Our Staff | Providence Christian Academy I Greenfield, MA

David Ben Giurgiu

Administrative Assistant

David Ben Giurgiu was born and raised in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and is a proud graduate of Greenfield High School. Growing up in a Christian family, David was actively involved in the children's ministry, thanks to his mother's role as a Sunday school teacher. His love for learning and a strong desire to share his knowledge with others shaped his path.

Driven by a deep passion for serving and teaching, David began teaching Sunday school at his church. He carries a heartfelt aspiration to nurture the next generation of young individuals who hold a reverence for the Lord and possess a solid foundation of biblical knowledge and wisdom. With his commitment to instilling these values, David aims to inspire and equip young people for a purposeful life centered on faith.

Currently, David is training and working towards becoming a certified biblical counselor. His dedication to this calling stems from a desire to provide spiritual guidance and support to those seeking to navigate life’s challenges through a biblical lens. He is committed to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to counsel effectively, hoping to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals and families within his community.

In addition to his counseling pursuits, David is looking forward to coaching volleyball and soccer. His enthusiasm for sports and mentoring youth is driven by the belief that physical activity, teamwork, and discipline are essential components of personal development. David is excited to contribute to the growth and success of his players, fostering not only their athletic skills but also their character and leadership abilities.

Rebecca Miller

Academic Advisor

Rebecca Miller comes to us with a wealth of teaching and leadership experience. She has received certifications for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. She has invested over 34 years in the lives of children…

Born and raised in upstate New York to Christian parents, she learned the importance of loving God with all her heart, mind, and soul, memorizing scripture from an early age. Her commitment to loving and serving God was apparent at an early age. As a teen, she was active in church ministry, traveling throughout the Northeast with a Child Evangelism Team doing Summer Bible Schools and Kid’s Crusades. Her passion for teaching children led her to Central Bible College where she received a BA degree in Religious Education and then a BS from Evangel College. She later did course work at Drury College, UMass, Fitchburg State and Lesley College in Cambridge. After college graduation, she began her teaching career in Springfield, Walnut Grove and Billings, MO.

Rebecca taught Pre-Kindergarten in New Jersey. Moving to Erving, MA to be closer to family. Rebecca resumed her teaching career in grades Pre-K through 3rd grade. Whatever grade she taught, the hallmark of her classroom was a nurturing environment which promoted active learning of foundational skills and character building. She inspired students to reach their potential and beyond and she encouraged parents to become actively involved in the process.

Sought out for her expertise in assessing educational needs of individual children and applying her extensive knowledge and insight to encourage optimal learning in various educational settings, she has served as consultant in the public school and homeschoolers.

Now, Rebecca is pleased to serve with the staff at Providence Christian School and grateful to God for all who contributed to getting the school off the ground. What a joy to see how God has brought together a dedicated team committed to providing an excellent Christ-centered educational environment. Praise be to God for the amazing work He is doing!

Alina Komerzan

Kindergarten 4 Teacher

Alina was born into a Christian family in Moldova and moved to the state of Georgia at the age of 9. At 16, she encountered the Lord and developed a personal relationship with Him, which remains central to her life today. During her youth, Alina was involved in youth and music ministry at her church, while also leading a girls' choir.

Following her marriage and relocation to Northfield, MA, Alina embraced the role of a stay-at-home mom of 3 children while homeschooling her first daughter through K4 and kindergarten. She loves learning about child development, how to raise emotionally intelligent children and is constantly reading books in this aspect. Alina then responded to the Lord's calling to teach Kindergarten 4 at PCA, where she feels honored and enthusiastic about the opportunity to educate, inspire young minds, and raise up the next generation to love and serve the Lord.

Angela Parayson

Kindergarten 5 Teacher

Angela grew up in Athol, Massachusetts. Coming from a Christian home, she has remained an active member of her church since childhood. Serving mainly in children's, youth, and music ministry. Angela knew from a young age that God was calling her to leadership and evangelism. She graduated from Athol High School and continued her education at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. Angela studied nursing and received her Licence in Practical Nursing.

She has worked in a range of medical fields from rehabs to long-term units, from doctor offices, visiting nursing, and lastly school nurse clinics overseas. Angela and her family have spent over 10 years working on the mission field of Haiti pioneering a new ministry called Tree of Hope Haiti. Meanwhile, homeschooled her children from Pre-K to 3rd Grade. Angela is a dedicated and passionate follower of Jesus Christ who is ready to help prepare students and instruct them with a biblical-sound education.

