“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:7 KJV
Mrs. Susan Payne – Principal. Susan Payne has been in education for over twenty years. She has a great desire to help students learn and grow! Mrs. Payne and her husband have four children and sixteen grandchildren that they love dearly!
Mrs. Alisha Gaasch – Elementary Teacher. “I have such a passion for teaching, and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Lighthouse Christian Academy this year.” Alisha Gaasch was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM and moved to Colorado in 2011 after she graduated from New Mexico State University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Minored in Science. Alisha has taught in Las Cruces, at Dolores Elementary School and at Teddy Bear Preschool. She has been married to Jared since March of 2022. Alisha and Jared have four kiddos, two girls and two boys (Kooper, Rylee, Jesse and Jayme). Alisha loves being a Wife, Mother and Teacher.
Mrs. Megan Shepherd – Elementary Teacher. Megan Shepherd was born and raised in Nebraska. Growing up, her dad was in full-time ministry as a pastor. Ministry has always been a huge part of her. Mrs. Shepherd attended a small Christian college in Nebraska and studied music and education. She and her husband, Travis, have been married for twenty four years and have two children, Hayden and Alisabeth. After moving to Cortez at the beginning of 2021, the Lord answered that prayer with the opportunity to join the staff at LCA. Mrs. Shepherd is so excited for the opportunities that will be available serving the Lord in this ministry.
Mrs. Sarah Lovett – Secondary Teacher. Sarah Lovett was born and raised in Cortez, CO. She accepted Christ as her Savior when she was 6 years old and surrendered her life to the Lord at church camp when she was 12. She was blessed to grow up in a godly, hardworking, farmer’s home. She received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at West Coast Baptist College. She has been married to her husband Keenen for 12 years and their two daughters also attend LCA. Mrs. Lovett has been teaching Kindergarten – 4th grade for over 7 years. Last year she had the opportunity to work with the teens in the Jr & Sr High and has loved it! She enjoys helping the older students develop a heart for the Lord while working hard in school and making important life choices before they graduate.
Mrs. Kaitie Gray – Kindergarten Teacher. Kaitie Gray has been a part of the academy staff at Lighthouse Christian Academy since 2013. Mrs. Gray was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of eighteen. She has always had a heart for children and attended West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California, to pursue God’s will for her life. While there, she obtained her bachelor’s in Education and master’s in Christian Education.
Mrs. Koralisa Brengle – Secondary Teacher. – My name is Koralisa Brengle. I have an amazing husband named Kenny and 3 wonderful children: Orion, Malakai, and Max. I love the Lord and dogs.
Mrs. Tatum Overton – Elementary Teacher. – My name is Tatum Overton. I’m a proud graduate of LCA, and am married to my wonderful husband, Lucas. I have a passion for fitness and love spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes.
Miss. Alisabeth Shepherd – Elementary Para Teacher. – My name is Alisabeth Shepherd. I graduated from LCA in 2024. I have a passion for teaching and sharing the gospel with my students.