Staff

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I wanted my kids to attend a school that shared the same theology that our family believes. This school was a match and I have stayed since 2014 because I love the people I work with and believe in what we are doing. 

How do you support students and families in your role?: I want to help my staff and our students to live out what we all profess to believe. Saying what you believe is one thing, but living it out in the messiness of conflict and problems is something else. I hope to help others to grow into a deeper faith walk and/or a deeper appreciation for God's word.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: My favorite school event is worship with the elementary students in chapel. There's something very special about hearing all the sweet young voices praising God. 

God called me to Genesis Prep in 2013. I have been married for 28 years and have one child who attends Genesis Prep and one who graduated in 2022. I love Genesis Prep, the families, the students and the people I work with! I attend Real Life Ministries where I volunteer my time in the cafe. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing and coaching volleyball, playing pickleball, camping and crocheting.  
 

What special training, languages, or skills do you bring to the school?: I'm currently getting my master's in Clinical Mental Health from GCU. It's also why I love the roles I am in, helping the students make the best of their time in high school and also advocating for them.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: What I love most about working here is the staff and student relationships we get to build. I love working with the students and helping them achieve their goals. I want every student to know they have someone in their corner.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: I love coaching volleyball. I think it is very special to be able to represent your school outside of the classroom, and I believe everyone should play a sport for their school. Athletics are such a great companion to classroom education!  

This is my first year at Genesis Prep, but my 24th year in high school education. I spent 14 years in public schools and 10 years in private Christian education. This is also my 16th year as an Athletic Director. Over the years, I've coached football, baseball, and both boys and girls volleyball, and I've taught math and physical education.  Married for 25 years, my wife and I are recent empty nesters with three kids between the ages of 19 and 23. Outside of school, I enjoy road trips, boating, cooking, DIY projects, and remodeling homes.

Role and Experience: Working at Genesis has blessed me with the opportunity to combine my career of finance with my faith. 

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: With a deep reverence for God and 20 years of financial experience, I hope to instill a legacy of integrity and honor in my role.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: There is no other school like Genesis. Through the ups and downs, it's still standing. I truly believe God is working through this school to build the next generation of faithful disciples. 

Role and Experience: I have worked in the early childhood field in a variety of capacities for over 20 years and love the concept of blending social/emotional/educational development through faith. Our family moved here from Minnesota about 5 years ago and was blessed with the opportunity to join the Genesis team working with an age group I am very passionate about (Preschool). I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood development and almost nine years of experience working as a children's ministry director. As far as my HR role~ I love organization/systems and having the opportunity to develop relationships with people and support them in their GPA journey. 

Personal Values & Approach: I love being able to partner with families and being a part of their child's story. I enjoy seeing families make supporting connections with their child's teachers as well as the building of community with other families. It brings joy to see the curiosity of littles when it comes to exploring the stories of the bible and making those faith connections. I hope to be a resource and safe place for families/students to seek support in the raising of their littles in both practical and spiritual needs.

What makes this school special in your eyes? I love that the school is passionate about providing a strong Christian Education. The faculty care deeply about the students, families, and each other. As the preschool director, I love our family connection events. The children loving being able to have that special someone join them in experiencing part of the day. We see so many connections/relationships developed through our family connection events. 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: It seemed like such a God-thing. I was in the middle of a prayer asking God to provide another way for me because my current job was beginning to conflict with my religion more and more. In the middle of that prayer, I received a text from someone who worked at GPA saying they thought I'd be a great fit for the job. Little did I know what would come of it! 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: Relationships. I really enjoy inviting others into the opportunity to make an impact. Whether it be partnering with the school, providing financial aid, praying, learning, or a number of other things, it's been great to see those connections flourish. 

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: My favorite school tradition is probably the annual auction. It's really fun to invite the community into what we are doing here at GPA, treat families to good food, and to have a good time with everyone.  

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: Having worked in Christian schools and experienced Christian education myself growing up, I’ve seen the lasting impact of a Christ-centered learning environment. With years of experience in technology and church production, I felt called to use those skills in a place where faith and education come together. Genesis Prep’s mission and commitment to excellence immediately stood out to me. I appreciate how technology can quietly support teachers and students, creating space to focus on what truly matters: Christ-centered learning and community.