Barbara Pauli

First Grade Teacher

Barbara Pauli, our First Grade teacher at Providence Christian Academy, is a dedicated Christian who has been a successful private, public, and homeschool teacher. She is also committed to teaching children to love and serve the Lord, and has been teaching Sunday School since the age of 16.

While teaching in New Jersey she published under the federal Right to Read grant, twice presented at the New Jersey Teachers' Convention in Atlantic City, and also presented to the Piaget Society of Philadelphia. She also started the first public Preschool in New Jersey. Her forte was in recognizing, correcting, and preventing cognitive perceptual motor dysfunctions.

Upon moving to Massachusetts, she saw a need for her students to learn about the character of Christ through teamwork, cooperation, and supporting and encouraging others ahead of themselves. She quickly developed A Rubric for Responsible Behavior, which was based on the character of Christ. The Lord blessed this work, and she presented this rubric at the 2002 Teachers Institute for Franklin and Hampshire County as Bullying Prevention.

Barbara is delighted to have this opportunity to help raise up the next generation at Providence Christian Academy to love and serve the Lord.

Yana Bagirova

Second Grade Teacher

Yana Bagirova grew up in Ukraine in a loving Christian family where music was a big part of life. She fondly remembers singing with her dad and sister in church and starting piano lessons at seven, which sparked her love for music and teaching. At just thirteen, Yana took on leading the children's choir at her church. Seeing the kids grow in their musical abilities brought her so much joy and inspired her passion for working with children. In her teenage years, Yana moved to the United States where her faith journey continued to deepen. She made the decision to get baptized at seventeen, which solidified her commitment to her Christian values and serving others.

Despite her academic success and dreams of becoming a nurse, Yana chose to prioritize homeschooling her kids with the Abeka program for ten years. She loved being able to shape their education and values while fostering a strong sense of faith at home. During this time, Yana also enjoyed tutoring in Russian, math, and science at local schools, which deepened her passion for education and connecting with students. Her dedication eventually led her to a full-time teaching position at PCA after her son attended the school for a year.

Yana and her husband had dreamed of a Christian school opening in their community, and after years of prayer, their dream finally came true. She feels incredibly grateful to be a part of PCA, where she can teach students in both academics and faith. As a second-grade teacher, Yana is excited about creating a positive classroom environment where kids can thrive academically and get closer to God. She looks forward to each day with her students, guided by her faith and passion for teaching.

Maureen Desautels

Third Grade Teacher

Maureen grew up in Orange, Massachusetts. She was raised in a Christian home, accepting Christ as her savior at a young age. Maureen was active in her church early on, helping with Sunday school classes as a teen, volunteering at Vacation Bible Schools, and stepping into ministry positions as a young adult. She has remained an active church member, serving in several roles, including mission committees, teaching Sunday school, women’s ministry, governing board secretary, pastoral search committees, and assisting with youth group and children’s nursery.

Maureen's professional journey is a testament to her dedication and expertise. After graduating from Ralph C Mahar Regional High School, she operated a Christian Home Daycare for 7 years. Her passion for education led her back to college, where she earned her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Worcester State University. She has since accumulated a wealth of experience, working in a public elementary school, long-term healthcare and rehabilitation, and early intervention. Her 13 years of providing therapy for children from birth through age three is a testament to her commitment to the field.

Maureen's arrival at Providence Christian Academy is not just a professional transition, but a heartfelt commitment to her calling. Her passion to share the love of Christ with young children and guide them in their faith journey is palpable. She is eager to bring her wealth of experience and dedication to our staff, while upholding and glorifying Christ in the Greenfield and surrounding area.

Erin Krueger

Fourth Grade Teacher

Erin Krueger, grew up in a large Christian family here in Massachusetts. She discovered her faith in Christ during her early years and has remained devoted to honoring and serving Him throughout her life journey. During her teenage years, Erin dedicated her summers to working with Child Evangelism Fellowship, imparting spiritual guidance through backyard Bible clubs.

After graduating from Amesbury High School, Erin pursued higher education and played a pivotal role in leading the children's ministry at Haverhill Alliance Church. Her commitment to sharing the message of Christ extended beyond borders as she engaged in short-term missionary work with Covenant Players and Time Ministries in the Dominican Republic. In 2006, Erin completed her college journey with a degree in English.

