Staff

Dr. Chris Thompson

Headmaster

chris@southriverbaptist.com

Dawn Waugh

K-5th Principal

dawn@southriverbaptist.com

Robin Stewart

Kindergarten Teacher

robin@southriverbaptist.com

Hi, My name is Robin Stewart. My husband Brian and I have been married for 7 years. The Lord has blessed us with 2 fun, loving, and energetic kiddos. Grayson is 5, and Nora Mae is 2. My family is one of my greatest blessings and an answer to prayer.

I grew up in Wilkesboro, NC. I am very grateful to have been raised by two godly parents who taught me in the ways of the Lord. At a young age, I made the decision to put my faith in Jesus and repented of my sins. Early on, I knew teaching was the career I wanted to pursue. Kids have always brought me joy and becoming a teacher has been an amazing blessing. I have spent 11 years teaching  Elementary grades, and the past five years I have taught Transitional Kindergarten at a local preschool.

I am so excited to be joining the Headwaters family as the girl’s Kindergarten teacher. We love South River Baptist and have enjoyed serving here as a family for many years. We firmly believe in the mission of Headwaters and it is an honor to be a part of how the Lord is using this school to educate and minister to the families in our community. Each day I hope to make learning fun and engaging, and most importantly it is my desire to love my students and point them to Jesus!

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 26:3-4 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

Leona Dixon

Kindergarten Teacher

leona@southriverbaptist.com

Hi, I’m Mrs. Leona!

I have been an Iredell County/Statesville Native my entire life. My husband and I have been married 43 years and have 2 children. We have been members of South River Baptist Church for nearly 35 years. During that time, I taught the Kindergarten Sunday School Class and helped with many Vacation Bible Schools. I enjoy worshipping with the choir, also.

My teaching experience includes 3 years in Pre-K and 28 years in public schools, of which 17 of those were in kindergarten. I retired from public schools to care for our aging parents. Then, 2020,

God called me back into working with children through Headwaters Christian Academy. I always dreamed of serving the Lord in a Christian environment and he has truly blessed me by being part of Headwaters Christian Academy! It is exciting to watch God working, step by step, to accomplish this mission. I love teaching, watching, and helping the kindergarten boys grow in the Lord.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

Jessica Park

1st Grade Teacher

jessica@southriverbaptist.com

Hey y’all!

I grew up in Princeton, West Virginia and graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in Elementary Education in May 2005.  I made the move to North Carolina in July of 2005 with high hopes and a beloved dog. I married my “better half”, Matt, in 2008. He provides for our family by driving a fuel tanker for Petroleum Transport Company.

From 2005 to 2021, I taught Kindergarten for Iredell Statesville Schools. While I believe all children have the right to an education, I do not believe that children should be educated on topics outside of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in a public school classroom. As a teacher I was not comfortable concealing my Christian beliefs or teaching anything that went against them. I am so grateful for the alternative Christian experience that Headwaters offers and was pleased to join their staff in 2022.  Our son Trevor (born in 2014) and our daughter Judith (born in 2018) both attend Headwaters. It brings Matt and I peace knowing our children are being taught a biblical and classical education!

When not teaching, I enjoy family time with my parents and fellowship with my South River Baptist Church family. I enjoy snuggling our three fur babies: Sheba a Border Collie Mix, Holly a German Shepherd Mix, and Wolfie a Schnauzer. I love “all the pretty things” in life such as jewelry, fashion, crafting, and decorating. Judith and Trevor keep most of my nights and weekends busy with dance and soccer!

Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” is my favorite bible verse. To me, the verse reminds me the I must ask for His forgiveness daily, but also stand unwavering in His Truth.

Angie Eudy

1st Grade Teacher

angie@southriverbaptist.com

Hello, My name is Angie Eudy. My husband, Joe and I have been married for twenty two years and we have three children. Lauren, 19, Michael, 17, and Matthew, 15.