How do you support students and families in your role?: In my role, I see technology as a way to serve and connect. My goal is to keep systems approachable, reliable, and aligned with the school’s mission so teachers, students, and families can focus on learning with fewer distractions. I strive to bring creativity, excellence, and a servant’s heart to everything I do.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: What makes Genesis Prep special is its strong sense of purpose and the way everyone works together toward a shared mission. Faith and learning go hand in hand here, and I’m grateful to help support that by keeping our technology dependable and effective.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I was Volunteering and Real-Life Ministries and was recommended for this position when it became available. I have some restrictions on my abilities and Genesis prep has worked with me so that my knowledge and training have been able to help shape our students' lives to point towards our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. I am honored to be able to help our staff, which in turn, helps shape the future of the world .

How do you support students and families in your role?: I do my best to make the technology in our school work to make learning easier and more productive.

 How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: My mission is to hopefully help students see God's influence in their lives.   To help them open their minds and realize that all things work for the glory of God.  I hope that the fruit from my works influences their lives for God's glory.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: God led our family to Genesis Prep 14 years ago while we were looking for a Christ-centered school for our four children. When my youngest started kindergarten, I began volunteering and soon joined the staff. I love being part of a team that feels like family and keeps Christ at the center.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I enjoy connecting with our students and families and being part of a team that feels like family. The relationships I’ve made here are a true blessing and will last a lifetime.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: Genesis Prep is special because of the faith-filled community and the way everyone comes together to support our students. I’ve loved cheering on my kids and their teammates—being a sports mom has made school spirit even more meaningful!

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I dreamed of being with my kids everyday and God opened that door up for me 5 years ago to come on staff here at GPA.  I have thrived here with the amazing coworkers and staff and seeing the students receiving a quality Christ centered education. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: My relationship with Christ is so much stronger because of the influence of these amazing coworkers I get to be with daily!  

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I love to see the passion every year to make sure the students are impacted spiritually, relationally, and educationally while keeping a biblical Christ entered school. 

What special training, languages, or skills do you bring to the school?: I'm currently getting my master's in Clinical Mental Health from GCU. It's also why I love the roles I am in, helping the students make the best of their time in high school and also advocating for them.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: What I love most about working here is the staff and student relationships we get to build. I love working with the students and helping them achieve their goals. I want every student to know they have someone in their corner.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: I love coaching volleyball. I think it is very special to be able to represent your school outside of the classroom, and I believe everyone should play a sport for their school. Athletics are such a great companion to classroom education!  

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?:  I love the people I work with!

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: The thing I enjoy most about working here are the people. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I love that I get to see Jesus working in the hearts of the students and staff here everyday. 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: This is my 5th year at Genesis Prep and I think I can definitively say I've worked in every department. I'm excited to start my new role as elementary PE teacher!

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: I believe that we are called to be a positive encouragement to those around us (Thessalonians 5:11). This is especially true for raising up the next generation and being a supportive guide throughout their school day. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I believe raising kids rooted in Christ is so important and value that ALL the staff believe in the same mission.

 What special training, languages, or skills do you bring to your teaching?: I bring years of classically trained music experience, as well as a passion for lifting praises to the Lord.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: The thing I enjoy most working at Genesis Prep is sharing my passion for appreciating and making music with students.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: My favorite school event is the weekly chapel.

What roles and experiences have you been part of?: I came in 2011 as a math teacher. I started the STEM program in 2016.

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: I LOVE teaching STEM! I love having hands-on challenging activities with students and watching them think and explore in new, creative ways.

How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: My goal is to remind students daily that they are loved, important, heard, and needed. All of us teachers are uniquely gifted to reach students as individuals, recognizing that some of us will connect with different types of students. As a staff, we try to make sure everyone has someone that they can connect with. No one should fall through the cracks.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I was drawn to this school because I see it as a place where faith and education come together to shape the next generation of believers. Having not always been a Christian myself, I know firsthand the importance of positive role models and the impact they can make in the lives of young people. My own journey has given me a deep desire to invest in students—not just academically, but in their character and walk with Christ.  I pursued this role because I want to help students see that their faith is not separate from their learning or their future. Being able to teach, coach, and mentor in an environment where Christ is at the center is both a privilege and a calling for me.  I stay connected through continuing education opportunities and by learning from other Christian educators who share this mission. I bring with me not only my background in teaching and coaching but also the perspective of someone who has experienced life both with and without Christ at the center. This gives me a heart to encourage students, challenge them to grow, and model what it looks like to live with integrity and faith in today’s culture.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: What I enjoy most about working here is being able to teach from a biblical worldview without tiptoeing around culture. I support students and families by being approachable, encouraging, and consistent. My hope is to be a positive role model and to shine the light of Jesus each day I’m blessed to be here.

