Faculty Directory

With a Bachelor’s degree in Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary, a background in Business from Belmont Abbey, and a Registered CNA II certification from Cleveland Community College, Mrs. Barkley brings a well-rounded approach to teaching. She is deeply passionate about educating the whole student—spiritually, academically, and socially.

A true team player, she is dedicated to helping children achieve their goals and is committed to preparing her students to grow into adults who are equipped to face life’s challenges. Her love for sharing the Gospel and putting God first in all aspects of her teaching ensures that her students receive a strong foundation for their future.

Dr. Black holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School and Harvard Graduate School of Education, a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s in Bible and Theology, a Bachelor’s in Christian Education, and an Associate’s in Criminal Justice.

In 2018, she founded Valorous Academy. Her God-given vision and commitment to excellence have led to the school’s unprecedented growth — allowing for expanded reach throughout our
community.

Married for 34 years, she and her husband have 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and an adorable Labrador Retriever, Remington.

Her heart for students and families is unparalleled, and her genuine care for the spiritual development of students is evident in her every conversation.

Ms. Black holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies & Leadership from Ascent Bible and Leadership College and brings 16 years of experience working with children from infancy through high school. In the classroom, she has taught students ranging from 18 months to 12th grade and has been an integral part of Valorous Academy since the launch of its preschool program in 2015.

Passionate about fostering growth, Ms. Black loves watching students learn and develop both academically and personally. She also enjoys organizing school events and activities that allow students to showcase their leadership skills. Outside of the school, Ms. Black enjoys reading books by Ted Dekker, playing video games, and writing.

Ms. Brazell is our Secondary Bible & Leadership teacher. She absolutely loves getting to build relationships with her students and coworkers. Her favorite part of her job is being able to share God’s Word with her students. In addition to teaching at Valorous Academy, Ms. Brazell is the Children’s Pastor at Salt Life Church.

Some of Ms. Brazell’s favorite treats include Poppi drinks, sour candy, and popcorn.

Mrs. Browning holds a Bachelor of Science Degree specializing in Diagnostic Sonography. She is dedicated to mentoring students and making a lasting impact in their lives through the love of Jesus. Her passion for guiding students is matched by her enthusiasm for cheerleading, a skill she honed during her high school and college years. She now brings that same energy and dedication to her girls, encouraging them to always do their best.

Mrs. Browning’s favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31, reflects her belief in strength and perseverance. Outside of school, she cherishes time spent with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Nike, whether they are on the water or enjoying the beach. When she finds a rare moment for herself, Mrs. Browning loves to unwind at the spa or share girl time watching cheesy chick flicks.

Mrs. Buckley completed her undergraduate work in Psychology at Francis Marion University and continued her education with graduate work in Applied Psychology at Liberty University. She oversees the school’s counseling and dual enrollment in addition to being assistant principal.

Mrs. Buckley began as Assistant Principal of Valorous Academy after teaching fourth grade. She and her husband, Jeffrey, have been married for over 17 years. They have two children, Sophia and Noah.

Mrs. Buckley has over twenty years of experience working with and educating children and families through Early Intervention, Easter Seals, Safe Kids, and local Children’s Hospitals.
Mrs. Buckley truly loves working with the students, families, teachers, and staff at Valorous Academy and looks forward to the years to come.

Mrs. Cartrette is a CNA and holds a degree from Horry Georgetown Technical College. She finds fulfillment in making a difference in students’ lives each day and values being part of a supportive team and family.

One of her greatest joys about being at Valorous Academy is having her son at her workplace, where he thrives and learns about Jesus daily.

A lover of travel, she enjoys visiting New York City, and in her free time, you’ll find her shopping or enjoying a decaf iced coffee, tea, or a protein shake. She also loves the movie Elf and holds John 3:16 as her favorite Bible verse, a constant reminder of her faith.

Mrs. Cline has been teaching for over 40 years and has been a part of Valorous Academy since the beginning. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Marshall University.

