Faculty and Staff Bio
Jessi Robson – Principal
jessi.robson@fcatucson.org
Jessi earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She has been working in Christian education from childhood and even taught at the same school she attended as a child. She has been a Christian camp counselor and activities director, ran an inner city missions program in Nashville, and worked as a Summer Program Director. She has been at FCA since 2006 and is passionate about Christian Education. Transitioning to leadership in 2021 has been a wonderful challenge that is made all the easier because of the hard work done by the previous leadership and the talented staff.
Matt Lewis – Assistant Principal
matt.lewis@fcatucson.org
Matt received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona. He has taught at Christian schools, charter schools, and in the public schools. He is particularly fond of geography, history, math, and athletics. He is excited to see students understand the content and being a part of that process. He has a knack for getting to know the students and enjoys being able to see their growth throughout the year. His transition to leadership has been a great opportunity in his own professional growth and his life experiences are all getting put to great use.
Kathleen Purcell – Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@fcatucson.org
Kathleen studied accounting at Pima Community College and has 20+ years of experience working in accounting related positions. A strong believer in family choice, Kathleen is well versed in all of the programs offered by the state of Arizona in order to make private Christian school a reality for the average family. Kathleen is married and has four children – her family has spent more than 22 years as a part of FCA and is part of our school’s foundation.
Stephanie Lewis – Front Desk
fca@fcatucson.org
Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Special Education from the University of Arizona. As a mother of four children, Stephanie desires to serve the families of FCA and care for our students as her own. Prior experience in restaurant and retail businesses has taught her excellent customer service skills. She is organized, efficient, and a great addition to the office staff.
Linda Salcido – Preschool Teacher
linda.salcido@fcatucson.org
Linda has over 20 years of experience in all different ages of children’s ministry in her church. She worked in various positions in three different Elementary schools before coming to FCA. She loves being a child’s first teacher, laying that foundation for their love of learning and their love for God. She has found her niche in early education with all of her “busy bees”.
Sallie Taylor – PreK Teacher – Preschool Director
sallie.taylor@fcatucson.org
Sallie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona. She has worked in the Marana, Amphitheater, and Flowing Wells school districts. She has been a Girl Scout leader and children’s ministry teacher. At FCA, Sallie has taught PreK, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades during the 20+ years she has taught here. She is passionate about getting kids to LOVE learning and to appreciate the world God gave us.
Briana Botello – PreK Aide
Briana started studying to be a nurse but God shifted her heart to being a mom and eventually education. She is currently studying Education through Grand Canyon University and has been able to do her practicum work alongside our teachers. She helps us spread the word about our school and tax credit programs as she makes connections in the community and with our parents.
Amber Stephens – Preschool Aide
Amber has been a longtime worker in childcare since the age of 13. She is a graduate of Flowing Wells High School, and is a former FCA student herself. She loves being able to help mold the lives of the children in a Godly way. Her “on the job” training has developed and she has earned more responsibility in her department. She is married and a mother to two young children.
Maria Morris – Preschool Aide and Extended Care
Maria graduated from a Christian high school, and she has an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College. She continued her studies at Pensacola Christian College in Florida. Upon relocating to Arizona, she has become a longtime volunteer in children’s ministry and outreach ministries at her church. She loves children and looks forward to growing in this career path as she gains experience and training. Her desire to serve and get to know the students and families.
Christine Moon – Kindergarten Teacher
christine.moon@fcatucson.org
Christine earned her Bachelor in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from U of A and went on to ASU for a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She has faithfully served our school as a parent and student doing practicum work but now gets to bring her skills to her own classroom. She has 15 years of tutoring experience, served as the Children’s Ministry Director and teacher at her church, and directed VBS among many other things. She is excited to develop a love of learning in her students and is passionate about integrating Christ throughout as she builds relationships and community.
Colleen Sexton – 1st Grade Teacher
colleen.sexton@fcatucson.org
Colleen earned her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Prescott College and a Masters in Early Childhood from NAU. With over 15 years of teaching experience, 9 of those in first grade at another Christian school, Colleen brings with her a passion for teaching and for her local church. Being a mother, attending Bible College, teaching Sunday School and even working as a Veterinarian Assistant in her earlier years have developed her character in ways that make her a wonderful teacher to any student.
