 years.

Renee is an active member of Northern Baptist Church, where she leads the Ladies Circle group and serves in the children's ministry. She believes that everyone has a unique role to play in God's kingdom, no matter how big or small. 

Renee and her husband, Timothy, have been happily married since 2015 and are the proud parents of 3 amazing children. When she's not at work or serving at church, she enjoys making memories with her family, playing board games and cards, and spending her free time crafting and crocheting.

Renee is excited to be part of the Harvest family and looks forward to serving alongside the staff and getting to know the wonderful families in the Harvest community.

“being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭(KJV)

Music Teacher

Miss Funk was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Dakota, and her Masters of Music Performance from UNCG. She is a pianist and flutist and has a special interest in making music history exciting for young learners. Ultimately she desires to use music to reflect the beauty of God’s creation and bring Him glory. She is excited to begin her teaching career at Harvest Academy where she will have the privilege of teaching her students to make beautiful music to worship God and bring Him glory. When she’s not making music, you might find her reading, baking, swimming, or enjoying the beautiful NC landscapes!

Little Lions Assistant
Ashley is so excited to join the Harvest teaching family this year after two years as a Harvest parent to her youngest son, Briggs! She and her husband, Ken also have two older children, Madison and Ryan! 

She was born and raised in the Greensboro area and holds a certification in Early Childhood Education from GTCC. She worked in preschool for almost ten years when her children were younger and she is very excited to be back in the classroom this year as a preschool assistant teacher. 

Her family has fallen in love with Harvest and this school model and they are so thankful that God has led us here. She is looking forward to seeing what all God has in store for this school year and meeting all of the new “Little Lions” that are joining the Harvest family! 

Little Lions Assistant

Camille is excited to join Harvest this year as a Teacher Assistant. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Camille studied Early Children Education at Mississippi College (now Mississippi Christian University) but really learned the heart of God centered education with over 40 years in Children’s Ministry.  While attending Mississippi College, God also introduced her to her husband Pete.  Throughout their life together over the past 47 years, God has moved them to different cities and churches where Camille served in different capacities within the Children’s Ministries at each church.  Over that same period of time Camille remained involved in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).  BSF has provided Camille an opportunity for growing in her faith and using her gifts in teaching children. Camille has served as a Children’s Leader in Jackson, MS, Wichita, KS and in Greensboro for the last 8 years.   

Camille and Pete moved to Greensboro in 2017 to be close to their children and grandchildren, who also had recently moved to Greensboro. Seeing how Harvest has invested in two of her grandchildren she is excited about being part of their education, as well as investing herself into other Harvest students.  

Camille enjoys spending time with her family and attending the grandkids events and activities, as well as trail hiking, exploring small towns and taking trips to the beach.  

1Thessalonians 5:16-18 // Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.