About Rock Christian Academy
Vision
RCA's vision is to create a partnership with parents in education where Jesus Christ is our foundation, children learn and grow, and God is glorified.
We are truly standing on the Rock as we embark on this journey.
“There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock.” — 1 Samuel 2:2
Staff
Laurie Mondragon | Campus Director
Welcome! I'm honored to be pioneering this adventure with you and yours. Over the past 33 years, I have taught in public, private, and homeschool settings. I have also been a tutor and instructional advisor. Currently, in addition to being the founder and campus director of The Rock Christian Academy, I teach art for homeschooled children. Staying closely connected to children is of utmost importance to me.
I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Multicultural Education, with an emphasis in Speech Communications.
Beyond teaching, I have been blessed to foster children, house international students in my home, and participate in many outreach ministries. I cherish spending time with my now-adult daughters, Sarah and Amy, and my precious grandbabies, Annabelle, Rosalie, William, and Charlie. I am honored to be the helpmate of my husband, Pastor Paul.
I love to dance, sing, cook, and eat. I also enjoy the outdoors and playing with my two pugs. Jesus, my Lord and Savior rescued me and set my feet upon the rock. (Psalm 40:1-3) I want to honor Him and praise Him all the days of my life.
Sarah Lanning | Lead Teacher
Marhaba! (Arabic for “Hello!”) My name is Sarah Lanning, and I have had the privilege of serving as an educator for over twenty years. Initially getting my feet wet teaching English to Arab students in the Middle East, I have now instructed students in American public schools, tutored homeschooled children in Classical Conversations, and finally taught in a Christian, private school for the past nine years. I love working with children!
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Science from Northern Arizona University after initially pursuing pre-medical studies at Baylor University. God has blessed me with a loving husband (an educator and worship leader) and four beautiful children (three of whom the Lord gave us through adoption). Seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20) are guiding verses in my life. Some of my passions include overseas mission trips, cooking, and playing tennis.
Tom Fell | Teacher
Greetings. My name is Tom Fell, and I have been a servant of Jesus Christ for 55 years. I have been blessed with 53 years of marriage to my wife, Connie, along with two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five cool grandsons.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Police Science and Administration from Northern Arizona University in 1976 and served 20 years as a certified officer with the Yuma Police Department.
After completing my elementary education teaching certification through Northern Arizona University in 1994, I taught in the Yuma School District for 10 years before spending 12 years teaching junior high math at Southwestern Christian School.
Following retirement, I volunteered in various positions at Southwestern Christian School for 10 years and recently completed a long-term substitute position at Yuma Lutheran School, where I felt the call by God to return to education.
As they said in the movie Independence Day, “I’m back!” and I look forward to working with the jr. high/high school students and staff at RCA.
Greg Fell | Security
Hello! I'm Greg Fell. My family moved to Yuma in 1971. I have two brothers—my twin, Pete, and my older brother, Tom. Tom served as a police officer with the Yuma Police Department and was my mentor and inspiration for pursuing a career in law enforcement.
I joined the Yuma Police Department in 1978 and proudly served our community for 28 years. Eleven of those years were spent as a D.A.R.E. and School Resource Officer (SRO) in Yuma-area schools. I loved serving the public and especially enjoyed working with young people.
After retiring from YPD, I joined the Arizona Western College Police Department, where I served for 12 years. Although I retired from AWC four years ago, I continue to work security at the college and also serve as an instructor for Stop-and-Go Driving School.
Things were going well when my brother, Tom, told me about a security opening at The Rock Christian Academy. It was right in my wheelhouse, so I applied and was blessed to get the job. I look forward to working once again with students and staff in a Christian environment—and I even get to work alongside my brother, who teaches at the school!
As I became a more seasoned police officer, I developed the habit of shaking hands with the individuals I booked into jail and encouraging them to change the direction of their lives. I challenged them to leave drugs behind and focus on the things that truly matter. I would tell the offender, "I don't hate the sinner; I hate the sin."
For me, working at a school is more than a job—it is a calling.
