INTERIM DIRECTOR +
LIFE SKILLS INSTRUCTOR
dmorrison@freedomacademync.cc

Doug was born and raised in a small town in Michigan’s upper peninsula. He has lived in North Carolina for the past six years. He is married to Stacey and they have two daughters together. Doug also has two sons that live in Michigan. Doug’s hobbies include hiking, traveling, and reading. He also is a big supporter of the Freedom House Strong Men movement. Doug is excited to fulfill a lifelong dream of leading in a Christian school. Doug has almost 25 years of teaching experience in public and private education. He has a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University.

BURSAR +
LIFE SKILLS INSTRUCTOR
jtaylor@freedomacademync.cc

Jenny grew up in Bradenton, Florida before attending the University of Central Florida and graduating with a degree in finance. After a brief stint in St. Petersburg, she moved to Charlotte, where she spent 10 years working in corporate finance before leaving the workforce to raise her two daughters. Jenny is passionate about helping mothers with young children continue to find ways to both grow in their faith while at the same time helping their children increase in spiritual maturity. When not at work or church, you’ll find her working out or walking in the beautiful outdoors.

5TH GRADE–8TH GRADE LEAD INSTRUCTOR
bblankenship@freedomacademync.cc

3RD + 4TH GRADE INSTRUCTOR
lwesterholt@freedomacademync.cc

Lori is a native Jersey girl but has lived in North Carolina for the last 29 years. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 30 years and are the parents to twins: Pierce, who is studying to be a commercial pilot, and Madison, who is an attorney in South Carolina; and McKenzie who is finishing up school and is married to Jacob, a Concord City police officer. In her free time, she likes to read, travel, cook and scrapbook. Lori retired from public school teaching with 31 years experience in 2023. With a Bachelor's Degree from East Stroudsburg University and a Master's Degree from UNCC, Lori is thrilled to be teaching at the Academy and looks forward to what God has in store!

KINDERGARTEN–2ND GRADE LEAD INSTRUCTOR
croche@freedomacademync.cc

Casey Roche is from Charleston, SC. She has a bachelor's degree in special education from Winthrop University. After a few years away from teaching to pursue other career opportunities in non-profit camping and insurance underwriting, Casey is so grateful that the Lord has brought her back to the classroom this year as Freedom Academy's Lower-Level Educator.  When Casey is not at church or school, she loves traveling to visit loved ones, camping, watching football, and going to the beach! 

KINDERGARTEN–2ND GRADE ASSISTANT
kwelch@freedomacademync.cc

EARLY LEARNING LEAD INSTRUCTOR
mwhaley@freedomacademync.cc

EARLY LEARNING ASSISTANT
cwood@freedomacademync.cc

Cheryle grew up in Salisbury, NC, where she met her now husband Ryan (15 years and counting). She has a passion for serving children and helping them grow to be the people God has called them to be, as evidenced by 10 years of volunteering in Kids ministry at church and also working as part of the Academy. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Cheryle traveling, working out, chugging a gallon of water a day, hanging with friends, or being an Uber driver for her 2 kids.

SPANISH INSTRUCTOR

¡Hola! Me llamo Gabie. I was born in California but was raised in Guatemala City, where I lived 20+ years of my life. I am a native Spanish speaker who learned English as a second language and, through it, developed a love for other languages and cultures. I taught English as a Second Language in Guatemala for five years for students from kindergarten through high school, and adults. I absolutely love seeing children learn a new language and discover a different culture! I am married to my husband Jonathan and together we are parents to our two beautiful daughters: Alie and Izie. Fun fact: Because I love languages so much, I know how to say "hello" in over ten different languages!

HEALTH + WELLNESS INSTRUCTOR +
ON-SITE CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Kristine Schmierer is the owner of Inspire Family Chiropractic, a holistic healing center located in Charlotte, NC. With over 13 years of experience in the holistic healing space, her education includes a bachelor of Nutrition and Doctor of Chiropractic. While earning her bachelor’s degree she worked for the largest Integrative Medicine Center in the southern United States where she worked with practice members on diet change and functional medicine recommendations. After graduating, she worked in Naples, Florida, receiving advanced chiropractic training and pediatric training from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She holds certifications in spinal correction, nutrition, exercise, and detoxification. Her mission is for humanity to experience health freedom and for families to leave a health legacy. When she's not educating the community on healthy living you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or collecting stamps in her passport.

ART INSTRUCTOR