I started teaching when my daughter was five. I homeschooled for six years and have been teaching in Christian schools for the past eight years. I have always enjoyed working with children!! They are truly a blessing to me!!

I decided to come to Headwaters because I have always wanted the freedom to teach using the Charlotte Mason Method. I believe in the vision of Headwaters and I am humbled to be a part of what the Lord has and continues to do here.

My favorite children’s book is Madeline. I love all the colorful illustrations and fun storyline! I also have great memories of reading this book to my children.

My favorite scripture verse is Romans 8:28. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I have watched the Lord fulfill this scripture in my life countless times.

Nicole Halterman

2nd Grade Teacher

nicoleh@southriverbaptist.com

Hello!  My name is Nicole Halterman.  Students often refer to me as Mrs. Halterman or Mrs. H. My husband Aaron and I have been married for 24 years. The Lord has blessed us with three children. Megan will be a junior at Liberty University and our two sons Andrew and Skylar will be a senior and sophomore in high school this year at Statesville Christian School.   I have a degree in elementary education from Arizona State University, continuing education from BJU, and other professional development classes. This will be my first year teaching at Headwaters Christian Academy.  I have teaching experience in public, Christian, homeschooling, and Sunday school.  I have lived in New York, Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina (going on 10 years in 2024).

This year we will enjoy reading one of my favorite books, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter.  I cherished the pleasure of reading children’s books and the Bible to my three children throughout their elementary school years. One of my favorite passages of scripture is Psalm chapter one.  This was my first chapter to memorize as a first grader growing up at a Christian school in New York where my mother was the first principal.   I am still challenged and encouraged by God’s Word.

Jennifer Hobbs

3rd Grade Teacher

jennifer@southriverbaptist.com

Hello, My name is Jennifer Hobbs. My Husband Joshua and I celebrate 10 years of marriage this November. We have 3 beautiful children who have all been gifted to us through the blessing of adoption. Alexander is 7, Katherine (Mia) 4, Royal 3. I was born in Alabama and grew up there until my family moved to Wilkesboro NC. At age 10 we moved to Statesville. I graduated high school from Eagles Refuge Academy, a Christian school that was started by my Grandparents. I went to Impact University in Clemmons where I graduated with my Masters in Biblical Theology. I have taught Middle School for the past 10 years at a Christian school. My dream growing up was to be a teacher because I have always had a love for children and seeing them learn and grow. I am so excited that God has opened the door for me at Headwaters this year. I look forward to meeting all the wonderful students, parents and staff. I will be teaching 3rd Grade girls. I am looking forward to growing and learn with them. My favorite childhood book is “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” it is so colorful, fun, and shows a growing friendship. My favorite verse of Scripture is Psalms 37:4-5 “Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord and He shall bring it to pass.”

Annette Wiley-Picard

3rd Grade Teacher

annette@southriverbaptist.com

Kim Williams

Administrator

kim@southriverbaptist.com

Hello!  I’m Kim Williams, I have called Statesville my home for 26 years now, relocating from Indiana for my career and to give a new start to my family.  I’m blessed beyond measure to have Jimmy, my husband of almost 20 years, as my partner in life.  I’m also mom to 2 beautiful girls, Nicole and Haley, who have families of their own, making me a “Mimi”of 4 grans, Carver, Navy, Raylan and Wyatt.  Like I said, I’m blessed beyond measure!