Kelly Fromm | Teacher
Hello! My name is Kelly Fromm, and I’m so excited to be a part of The Rock Christian Academy. It is an honor and privilege to teach children about the love of Jesus and draw them closer to Him. I have been teaching for over 20 years at Christian schools and churches in California and Arizona. My experience includes teaching preschool, kindergarten, and special education. Most recently, I have taught as a substitute teacher for kindergarten through 5th grade at Southwestern Christian School.
I truly love children and have a heart for children with special needs, including a strong desire to help families. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, serving at church, coaching soccer, and drinking lots of coffee haha! The Lord has blessed me with 5 beautiful children and an amazing husband (who is always up for my adventures). My family is currently in the process of opening our home to foster children. We are faithfully trusting in God as he leads us in this ministry.
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Carla Harrison | Administrative Assistant
Hi! My name is Carla Harrison, and I am the bookkeeper for The Rock Christian Academy! I was born and raised here in Yuma, I have also lived in Flagstaff, AZ where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Northern Arizona University. After college, the Lord called me back to Yuma where I have been working in the local agriculture industry as an accountant for the past eight years. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing school alongside educators who are truly passionate about giving students an outstanding Christ-centered education.
Vanessa Hugel | Teacher
Hello! My name is Vanessa Hugel, and I’m thrilled to be a part of The Rock Academy. I have had the privilege of working with children for many years in different settings. I grew up in Washington state where I was saved at the young age of five years old. I was raised in a loving, God-fearing, Christian family. I believe my love of working with children began at church. As I got older, I taught in children’s classes and worked in our bus ministry in high school and college.
I met my husband, Michael, while I was in Nursing school at Pensacola Christian College. We have been married for 12 years and have been blessed with two children, Winston (11) and Vivienne (6) who will be attending RCA.
With experience teaching 2nd grade and working with Junior High at a private school, I have also home educated my children during some of their elementary years. It is my passion to share the love of God to children and their families. I’m excited to get to serve the families of RCA in any way God leads me!
Zack Kondracki | Teacher
Hello! My name is Zachary Kondracki, and I am one of the junior high teachers at the Rock Christian Academy who teaches Bible. I am an associate pastor at the Rock who, in his spare time, is an author of theological works, including a book on biblical relationships, dealing with depression as a Christian, working through guilt, and a Ruth commentary. I am married to a wonderful woman named Jennifer who has helped encourage me in all things Jesus!
In my spare time I enjoy weightlifting, writing, reading, and board games. I look forward to meeting you and your child at The Rock Christian Academy.
Sara Morales | Teacher
Hi! I'm Sara Morales. I'm a primary teacher with a deep love for Jesus and a passion for guiding young minds. Born and raised in Arizona, I've spent the past 10 years working with children as a teacher and aide. I've had the privilege of teaching Kinder, 2nd, and 4th grades.
Alongside my love for education, I've pursued nutritional therapy school, reflecting my commitment to holistic wellness. I'm happily married and a proud dog mom to my adopted pocket pitbull, Siggy. I also have a soft spot for cows, and I find joy in the simple, wholesome things in life.
Kirsten Riley | Teacher
Hi, I’m Kirsten! I am mom of seven with over ten wonderful years of homeschooling and teaching experience. I’ve taught everything from Pre-K to writing programs like the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and The Lost Tools of Writing through Classical Conversations, as well as other varied co-op classes.
I’m passionate about literacy and helping kids fall in love with reading. I strive to surround our family with extraordinary stories that build character and integrity. I believe incredible books can help families create tight bonds and help us relate to the world around us. In turn, reading and writing will help us share the Gospel of Jesus and His love effectively. Most importantly, I love Jesus with my whole soul and consider it the greatest joy to serve Him by teaching and encouraging the next generation.
Lacey Schrader | Instructional Aide
Aloha! I am honored to serve as an Instructional Aide at Rock Christian Academy. With a decade in education, including a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, I previously taught in public schools for six years, supported students with special needs, and served as a military family school liaison.
I am deeply grateful the Lord has brought me to RCA, where I love our homeschool hybrid model. I am passionate about partnering with families to provide Christ-centered education that nurtures academic excellence while shaping Godly character and a biblical worldview.
