Our Team
Kimberly Kussmaul
Program Director & Teacher, 7th-12th Grades
Kimberly started her career by earning 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. For over a decade, she served as a middle- and high-school principal. Kimberly and her husband, Joe, love to travel and are parents to two adult sons.
Justin Bubar
Bible Teacher, 5th-12th Grades
After earning his bachelor’s degree from Capital University, Justin entered the field of education by teaching for more than three years in private Christian schools. He then stepped away from teaching to grow his Christian apparel and bracelet company, Ascend Wood, which he now operates with his wife, Jenna. After many years serving in student ministry, Justin is now in pastoral residency at Maranatha Community Church. In their free time, Justin and Jenna love to watch movies and enjoy coffee shop hangs.
Karen Sammons
Teacher
Karen started her teaching career after graduating from Ohio University. She is a licensed 1-8 teacher with 32 years of classroom experience teaching in Ohio public and private schools. Karen and her husband, Jeff, have two daughters, two granddaughters, and two grandsons. Karen enjoys walking the trails at Ohio Metro Parks, playing with her grandchildren, and taking trips to visit her daughter in California.
Becky Schone
Teacher, 5th & 6th 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.
Sarah Barber
Teacher, 3rd 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.
Billie Rice
Teacher, 2nd Grade
Billie is a certified K-8 teacher with 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, especially taking spontaneous road trips in Jim’s shiny red Corvette!
Audrey Stout
Teacher, Kindergarten
Audrey is in her seventh 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 be outside taking care of their mini-homestead and hiking with their dog, Louie!
Michelle Riddle
Teacher, 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 10 years at St. Pius Children's Center and Rainbow Steps Preschool. She recently earned 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 goldendoodle named Bentley and chickens. She is also trying her hand at fresh-cut flowers.
Antoinette Crawford
Teacher, Project-Based Learning & Science
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.
As an advocate for hands-on learning, Antoinette is committed to empowering others with intentional job skills. She believes in the power of project-based learning and science to foster creativity and innovation in the next generation.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Antoinette enjoys quality time with her two sons, aged six and four, exploring the outdoors and cultivating cut flowers to spread joy to others.
Leann Sparling
Teacher, 1st Grade
Leann Sparling is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching young minds. Born and raised in Pickerington, she has dedicated the last 18 years to shaping the young minds of the community by teaching first grade at Pickerington schools.
Leann holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Education from Ohio University, a testament to her commitment to learning and professional growth. She further honed her expertise by obtaining a Master's in 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.
Sarah Hess
Teacher Aid, Preschool & Pre-K
Sarah joins The Compass Academy with hands-on classroom involvement, having volunteered extensively during the 2022-23 academic year within our preschool and Pre-K settings.
Her deep-seated commitment to nurturing the educational growth of these young learners is truly commendable. We express our heartfelt gratitude for Sarah's invaluable contributions to our youngest students' educational journey.
Teresa Seaman
Teacher, Social Studies
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. As well, she has also taken advanced graduate courses in history from American University. She teaches part-time as an adjunct professor at Ohio Christian University. Teresa has two grown sons (44,43) and seven grandchildren (ages 5-23). 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.
Amber Rodgers
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: a toddler and preschool music program. Amber and her husband, Todd, have lived in Pickerington for 20 years and are parents to Halie, Brycen, Bella, and Bennett. Amber loves to travel, play board games, and garden. She is often found at an Irish dance competition with her daughter or watching her youngest play sports.
Debbie Smith
School Front Desk & Security Personnel
Debbie Smith 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.
Debbie’s presence at the front desk goes beyond just a security role; she embodies the spirit of our community. Her commitment to creating a warm and welcoming first impression sets a positive tone for the entire experience at Compass.
Sydney Pryka
Teacher, 4th Grade
Sydney Pryka is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator with a passion for fostering a creative and nurturing learning environment. As our 4th grade teacher, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence and student development. Her dedication to her profession and her students makes her a valued member of our teaching team.
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.