I have a degree in MIS and worked for Lowe’s for 25 years, retiring from there several years ago as a Senior Project Manager.  I enjoy the framework of project management (Consistancy, Clarity, Collaboration, Continuity, Communication) and have been able to utilize those concepts in my position here at Headwaters.  I love this unique, Christ-centered ministry we have here at Headwaters Christian Academy and am blessed to be able to use the gifts He has given me to serve Him here every day!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Pastor Scott Townsell

Youth Pastor & Bible Teacher

scott@southriverbaptist.com

Timothy Clendenin

Bible

timothy@southriverbaptist.com

Amy Chappin

Art Teacher – All Grades

Anita Long

ELA – Logic & Rhetoric Grades

anita@southriverbaptist.com

My name is Anita Long. I am an Iredell County native. My husband, Jerry, and I have one son, Caleb.  We live in Statesville and are members of South River.  We were blessed to homeschool Caleb from 2^nd grade through graduation. This will be my 3^rd year teaching at Headwaters and my 12^th year of classroom teaching.  The opportunity to return to classroom teaching here at Headwaters came the school year following the end of our homeschooling journey. God’s timing is perfect!

The Gospel-centered focus and mission to educate children to know God, think critically, and become life-long learners is a ministry that is critical for our time, and I am thankful to be part of the Headwaters family.

To name a single favorite scripture is difficult. I am encouraged and challenged by the Psalms, and sitting under the teaching and preaching of Pastor Chris has brought a new love of Proverbs. Romans 8 is my favorite chapter. As I read this scripture, I am reminded of the salvation God has brought to me through His Son, Jesus Christ, and that my life is secure in His hands.

A favorite children’s book is also difficult to choose. I love books, and especially reading books aloud to children. Over my years of teaching and many hours spent reading to Caleb, I have found many beautiful and delightful stories. Two favorites are My Great Aunt Arizona, by Gloria Houston, which tells the story of a teacher who lived a simple life and passed her love of learning to her students, and The Last Battle, by C.S. Lewis. The description of Aslan’s country has always been a treasure… “further up and further in”!

Jaimie Adams

Math – Logic & Rhetoric Grades

jaimie@southriverbaptist.com

Hi! I’m Jaimie Adams, and I moved from Oregon to North Carolina last summer (2022) to teach at Headwaters and to marry my now husband, Earl. It was a long trip and quite an adjustment, but I’ve found that I absolutely love living in North Carolina (apart from July and August – the heat and humidity will take some getting used to).

I graduated from Western Oregon University with a degree in Elementary Education in 1998. After that I taught in public schools for a few years before moving to teaching in Christian schools. That was a new experience for me, but I’ve become very passionate about Christian education! I have taught every grade from 1^st to 12^th, and I especially enjoy middle and upper grades. Math is one of my most favorite subjects to teach, so I’m thrilled that I am teaching math for the 6^th-11^th grades this year!

Jerry Long

History Teacher – Logic & Rhetoric Grades

jerry@southriverbaptist.com

My wife, Anita, and I have been blessed with 24 years of marriage. I met her on New Year’s Eve, asked her out by April, and proposed in September. We were married less than a year after we met. Advice to marriageable folk: If you know, why wait? If you don’t know, why bother? 

 We have a wonderful son, Caleb. He is a fine, courageous, Christian young man who is well-educated, gainfully employed, healthy, and would make the right lady an excellent husband. 

Why did I become a teacher? It was a painfully close to being a whim. I had no plan. God did. Twenty one years later I have learned that there is no labor that is not blessed if done for God’s glory, but I’m most happy teaching. 

When we joined South River and learned about Headwaters, Anita and I knew we had to support it in any way possible. The opportunity to teach middle school again was an answered prayer. It is a privilege and a great responsibility.  

It’s impossible to single out any Bible book and equally impossible to choose a particular verse. However, Joshua has always been dear to me and considering our situation, Joshua 5:14 is most appropriate. 