How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: I help carry out the school’s mission by striving to be the head, heart, and hands of the church—living as an example of what it means to follow Christ in today’s world. My desire is to impress upon students not only the importance of knowing Christ, but also the need to allow Him to transform the parts of our lives we can’t, or sometimes don’t want to, change on our own.

Role and Experience: I have always been passionate about art, and it's my goal to help students explore the creative side that God has given them.

Personal Values & Approach: My favorite thing about my job is getting to teach every grade level. I love getting to see what each grade level is capable of and the amazing art they can create. I want all my students to feel like they can try new things and explore new skills in my class.

What is your favorite school event or tradition? My favorite school event is the art show. It's amazing to see the whole school community come together to celebrate all the hard work the students put into their projects. I can't wait for this year's art show!

My name is Nicky Ubert and I am in my 5th year, as the Director, at Genesis Prep Academy Preschool. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood development and over 25 years experience working with children and families through center care, licensed family childcare and as a children's ministry director.  I love being in an environment where I get to support  whole child development grounded in biblical truth.  I have been married to my husband, Andy, for nearly 28 years and we have 4 children~ Jack (23), Nate (21), Bentley (18), & Amari (17). We are originally from Minnesota and moved to Post Falls in 2021. I have also lived 4 years in both Florida and Arizona in our early years of marriage.  I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, cooking, family movie nights and adventures with my family. 
 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: God opened the door for me unexpectedly at Genesis while I was staying home with my youngest kiddo, after my two daughters had both attended GPA for a few years. I was hired on as a part-time 3rd grade teacher and was even able to teach one of my daughters that year, which was so fun! I now teach preschool and help out on the administrative side of the program as well. Early childhood education has always been a passion of mine and is where I have spent most of my teaching career. When the position opened up, again unexpectedly, in the preschool, I knew God was calling me back to pour into littles. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I enjoy teaching kiddos though various modes of learning! There is no one way to grow academically and spiritually. I love to use hands-on activities, music, games, play, gross motor movements, manipulatives, etc. to make learning accessible for everyone! In our room we like to have fun while we learn and explore the world around us! 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: GPA is special because its focus is growing up the next generation to love God and others, while helping them thrive academically as well. It has been home for our family for 7 years! I love how our team puts their heart and love into everything they do. It is truly a school on mission to reach the world for Jesus one student at a time. My favorite school tradition is rewarding students for displaying the Fruit of the Spirit character traits each month at chapel!  

Hi, my name is Cassie Basler. I am so excited to be a part of the Genesis Prep Preschool team and I’m looking forward to this upcoming year. I have my bachelor’s degree in social work and worked in the field for over ten years. After having children, God led me in a new direction. I was able to stay at home with my children and began volunteering at their preschool, which led me here! I have been married to my husband, Brian, for 11 years and we have a 6-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. We spend our free time enjoying the outdoors. We love backpacking, boating, kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing in the winter. 
 

Hi, my name is Amanda Gintz and I am excited to start my journey as the 4-year-old Preschool Teacher here at Genesis Prep! I graduated from Eastern Washington University with an Elementary Education degree, majoring in Early Childhood Education and minoring in ESL. I have taught at several preschools around the area. I have been married to my husband, Jason, for 16 years and together we have 4 kids. Landon (15) will be a sophomore at Post Falls High School, Lane (10) will be entering 5th grade at Genesis Prep and Layla (6) will be in 1st grade at Genesis Prep this year. We also have a beautiful daughter, Lyla, who resides in Heaven. In my free time, I enjoy reading, line dancing, going on long walks, traveling, hanging out with the family, and drinking coffee! I am so excited to begin teaching at Genesis Prep!
 

