Dr. Chris Thompson
Headmaster & Bible Teacher
chris@southriverbaptist.com
Talitha Gwaltney
Grammar Principal
talitha@southriverbaptist.com
Hello! My name is Talitha Gwaltney, and I am both excited and honored to be part of the Headwaters community as the Grammar School Principal. It is a blessing to be called to serve in this role, and I am looking forward to getting to know our students and supporting the incredible teachers who are dedicated to educating your children.
My husband of forty-three years, Rev. Cliff Gwaltney, is the pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church in Harmony. For the past thirty-two years, it has been my joy to serve alongside him in various ministries within our church.
Cliff and I are blessed with three loving adult children, three wonderful in-law children, six precious grandchildren, and we are joyfully anticipating the arrival of our seventh grandchild in February. Our family shares a deep love for the Lord and is actively involved in ministry.
God placed a love for teaching in my heart from a young age. Through His guidance, I have been led step by step—from pursuing my education, to serving in teaching roles, and ultimately earning a Doctorates degree in Christian Education. Over the past twenty-nine years in education, I have found great joy in every classroom and every class I have taught.
When I am not at school, I enjoy hiking in the mountains, spending time with family, playing with my grandchildren, and traveling to visit family in Wales. These moments of rest and joy keep me refreshed and remind me of God’s goodness in all seasons of life.
Now, God has given me a clear calling to serve here at Headwaters. I believe this is exactly where He has placed me, and my deepest desire is to bring Him glory in all I do. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this Christ-centered community.
My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s plan is always perfect!
Timothy Clendenin
Grammar Bible Teacher
timothy@southriverbaptist.com
Brandi Ballard
PreK Teacher
prek@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
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.
Mary Edwards
1st Grade Teacher
marye@southriverbaptist.com
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.
Savannah Priest
2nd Grade Teacher
savannah@southriverbaptist.com
Hello! My name is Savannah Priest, but my students call me Ms. Savannah. This will be my 3rd year teaching 2nd grade boys here at Headwaters and I am so honored to have the opportunity!
Rebecca Ferrell
3rd Grade Teacher
rebecca@southriverbaptist.com
Hi! My name is Rebecca Ferrell. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Alan, since 2007. He is retired from the U.S. Air Force and now works full-time. We share our home with our sweet miniature Schnauzer, Sky, and our playful cat, Luna.
I grew up in Hickory, North Carolina, and earned my degree in Bible and Religion from Montreat College, with an emphasis in Christian Education. Since 2004, I’ve had the joy of teaching in Christian schools—working with preschoolers all the way up through fifth grade. My favorite place to be, though, is in the third-grade classroom. There’s something special about that age—their curiosity, excitement, and energy make teaching a delight.
My love for teaching runs deep. My mother was a teacher, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I don’t remember a time I didn’t love Jesus, and I strive every day to serve Him through my work in the classroom. Teaching is more than a job to me—it’s a calling and a ministry.
I’m so thankful to be joining the Headwaters family. It already feels like a school full of grace, purpose, and joy, and I look forward to growing in faith and fellowship alongside my students and fellow teachers.
Some of my favorite children’s books are Corduroy and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. I treasure their heartwarming messages and charming illustrations. A verse that has always encouraged me is Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
In my free time, I enjoy watercolor painting, reading, and spending meaningful time with my 82-year-old dad, my sisters, my extended family, and close friends. I cherish the little moments that make life sweet and am grateful to share God’s love through all I do.
Emily Morgan
3rd Grade Teacher
emily@southriverbaptist.com
Hello everyone, my name is Ms. Emily, I am 23 years old. I am so excited to be teaching this year for third grade! I was born and raised in Catawba County and recently graduated in December of 2024 from Bryan College in Dayton TN, with my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. This will be my first year teaching, and I am so thankful for the group of teachers I am going to work with and learn from!
I am part of a family of five. My family consists of my mom, dad, and two brothers. One of my brothers is older by four years and the other one is my twin brother. I also have a pet cat named Theo and he protects the garden from birds and other pests. He is about a year old and has been a great help to the family.
Anyway, I am so excited about the adventures we will experience together through our journey of learning this year! I can’t wait to see how you all grow and I look forward to getting to know each other throughout this school year!
Nicole Shields
4th Grade Teacher
nicole@southriverbaptist.com
Hello! I’m Ms. Nicole. I am looking forward to teaching 4th grade this year! When I’m not at school I enjoy hanging out with my family. Greg, my husband of 13 years, is working toward becoming a Physician Assistant. We have two sweet kiddos that come to Headwaters with me each day! Carver, my son, is in my 4th grade class this year, and my daughter, Navy, is in 3rd grade. Another fun family fact is Ms. Kim is my mom and Mimi to my children!
I have always wanted to be a teacher! When I was little, I would line my stuffed animals up and “play school” with them. All throughout my school years I knew I would be a teacher one day. I attended Lenoir Rhyne College and earned a degree in Elementary Education. Right after college, I worked at a public school for 5 years here, in Statesville.
After 5 years of teaching, my husband and I had our first child. We then decided I would stay home to raise our babies. When it came time to choose a school for Carver the Lord really impressed upon my heart a desire to homeschool. We were a homeschool family for 3 years and loved it! When Headwaters opened last year, I was already looking to go back into the classroom because of my husband’s upcoming school load. Headwaters was 100% an answer to prayer for our family. We had prayed HARD about a school where I could work, and our children could attend as well. Our family was so grateful to be at a place where we could pray, study God’s word daily, and grow in our faith while learning though a Christ centered environment. It was the best transition for all of us, and we are thrilled to be back again this year.
