Our Team
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Kimberly Kussmaul
Life Launch & Spanish, CCP Coordinator
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.
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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.
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Sydney Pryka
Administrative Coordinator and Spiritual Formation
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Janet Harrell
Third Grade
Janet Harrell brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education, child development, and community service. With a bachelor's degree in Child Psychology from Liberty University, Janet has dedicated her life to nurturing and empowering young minds in a variety of educational settings. Her teaching journey has included work with ESL learners, students with special needs, co-op homeschool courses, and seven rewarding years as a dedicated homeschool mom to 3 amazing teens. Above all, Janet loves the Lord and is honored to be part of the Compass Academy mission.
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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.
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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.
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Kelly Zimmerman
5th & 6th English and History
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from The Ohio State University and spent 20 years in that field before being called to full-time ministry and then education. She has also served in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations, where she developed programs, led volunteers and served her community. For the past six years, she has home educated her two sons and taught elementary and middle school students in local homeschool co-ops. She and her husband, Eric, have been married for 18 years and have two boys currently attending Compass in 9th and 7th grades.
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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.
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Teresa Seaman
History, 7th- 12th Grades
Teresa and her husband, married for 50 years, have called Pickerington home since 1979. She holds a B.S. in Social Studies Education from The Ohio State University, a M.S. degree in social sciences from Ohio University, and has taken PhD courses at American University. Currently, Teresa serves as an adjunct professor at Ohio Christian University. She is the proud mother of two grown sons and grandmother to seven. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, gardening, preserving homegrown food, and teaching an adult Sunday school class. Teresa is passionate about inspiring a love of learning in her students and nurturing a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.
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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 loves spending time outdoors with her husband, Jon, two boys and baby girl. She believes in the power of project-based learning to foster creativity and innovation in the next generation.
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Michele Mahaffey
7th - 12th Science
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.
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Mary Feyh
Library, Technology, PBL & Life Launch
Mary Feyh brings a wealth of experience and passion to Compass as she served as Vice President of Technology at Bread Financial Services, where she led initiatives in mergers, acquisitions, and quality assurance, mentoring young professionals along the way. Now retired from the corporate world, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and embracing her role as a proud "Nana." She is deeply committed to investing in the next generation and fostering curiosity and lifelong learning at every stage of life.
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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.
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Kaitlyn Todd
Music Teacher
Kaitlyn Todd is a dedicated music teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in General Music from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. A lifelong resident of Pickerington, Kaitlyn is proud to invest in the same community that helped shape her love for music. Kaitlyn is excited to continue inspiring young learners through creative, engaging, and meaningful musical experiences. Outside the classroom, she leads worship, is actively involved in ministry, and is looking forward to getting married this fall.
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Dana Lapish
Administration Support
Dana is a graphic designer with a Master's degree in Graphic Design from Pensacola Christian College. She lives on a small farm where she enjoys life with her husband, four kids, a handful of chickens, and a few curious cats. When she's not designing, you can often find her sipping coffee, working on a DIY project, or completing a CrossFit workout. Additionally, she enjoys serving in the Awana ministry at her church and is passionate about the next generation.
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Chelsea Poole
7th-12th English
Chelsea is a dedicated high school English teacher and graduate of Ohio University. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education and Integrated Language Arts with a minor in English. As she enters her tenth year of teaching, she remains passionate about guiding and inspiring students through one of the most influential times in their lives. She and her husband, Jimmy, have three children (Jamie, Bella, and Laila) who also attend TCA. They love doing outdoor activities together like riding bikes and camping, as well as their favorite weekly tradition of family movie night and pizza!
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.