Bradford Area Christian Academy

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.

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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!

ALEXANDRA HOOD, Academic Assistant

Mrs. Alexandra Hood joined BACA for the 2022/2023 school year as the Academic Assistant to the Administrator. Experience with various youth and family ministries and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology have uniquely prepared Mrs. Hood for assisting BACA's Administrator with academic advancements.

LINDSAY CHRISTIANSEN, Business Assistant

Mrs. Christiansen has been involved with BACA since 2019 as both a parent and a volunteer, and formally joined BACA in 2025 as the Business Assistant! Lindsay has served in various ministry roles throughout her adult life, including Youth Leadership ministries, Lay Ministries, and various Pastoral and Advocacy services. She and her husband also had the privilege and opportunity to serve overseas in Norway, teaching at an International Bible College from 2007 to 2009.

Mrs. Christiansen's desire is always to serve in whatever manner God intends within the ministries of her community, wherever she is called to live.

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 her time at BACA in 2010 as an After Care Attendant but quickly moved into a full time teaching position in Preschool, Kindergarten, and/or First grade. She excels at keeping her students engaged in their lessons - even it if means redecorating and rearranging her classroom!

Mrs. Henry's youngest son attended and graduated from BACA!

CORINNE HOOTEN, 1st-2nd 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!

BARBARA NELSON, 3rd-4th Teacher

Mrs. Nelson was hired in August 2021 . She has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She has 15+ years of experience in education - primarily as a Christian Education Director, a Director of Daycare, and a Preschool Teacher. She is also the wife of the new pastor at the First United Methodist Church, Bradford, PA.

JANIE MCDONALD, 5th-6th 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.

MICHAEL HOOTEN, 7th-8th Teacher

Since 2017, Mr. Hooten has taught various combinations of 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Bachelor's degree in Youth Ministry, and a Master's of Divinity. He also gained teaching experience through the homeschooling of his four children.

The students enjoy challenging Mr. Hooten to solve their Rubik's cubes!

MICHAELAH COLON, High School Facilitator

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 serves as the Assistant Director at the Community Life Center in Bradford, a position she has held since September of 2023. Wherever possible, Mrs. Colon participates in outreach and service both within the Bradford community and on missions trips.

Specials:

Alice Stewart (music)

Alishia McDonald (Art)

Wilfredo Colon (Before/After Care)

Part Time and Substitute Staff:

Tawnya Slater (Substitute and Gym Teacher), Alishia McDonald (Substitute), Pastor Alan Mertsock (Substitute)