Staff & Faculty

Office Staff

Jennifer Rackley – Administrator

I am proud to serve as the Administrator of San Angelo Christian Academy. Having been deeply involved with San Angelo Christian Academy for many years, serving on the Board of Directors for eight years prior to accepting the position as Administrator in 2012, I am tremendously proud of how our school has grown and continues to develop. My background in Special Education and years of teaching experience help me support our teachers and students with creativity and practical guidance. SACA was my school of choice for my own children. My husband and I are the proud parents of two SACA graduates. I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of San Angelo Christian Academy, providing a Christ-centered education that fosters excellence and God-given talents. Working with such a talented group of educators and our fantastic students makes every day a great day to be a Lion!

Amanda Groghan – Office Manager

My name is Amanda Groghan and what a blessing it is to be at San Angelo Christian Academy! My husband, Todd, and I have four children that all live here in San Angelo with us. I grew up outside of Detroit and Todd grew up outside of Washington, D.C. San Angelo is very different from where we grew up and we love it here! When our family moved here in 2023, we knew we wanted our kids to attend SACA. We are so thankful that all four of our children have attended here at some point in their education because there is nowhere else that loves your child the way we do at San Angelo Christian Academy! When I am not working at SACA or helping out in some way, I enjoy spending time with my family, church family, teaching Sunday school and reading.

Vivian Argueta – Accounts Manager

Hi, I'm Vivian! My husband and I, along with our two daughters, have lived here in San Angelo for a few years. We are a military family and are blessed to be here in San Angelo. I love working at SACA and I am excited to be a SACA LION!!

Marie Ledbetter – Nurse/ Registrar/ Administrative Assistant to Mrs. Rackley

I am excited to be a part of San Angelo Christian Academy. I have been passionate about private education since I was in school myself. I don’t know of a more loving environment where you could send your kids for school. I have 3 kids of my own and 3 grandchildren and I am honored and blessed to get to work with this caring and talented staff and to serve the amazing students here.

Primary Building

Grace Marlatt – Pre-kindergarten and After School Care Coordinator

My name is Grace Marlatt. I am the Pre-kindergarten teacher here at San Angelo Christian Academy. I am married and have 3 children of my own. I love being a part of the SACA Lion team! I have a great love for children. I am not only honored to teach these sweet children, but I am also blessed.

Dena Porter – Kindergarten

I am excited to be the new kindergarten teacher for SACA. I graduated from ASU with my B.S, and Master's degrees in early childhood education. While I have taught all elementary grades through 8th grade, except for pre-k and 5th, my deep love for teaching is kindergarten. I believe God gives teachers a heart for specific ages and He has blessed me with 5-, 6- and 7-year olds. I find tremendous joy in being present when the "light bulb turns on" in these children to an excitement for letters, sounds, beginning reading, and a love for learning.

David and I have been tremendously blessed to teach in several different places, but mostly in Ozona, Texas. We are the proud parents of three children and 10 wonderful grandchildren. "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Ps 127:5 We have been so richly blessed with many students, who will always be a part of us, through our teaching.

Dorie Lofton – 1st Grade

Hi, My name is Dorie Lofton. I am the 1st grade teacher at San Angelo Christian Academy. I began teaching at SACA in 2023. Before coming to SACA I taught Elementary Music for 18 years in Grand Junction, Colorado. Because of that experience, I have had the privilege of working with all of the primary kids throughout the years in preparation of music performances. I have been blessed to be able to work and spend my days here with your kiddos. I have loved every moment at San Angelo Christian Academy.

Emelia Hyde – 2nd Grade

Hi! My name is Emelia Hyde. I'm thrilled to be teaching second grade at SACA. My personal passions include writing, community service, and crochet. I'm a graduate of ASU, a preacher's daughter, and an oldest child. I know we're going to have a great year!

Crystal Modawell – 3rd Grade

Hi, my name is Crystal Modawell! I am the 3rd grade teacher at San Angelo Christian Academy. I have been teaching at SACA since 2016! I am excited to be working at such a great school with a wonderful Christian Atmosphere!

Dawna Scott – 4th Grade

My name is Dawna Scott. I have been teaching at San Angelo Christian Academy since 2010. I currently teach 4th grade and coach our FIRST Tech Challenge program.

My husband and I are blessed with 3 children, all of whom spent most of their school years at the academy and have recently graduated. As parents, we are confident that our children have been thoroughly equipped for their next steps, both academically and spiritually, in large part due to the dedicated teachers and staff of the academy, and we are eternally grateful!

I hope you will consider being a part of our wonderful family here at SACA!

Nicole Thornton – Athletic Director, PE, Geometry, English, & Volleyball Coach

My name is Nicole Thornton. I am blessed to be teaching PE, Geometry, and 6th & 7th grade English at SACA. I am the Athletic Director and coach volleyball. I have a degree in Elementary Education from Lubbock Christian University and a Masters in Special Education from Abilene Christian University. I worked in public schools in Lubbock, TX, and in Hawley, TX. In between those two jobs, I was blessed to be able to stay at home with my two children. They both attend SACA and have grown academically and spiritually every year. My goal is to get the kids to work hard and have fun while doing it!

Instructional Aides

Lucie Jenkins – Cross Country, Track & Field, Athletics, & Instructional Aide

Hi! My name is Lucie Jenkins and this is my sixth year as a teacher’s aide and as the cross country and track coach here at San Angelo Christian Academy. I love helping the teachers and our students in any way that I possibly can! The staff and students encourage me each and every day to strive to be better than the day before. Helping students find their inner athlete is a passion of mine that I take seriously and have so much fun with! I do not see running and working out as only getting in shape for an event. I see it as developing perseverance, strength and courage to take on this life that God has blessed us with. I am grateful for every single day that I get to serve this great school!

