Our Team

  • Kimberly Kussmaul

    Life Launch & Spanish, CCP & Graduation Counselor

    Kimberly started her career by earning a bachelor’s degrees in Comprehensive Communication, English, and Spanish. She left the corporate arena and entered Christian education 15 years ago. She began her classroom adventures by teaching Bible, English, and Spanish, which led to leading international missions trips, teaching leadership and life skills classes, and fostering students’ spiritual growth. Kimberly and her husband, Joe, love to travel and are parents to two adult sons.

  • Debbie Smith

    School Front Desk & Security Personnel

    Debbie is the welcoming face and, for many, the first point of contact at The Compass Academy. She is known for her warm smile and exceptional ability to build relationships. As our front desk and security personnel, Debbie plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and friendly environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

  • Sydney Pryka

    Administrative Coordinator

    Sydney is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator and business manager with a passion for students of all ages. She has a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence and student development. Sydney keeps this school moving in a direction that is organized and Jesus centered. Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband, three lively boys, and new baby girl.

  • Michelle Riddle

    Preschool & Pre-K

    Michelle realized she loved preschoolers when she worked at an on-campus preschool while earning her bachelor’s degree. She has now taught preschool for more than 12 years recently earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) designation. She and her husband, John, have three children. They named their Carroll farm “Riddle's Roost,” where they have a golden doodle named Bentley, chickens, and fresh cut flowers.

  • Audrey Stout

    Kindergarten

    Audrey is in her eighth year of teaching Kindergarten. She has also taught two years of special-needs preschool. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an Intervention-Specialist License. Audrey and her husband, Alex, have three boys named Knox, Sullivan, and Griffin. They love to read together, play board games, have movie nights, and hiking with their dog, Louie!

  • Leann Sparling

    First Grade

    Leann Sparling is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching young minds. Leann has 18 years of experience at Pickerington Local and is now entering her 2nd year at TCA. Leann holds a bachelor's degree in Early Education from Ohio University and a Master's of Education from Marygrove College. Outside of the classroom, Leann enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband, Brad, and their three children, Rylie, Lincoln, and Maddox.

  • Billie Rice

    Second Grade

    Billie is a certified K-8 teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience. She received her bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University and her master’s degree from The Ohio State University. Billie and her husband, Jim, are long-time residents of Pickerington and now Carroll. They have two sons and five grandchildren, and they love to travel.

  • Sarah Barber

    Third Grade

    Sarah started her classroom experience with Wellston City Schools in Jackson County, then spent nine years with Canal Winchester Schools as a 3rd-grade teacher. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Fine Arts Education. Sarah and her husband, Chad, are parents to Molly and Alex. They spend a lot of their free time watching basketball and volleyball games, and they enjoy family trips.

  • Emily Ricks

    Fourth Grade

    Emily has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and spent 7 years teaching public school (2nd and 4th grade) in Charleston, WV. She stepped away from the classroom to stay home with her kids who are now Compass Bisons! She is looking forward to getting back into the classroom and fostering a love for Jesus and learning with all her students.

  • Jennifer Penton

    5th & 6th Science and Math

    Jennifer is a certified 6-12 math teacher with 8 years high school teaching experience along with curriculum design. From Liberty University and the University of Georgia to teaching in Pittsburgh, Virginia, and Georgia, we are happy to have her here at TCA. She has 2 girls, age 8 and 10, who will also be joining The Compass Academy student body.

  • Katlin Anderson

    5th & 6th English and History, 11th & 12th English

    Katlin graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC with a B.A. in English and Secondary Education Studies. She has since taught English 9, Pre A.P. English 10, and Literature and Film. She enjoys sports and coaches Lacrosse at a neighboring High School. Katlin and her husband, Josh, love traveling with their families and spending time with their adorable dog Cali.

  • Becky Schone

    Math, 7th-12th Grades

    Becky graduated from Ohio University and earned her master’s degree in Curriculum from Ashland University. She taught math in Pickerington for eight years. Becky and her husband, Justin, were both born and raised in Pickerington and still call it home. They are parents to Carter, Maxdon, and Burkeley. In their free time, the Schones love traveling and spending time at the lake.

  • Teresa Seaman

    History, 7th- 12th Grades

    Teresa and her husband of 47 years have resided in Pickerington since 1979. Teresa graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Social Studies Education and from Ohio University with a master’s in Social Sciences. She teaches part-time as an adjunct professor at Ohio Christian University. Teresa has two grown sons and seven grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to read, travel, garden, and grow, harvest, and preserve food. Teresa wants to instill the love for learning in her students as well as develop a passion for Christ.

  • Antoinette Pullins

    Project Based Learning

    Antoinette is a dynamic individual with a diverse skill set and a passion for teaching practical job skills. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Ohio University and has utilized her knowledge in event planning, volunteer organization, and entrepreneurship. She believes in the power of project-based learning to foster creativity and innovation in the next generation.

  • Michele Mahaffey

    7th & 8th Science, 9th & 10th English

    Michele graduated from Cedarville University with a degree in education and taught in Columbus City Schools for 6 years before homeschool her 6 children. Michele then taught at co-ops in the community before joining TCA in 2023. She loves being outdoors, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

  • Vanessa Smith

    Science, 9th-12th Grades

    Vanessa Smith attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She also earned her M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Leadership from Liberty University. Throughout her academic and professional career, which spans over 15 years, she has specialized in teaching the sciences in middle and high school. She and her husband, Eric, serve at Grace Church in Lanham, Maryland, along with their two children, August and Alexander

  • Peter Wilson

    Bible, 5th - 12th Grades

    Peter has a B. A. in Biblical Studies from Pensacola Christian College and a degree in Digital Design from COTC. He has served in his church teaching classes and leading children’s programs. He has taught classes such as Photography, Yearbook. and Choir. Peter is excited about being back in the classroom to share his love of God and The Bible with his students.

  • Amber Rogers

    Music Teacher

    Amber graduated from Bowling Green State University with her bachelor’s in Music Education and her masters in Music Education from Capital University. She has taught for Pickerington City Schools and Reynoldsburg City Schools, teaches private piano lessons, and is the co-owner of Mini Maestros. Amber and her husband, Todd, are parents to Halie, Brycen, Bella, and Bennett. Amber loves to travel, play board games, and garden.

Our Founders

Leslie Racette - Founder & Director of Finance & Class Administration

Angie Smith - Founder & Director of Operations & Events

Luke Smith - Founder & Director of Facilities & Safety Services

Josh Racette - Founder & Director of Strategic Planning & Partnerships

To contact any of our Founders, please email learn@thecompassacademy.net.