Christian Academy welcomes new teachers
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News from Mission Valley Christian Academy
POLSON — Mission Valley Christian Academy welcomes three new teachers for the 2014-2015 school year.
Mallory Witham is teaching fifth- and sixth-grade classes.
Mallory’s roots in Polson run deep as she, her mother and her brother were all born in Polson. She is also a descendant of Polson pioneers. Although the family moved to Chicago when she was in kindergarten, the family returned to Montana in 1993.
Mallory received her Associate of Arts degree with emphasis in Child Psychology from Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana.
“Go Griz,” Mallory said. “I was proud to graduate from there with honors. My status as an outstanding scholar resulted in my being recruited by the Social Security Administration. I am proud of my 14 years as a civil servant.”
While in Missoula, Mallory was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday school, supervised the nursery program, served as deacon and elder, was a leader for almost 15 years, and chaperoned a high school mission trip to build houses in Mexico.
“I spent many summer evenings teaching and playing with the children in Vacation Bible School,” she said. “I feel blessed to have served several years on the session helping to lead that church.”
Mallory also has extensive experience with children who have special needs, serving with Easter Seals’ the Growing Place in Missoula from 1993-1999. She also worked as a special educational instructional aide and substitute teacher in the Missoula school district.
“I am so thrilled to be joining you at MVCA,” Mallory said. “I already feel a part of this amazing family. Thank you … for your warm welcome and the opportunity to partner with you in the stewardship of your treasured children.”
Sara Brookman, third and fourth grade teacher, comes with 10 years teaching experience in kindergarten through fourth grades California public schools. She was a substitute teacher for MVCA and Polson Schools for the 2013-2014 school year.
She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Azusa Pacific University, as well as a California Teaching Credential.
Sara and her husband, Mark, both grew up in California and then moved to Montana in 2007.
“We like to visit there but definitely consider Montana home,” Sara said.
They have been married 17 years and have four “wonderful, amazing children,” Kinsey, John, Katy and Jonah. Sara loves to read, watch movies, ride bikes, hike, and hang out with her family.
She said she considers it a privilege to partner with parents in the lives of their children.
“What a joy it is for me to get to know my students and their families,” she said. “I know God has great things in store for this year and I can’t wait to meet you all.”
Connie Doty is a Montana certified teacher, and has been teaching mathematics for more than 30 years in the public, private, and home education sectors. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Montana and the College of Great Falls, and holds a master’s in Herbology from the School of Natural Healing and College of Herbal Medicine.
This year at MVCA, Connie will be teaching algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and advanced math (including pre-calculus and trigonometry). Her hope is to not only effectively communicate the mathematical concepts to her students, but also how these truths are beautiful reminders and reflections of God’s unchanging and perfect character.
Connie has lived in the Mission Valley near Flathead Lake since 1987 with her husband John and their six children: Faith, Anjeli, DeLancey, Jesse, Micah and Elisha. Together they enjoy learning at home; and working in their arbor care business, Doty’s Treeworks; coordinating a natural food co-op; raising a garden; and taking care of a few farm animals. Connie loves to worship the Lord through song, singing and playing guitar for their home fellowship group.
Mathematics has been an area of delight and comfort for Connie since childhood. Beyond enjoying the fun of playing with numbers, she deeply appreciates how the Creator God is not the author of confusion, but brings order out of chaos; and how in a world of discord and change, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
She considers it an honor and a blessing to work with Mission Valley Christian Academy, and takes seriously the responsibility of being entrusted with these students. She encourages parents to stop by or write to her at missionvalleymath@gmail.com and to share any questions, concerns, and advice with her.