My name is Kristen Borne and I love my North Idaho life, where I am surrounded by all of the beautiful mountains and trees. My faith and family time is what’s most important to me. I love spending time outdoors with my husband Morgan, and amazing kids Jason and Brooke. We enjoy hiking, sledding, bike riding, and taking a drive to our favorite spots in Sandpoint and Priest Lake. 

I’ve been at Genesis Prep for just about a year and I get to enjoy being in each of the 3  Preschool classrooms. It is truly a privilege that I get to journey alongside these kids and watch them grow in their first academic years. My hope and prayer is that I have the biggest impact in teaching these littles the love of Jesus and nurturing their relationship with Him.  
 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: When searching for a Christian school for my own kids, I loved the mission and environment GPA provided. We felt welcomed and accepted from day one. After watching my oldest thrive in the preschool program, I wanted to be part of this amazing team. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love teaching my class about the love Jesus has for us. Seeing them develop and grow throughout the year is also so much fun to watch. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I think the staff and families make this school so special. Everyone has such a heart to share the love of Jesus and create a welcoming, positive environment for each other. 
My favorite school tradition is our Thanksgiving event in preschool. We focus on our blessings and what we have to be thankful for. I’m so thankful for our school and what it provides academically and spiritually for our kids! 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I started at Genesis as a substitute aide for the preschool department. My two children are older, and I was missing that age and stage. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I enjoy being in the classroom with preschoolers. Every day is a new adventure! It is so awesome to see how each student grows over the school year.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: The Jag run is such a fun event for the entire school!

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I decided to join Genesis because my girls go to school here, and I wanted to help provide the same Christian education for others as well.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love being involved in this school community and growing relationships with coworkers and classmates!

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I love that Genesis prioritizes growing each student's walk with the Lord, and providing a great academic foundation.  

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: This school is a place I’ve called home for my kiddos' entire educational journey. We felt God's call to place and keep our kids here, which turned into a call on my life to start teaching. Working here has never been just a job, it has been a calling and passion. 
The transition to my current position was originally due to returning to college. I was a full-time classroom teacher but when college became full-time, I transitioned to a part-time aide/specials teacher. I went back to college because I saw needs that my students had, and I didn’t have the tools or resources to meet. I have stayed as an aide/specials teacher because I have been able to help meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all the kiddos in our preschool program. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: My role in the preschool has been such a blessing to me. It has combined all my passions (kids, faith, serving and loving people). In addition, I have the best team of ladies surrounding and working alongside me. In my current role, I have the blessing and opportunity to uniquely support all the kiddos in our program. I transition into each classroom, allowing me to get to know, build relationships with, and meet each child where they are at educationally, emotionally, and spiritually.

How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: I love our school's mission and I strive to walk that out daily in the classroom. Building lessons that are first Biblically integrated as well as applicable and tangible. Psychologist Jean Piaget said that, “Play is the work of children” and when you can integrate their learning into their play, the learning sticks. Additionally, I am blessed to build relationships and partner with families. There is no greater blessing than building a community that surrounds and uplifts children. I have heard it said and fully believe that kids are like a three-legged stool, where the family, school and church work together to support kids and help them be successful in every area of their life. 

I am a mommy of three, a firefighter’s wife and a kindergarten teacher! As a parent, I have been a part of GPA since 2012 and have worked in some form or fashion at Genesis since 2015! I have my bachelors degree in elementary education from UNLV where I graduated and spent a few years in Nevada teaching 2nd grade. I love the excitement, the hugs and the growth that happen in kindergarten.
 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: Working with such a young age group is full of excitement! I enjoy the curiosity and wonder I get to be a part of daily! I value the opportunity to educate young children in an environment that nurtures both academic growth and spiritual development. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I enjoy teaching Kindergarten, as it lays the foundation for a child's love of learning and character formation. Being part of a Christ-centered community allows me to integrate faith into every aspect of teaching, helping students grow not only in knowledge but also in kindness, compassion, and a sense of purpose. I really enjoy the students, families, and colleagues, creating a strong support system that reflects the love of Christ.