One of Mrs. Cline’s favorite aspects of her job is watching her students grow and improve throughout the school year. Her incredible leadership and classroom management skills are
evident when you step foot in her classroom.

Mrs. Cline enjoys pilates and one of her favorite places to eat is Longhorn Steakhouse.

Ms. Drennan has been teaching for 42 years and holds a BA in Elementary Education. She is full of wisdom, spunk, and Jesus’ love! She’s been with Valorous Academy since the beginning in 2018.

When she isn’t teaching, you can find Ms. Drennan buried in a book. Her favorite types of food include anything Italian or Mexican.

Ms. Drennan looks forward to being able to continue to make positive impacts on our falcons.

Mrs. Floyd has 33 years of teaching experience, holds a BA in Elementary Education from Morehead State University, and a completion in a fifth-year program while obtaining endorsements and certifications in upper-level math. Her passion for education is evident in her excitement when she sees the “light bulb” moment in her students—when they grasp a new concept or solve a challenging problem. The joy and enthusiasm her students display when learning something new truly inspire her.

She loves working with the fabulous Valorous Academy teaching team who mentor the students entrusted to their care. She and her husband of 50 years, enjoy singing solos at their church. Mrs. Floyd has a fondness for the color red and her favorite snacks, cheese and crackers. While her sense of humor may not always shine through in math class, she knows all the words to the children’s song “Rubber Ducky!”

With a BS in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Mrs. Huggins brings a deep commitment and enthusiasm to her role. Her dedication to making a difference is evident in her approach to education and life. Whether she’s impacting large-scale projects or focusing on the small, everyday interactions, she strives to infuse positivity and purpose into everything she does.

Mrs. Huggins is skilled in personal connections, understanding that a warm smile and the mention of Jesus can profoundly impact lives and shape futures. She is passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders for Jesus, believing that every child has unique talents to discover and develop. Her mission is to help students uncover their potential and watch them grow into confident individuals who will carry their faith and strengths into the world.

Her commitment to Jesus guides her work, her interactions with students, and her support for her family.

Mrs. Hunt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and completion of the Language Acquisition Course by Comprehensible Classroom. Mrs. Hunt brings a vibrant and engaging approach to teaching Spanish. Known as a “party in a person,” she brings the language to life through hands-on projects, games, music, and plenty of fiestas throughout the school year.

A self-admitted pizza snob, she is very particular about her pizza preferences. Her favorite Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 16:14—”Do everything in love”—reflects her joyful and passionate teaching style. Outside the classroom, she enjoys adventurous moments with her daughter, husband, and dogs, and when she gets the chance, she can be found relaxing with a Diet Coke and gummy bears.

With an AAS from California College of Health Sciences and certifications in CRTT, CCT, and Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell, Mrs. Isernia brings a wealth of expertise to Valorous Academy. Having also attended Patrick Henry Community College for prerequisites, she is well-equipped to handle the many responsibilities of her role.

Relocating from Virginia to follow God’s plan was a leap of faith for her and her husband, Dr. James Isernia. They have found a family within Valorous Church and Valorous Academy. Mrs. Isernia is thrilled to witness the growth of the school as she is the first person that gets the opportunity of welcoming families, students, and teachers on campus.

Beyond her professional skills, Mrs. Isernia is a black belt in Taekwondo, with 2 teaching stipes, training in sword, long staff, short staff, and ssahg jael bong (nunchaku).
When she’s not in the office, you might find her studying her Bible (favorite verse Micah 7:8) with a 7 Brew sugar-free raspberry truffle mocha in hand.

Mrs. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in English from Howard University. She is passionate about grounding young people in a Christian-based education. She firmly believes that gaining knowledge is powerful, and she is dedicated to instilling godly principles in her students.

She is a bubble of infectious joy and love for Jesus. Her enthusiasm for writing, public speaking, and storytelling creates countless opportunities for adventure and learning for both students and staff.