Born and raised in Hawaii, I met my husband while attending college in Oregon. His Marine Corps service led us to Yuma a year ago. This spring we joyfully welcomed our first child, a sweet baby girl, and we praise God daily for the gift of family.
It is my prayer to help equip students to grow in wisdom and faith, glorifying Christ in all they do.
Helen Shaya | Teacher
Greetings! My name is Helen Shaya, and I am excited for the opportunity to teach your children. I hold a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN. My experience as an educator includes tutoring English grammar, teaching K-1 Literature and Poetry, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) for the Classical Conversations program, and various co-op classes over the years.
In addition, I was blessed to home-educate my own two children during their whole academic career. Currently, my son is serving in the United States Air Force and my daughter is enrolled in college classes, pursuing her passion. Our family has explored many, many books together over the years. The conversations and activities that we have done together are by far the most memorable experiences in their home education. I believe great literature can be the glue that brings a family together.
I serve a mighty God and have been serving Him for decades. I believe and trust in Jesus Christ and share in His ministry to teach and bless the children and adults He has entrusted me with. To Him be all honor, glory, and praise forever!
Sarahi Shriver | Teacher
Hello! My name is Sarahi Shriver. I’m so excited for the opportunity to be a part of The Rock Christian Academy. My goal as I partner with parents is to help their children grow academically and spiritually, pointing them to the love of Jesus in everyday learning.
I have always had a passion for working with children. In 2015, I began serving in children’s ministry, where I taught classes regularly for kindergarten and elementary-aged students. Over the years, I’ve discovered how much I enjoy teaching children, encouraging them, and creating a supportive environment where they feel seen and valued.
The Lord has blessed my husband Bryan and me with three wonderful boys, Lucas, Joshua, and Bryson. Lucas and Joshua are currently attending RCA, and Bryson (Lord willing) will too, when the time comes. As a family, we are so grateful and consider it an honor to be part of the RCA community.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with family, exploring nature, photography, and taking on creative projects. I’m incredibly grateful God has blessed me with an opportunity to teach at RCA and look forward to teaching 4th grade!
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Terry Spivey | Teacher
Greetings and Salutations! Terry is the name, and the aim is to set students aflame.
It is a humbling honor to be teaching at RCA, “a very high calling”. (James 3:1)
Early in my Christian walk, Scripture had deeply impressed upon me the “educate-our-children-mandate”. Psalm 78:4, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
I was born and raised in Southern California . From my earliest age, history and the theatre arts were always a passion. Believe it or not, in the third grade, I wrote a play on Julius Caesar’s conquest of Great Britain, and my fellow classmates actually performed it.
I came to a true, saving faith in Jesus Christ in my college years.
In 1986, my day job with the US Postal Service, allowed me to transfer to Portland, Oregon to do missionary work for Christian Research Institute .
During my years in the Pacific Northwest, I also worked to organize and establish Evergreen Presbyterian Church. I taught Apologetics, Hermeneutics, and Church history at literally every age level. When the church organized homeschool co-ops, I taught history and public speaking .
Those history lessons led to 11 years of facilitating the students to participate in Protestant Reformation reenactments.
These teaching opportunities steered me to being the cofounder of Saint Stephen’s Academy in Beaverton Oregon in 1999, a classical Christian school). I served as school administrator, tutor, substitute, teacher, and speech coach at Saint Stephen’s till 2008 .
My wife Denise and I now live in Yuma, and I am currently a volunteer tour guide at the Yuma Territorial Prison and museum which is my once a week fun gig. More importantly, though , I am even more excited for this new Godly mission of bringing the best out of our children’s hearts and minds now at RCA .
And as Johann Sebastian Bach ended every piece of music he ever wrote , so I also say ….” Soli Gloria Deo”.
Cindy Straka | Teacher
I am Cindy Straka, and I was raised in a military family and spent my formative years in Southern Maryland. I earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Frostburg State University in Maryland and a master's degree in elementary education from Bowie State University.