Jamie Thompson

Hi, my name is Jamie Thompson. I have 3 amazing children. I have been a part of SACA since 2018, when my older two children first started attending the school. I started as a part time sub and then went full time in 2019 as an aide. Most of my duties keep me in the Primary building and consist of supporting the pre-k and kindergarten staff. I help with crafts, testing, working side-by-side with students who need extra help with their work, and assist in the cafeteria. I am also the After School Care Coordinator. I am blessed to be a part of the SACA family.

Kennedy Thompson

My name is Kennedy Thompson, I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be here at SACA! I have a background in special education, and pediatric behavior therapy. I am married with 4 kids and two of them will be attending SACA. I cannot wait to work with your children and watch them grow spiritually and educationally!

Secondary Building

Mindy Lusk – English, College Planner, and Oral Interpretation & Creative Writing

My name is Mindy Lusk. I have been teaching secondary English at San Angelo Christian Academy since 2016. In addition to teaching ELA, I teach theater and assist with the SACA Sea Lions swim team. Whether we find ourselves on the stage; in the pool; or between the pages of great literature, it is my endeavor to instill a desire to learn and excel in each of my students. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – I Corinthians 10:31

To view Mindy Lusk's external website, click on the following link: http://mindylusk.weebly.com/

Linda Harris – Texas History, World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Spanish, and Government & Economics

Hello, my name is Linda Harris. I taught 2nd grade in the public school system before discovering the Academy. What a blessing it has been! I encourage anyone looking for a superior education to check out our school. Our smaller numbers allow us to nurture each child as an individual. God is very much alive and active at our school and in the lives of our teachers.

Christy Kemp – Anatomy & Physiology/Christian Evidences, Biology, English, Chemistry, Financial Peace/Speech, and Photo-Journalism

Hello! My name is Christy Kemp. I have been teaching at SACA since 2004. I teach a variety of subjects in the secondary building. My husband and I were blessed with one child who is a SACA alumni. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be teaching a Christian-based curriculum in a like-minded environment!

Shelly Burkett – Mathematics, Tennis Coach

Hello, my name is Shelly Burkett. I teach secondary mathematics and coach tennis. After teaching for over 13 years in the public school system, God blessed me with the opportunity to teach here at SACA. I love teaching in a Christian environment and sharing my love for math with the students. The students and staff are amazing. I pray that I can encourage and challenge them each day to be the best versions of themselves.

Martin Guinn – Science, Technology, Computer Programming, and Music Ensemble

Rob Ledbetter – Bible and Social Studies

Hello, my name is Robert Ledbetter and I serve as the Junior High Social Studies and Bible teacher at SACA, I bring a wealth of experience and a heart for ministry to this job. With over 20 years of mission work, teaching and preaching, I have dedicated my life to spreading the Gospel and educating young minds.

As a devoted father and grandfather, I understand the importance of guiding the next generation with wisdom, love, and a strong foundation in faith. I am deeply committed to creating an engaging and meaningful classroom experience, helping students grow both academically AND spiritually. I am loving my time teaching here at SACA and feel truly blessed to be part of this school community.

Leah Valdez – Math and Math tutoring

Hi, my name is Leah Valdez and I serve as the Junior High Math teacher at SACA. As a mother of three—two of whom are proud SACA Lions—I bring both a personal and professional passion to our school community. I fell in love with math during college and have carried that enthusiasm into the classroom ever since.

My goal is to help students truly understand math and approach it with confidence, rather than struggle or feel intimidated. I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where every student can succeed and grow. It's a joy to teach at SACA and to be part of shaping young minds with both knowledge and care.

Fine Arts Building

Natalee Clugy – Art and Instructional Aide

My name is Natalee Clugy and I love working at SACA as an instructional aide and Art teacher. I believe every child has their own unique talents and gifts to offer and I enjoy getting to see these gifts develop and become evident as I get to know them and watch them grow. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, art, crafts, being outdoors, traveling and seeing new places - locally and especially globally.

Library

Patsy Shero

Thanks for checking out our webpage! I work as the Library Lady for the Primary grades. This lets me still be involved with the children, even though I am not at school every day. We have a lot of fun during library. Our goal is to help these children learn to love to read. When you come by to visit SACA, please check out the library.

Coaches

Nicole Thornton – Athletic Director, PE, Geometry, English, & Volleyball, Basketball, Golf & Track Coach

Tony Valdez – Swim Coach

Lucie Jenkins – Cross Country, Track & Field, Athletics, & Instructional Aide

Victoria Martinez – Weight Training Coach

Howdy! My name is Victoria Martinez! My wonderful husband Vincent and I have two beautiful children, Gavin and Vera, who attend San Angelo Christian Academy. We’ve been back and forth to San Angelo two different times due to my husband’s line of work. SACA has always had its doors open and ready to welcome us home. Luckily, now we’ve planted our roots and we’re HOME for good. I’ve wanted to coach strength and conditioning for years now. I am a strong believer that exercise is crucial to a positive mindset and healthy mental state. So serving SACA is a dream come true. Incorporating bible scripture and coaching students by challenging them with various skills and exercises to make them STRONG! Strong in faith AND their bodies. So, from the very bottom of my heart, I thank you all for trusting me with your children. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” — PROVERBS 27:17

Shelly Burkett – Mathematics, Tennis Coach

Custodian

Rodney Clay – Morale Officer

Rodney grew up in San Angelo. He has been a resident for the past 40 years. He graduated Central High School in 2005. The fall of 2005, he began working part-time at SACA. In 2020, he moved to full-time. Rodney constantly has a song in his heart and shares his joy with others! Rodney believes everyday is a great day to be a Lion!!