Stephanie Annunziato
BA Early Childhood Education, Nyack College
When asked why she chose to teach at CLA, Mrs. Annunziato said, “After graduating, I knew I wanted to teach in a Christian school so I would have the freedom to teach about God’s love for us. Christian education can help students become confident in their identity, bear the image of God, and develop a strong understanding of how biblical truth influences all area of their lives.
I want to help prepare children for their future, reach their goals in life, and instill Christian values in each one. It is a joy to teach children about the world God created, how our faith is woven into each area of learning, and how to find purpose and meaning through God’s Will for our life.”
Favorite Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Kathryn C. Mucherino
B.S. Religion and Ministry, Liberty University
When asked why she chose to teach at CLA, Mrs. Mucherino said, “God is the perfect Creator. His perfection, organization, and thoughtfulness can be witnessed within all areas of Creation. A Christian education ultimately, provides students an opportunity to study God. God is present in their math, science, music, and art classes. He is present within every area of education because He Himself is the Great Teacher. A Christian education provides a deeper and more personal understanding of who God says He is. I have chosen to teach at Christian Life Academy because I believe in the values expressed through this Christian-based education. Children now more than ever are being pulled further into the world, and thankfully there are schools like CLA who desire to build up children to face the world and fight for the gospel rather than run from it. The tools students are learning here prepare them for work in the Kingdom.”
Favorite Scripture: “Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:50
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.
Silvia Picon
B.S. in Computer Science, Cornell University
When asked why she chose to teach at CLA, Mrs. Picon said, “God put His great love in my heart for this school. I believe in Christian education, because teachers and students together can discover, by the study of any subject in the classroom, God’s incredible love for us, because His Love is displayed in every aspect of His creation. Christian Education provides freedom to use God’s Word to renew the mind and transform people, community and even the environment as those involved learn to worship the Creator and respect the creation we are commanded to steward.”
Favorite Scripture: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm 23:6
Amanda Tornatore
When asked why she has chosen to teach at CLA, Ms. Tornatore said, “I believe that a Christ-centered education offers even our littlest students the opportunity to seek Jesus as they pursue academic excellence. Christian Life Academy strives in all areas to provide this education to its students, and in doing so fosters a strong sense of community among teachers, students, and CLA families.”
B.A. English Language & Literature, Smith College
Masters of Arts in Teaching, Secondary English Education: English Language and Literature, Smith College
Favorite Scripture: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6
Denise Kessman
CDA, Child Development Associate Degree
When asked why she has chosen to work at CLA, Mrs. Kessman said, “I’ve taught at many different schools, none of which were Christian, and I instantly felt a peace at CLA from the staff, children and parents. I support Christian education, because our children need a strong belief and upbringing in faith to prosper and succeed in God’s will for their lives!”
Favorite Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6
Jan Hebert
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