How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: I strive to integrate a biblical worldview in my kindergarten classroom by teaching students to see themselves and others as uniquely created by God, encouraging kindness, responsibility, and a love for learning rooted in faith. My favorite school event is our Jag Run. I love seeing the excitement of the kinder kids especially as they do the glow run! GPA Chapel is also a favorite, hearing a large group of students sing worship is a special blessing! 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: From a young age, I felt God calling me to be a teacher. The teachers who impacted my life planted a desire in me to one day do the same for my own students. That calling has only grown stronger, and in January I will be pursuing my Master’s in Literacy to further equip myself to serve students with excellence.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: My favorite part about teaching is being able to create a second home for my students. A place where they feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. More than anything, I want every child who walks out of my classroom to know two truths: Jesus loves them, and they are loved by me.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: What makes this school so special to me is the staff’s shared heart for both Jesus and teaching. Together, we have the unique opportunity to provide high-quality education while preparing students to step boldly into the world, grounded in their faith and walking with Him.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I was excited to join the Genesis team when we moved to the area a few years ago because I enjoy teaching where I can integrate faith into all I teach.  I have many years of experience teaching both in Christian and public schools. I also have experience working in the  educational system at a state level.  My heart is to differentiate classroom learning so that children with various skills and knowledge base will be both challenged and will find success.  

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: It is both humbling and honoring to be a part of educating the next generation of leaders.  I enjoy helping children see the world through a Biblical worldview.  I enjoy helping children gain confidence and the skills to prepare them for whatever God may call them to do. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: One of the things I appreciate most about our school is the desire to partner with parents to help children succeed.  It is about the school and home community working together to help children know and follow Jesus.  

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I am currently working on my Master of Elementary Education. I have also been working in schools and early childhood development for about 4 years now, and have loved every minute of it. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love working here because everyone is so supportive and just wants to see you succeed in life, and be a part of that journey the whole way.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: This school has a great community and a welcoming place to call home.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love teaching. I think it is one of the most rewarding professions. I love to see students that have a light bulb go off when they learn new things. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love Genesis and being part of this team! This is an amazing community of people that truly love God and these kiddos.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: As a teacher I can help carry out our school's mission by modeling a Christlike character by showing love, kindness, and humility to everyone. I also enjoy praying with my students daily and growing closer to God as a class family. 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I was drawn to Genesis Prep because of my desire to work in a Christian environment while teaching students not only academics but also life skills.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love having the opportunity to bring God into the classroom and to push my students to grow in ways they didn't know they were capable of. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: Genesis Prep is special because of the wonderful staff,  parents, and students! Our school would not be what it is without the community that has been created. 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: God led me to Genesis Prep as a substitute aide in spring 2024. This is when I fell in love with the school. The staff welcomed me to the family instantly. As I witnessed the students praying and learning about their faith, I knew this was the school I wanted my own children.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I enjoy partnering with families to build up their child’s unique talents and interests. I love incorporating the specific passions of each student into our daily learning!

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: Chapel is one of my favorite parts of GPA, my heart fills with joy and gratitude to be able to proudly worship God alongside my students. The Eagle Cruise field trip is a fourth grade tradition that is another one of my favorite experiences!

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I began my college career at NIC. They had a class called Introduction to Teaching where students could try out teaching in educational settings to see if it was a good fit. I took that class and discovered I really enjoyed working with children. I love to teach writing and am the leader of a writing group called The Glass Pen Guild.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I most enjoy building relationships with students and their families and watching my students grow up in a school where they get to interact with other age groups.

 What is your favorite school event or tradition?:  I love the art walk, showcase day, and speech meet.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: My son attended the preschool here at Genesis and I enjoyed the family-like feel. I knew this was an environment and community I wanted to be a part of. 
What do you enjoy most about your work here?: This place is more than just a school, it’s a family. We truly get to know each other here and do life together. Building relationships and holding each other accountable in our walk with Christ is something I don’t take for granted. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I absolutely love how we come around and support each other. Building relationships and continuing those relationships is very important to me. My favorite thing to do is to attend extracurricular activities of current and past students. 

What special training, languages, or skills do you bring to your teaching?: I have an initial teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education. My emphasis in graduate school is reading. 
 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: It is a blessing to have the opportunity to work alongside people that pray with you. Being able to teach students about God and hearing about their faith is amazing.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: This school is special because it bridges the opportunity for kids to learn about God along with all the core subjects. 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I was inspired to join this school because I love God, kids, and technology, and teaching allows me to bring those passions together. That blend of technical skills, teaching experience, and ministry work has shaped how I connect with students. I want them to see how faith, learning, and curiosity can all come together.

