Shelley Amburgey

Logic School: Physical Science
BS Olivet Nazarene University
RPh West Virginia University

Mrs. Amburgey graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in chemistry.  She then moved to Morgantown, WV, to pursue a degree in pharmacy.  After pharmacy school she worked as a pharmacist for many years in both hospital and retail settings.  She moved to Abingdon in 2005 after her husband finished his degree in dentistry.   She comes to CCA with 2 years of teaching experience in upper-level science classes.  She has three children, Troy, Anna, and Austin.  Two of her children are in the Logic and Rhetoric School and Troy attends Liberty University.     

Cindy Jo Ball

Logic School: Life Science
BS Old Dominion University

Mrs. Ball graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She has  worked as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, Home Health and Hospice Nurse, and Medical-Surgical Nurse in Orthopedics. In 2009 she put her nursing career on hold and became a full time stay-at-home mom. She and her husband Jackie have three beautiful children, Jackson, Gracie Jo, and Jude.  They are members of Hurricane Baptist Church of Davenport, VA  where she has played an active roll in the AWANA program and other youth ministries for many years.

Dianne Barrow

Logic & Rhetoric Schools: Math 7 & Dual Enrollment Precalculus I & II
BA Carson-Newman University
MA University of Virginia

Mrs. Barrow earned her bachelor’s degree, graduating magna cum laude, from Carson-Newman University in both English and Mathematics and her master’s degree, graduating summa cum laude, from the University of Virginia in Mathematics.  She began teaching middle school in Russell County, Virginia, and moved many places thereafter with her pilot husband, as the US Navy transferred them around the country.  She worked when babies and job availability permitted, teaching and substituting on the middle school and high school level.  The Barrows returned to this area to be near family, and as the children were now getting older, Mrs. Barrow was afforded the opportunity to tackle college teaching.  Shortly after taking the position, she became head of the math department at Virginia Intermont College and loved her work with the students there.  The school closed its doors in 2012, and that chapter was over, except for adjunct work in the area.  Mrs. Barrow is delighted to be returning to the classroom at Cornerstone to teach math and brings with her years of varied experience and lots of know how in her field.  She and her husband of more than forty years have four exceptional adult children, Meghan, Joseph, Hannah, and John Daniel. They are actively involved in their church, Highlands Fellowship of Bristol, Virginia.

Josh Biggs

Grammar School: Physical Education
BS Virginia Intermont College

Mr. Biggs graduated from Virginia Intermont College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education & Health (K-12). He will be stepping into his 9th year (5th @ CCA) of teaching Physical Education for the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Biggs lives in Bristol, TN and has sweet puppy named Macie. He attends Fellowship Chapel in Bristol, VA where he is active in serving in the Children’s Department. When he is not at school or church, you can find him on a golf course, bowling in a church league, or playing basketball. Mr. Biggs is thankful for God’s sovereignty and grace in his life. He is blessed to be a part of the CCA Family!

kim Collins

Grammar School: Second Grade
​BA Virginia Intermont College
BA Tennessee Temple

Ms. Collins earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Virginia Intermont College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tennessee Temple University. Her educational experience includes 9 years with Smyth County Public Schools and 7 years as a private piano teacher prior to coming to Cornerstone. She has a daughter, Meghan, and resides in Chilhowie. She is blessed to attend Chilhowie Baptist Church where she is a church pianist.

meghan Collins

Grammar School: Junior Kindergarten
​BS Crown College

Ms. Collins graduated from The Crown College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She is excited to begin her teaching career at CCA. She resides in Chilhowie and attends Chilhowie Baptist Church where she is involved in the music ministry, as well as in children and teen ministries.

Allison Davidson

Logic & Rhetoric Schools: Academic Support Director
​BA Bluefield College
MS Western Kentucky University and Radford University
Ed.D Liberty University

Dr. Davidson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Bluefield College as well as Master of Science degrees in both Exceptional Education from Western Kentucky University and School Counseling from Radford University.  She also completed a Doctor of Educational Leadership degree from Liberty University. She taught special education for 12 years at Abingdon High School prior to assisting her husband Jamie at Restoring Hope Church with the opening of Restoring Hope Christian Academy in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Dr. Davidson served as Preschool Director and School Counselor at RHCA. The Davidsons attend Grace Fellowship Church of God in Hansonville, where they serve as Christian Education Leaders. Dr. Davidson holds an Exhorter’s ministry license with the Church of God. The Davidsons have one son, Elishah, who attends CCA. Dr. Davidson is honored and excited to be part of the CCA faculty.

