Amy Miele
B.S. in Music Education, The King’s College
M.S. in Special Education, Western Connecticut State University
When asked why she has chosen to work at CLA, Mrs. Miele said, “I believe in Christian education both as a teacher and as a parent. I have spent half of my teaching career in a public school and the other half teaching in Christian schools.The difference is undeniable. In public school, we can offer no definitive truth. We can offer no hope to our students. In Christian education we can show our students that there is absolute truth and it’s God’s word. We can offer hope through the saving blood of Jesus Christ and the grace and forgiveness He alone can give. What a blessing to be able to teach in a school that speaks hope and love to our students.
I believe God graciously opened the door for me to return to C.L.A. I was the music teacher for 7 years while my daughter attended school here. It was a blessing for both of us and we have so many fond memories. Now my son is a student here and God has called me back to teaching music. I am so excited to start chapter 2 at C.L.A.”
Favorite Scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
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.”
Favorite Scripture: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
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
B.A. Messiah College
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