Cheryl Wenzel

Science Teacher – Logic & Rhetoric Grades

cheryl@southriverbaptist.com

God’s creation has always been exciting and intriguing to me!  As a little girl, I would flip over flat rocks in the cool shade to find roly poly bugs and toads; was born and grew up on an Island, specifically Aquidneck Island in the tiny, northern state of RI.  This was amazing in that the magnificent ocean was never more than a couple of miles away from wherever we were.  My grandfather had a lobster boat and my uncle had a boat for conching – catching large ocean snails to eat.  I loved catching crabs in the tidal pools with my dad, luring them out with a smashed mussel attached with a safety pin to a string, sometimes even finding an alien-looking spider crab.  Likewise, my uncle would take me fishing; to my surprise I once unintentionally caught a stingray with fleshy “wings” and a spiked tail.   When we would go squidding, ink splatted all over the pier; and we had to watch out for their sharp beaks.  Yes, squid have beaks.  I still have a photo of my mother and I from 1993 with a poor 500-pound sea turtle that washed up on the beach.  It has swallowed a plastic grocery bag; now only paper bags are allowed.  Speaking of my mom, she has always kept beautiful gardens with bee bombs that attract humming birds and many other pollinators; and loves the roly polys and hoppy toads as well.  Now you know where I got it from.

Another related memory is playing teacher in my parent’s finished basement, chalk in hand and an old fashioned blackboard.  It is no wonder I went on to attend URI to become a science teacher.  I have always loved the Lord from a young age, singing Amy Grant songs in that same basement – played on an old fashioned record player and feeling the love of God as I sang.  I married my husband Jason 28 years ago, and had six children, three boys and three girls (oldest is 25 and the youngest are 12 year old identical twin girls).  I taught in public schools for 16.5 years, and am so thankful the Lord has opened the door for me to teach at Headwaters Christian Academy where I can freely share my faith in Jesus and integrate knowing God’s Word as being the upmost importance in gaining wisdom and knowledge.  I look forward to the privilege of meeting, getting to know, mentoring and guiding your children in the experience of the discipline and love of learning.

Tracy Morgan

Latin Teacher – Logic & Rhetoric Grades

tracy@southriverbaptist.com

I am Tracy Morgan. I have been married to my husband Brent for 22 years and we have a seventeen-year-old daughter named Riley.

I grew up in Conover NC and graduated from St. Stephens High School. I went to Mars Hill College and UNC-Greensboro for my undergraduate degree and received a master’s degree in counseling from Lenoir Rhyne College. I also grew up attending St. Stephens Lutheran Church MS in Hickory and continue to do that today.

After my undergraduate work in college, I worked as a victim advocate in the court system and then decided to go back to school to complete a degree in counseling. While completing my master’s degree, I worked as a Spanish teacher and as a counselor. Upon the birth of my daughter, I decided to stay at home and raise my daughter when she was young. When she started school at Hickory Christian Academy, I started teaching Spanish and Latin there as well. We were at Hickory Christian Academy for 7 years when my husband was promoted to Lieutenant with the NC Highway Patrol and was moved to Raleigh for the new position. I worked for 5 years as a 1^st grade teacher at Bradford Academy in Mebane NC, a Christian school located between Greensboro and Raleigh. My husband has recently retired from the Highway Patrol and we decided to move back closer to home.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, waking and hiking with my two Great Danes (Skye and Ozzy) and exploring various small towns. I am excited that God has led me to Headwaters Christian Academy and I look forward to serving your family as the Latin teacher.

Another related memory is playing teacher in my parent’s finished basement, chalk in hand and an old fashioned blackboard.  It is no wonder I went on to attend URI to become a science teacher.  I have always loved the Lord from a young age, singing Amy Grant songs in that same basement – played on an old fashioned record player and feeling the love of God as I sang.  I married my husband Jason 28 years ago, and had six children, three boys and three girls (oldest is 25 and the youngest are 12 year old identical twin girls).  I taught in public schools for 16.5 years, and am so thankful the Lord has opened the door for me to teach at Headwaters Christian Academy where I can freely share my faith in Jesus and integrate knowing God’s Word as being the upmost importance in gaining wisdom and knowledge.  I look forward to the privilege of meeting, getting to know, mentoring and guiding your children in the experience of the discipline and love of learning.

Dr. J. Andrew Payne

Logic Teacher – Logic & Rhetoric Grades

andrew@southriverbaptist.com