Jessica Edwards   

Grammar School:  Fifth Grade
BA Virginia Intermont College     


​Mrs. Edwards graduated from Virginia Intermont College in 2003 with her Bachelor of Arts in Education K4 through 6th grade.  She taught at the former Mountain Empire Baptist School for eight years.  In 2010, she began to homeschool her children as well as four other families.    In May 2014, her last three students graduated with honors, and all students are attending college.  Her passion is HIStory and her desire is to teach all subjects with Christ and His Word at the center.  She has traveled to England and Wales and has taken students on Virginia history trips for eight years.  She is married to Jonathan Edwards, and they have three daughters, Rebecca, Rachel, and Beth.  Jessica and her family attend Belle Meadows Baptist Church in Bristol, Virginia.

Janet Haynes

Grammar, Logic & Rhetoric Schools: Latin, Music & Rhetoric Choir
Bachelor of Music University of Georgia

​Mrs. Haynes graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Music in Therapy.  She worked as a Registered Music Therapist at Brawner Hospital in Smyrna, Georgia for six years, where she was the Director of Activity Therapy for two years.  Janet has been a private piano, theory and voice teacher in Abingdon for twenty-three years. She has also been a church and community choir director and a substitute music teacher in local schools system. She served as the MOPs mentor mom for seven years.  Janet is married to Bill, and they have two sons, Will & Daniel.  Janet and Bill attend Grace Christian Fellowship.

cody hester                                                                                                              

Rhetoric School: British Literature, American Literature, Classic Literature, Church History, & Earth Science
BS & BA Virginia Tech

Mr. Hester earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology as well as a Bachelor of Arts in both History and Geography with minors in Classical Studies and Geoscience from Virginia Tech. Mr. Hester is the fill-in pastor at First Christian Church of Allison Gap, where he received his ordination. Currently, Mr. Hester is pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing through Liberty University. He and his wife, Abby, live in Abingdon.

Merrill Hudgins

Logic & Rhetoric Schools:  Humanities 7, Humanities 8, Government, & Security Coordinator
BA Averett University
​
Mrs. Hudgins graduated from Averett University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science.  After graduation, she worked in Alumni Relations for Virginia Tech’s engineering department. In 1998 she became a stay-at-home mom for seventeen years, homeschooling three children before joining our Cornerstone staff.  Mrs. Hudgins has been very active in her community.  She and her husband Ric have three children, Rachel, Richard and Rebecca and reside in Marion.  They attend Marion Baptist Church.

KAYLEE JACKSON

Grammar School: Librarian
BA East Tennessee State University

Mrs. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from East Tennessee State University in 2014. Her experience includes 7 years teaching in Virgina Public Schools. She is also a leader in children's and women's ministries at her church, Calvary Bible Church in Duffield, Virginia. Mrs. Jackson lives in Lebanon, Virginia with her husband, Wade, their two children Izabell and Axl, and their dogs Brandy and Sport. She enjoys camping and going on South Holston Lake as well as spending time with her family in Bristol, TN and Council, VA. Mrs. Jackson is so thankful God led her to CCA and is so excited to continue to bring His joy into her classroom! She is enthusiastic and loves to make learning fun and exciting for her students. Mrs. Jackson is so thankful for her CCA family.

Rachel Kopp

Rhetoric Schools: Biology, Dual Enrollment Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, & Instructional Coach
BS King College MS Radford University

Mrs. Kopp earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Radford University and a Bachelor of Science degree from King College.  During her nine-year teaching career at her alma-mater, Abingdon High School, Mrs. Kopp taught Advanced Placement Biology,  and Anatomy. In addition, she served as head volleyball coach for eight years.  Mrs. Kopp and her husband Garrison have four daughters, Whitley, Alyssa, Reagan, and Wrenna. Mrs. Kopp and her family make their home in Abingdon and attend Woodland Hills Christian Church.  She enjoys puzzles, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.  Mrs. Kopp is excited to be a part of the purpose and vision that CCA has in the community.  She desires that God will use her in the lives of students to inspire young minds to be lifelong learners.