I love this scripture because I can cling to the fact that our God is immutable. In this life of ever-changing circumstances, HE is my constant. It brings me such peace and comfort to know I can run to Him because He is eternally unchanging. Such JOY to know He is forever my faithful King. I love the whole book of Hebrews really because it reveals so much of the glory of who Christ is
My favorite children’s book absolutely has to be Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. I’ve probably read this book 50 times. When I was younger, I loved the story of friendship and the changing seasons at the barn. I loved how the author would paint these elaborate pictures in my mind. As I have grown and begun to read to my students and my even my own children, I cherish the story of growing up and the changing seasons of life. There are so many wonderful life lessons to reflect on and discuss with this classic.
Sammy Wall
4th Grade Teacher
sammy@southriverbaptist.com
One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” This verse has always reminded me that God’s plans are better than mine will ever be. I am so thankful that the Lord has shown me that so much over the years and even in becoming a teacher.
Kim Williams
Administrator
kim@southriverbaptist.com
Hello! I’m Kim Williams, I have called Statesville my home for nearly 30 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 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
Nancy Snyder
Language Development Specialist
nancy@southriverbaptist.com
Hello, my name is Nancy Snyder, and I am a dedicated Language Development Specialist with over 16 years of experience in education. I specialize in individualized instruction for students with diverse learning needs, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. After over a decade and a half at Forsyth Country Day School, I come to Headwaters Christian Academy to provide diagnostic and prescriptive instruction across grade levels, to advise students in post-graduation plans, and to blueprint the early college program. I’m known for my student-centered approach; designing and implementing tailored lesson plans and monitoring students progress while keeping parents involved in their child’s progress. I am a Fellow-in-Training with the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Her background includes roles as an academic coach, classroom assistant, and student shadow. Nancy began her career in law, earning a JD from Penn State Dickinson Law. My legal experience will enhance my skills in documentation and organization. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Dickinson College. I am excited to join Headwaters!
Pastor Scott Townsell
Logic & Rhetoric Bible Teacher
scott@southriverbaptist.com
Tracy Morgan
Principal & Language 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 1st 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
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 2nd grade through graduation. This will be my 3rd year teaching at Headwaters and my 12th 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
Teacher – 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 1st to 12th, 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 6th-11th 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..
Rhonda Keever
Math Teacher – Logic & Rhetoric Grades
rhonda@southriverbaptist.com
My name is Rhonda Keever. I am a Statesville native, and I have been married to my husband for over 37 years. We attend South River Baptist Church.
I was called to enroll in college while my two children were in elementary school, and God chose to open the door as a math major. I have over twenty years experience teaching high school math.
My favorite verses are from Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Taylor King
ELA Teacher – Logic Grades
taylor@southriverbaptist.com
HCA Community,
Grace to you all! My name is Taylor King and I am excited to be joining Headwaters this year as a Logic grades teacher. I grew up in Alexander county and now live in Stony Point with my wife Felicia, our 1-year old daughter Collins, and soon to be second baby (October 2025).
My educational background consists of working in residential care for the Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, government school TA/intervention work, an education degree from Appalachian State, and about 4 years at a Christian school in varying roles. I am eager to jump into the Classical Christian environment that has been established at HCA and thus join the “Great Conversation” with an emphasis on Biblical worldview.
I am fully committed to learning alongside students and building lasting relationships with them and their families, so long as Christ is the center of it all. The pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in any discipline is futile without Him, as He is the one who holds all the treasure therein (Colossians 2:3). I am passionate about Biblical fidelity, time with my family, discipleship, hunting, national parks, basketball, great books, hymns, and black coffee. I am beyond grateful for the calling that God has placed on my life to teach (Romans 11:29) and I can’t wait to pour myself into Headwaters.
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us” A.W. Tozer
“…to the praise of the glory of His grace…” Ephesians 1:6
Ashley Goodin
Math Teacher – Logic Grades
ashley@southriverbaptist.com
Hi, I’m Ashley Goodin! I will be teaching 6th and 7th grade math at Headwaters. I have grown up in Statesville and am a graduate of North Iredell High School. I then attended Western Carolina University and graduated in 2015 with a degree in Middle Grades education. I taught public school for 7 years before becoming a stay at home mom. My husband, Matt and I have two boys. Clay is 4 and Dawson is 2. They are wonderful blessings to us.
Jenna Walters
History Teacher – Logic Grades
jenna@southriverbaptist.com
My name is Jenna Walters, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in History with a concentration in Secondary Education from Appalachian State University. I’m passionate about teaching and have a deep love for inspiring young minds through the stories and lessons of the past. This will be my 8th year of teaching, and I am excited to continue my journey at Headwaters.
Family is at the heart of my life. I’m married with two wonderful daughters, and our home is joyfully shared with two dogs and a cat! We’ve lived across the country— from the high desert beauty of Santa Fe, New Mexico to the historic charm of Charleston, South Carolina, where my children were born. We’ve planted roots in Hiddenite, where we’re remodeling my grandfather’s home place overlooking the Brushy Mountains.
I cherish the simple joys of life— watching sunsets from our front porch, swimming in our backyard pool, and exploring new places as a family. In addition to teaching, I am also a passionate photographer and specialize in wedding photography!
Above all, my Christian faith grounds me and guides every part of my life. It’s at the heart of my family, my teaching, and my creative work.
One of my favorite Bible verses is I Corinthians 16:14 “Let all that you do be done with love.”