Craig O’Neil
B.S., Biology and State of CT Secondary Education, Southern Connecticut State University
Professional Teaching Certificate, Central Connecticut State University
M.S., Technology Education (pending thesis) with Vo-Tech Administration
When asked why he has chosen to work at CLA, Mr. O’Neil said, “The more I learned about science the more convinced I became that this world could ONLY have come about by God’s handiwork, which erased any doubt in my mind about his existence. This required a response on my part – accepting his free gift of salvation through Jesus for my sins and gladly serving him wholeheartedly with my life as an act of worship. CLA is an amazing little school where real education takes place every day, and to God’s glory.
It is an honor and pleasure to serve my Lord and Savior at CLA with the gifts, talents and skills he has supplied me for this purpose. I cherish being able to openly show kids who God is through science and I don’t go to work at CLA: A man who finds a job he loves never has to work a day in his life! (Mark Twain)”
Favorite Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… Jeremiah 29:11 – 14
Mary Duncan
B.A. Elementary Education, University of Valley Forge
When asked why she has chosen to teach at CLA, Mrs. Duncan said, “After I graduated, I knew I wanted to teach in a Christian school because I wanted to the freedom to teach a Christian worldview. I strongly support a Christian education because apart from God there is no wisdom. Now more then ever, it important to lay down a foundation of Biblical truths for our students to build on.”
Favorite Scripture: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:18-19
Emily Uskudarli
Mrs. Uskudarli was born in Danbury, grew up in Newtown, and attended Newtown Schools. Mrs. Uskudarli knew from an early age that she wanted to work with children. Certified as a Head Teacher, Mrs. Uskudarli’s credentials include 12 years experience working with children and CPR and First Aid Certification. She has worked at Christian Life Academy since 2007 and is currently working toward her degree in education. She and her husband Ethan have 3 children. Mrs. Uskudarli’s family involvement with CLA runs 2 generations deep.
Her daughter and son are students at CLA, and her mother, Carina Stefanko, is CLA’s Kindergarten Aide. In her free time, Mrs. Uskudarli enjoys spending time with her family and 3 dogs, taking weekend vacations to Vermont, watching movies, and crocheting. Her family attends Shoreline Community Church in Branford, where she volunteers with the children’s ministry. She loves being part of a child’s learning process, and watching children grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Carina Stefanko
When asked why she has chosen to work at CLA, Mrs. Stefanko said, “Being a lifelong member of First Assembly of God, I was here when our former Pastor dedicated CLA as a “Lighthouse to the Community.” I was always inspired by his vision to reach families for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was humbled to be asked join this wonderful mission in 2002.
In our world today, who is going to speak the Gospel Truths into the lives of our most precious? Christian educators who are the hands and feet of Jesus on this Earth, that’s who!”
Favorite Scripture: “And 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
Kathy Re
Mrs. Re has been teaching at Christian Life Academy for over 25 years and has been a member of Brookfield First for over 30 years. “I believe in giving children a solid foundation in their young years & growing. Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.”
Favorite Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Roxanne Lundberg
Ms. Lundberg is Christian Life Academy’s Admissions Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. She serves as the friendly voice on the phone and a smiling face in the school office. She has worked at CLA since 1998 and her energy and efficiency keep administrative matters running smoothly. Ms. Lundberg grew up in Danbury. She is the mother of two grown children, both of whom attended CLA. She loves spending time with the Lord, and attends First Assembly of God Church in Brookfield, where she serves on the Nursing Home Ministry. She enjoys taking her three little Chihuahuas to dog obedience class; whether they listen or not is another story.