In addition to her educational work, Mrs. Jones is a judge on “Chef Swap at the Beach,” seasons 1 and 2 are featured on YouTube, with season 3 currently airing on the Cooking Channel.

Dr. Kilpatrick holds a B.S. in Biology and a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. Her enthusiasm for learning makes her classes both engaging and educational.

One of Dr. Kilpatrick’s favorite aspects of her job is leading hands-on activities in her classroom. She enjoys seeing the diverse ideas that her students come up with and witnessing their excitement and fun as they learn.

When she’s not in the classroom, Dr. Kilpatrick can often be found baking, sipping on hot chai tea, or playing board games with her family (she’s quite competitive). Her passion for both teaching and learning shines through in everything she does.

Mrs. McCutcheon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Francis Marion University. Her professional background includes working as a case manager in the Family Preservation Unit at the SCDSS and as an intake and case coordinator at a children’s advocacy center.

At Valorous Academy, Mrs. McCutcheon is thrilled to be part of a team of like-minded faculty and staff, and she is dedicated to encouraging her students both academically and spiritually throughout the year. Her passion for helping students grow and succeed is evident in her approach to teaching.

Mrs. McCutcheon enjoys playing sports and dancing. She has a special fondness for shagging, South Carolina’s state dance, and though she’s currently at a basic level, she looks forward to mastering more advanced steps in the future. Her optimistic view of life is inspired by her favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 26:3, which reflects her confident expectation for the future.

Mrs. McMillion holds a degree in Business Management from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Her journey with Valorous Academy is driven by a deep and growing relationship with Jesus, which she views as a daily staple in her life. She is passionate about providing students with the same enriching education that has strengthened her faith and hopes to see them develop a strong bond with Jesus.

Dedicated to each student’s success, Mrs. McMillion believes that every child has the potential to achieve greatness. She is committed to helping students find their path and make a positive impact in the world. Working at Valorous Academy allows her to be present for her own children’s achievements, as well as to encourage and celebrate her students’ artistic growth and explore their creativity.

Mrs. McMillion and her husband, Jason, are parents to four children and share their home with two dogs, twelve chickens, one hen, and two ducks. She dreams of one day owning a highland cow.

Ms. Gabby has been working with children for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development.

When she’s not teaching, Ms. Gabby loves crafting and spending time with her family. Some of her favorite treats include Ōdōri Japanese Steakhouse, Dr. Pepper, and M&Ms.

Each year Ms. Gabby looks forward to making new memories with her students as they learn and grow together.

Ms. Miller has brought her passion for education and love for Jesus to the classroom since the start of Valorous Academy. Ms. Miller has done everything from owning and operating her own preschool to being an educational interpreter for deaf students.

In her free time, Ms. Miller enjoys traveling with her grandson, sipping on a Diet Coke and cheering on the LSU Tigers.

Ms. Miller is not only a kindergarten teacher but a mentor, role model, and grandma to all.

With a love for history, Mr. Millspaugh began a career spanning over 25 years as a professional Special Effects Artist in the Hollywood movie and TV industry, Mr. Millspaugh brings a unique blend of creativity and experience to the classroom.

He has taught students of various age levels and is constantly inspired by the energy, curiosity, and resilience of young people. He loves the challenge of keeping students engaged and passionate about learning and strives to be a positive influence in their lives.

Walking with Jesus daily is the foundation of Mr. Millspaugh’s life and guides all his decisions. He seeks to make Jesus the example, putting Him first and showing faith in his actions. Jesus is reflected in his life, hoping students feel encouraged and supported in their journeys. It’s his privilege to create a space where learning and faith can flourish together.

Sydney is a proud graduate of Valorous Academy, where she now dedicates her time to nurturing the next generation. She has a passion for reading to lower elementary students and providing one-on-one guidance to help them thrive academically and personally.