Maja Quintero – 2nd Grade Teacher
maja.quintero@fcatucson.org
Maja graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Southwestern College (now Arizona Christian University). She has taught 2nd grade for over 13 years and has developed a wonderful course of study for her students. Her desire is that all students develop in academics and in their relationship with Jesus. She strives to teach a solid Biblical Worldview in which they apply this worldview in everything they do in life.
Annette Pursley – 3rd Grade Teacher
annette.pursley@fcatucson.org
Annette graduated from Park University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Her career has included working with Head Start in Early Intervention and teaching in a variety of sports and physical education programs. She is certified in Perceptual Motor Development and has worked at FCA for over 20 years. Annette has always loved education and when she saw how Jesus is integrated in the fabric of a Christian Education, she never turned back!
Daisy Maynard – 4th Grade Teacher
daisy.maynard@fcatucson.org
Daisy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College. She loves joining academics and the Bible to help in everyday life. She has grown up helping and teaching in Bible Club, Sunday School, and as a Camp Counselor.
Kellie Edmunds – 5th Grade Teacher
kellie.edmunds@fcatucson.org
Kellie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science/Promotion and a Masters in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. She has been a substitute teacher, coached various sports teams, is a personal trainer and she homeschooled her four children before bringing them to FCA. Her favorite subjects are health, nutrition, Bible and math. She wants to help kids and adults enjoy being active and living life to the fullest.
Kathie Thomas – 6th Grade Teacher
kathie.thomas@fcatucson.org
Kathie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and is a talented artist. She has taught Sunday School and worked with DoD in adult education. She has worked as an art teacher for multiple Christian Schools in Tucson. She wants to see children be successful, that God created us all to see and appreciate beautiful things, and that he is the first and best artist. She has also taught in the classroom in different grades and most recently came on as our full time 6th grade teacher.
Jayme Bigelow – Music Teacher & Spanish/Latin Teacher
jayme.bigelow@fcatucson.org
Jayme graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Arizona. While in college, she taught music and PreK at FCA. Then, she taught music for 10 years in the Amphitheater School District and is now back to teaching music and languages at FCA. She has been active in the music ministries of her local church since her teenage years. She has been teaching private lessons in piano, voice and guitar since her college years. Jayme is married and a mother to three children.
Della Chelpka – Art Teacher
Della received a Bachelor of Music Education from NAU but also has a natural talent for art. She has been a music and art teacher for many years at different schools, homeschooled, taught private lessons, and is a pastor’s wife, all on top of being a professional artist. She is passionate about helping students learn to slow down and notice more about the world around them through art, that they might better know their creator, and how they are made in His image.
Deanna Nunez – PE Teahcer
Deanna has a degree in Business Administration and Management which came in handy as she co-founded multiple businesses. She is active in her church and busy with her family. She enjoys volleyball and finds time to coach teams around town. She desires to stay active and to be involved with helping kids to develop athletically, socially, and spiritually.
Jason Nelsestuen – Extended Care – Preschool PE – Chapel
jason.nelsestuen@fcatucson.org
Jason received his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Grand Canyon University. He has been a Children’s Pastor, Youth Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Pastor of Alta Vista Bible Church and worked in car sales for 12 years. As a father to four boys, he believes in the influence of Christian education in children’s upbringing. He is wonderful at building relationships with the kids on campus and integrates the Bible in everything he teaches. You may also see him around other schools in his role with ACSTO.
Charlotte Green-Lunchroom and Extended Care
Charlotte moved to Tucson in 2014 and rededicated her life to the Lord. After volunteering at FCA for several years, she accepted a position in the lunchroom and extended care. She’s an active member of FCC and volunteers for VBS each year. Children and families are dear to her heart. She loves being ‘grandma’ to all the kids.
Joslyn Mothershed – Substitute
Joslyn studied Digital Electronics, Communication Electronics, and Early Education as well as being a homeschool teacher for 28 years. She has volunteered with the school for many years and is coming alongside our staff to help make our students successful. She believes that children are a special gift from God and should be treated as such.