Passionate about cultivating godly character, fostering close relationships with Jesus Christ, and promoting academic excellence in children, Erin has accumulated valuable teaching experience. Her career includes five years as a Junior High teacher at Cornerstone Christian School and a decade serving as a dedicated homeschool educator.

Erin's life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to faith, education, and the holistic development of young minds.

Rebecca French

Fifth Grade Teacher

Rebecca (Becki) French was born and grew up in a small town in Maine. She was raised in a Christian home and attended Christian school K-12. She came to a saving knowledge of Christ at a young age and committed to following him as a teen at summer camp. After high school, she attended Pensacola Christian College where she was fully trained to use the Abeka curriculum. After graduation, she taught third grade in a Christian school for five years.

While teaching third grade, Becki met and married her husband Dan who is a pastor at their church in Athol, MA. God blessed them with three beautiful children, Benjamin(21), Clayton(19), and Emily(16). For the past 27 years, Becki has used her talents in the church to teach Sunday school, Junior. Church, and VBS. She has worked in and directed the nursery ministry, taught and organized Lady's meetings and Bible studies, She had the privilege of homeschooling her children for 13 years. Becki enjoys spending time with her family. She loves crafting, gardening, and cooking for her family,

Becki’s heart is teaching, especially teaching children the Bible and leading them to know and love the Lord. She recently discovered her passion for teaching reading. She earned a certificate from the Institute for Multisensory Education in the Orton-Gillingham method of reading instruction in 2021. She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Special Education from Maranatha Baptist University.

Becki is excited to see what God will do at Providence Christian Academy and thrilled to be a part of this great ministry.

Kristan Keiderling

Middle School and High School

Math and Science Teacher

Kristan grew up in Northern New York and embraced Christianity at a young age. As a teenager, she actively participated in Youth Group, taught Sunday School, and led activities in Vacation Bible School. After college, Kristan took on the role of Director of Children's Education while remaining a leader in the youth and children's groups. She earned her degree in Earth Science, pursued a Master's degree in teaching, and obtained a NY certification for 7-12th grade Earth Science.

After receiving her degree and teaching credentials Kristan moved to Troy, New York to teach at Oakwood Christian School, where she taught all of the sciences from grades 7-12 and after five years, Kristan has taught the four year old kindergarten class for three years.

In 2023, Kristan relocated to Massachusetts and took the position as a paraprofessional in a behavioral program at a public school. Kristan had asked God for a challenge that would foster personal growth. During the fall of 2023, Kristan and her husband encountered Providence Christian Academy at a harvest festival, witnessing the enthusiasm and God's work in Greenfield. Hoping and praying for open doors, her prayers were answered sooner than expected. Kristan eagerly anticipates the challenges and amazing opportunities that lie ahead.

Teresa McClelland

High School English and Literature Teacher

Teresa McClelland comes to Providence Christian Academy after a hiatus from teaching High School History, English/Literature and Bible in a Christian School here in Franklin County. She is a transplant to Greenfield from the Boston area and is the wife of 41 years to Jim and mom to four adult children. She has been for 40 years a born-again lover and follower of Jesus Christ. As a new Christian and a brand-new mom, Teresa asked the Lord, “What does school look like for the children of Christians?” Thus began her adventure in Christian education as Christ began to cast a vision for how He wanted “school” to look.

Teresa was first a homeschool mom for 7 years, then one of the founding members of Jonathan Edwards Academy, a classical Christian School in Turners Falls, where she taught for twelve years until the school’s closure in 2009. Teresa served on the education committee that wrote the curriculum for Grades 7-12 which included the Senior Seminar Capstone class, The History and Philosophy of Politics and Government, which she had the privilege to teach. She also started the Academy Players, a drama program for the Middle and High School where she produced and directed the annual production of one of Shakespeare’s plays from 2001 – 2009.

Since the closure of the school, Teresa has taught her church’s Middle and High School Sunday School class and she has directed Shakespeare productions of middle and high school students for Classical Conversations, a Christian Homeschool Cooperative Network. Mostly though she prayed that the Lord would raise up a new group of families committed to a vision for educating a new generation of children for His glory and to His service. It is Teresa’s desire to see students here in the town of Greenfield that have been made “fit for the Master’s use.” Students who, when they graduate from Providence Christian Academy will have hearts for the Lord Jesus Christ, and whether they attend college, or adopt a trade, become wives and mothers, or embrace a vocation in ministry, will live their lives “Coram Deo” - Before the Face of God and in His Presence.