LESLEY LINT

Logic & Rhetoric Schools:  Art 7, Art 8, Art I, II, & III
BS Murray State University

Mrs. Lint earned a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts from Murray State University.  She is skilled and experienced in multiple areas of art including oil, watercolor, graphite, pen and ink, pastel pencil, illustration, sculpting, printmaking, drawing, matting and framing, Chinese brushwork, sewing, and crafting, as well as gallery and portfolio management. Mrs. Lint specializes in family and pet portraits in oil, pastel, and graphite and is recognized for illustrations in several professional works.  She has designed murals for the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, St. Mary’s School, and other residences and businesses in the Knoxville area.  She also designed the Abingdon Main Street Wolves at JJ’s Restaurant and Wolf Hills Antiques in Abingdon.  Mrs. Lint is creating her own series of children’s books that teaches the values and love of God in an Appalachian cultural setting.  In addition, she serves as Women’s Ministry Leader and substitute Pre-K Sunday School Teacher at Bristol First Assembly in Bristol, Virginia. Mrs. Lint is excited to teach art to eager learners in a Christ-centered environment and looks forward to what God has planned for CCA.

Leighann LLOYD

Grammar School:  Fifth & Sixth Grade Latin, Logic & Rhetoric Schools: Latin 7, Spanish I, II, & III
BA Emory & Henry College
​
​Mrs. Lloyd earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Education with a minor in Accounting from Emory & Henry College, where she participated in the Bonner Scholars Program. In addition to teaching Spanish in Wythe and Washington County Public Schools and at Sullins Academy, Ms. Lloyd’s work experience also includes serving as Office Manager for the Washington County Historical Society. Ms. Lloyd is currently serving as Mayor for the town of Glade Spring. She is a part of the Leadership Team for Church of the Crossroads, where her husband is pastor. Mrs. Lloyd has been married to her wonderful husband Matthew for 11 years. They have 2 curious and courageous children, Elizabeth and Graham. Mrs. Lloyd believes that a masterpiece is created by dedicated individuals striving toward a common goal and values every aspect of teamwork. She is honored to join the CCA faculty and desires to use her abilities and experiences to help raise future Kingdom leaders.

Becky Lortz

Grammar School:  Fourth Grade
BS Liberty University
​
​Mrs. Lortz graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and moved to Denver, Colorado.  She has worked and volunteered  in public and private schools in Colorado and Virginia.  She has had the opportunity to live in Brussels, Belgium and Dusseldorf, Germany for almost three years. She is married to Kirk, and they have three daughters, Bethany, Katlyn, and Anna.  She and her family attend Abingdon Bible Church, where they are involved in the Life Group Ministry.

Kathy Neace

Administrative Assistant
Afterschool Care

​Mrs. Neace has an Associates Degree in Applied Science as a Medical Assistant. With this training, she has worked for the Lord helping care for the sick and elderly at home. This work has helped families keep their loved ones at home instead of in a Nursing Home. She is wife to Rev. Dr. Robert Neace. Together they have a daughter, Abigail, who is a graduate of Cornerstone and attends Virginia Highlands Community College. She has a grown daughter April Taylor and husband Scott, who live in Anderson, Indiana with their sons Ethan and Nicolus. Her son Scott Jones and wife Miranda live in Rural Retreat, Virginia. The Neace family’s home church is Abingdon First Church of God, where Mrs. Neace serves as song leader, Childrens Church coordinator, and teacher. She serves in leadership with Virginia Women of the Church of God at her local church and on the state level to meet needs in the community. Being a part of the staff at Cornerstone brings her extraordinary joy.

Kim Overbay

Grammar School: Third Grade
BS Crown College

​Mrs. Overbay graduated from Crown College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She taught for almost four years at Grace Christian School in Newport, TN before moving with her family to Virginia and having children. Since the move she has stayed very active in the Joy Baptist Church, where her husband is pastor. Teaching in the Children’s Church and the Sunday evening kid’s program is a great blessing for her. Kim is grateful to God for her husband, Jay, and her four children (Josiah, Abigail, Hannah, and Jonathan).

Brett Page

Logic & Rhetoric Schools: World History I & II, U.S. History, World Literature, & Latin I
BA Wheaton College
Master of Divinity Westminster Theological Seminary

Mr. Page earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College and a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary.  He has taught a range of classes in the Humanities including history, literature, writing, Greek, and Latin.  Mr. Page is passionate about how all these subjects come together in Christ to illuminate the world and life today.  He is a native of New Jersey, where he has been a member of Mercy Hill Presbyterian Church (PCA), and is new to Southwest Virginia.