My teaching career began as the inaugural second and third grade teacher at a newly founded Christian school in Lexington Park, Maryland. After teaching third grade at Camp Springs Christian School (also in Maryland), my childhood dream of full-time missions was finally realized through The Evangelical Alliance Mission, where I taught missionary children at Vienna Christian School in Vienna, Austria. Upon my return home, I married and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where I taught fourth and fifth grade, including a stint as a music teacher and intervention specialist.
Four years ago, the Lord called my family to Yuma, Arizona, where I taught second grade at Southwestern Christian School. During this time, I earned a seminary Biblical studies certificate from Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary. I enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, reading, quilting, and playing and teaching piano. I desire to honor God in the gifts He has given me and to instill in children a passion for missions.
FAQ
Will there be breaks for Jr. High?
Each teacher will provide breaks between each class. There will be a lunch/recess as well.
Will the elementary classes have breaks?
There will be one morning recess for K-5th grades. There will be a lunch recess for K-8th grades.
Are parents required to volunteer at RCA?
We will need volunteers to help with recess and lunch duties, but it is currently not required. Other opportunities for involvement may arise as we delve in, but none yet. We’d love to see families creating learning opportunities for the classes to go on field trips, see historic sites, and just be together whenever possible, but it is not required to attend.
Is attendance required?
There is no attendance policy, but absences may cause your child to struggle with key concepts covered in class. ALL assignments are required to be completed regardless of presence.
Why are you starting this school?
The Lord has called us to be obedient, so we are walking by faith, hoping to be a blessing to many families in this community. This program provides a unique alternative for families regarding their child’s education that includes more family involvement and freedom outside the classroom walls to engage in real-world experiences where additional learning and discovery take place. We are excited for our experienced educators to partner with parents in implementing a homeschool hybrid curriculum that focuses on core subject matter in a Christ-centered, loving, community environment.
Are parents required to be on campus on in-school days?
No, but we hope to foster a family environment and a community of like-minded families who share life together.
Is there space for the kids to play?
There is a large, grassy, fenced play area outside with shade, and a covered, expansive bay area with picnic tables where kids can play games and enjoy the fresh air.
Aside from operating expenses, what benefits does tuition offer our family?
Four days a week of thorough lessons in 5 core subjects
Biblical curriculum for each child in all subject areas
Highly qualified, caring educators available for guidance and support all four days
Classroom supplies, space, and maintenance
On-site security during in-school days
Monthly family activities and field trips
Are uniforms required?
Uniforms are required for the two on-campus school days. Just as any sports team or ballet studio would do, it’s a symbol of community, professionalism, identity, and unity. At RCA, the time spent in the classroom should have minimal distractions.
What are the Parent/Home Educator’s Responsibilities?
As a homeschooler, the parent is ultimately responsible for the child’s grades. RCA will put a strong emphasis on learning and progress, but not on comparison and grades. The parent is the primary home educator. The parent will ensure weekly work is being completed, examined, and corrected if needed before returning to in-school classes each week and will communicate often with classroom teachers. At home, the parent has complete flexibility on when, where, and how they choose to have the child complete those lessons.
What is the role of the classroom teacher?
The teacher is responsible for preparing 36 weeks of well-constructed curriculum that can transfer from classroom to kitchen table weekly. The teacher ensures that on in-school days, core concepts are taught in Bible, math, language arts, science, and history. With the small class size, the teacher can focus on students’ individual needs. In addition, the teacher is available to provide guidance and assistance for home educators.
Will there be any opportunities for the children to play sports on a team?
Many homeschoolers join existing private or public school teams in their districts. We are working on a plan to provide team sports that all RCA students in 4th-8th grade can participate in. We will keep you posted!
How can I become a teacher for RCA?
If you have a strong desire to serve the Lord and homeschooled families, we would love to chat with you, especially if you have children attending RCA, and/or have a teaching or special subject matter degree! Please reach out by emailing director@rcayuma.com. We offer part-time hours and competitive pay in a joyful, rewarding environment!
Is there anything that the school needs?
We would appreciate any donations to the school. We are a ministry of the Rock Church, which is a 501c3 organization. We would be happy to share our Amazon wishlist if you like!