Sydney embodies her favorite quote, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind,” and brings that kindness to every interaction with students. Known for her love of red lipstick, she is excited to be part of the Valorous Academy team, making a positive impact each day.

Mrs. Partick began her career as a Pharmacy Technician and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in educational studies. Mrs. Patrick’s favorite part of her job is watching her students grow throughout the year and creating a classroom environment filled with love, grace, and encouragement. She’s an expert in coming up with creative ways to help her students memorize their lessons.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Patrick enjoys singing on her church’s worship team, spending time with her family at the river or beach, and crafting. One fun fact about Mrs. Patrick is that she can stand up straight in a Yukon!

Having studied Theater at Georgia Southern University, Mrs. Riker brings a rich background in performing arts to her classroom. She is passionate about theater and loves seeing her students excited to come to class, eager to express their unique personalities through their performances. Her enthusiasm for pouring into each and every student is evident, and she thrives on helping them discover and embrace their own voices.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Riker is a huge football fan, especially cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs with a spirited “Go Dawgs!” She enjoys spending quality time with her husband, three daughters, son-in-laws, and her beloved dog, Tank. When she finds a moment to unwind, you might find her relaxing at the beach or pool, indulging in her favorite foods from Jimmyz or Cava.

Ms. Schaeffer has over 25 years of experience in teaching PreK, as she’s a seasoned educator with a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Early Childhood Education. She holds licensing in PreK, grades K-6, and Spanish. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning and a sense of belonging in each of her students. She believes that children who feel secure and eager to learn have the best chance at future success.

Ms. Schaeffer gets excited each school year as she’s eager to get to know her students and their families. Outside of school, she enjoys raising her two amazing grandsons and has a love for the color orange, Mexican food, fruit, and trail mix. In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking. Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to those that love God, them that are called according to his purpose.”

Mrs. Sigafoos (also known as Coach Sig) is currently working toward her bachelor’s in educational studies. In addition to teaching 5th Grade, Mrs. Sigafoos is our Athletic Director and Volleyball Coach. Her favorite part of the job is watching her students and athletes grow and being able to work alongside incredible coworkers.

Mrs. Sigafoos enjoys date nights with her husband, outdoor adventures, and having fun with her family. She also serves as the Children’s Director at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church.

With a deep passion and an enthusiasm for nurturing young minds, Mrs. Strike engages students in conversations that uncover their unique passions and interests. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as a certified nursing assistant, she also attended Fox Valley Technical College working toward a degree in education (K-8), as well as certification in Massage Therapy from Blue Sky School.

A strong believer in living life to the fullest, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, creating with their hands, and staying physically active. Adventure is a cornerstone of her life, often organizing new discoveries and explorations for their family.

Mrs. Strike is also the proud owner of Jessica Strike Photography and is guided by the scripture, “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.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Ms. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Greensboro College. She brings a unique set of skills to the classroom being fluent in both Spanish and sign language. She is dedicated to teaching through the love of God, recognizing each of her students as the miracles they truly are. Ms. Thompson takes great joy in watching her students become excited about what they have learned, and she looks forward to continuing to teach and love God’s young people.

Her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, reflects her belief in God’s plan for everyone’s life. A devoted fan of UNC, Ms. Thompson also enjoys crafting, reading, and indulging in her favorite treats: Coca-Cola, Hershey bars, salt and vinegar chips, and the book “Tombstone.”

Mrs. Vassey is passionate about helping children grow developmentally and creating fun memories in the classroom. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Teacher’s Education, focusing on Early Childhood Education.

She is excited to guide her students as they learn and flourish throughout the year.
Her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 3:20, reflects her belief in the endless potential within each child.

Outside of teaching, Mrs. Vassey enjoys singing, hiking, and spending time with her family and her 12 pets—8 chickens, 2 dogs, 1 rabbit, and a fish. She’s a fan of spicy food, coffee, Nerd Clusters, and loves the color yellow.

She is eager to watch her students grow academically and personally, all while creating a joyful and nurturing learning environment.