Stacey Seal

Logic & Rhetoric Schools: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, & Personal Finance
BS University of Mary Washington

Mrs. Seal earned her Bachelor of Science degree, graduating summa cum laude, in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Mary Washington. She is pursuing her Master’s degree at Liberty University and taking graduate courses in Mathematics and Education. Before her two sons were born, Mrs. Seal worked as a civilian employee for the Navy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren for seven years. As a software engineer, she helped create and update software for the Tomahawk missile’s weapons control system. Her professional experience also includes tutoring high school and college students in mathematics and being a Christian camp counselor at Camp Little Cross Roads. Mrs. Seal and her family attend Grace Christian Fellowship. She is excited to join the CCA family!

Doug Smith

Logic & Rhetoric Schools: Logic 7 & 8, Dual Enrollment Old Testament, Dual Enrollment New Testament, Dual Enrollment Apologetics and World Religions, Biblical Hebrew , Rhetoric 11, & Technology Coordinator
BA King University
Master Church Music Pensacola Theological Seminary
MTS, MDiv, ThM Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary PhD in Biblical Studies, Columbia International University

​Dr. Smith studied history and secondary education as an undergraduate and completed graduate degrees in church music, biblical and theological studies, and ministry. He is a member of the Creation Theology Society, the Evangelical Theological Society, the Institute for Biblical Research, International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies, and the National Association of Professors of Hebrew and is an associate research scholar with the Cataclysm Chronology Research Group. He teaches Bible, Biblical Hebrew, Logic, and Rhetoric, and helps coordinate technology at CCA. He also teaches dual enrollment Bible courses at CCA and serves as an adjunct professor in online programs at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Virginia Highlands Community College. He enjoys language studies, reading, writing, singing, and playing guitar. He and his wife Krystal are members of Fellowship Chapel in Bristol, Virginia, where they and their children reside.

Holli Tignor

Grammar School:  First Grade
BS East Tennessee State University
​
​​Mrs. Tignor received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from East Tennessee State University.  Before coming to Cornerstone Christian Academy, she taught preschool for two years. Holli loves teaching first grade and helping her students discover the world that God has created.  She believes it is a great privilege to teach her students from a Biblical perspective.  Holli is married to Jason and they attend Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church in Gray, Tennessee where she serves as a Second grade Sunday school teacher.

Mallory Whitman

Grammar School: Art
BS Union University
MBA Union University

Mrs. Whitman is a native of Jackson, TN. Mallory, her husband, Lisle, plus their two boys and a girl call Bristol, TN home. She joins CCA from a position as a factory sales representative for two custom cabinet manufacturers in the US. She graduated with her bachelor's of science and masters degree from Union University in Jackson, TN. Mallory is thrilled to be a part of the Cornerstone family and considers this role a privilege orchestrated by God and for God. She is passionate about creating her own art, but she is excited to embrace a calling to honor and glorify our Creator as she and her students admire His creation, appreciate His inspiration in the works of our fellow man, and learn to create art of their own that ultimately brings glory to the Father. 

Noah WHitt

Logic & Rhetoric Schools:  Bible 7 & 8, Physical Education, & Strength and Conditioning
BA Liberty University

Mr. Whitt graduated from Liberty University in the Spring of 2023 with a degree in Biblical and Educational Studies. He has experience working on staff at a church in the role of Worship Leader and Intern. He is looking forward to his second year at CCA and knows God has great things in store! 

Carrie Taylor Widener

Grammar School: Learning Lab & Math
BS Virginia Tech
MA Virginia Tech
​
Mrs. Widener graduated from Virginia Tech with both a Bachelor of Science in Family & Childhood Development and a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction.  She has eight years of classroom experience in local schools and received the 2006 Teacher of the Year award.  She is married to Paul and they have one daughter, Lydia.  They attend Chestnut Grove Community Church.

Becca Witler

Grammar School: Fifth Grade
BS Western New Mexico University
​
Mrs. Witler earned her Bachelor of Science degree in History from Western New Mexico University. She has homeschooled two of her own children, as well as spent many hours substituting in public schools and at Cornerstone. Throughout the years of growing and raising their family, she has served and taught the youth and young adults in their church. Since moving to Abingdon in 2021, they now attend Simple Rhythms. God used her husband’s job to give them the incredible opportunities of living in New Mexico, Colorado, Australia, and now Virginia. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael, and they have four children: Emma, Noah, Mason, and Adley. Spending time with family, being outside playing sports or hiking, reading, and exploring new places are a few of her favorite things. She is thrilled to be in Abingdon and teaching at Cornerstone!