To see this vision come to fruition Teresa knows the importance of teaching students to think well, write clearly, and speak winsomely – in other words, communicate what is the True, the Good and the Beautiful to their generation so that others will see Jesus and want Him.

She is delighted to have the privilege to serve in the awesome work of the Lord at Providence Christian Academy this school year.

Autumn Yarian

Middle School English Teacher

Autumn was blessed to have been raised in a Christian home in Wisconsin, where she was taught the importance of appreciating God’s Creation and His gifts to us. From a young age, Autumn was drawn to language by how it is a means both for building meaningful connections with others and also for displaying the intricacies of God’s creativity and organizational design. Both this fascination in languages and her desire to better understand God’s Word led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Linguistics and Biblical Languages from Moody Bible Institute, from which she graduated in 2022.

During her time at Moody, she had several opportunities to work in education, which included teaching English to refugee children in Lebanon, being a faculty assistant to one of Moody’s theology professors, and working as an after-school tutor for middle school students in the city of Chicago. Since moving to Greenfield in 2022 with her husband and two children, Autumn has most recently worked as a classroom paraprofessional at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School. She is greatly looking forward to the privilege of helping students at PCA grow in their ability to use language well and inspiring them to praise God for the beautiful gift He has given us in language!

Alena Lashtur

Grade 6 Science Teacher

Alena Lashtur, a native of the Republic of Moldova, was raised in a Christian family led by her pastor parents. From her early years, a deep love for God and His ministry was instilled in her family, always placing it at the forefront.

From her childhood, Alena was actively involved in church activities, teaching Sunday school and participating in children’s music programs. Her dedication to serving God persisted as she assumed the role of youth music leader for over 15 years.

In 2004, Alena graduated from Greenfield Community College, and subsequently, she worked as an ESL tutor for Greenfield Public Schools until 2011. Throughout her years of teaching, she found great joy in instructing science and history, her favorite subjects. She takes immense pleasure in witnessing students’ enthusiasm as they explore the wonders of God’s creation. Her ultimate goal is to instill in students a profound appreciation for the universe and to inspire gratitude towards the Creator.

Allen McClure

Bible and History Teacher

Middle School and High School

Allen McClure was born in New Jersey and attended Christian School from K-12. Growing up in New Jersey and Lancaster County, PA, he has had extensive experience with church and school, serving in the choir and youth, teaching, and preaching. He studied at Whitefield College of the Bible in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and earned a Master's in biblical studies from Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana.

After graduation, he spent eleven months in Ukraine training public school teachers to teach the Bible. On his return home, he was the first teacher hired at a new Christian School in Elkton, MD, teaching 5-6th grade as a classroom teacher, middle and high school history, Bible, government, formal logic, English, grammar, and literature.

A pastor for 20 years and homeschool parent for 20 years, Allen's passion has been to help people of all ages too, in the words of James Boice, "think and act Biblically". He has prayed and worked toward a Christian School in Franklin County, and is delighted to be part of God's work at Providence Christian Academy.

Patty St. Jean

High School Science Teacher

Patty is a faithful follower of Jesus who loves music, reading, and gardening. She currently lives in Gardner, MA where she and her husband are building their dream of a self-sufficient homestead. She attended a Trade School throughout her High School years, earning a certificate in Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy and graduating at the top of her class. She originally intended to further pursue her medical career by becoming a Physician’s Assistant but instead, leaned into her love of the written word. As a result, she graduated Suma Cum Laude from Fitchburg State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Secondary Education. She previously taught at Twin City Baptist school but her greatest experience teaching has been homeschooling her three children for 13 years, successfully seeing her oldest graduated in 2024.

The Lord has always had His hand on Patty’s life and called her into full-time ministry as a staff Pastor at Crossroads Community Church where she’s been serving since 2012. Throughout the years, she has led Youth Ministry, Strategy & Development, Media & Marketing, Worship & Service Programming, and most recently, she serves as the Adult Ministries Director overseeing the discipleship of all new guests in the church. She believes ministry happens wherever the Spirit of God is present and is excited to be a part of the PCA family teaching and shaping young minds and hearts in the foundation of the Word.

Nikki Stafford

Biblical Identity and Personal Development

Nikki Stafford is a Christ-follower, wife, and mother of two young daughters. She made the decision to give her life to Jesus at the age of three and sought to follow Him throughout her life. She felt called by God to serve overseas as a missionary in Asia for 10 months after graduating high school and has sought to serve God in a variety of capacities since such as working with youth in youth groups, Christian summer camps, and starting a baking program for fostered and adopted children. She is currently involved with her church, North Leverett Baptist Church, getting to teach Sunday school and serving on the social committee.