 What do you enjoy most about your work here?: What I enjoy most about my work here is getting to see students thrive — not just academically, but also in their walk with Christ. My greatest joy is sharing God’s Word and watching young people grow in both confidence and faith. Supporting students and families often looks like walking alongside them, encouraging them to keep seeking the Lord, and reminding them that their value isn’t in achievements but in who God created them to be. I hope to contribute to the school community by bringing energy, humor, and a strong sense of connection so students feel known, encouraged, and equipped.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: What makes this school special to me is the way it keeps Christ at the center of everything. The mission and values aren’t just words on paper — they’re lived out in the classrooms, the hallways, and the relationships between teachers, students, and families. My role in that is to model Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Whether I’m teaching technology, sharing a Bible verse, or just cracking a dad joke to brighten the day, I want to help carry that mission forward. One of my favorite things about school life is Chapel — seeing everyone come together reminds me why we do what we do.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: This is my 10th year teaching in Private Christian education, but my first year at GPA. I love the community that comes with a close family, like Genesis Prep! I also have coached volleyball for 17 years, and will be coaching the varsity team with Paula and Erin!

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: I hope that I can bring some new life and joy into GPA with all of the moving pieces. 

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: I love homecoming and afterschool high school sports in general! That is where the community and family piece comes into play!

 What inspired you to pursue your current role?: My son is in fourth grade this year, but started attending Genesis Prep in Pre-K. The desire to align my schedule with my family's schedule is what inspired me to join the team as Lunchroom Lead. I have many years of experience working in the food industry, and honestly, lunchtime is my favorite time of day! My attention to detail contributes to safe food handling for students and staff. Also, my gifts of patience and leadership allow me to successfully manage a lunchroom full of hungry students.  This is my fifth year in this position, but to continue my education, I recently obtained an ACSI Teaching Certificate (Association of Christian Schools International) and the role of teaching Kindergarten STEM.  

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love working with students and staff here at Genesis Prep because I am free to draw from God's Word to give and receive encouragement and offer prayer. It's rewarding to think about the eternal impact I can have on the next generation of Christ followers, and the opportunity to speak into a child's life about their value as God sees them.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: This school is very special in my eyes because we are family! As believers, we are all children of God, adopted into His kingdom, which makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. His Spirit binds us together in love. Each year, when I attend the Genesis Prep Christmas concert as a parent, I see each student up on the stage as my own. My heart overflows with gratitude for the amazing blessing of sharing God's love with each little one (and big one) at school. 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I feel blessed at the chance to work where my children also attend school! 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love the staff and community at Genesis. I enjoy making the students smile.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: Seeing students build a Christ-like character during their recess and classroom interactions with each other. Watching students engage in chapel is a favorite! 
 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I came for the curriculum; I stayed for the people. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: Getting to do headstands during recess. And having the opportunity to bring a bit of joy to someone's day. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I work with an amazing team that makes me smile every day! 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I love GPA and working together. I love my team and atmosphere at GPA. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love being around kids! And I get to see my own children throughout the day. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: Presence of God is what makes this place so wonderful. Even if things are hard, everything always works out for the best.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I teach 7th & 8th grade math, as well as Geometry and Applied Math for high school. My grandmothers on both sides of my family were teachers, and I just never really saw myself doing anything different. I also really like math and wanted to help kids learn to like it more because I know it isn't everyone's favorite subject. I also coach the middle school volleyball B team in the Fall. My first season was Fall 2024, and I have loved every moment of it.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: The thing I enjoy most about working here at Genesis is the whole school community. Walking through the buildings, everyone is so kind and always says hi. I also like the fact that I know almost every student at the Secondary level. I am able to build connections and relationships with my students that I didn't get when I was a student in public school. Every person who works at Genesis, myself included, is dedicated to the kids, their education, and their overall wellbeing.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: My favorite school events are the Homecoming volleyball game, Operation Christmas Child, and the end-of-year celebrations and activities that are put on for every grade level. Genesis' dedication to the school community and the community at large is something I love about this school. God is doing some truly amazing things here at GPA, and I can't wait to see what He does next.

