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.

Click here for open positions!

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, Chief Technology Technician

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, her position as Director of the Grace Lutheran Community Life Center, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology have uniquely prepared Mrs. Hood for assisting BACA's Administrator, students, and faculty with academic advancements and technological needs.

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!

ELIZABETH REHAK, 2nd-3rd Teacher

Mrs. Rehak joins BACA as a PA certified elementary teacher with a Bachelors in Radiological Sciences and a Masters of Early Education. She has worked the last 2 years as a Building Substitute for the Bradford Area School District, and just married her best friend earlier this summer!

Mrs. Rehak looks forward to helping her students to grow and thrive both academically and in their faith.

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.

SYLVIA WILLIAMS, 7th-8th 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 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 Teacher and Learning Support Professional

PASTOR ALAN MERTSOCK Art Teacher

KIRA SCHINE Physical Education Teacher

SUSAN THOMPSON Before Care Attendant

ALISHIA MCDONALD After Care Attendant

Part Time and Substitute Staff:

TAWNYA SLATER Substitute Teacher

PASTOR ALAN MERTSOCK Substitute Teacher