Nikki has her Masters in Counseling from Liberty University and currently works as a Christian counselor in private practice and at a local counseling center. In the past, she has worked in a variety of human services capacities such as crisis counseling, at a homeless shelter for families, a residential home for those with disabilities, and a residential home for those with substance use addictions.

God is faithful to guide us and Nikki aspires to follow where He leads and abide in Him. While she is imperfect, God is perfect to teach and help us grow more and more in His image.

Diana Veverita

K4 Teacher Assistant

Diana was born in Hirtop, Moldova, and relocated to the United States with her family five years ago. Raised in a devout Christian household, she has attended church since childhood and remains actively involved in her faith community. In Moldova, Diana engaged in various initiatives across different church regions, focusing on youth and children's ministries.

Her passion for working with children and teaching them about God is evident in her ongoing commitment. Always eager to learn, Diana strives to embody Christian values and instill them in her daughter. She looks forward to contributing to Providence Christian Academy, aspiring to enrich the students' understanding of God and foster strong, nurturing relationships with Him.

Karis Soltysik

Theater Teacher

Karis Soltysik grew up in Jackson, Michigan, where her parents served as state-side missionaries at Ethnos360 Bible Institute. She has felt a strong calling to missions since childhood and is currently pursuing missions and God’s calling for her life with her husband and young son. She has always had a passion for helping kids and teens discover God’s love in tangible ways. She’s been involved in helping in the nursery and children’s church since her young teens was a nanny for missionaries in Spain and spent time leading youth house builds at an internship in Mexico. She received a homeschool education that valued how to think rather than what to think and carries those values to her classroom.

Karis discovered her passion for theater when she was in a youth theater camp. Not only did she love being onstage, but she also found she enjoyed telling stories that matter in the unique and collaborative way the theater provides. God directed her to a homeschool theater class in her area and she was involved in it until she graduated. Through that class, she learned stagecraft, theater history, and technique, as well as valuable life lessons in empathy and collaboration. A few years after graduation, she got involved in a professional Christian theater company in Wisconsin. Under the mentorship of the director and other professional actors, Karis was able to grow in her knowledge and skills as an actress. She is passionate about helping her students grow and flourish onstage as they learn the valuable lessons that acting provides.

She hopes to not only instill a love for theater and teach stagecraft, but help her students learn the importance of telling stories that matter, grow in confidence, and develop empathy. Karis hopes that her love for Jesus and acting will inspire her students and encourage them to develop a deeper relationship with Him.

Beth Emberley

Music Teacher

From a young age, Beth's involvement in church music impressed on her the meaningful nature of good musicianship for God's glory and the beauty of God's creative mind revealed in music. Beth is passionate about giving each student the training necessary to experience, perform, and appreciate music to the glory of God and for the good of His church.

Beth grew up in a missionary family in South Africa. After graduating from The Master's University with a degree in music education, she completed her teaching licensing for Massachusetts through Gordon College in Wenham in 2015.

Hope Wullbrandt

Art Teacher

Hope Wullbrandt grew up in Walpole NH. Her loving family and Bible believing church were quite influential in her life.

She graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 2019 with a BA in Art Education and Studio Art, where she worked with students ranging from preschool to middle school to high school, both in volunteer and formal classroom positions as a student teacher.

Hope then went on to be an assistant preschool teacher at Gorham Arts Center and taught several after school art classes. Following that she took a full time position as a co-teacher at the Little Red Caboose preschool in Maine.

Hope moved to Northampton Massachusetts with her husband Zach and their two boys in 2022. She has enjoyed serving in children’s ministries both at her church in Maine and now at Community Bible Church in Northfield.

Hope is excited about teaching children how to create and appreciate art in a way that points them to God as the ultimate artist.

Anastasia Matevosian

Physical Education Teacher

Anastasia Matevosian is a graduate of Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sports, and Health. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Sports, and Health, specializing in Sports Gymnastics.

With a comprehensive experience spanning 18 years, Anastasia is a seasoned fitness professional adept at coaching individuals of varying ages and skill levels, guiding them toward enduring physical well-being.

Her firm Christian foundation propels her, imbuing a profound purpose to foster not only robust bodies but also morally resilient character.

Anastasia is eagerly enthusiastic about the opportunity to instruct, share, establish connections, and become a meaningful presence in the invaluable lives of your children.