Tyler Rohlfsen
B.A. in Religion/Biblical Studies, Baylor University
M. Div. [In-Progress], Kairos University
Tyler began teaching music at Christian Life Academy in August 2024. He & wife Aleah have three children, two of which attend CLA. He has led worship in churches and taught private piano, guitar, and voice lessons for over 15 years, and he currently serves as the Director of Worship & Communication at St Paul Westport.
The ability to teach, speak, and make music from a Jesus-centric worldview is the primary reason Tyler loves being a part of the CLA community.
Favorite Scripture: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20
Aline Falcao
When asked why she has chosen to work at CLA, Mrs. Falcao said, “I support Christian education, because Christian education is what will make a difference in a child’s character forever.”
Pastor Al Van Geersdaele
Pastor Al and his wife Louise have lived in Southbury since they were married in June of 1977. They have two adult sons, Aaron and Joshua. They have two grandchildren; Aria who is one year old, and Isaac who is four years old, who attends Christian Life Academy.
Al trusted in Christ for salvation on October 10, 1981. He worked at Southbury Training School as the Power Plant Chief Engineer, retiring on January 30, 2009 after 34 years. He served as a Deacon in his former AG Church for 22 years and, during that time he took courses at the Berean School of the Bible. He became a Certified Minister in 1988, became a Licensed Minister in 2005, and was Ordained in 2011.
He became a full time Minister of Missions and Pastoral Care at First Assembly in February of 2009. He became a part of the board of Christian Life Academy in April of 2019. He is active in C.L.A. Chapel services, teacher devotions, and is a Kid’s Church worker for Brookfieldfirst.
His passion is preaching in churches, prisons, and on the street; teaching, evangelism, and serving God’s people, especially kids.
Joshua Coles
When asked why he has chosen to work at CLA, Mr. Coles said, “I teach art at CLA believing that art has a far greater purpose for Christians than just a hobby or a form of personal self-expression. Art is something that God intends to be used for His glory and to communicate His truth in visual images. Therefore, embracing the study of art from a Christian perspective is essential in equipping young artists to realize their potential and purpose in the spiritual gift of art-making.
Christian education instills the truth and knowledge of God’s Word and the recognition of the guidance of His hand, enabling young Christians to excel and become knowledgeable and skillful not for their own glory, but for His. It allows them the opportunity to become dynamic people of faith, affecting the world with the love of Christ in a way that serves as a witness to all. Christian education should present all areas of study through the perspective that all knowledge comes from the creation and wisdom of God, and that education is a key to understanding all He has done for us.”
“And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs…and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.” Exodus 35:31-33