Bradford Area Christian Academy
Providing the best possible academic education in a Christ-centered environment
Administration & Staff
MICHELE PANEK, Administrator
In 2019, Mrs. Panek began serving BACA as Administrator. She holds an Associates of Science degree in Education and Bachelor's degree in Christian Leadership and Management. Mrs. Panek also has experience in business and employee management, and has a commitment to local church ministry.
Mrs. Panek's daughters attend BACA, and she continually expresses gratitude for the consistent, Biblical influence that will help shape them into Christian leaders.
PATTI DRONEY, Administrative Assistant
Miss Patti has passionately served BACA since 2003! As she cares for various school needs throughout each day, it is her joy to daily encourage students, parents and staff through prayer and uplifting conversation.
Miss Patti's daughter attended and graduated from BACA!
ASHLEY SILVIS, Business Assistant
Ashley has been part of the BACA family as a parent for many years, and just joined the administrative team as our new business assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. She has several years of accounting and clerical experience from working in her church office and background in sales, and offers much joy and expertise to our office!
KARA WILLIAMS, Preschool Teacher
Miss Williams joined BACA in 2024 as a PA certified elementary teacher with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix. She has over 15 years experience in daycare and preschool settings, and also serves in other local ministries, including AWANA, leading a Bible Quizzing team, and teaching Sunday school.
When asked about her own spiritual walk, Miss Williams shared that her most transformational moment was on a mission trip to Peru in her teenage years, witnessing the incredible faith and gratitude of individuals there, regardless of the inconceivable living conditions they suffered with.
Miss Williams looks forward to helping her students to grow and thrive.
WENDY HENRY, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs Henry began in 2009 as an after care attendant/ tutor and quickly moved into a preschool teaching position. She has over 10 years experience as a children’s ministry director, attended the university of Pittsburgh at Bradford as a biology major, and has obtained countless hours of educational professional development hours. She is skilled at keeping her students engaged with differentiated hands on learning opportunities. She has taught pk-1st grade and is currently a kindergarten teacher.
Her youngest son attended and graduated from BACA and is currently a soldier in the US Army. He is grateful for the opportunity to have attended a school where he could freely learn about God and share his faith with others.
CORINNE HOOTEN, 1st-2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Hooten joined the staff at Bradford Area Christian Academy in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Latin American Studies and a Master's degree in Theological Studies, Missions Concentration. Homeschooling four children provided tremendous experience and insight for her current teaching position.
Students in Mrs. Hooten's classroom love learning about the cultures of the world!
LORI AMENT, 3rd-4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Ament joins BACA as a PA certified elementary teacher with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Masters in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has worked the last 12 years for the Bradford Area School District - 2 years in School Street Elementary in Special Education, and 10 years in the Bradford Area High School in Special Education. She was also a former teacher from right here at BACA in 2013-2014, teaching 2nd and 3rd grade!
Mrs. Ament looks forward to helping her students to grow and thrive both academically and in their faith.
JANIE MCDONALD, 5th-6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Janie McDonald joined BACA in the 2022/2023 school year as the 5th/6th Teacher. Her extensive and varied experience working with children and youth demonstrates her heart for sharing the love of Jesus with children. Mrs. McDonald holds a Bachelor's of Social Work from Mansfield University, is ACSI certified, and serves as co-pastor of New Life Fellowship alongside her husband, Rev. Matthew McDonald. Mrs. McDonald looks forward to teaching children to have a biblical worldview and engaging them in the process of learning new concepts.
SYLVIA WILLIAMS, 7th-8th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Williams grew up in the state of Ohio and, after completing her seminary studies, served as an ordained Officer in the Salvation Army for almost twenty years. The Lord then laid it upon her and her husband's hearts to become foster parents, and she has since served children of various ages at various points in their lives, sharing the love and grace of Jesus. Mrs. Williams also has and continues to serve within her various church families supporting through such roles as Sunday School Teacher, AWANA Teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, Youth Group leader, Bible Study Leader, Worship Team, Discipleship class teacher, and has worked on various emergency disaster teams throughout her adult life.
Sylvia looks forward to supporting her future students: academically, to do and work to the very best of their abilities, socially, to be respectful and demonstrate daily the Fruit of the Spirit towards others; and spiritually, to grow as disciples of Christ.
MICHAELAH COLON, High School Facilitator and Academic Assistant
Mrs. Colon joined BACA in 2024 as the High School Facilitator. She studied three years of English Education and minored in Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She has extensive experience with children and youth, including: serving as a Worship Ministry Leader, Children's Ministry teacher, and Youth Group leader. In addition to joining BACA's team, Mrs. Colon also served as the Assistant Director at the Community Life Center in Bradford from September of 2023 to August 2026. Wherever possible, Mrs. Colon participates in outreach and service both within the Bradford community and on missions trips.
Specials:
ALICE STEWART Music Teacher and Learning Support Professional
PASTOR ALAN MERTSOCK Art Teacher
Part Time and Substitute Staff:
APRIL NELSON Before and After Care Attendant, Custodian
TAWNYA SLATER Substitute Teacher
PASTOR ALAN MERTSOCK Substitute Teacher
ELAINE RAYMOND Substitute Teacher
SHAUN PANEK Chief Technology Technician