Role and Experience: I was inspired to join the team at Genesis to be a part of a Christ-centered education.  I want to help kids in their walk with the Lord.

Personal Values & Approach: I enjoy building relationships with kids and families.  

What makes this school special in your eyes? Genesis is special in the relationships that are built and how we strive to bring Christ to the center of everything we do.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I am just following God's plan as a Spanish and History teacher. I was mainly inspired to continue teaching at Genesis because I wanted to follow Jesus and be like Him even though is a difficult task. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: What I enjoy the most is the Christian environment. I love being around students who have a desire to be like Christ and follow His plan.

 How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: To provide a Christ centered education and to prepare and train students to do their best according to their weakness and strenghts. I am the leader of the 7th grade discipleship group and my plan is to train students to be like Jesus Christ. My favorite school event is Chaped. I love spending time worshiping Jesus. 

Mr. Couch was born in the Cincinnati, OH area, and has lived in Ohio, Wyoming, and Montana as a kid, and Washington, Idaho, and Oregon since he graduated from college. He grew up as a pastor’s kid, and also married a pastor’s daughter.

He was a youth pastor, worship pastor, and small groups pastor for 25 years before he took the position as the Bible teacher at Genesis Prep. His hobbies include nearly all things outdoors, including hunting and fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, and three grown children.
 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I was drawn to this school because I see it as a place where faith and education come together to shape the next generation of believers. Having not always been a Christian myself, I know firsthand the importance of positive role models and the impact they can make in the lives of young people. My own journey has given me a deep desire to invest in students—not just academically, but in their character and walk with Christ.  I pursued this role because I want to help students see that their faith is not separate from their learning or their future. Being able to teach, coach, and mentor in an environment where Christ is at the center is both a privilege and a calling for me.  I stay connected through continuing education opportunities and by learning from other Christian educators who share this mission. I bring with me not only my background in teaching and coaching but also the perspective of someone who has experienced life both with and without Christ at the center. This gives me a heart to encourage students, challenge them to grow, and model what it looks like to live with integrity and faith in today’s culture.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: What I enjoy most about working here is being able to teach from a biblical worldview without tiptoeing around culture. I support students and families by being approachable, encouraging, and consistent. My hope is to be a positive role model and to shine the light of Jesus each day I’m blessed to be here.

How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: I help carry out the school’s mission by striving to be the head, heart, and hands of the church—living as an example of what it means to follow Christ in today’s world. My desire is to impress upon students not only the importance of knowing Christ, but also the need to allow Him to transform the parts of our lives we can’t, or sometimes don’t want to, change on our own.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I came to GPA after hearing about the position from a mentor of mine who works at Real Life. I have always loved education, and I was heavily involved in ministry for many years, so this job was a perfect mix of both of my passions.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love the relational atmosphere at the school. Working here is like working with family. I hope to contribute my passion for history and desire to teach from a biblical worldview to this school.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: This school is special because of the desire to not only teach knowledge to the students but also pour into their lives. I try to help carry the schools missions by creating a fun and unique curriculum for my classes and instilling a biblical worldview into the students.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: The opportunity to teach a Christian-based education brought me to Genesis last year. Now, it has become a part of my family, with my four kids attending Genesis, I absolutely love this school and its mission. I am excited to see where God takes us as a school.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: The students, families, and fellow staff make every day enjoyable. I love working with Christ-believing people and getting to talk about my faith daily.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: Having a Biblically focused curriculum prepares the youth for life after high school with not just the academics, but their faith as well. 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: Middle and High School English Teacher. I came to Genesis Prep because I was following the plan God laid out for me. From the start of my educational journey, I left it in God's hands. When it came time for me to find my first teaching job, He kept placing Genesis Prep in my path. It wasn't until I received the email about the open English teacher position that I finally said, "Okay, I hear you. I'm going to apply." I am forever grateful that I did because I have found an amazing family here at Genesis.  

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love the fact that I get to pray and talk about God with my students and the people that I work with. I love that we are relationship first. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: What makes this school special are the students who walk through our doors. I not only get to invest in their educational journey, but I also have the opportunity to help them grow spiritually.