Randy Nomura
Position: Principal
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: Rnomura@gccsda.com
Certifications
Graduated with a math degree--earning his teaching credentials through La Sierra University, University of Phoenix and Southern Adventist University where he is currently completing his second Master’s degree, this one in Administration/Leadership.
Education
Highest Degree: Master's
Biography
Randy Nomura, our principal at GAA for 8 years, brings with him 29 years of teaching experience from the college level all the way down to pre-Kindergarten where he taught PE. His favorite subject to teach is still PE, but he will also say that about math.
"Mr. N" as the students affectionately call him, enjoys being the Student Association sponsor and spending time with his students on class outings and mission trips. He is most delighted about enriching and expanding our high school program and he highlights Redemption as the great objective of education at GAA and the principal purpose of life.
Angela Emde
Position: 11 & 12 Homeroom
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: aemde@gccsda.com
Certifications
Graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.A. in history and a minor in English.
Education
Highest Degree: B.A.
Major Field: History and English
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Biography
Angela teaches Bible, English, and social studies to high school and writing to 3rd and 4th grades. She has 12 years of teaching experience in grades 1-11 and has taught four years at G.A.A. Mrs. Emde believes that education should be fun and spiritually impactful, preparing students for eternity. She delights in taking her students on overseas mission trips. In her spare time Mrs. Emde enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
L. Homer Ramsay
Position: 9 & 10 Homeroom
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: hramsay@gccsda.com
Certifications
Attended Canadian Union College and graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.A. in history and a minor in physics.
Education
Highest Degree: B.A.
Major Field: History and Physics
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Biography
Homer teaches math and P.E. to 7th and 8th grades and Bible, P.E., science, and social studies to high school students. He has 36 years of teaching experience in grades 7-11 and has taught 28 years at G.A.A. Mr. Ramsay’s philosophy of teaching is simple—do whatever it takes to help the students be successful in what they are doing. He likes participating in sports with his students and playing games with them. In his free time Mr. Ramsay enjoys golfing.
Kim Shumaker
Position: 7 & 8 Homeroom
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: kshumaker@gccsda.com
Certifications
Attended Andrews University, earning a B.S. in elementary education with minors in history and biology. Holds a Master in Educational Administration degree from Southern Adventist University.
Education
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Biography
Kim teaches a variety of subjects to grades 5-10, with an emphasis on science and social studies. Mrs. Shumaker has 15 years of teaching experience in grades 3-10 and has taught 9 years at G.A.A. Mrs. Shumaker believes education needs to be a meaningful experience and strives to incorporate a variety of learning experiences and activities in classes. In her free time she enjoys gardening and hiking.
Kristine Greene
Position: 5 & 6 Homeroom
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: kgreene@gccsda.com
Certifications
Attended Columbia Union College and graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.S. in elementary education with a minor in history.
Education
Highest Degree: Bachelor's
Major Field: Elementary Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Biography
Kristine teaches all subjects except science and social studies. She also teaches language arts to 7th and 8th grades. She has 36 years of teaching experience in grades 1-8 and has taught 28 years at G.A.A. She enjoys playing P.E. with her students and listening to their stories. Her philosophy of teaching includes nurturing relationships with her students to enhance self-motivation and ownership of their education. In her free time she enjoys walking, reading, music, pets, and spending time with her two daughters.
Philip Mitchell
Position: 3 & 4 Homeroom
Phone: 423-6349-2011
Email: pmitchell@gccsda.com
Certifications
Graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.S. in elementary education and holds a Master in Spanish degree from New Mexico State University.
Education
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Elementary Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Biography
Philip is the 3rd/4th grade homeroom teacher and the high school Spanish teacher. He has 20 years of teaching experience in grades 3-11 and has taught one year at G.A.A. Mr. Mitchell enjoys the challenge of discovering how to encourage and support each student’s individual needs in his or her quest for excellence. His approach to teaching is one where students know of their eternal value and therefore desire to excel in the classroom and beyond. Mr. Mitchell enjoys canoeing and biking with his students. In his spare time he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities.
Laura Wensell
Position: 1 & 2 Homeroom
Phone: 423-639=2011
Email: lwensell@gccsda.com
Certifications
Graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.S. in education and a minor in psychology. Holds a Master's degree in Outdoor Education.
Education
Highest Degree: Master's
Major Field: Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Biography
Laura has 17 years of teaching experience in grades pre-K to 2nd and has taught three years at G.A.A. Mrs. Wensell wants to share Jesus with her children throughout the entire day. Her goal is to equip her students to be prepared for sharing Jesus with the world. She loves teaching math, playing educational games, and showing her students how to look up Bible verses. She hopes her children can have fun and love school so much they don’t even know they are learning. In her free time she enjoys hiking, collecting children’s books, and spending time with her family.
Kathy Seeley
Position: Kindergarten
Phone: 423-639-2011
Email: kseeley@gccsda.com
Education
Highest Degree: Bachelor's
Major Field: Elementary Education
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Biography
Ms. Seeley teaches Kindergarten, Cherub Choir and Cherub Chimes. She has spent her entire teaching career at G.A.A. and has 47 years of teaching experience in grades K-3. Ms. Seeley believes each child should be provided opportunity to develop naturally and challenged to his or her fullest potential. She enjoys planning field trips for her class and is trained in Forest Kindergarten which is a program that encourages outdoor experiential learning. Miss Seeley likes to provide time for her children to play in the woods and work in their garden. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her grandchildren.
Anne Andrus
Position: Music Director
Phone: 423-639-2011
Marta Wetmore
Position: Music Teacher
Phone: 423-639-2011
Thomas Cushing
Position: Band Director
Phone: 423-639-2011