Education: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Grove City College

Professional Experience:

Her and her husband, Jim Kilmartin, are the lead pastors of Center City Church

1 year teaching 2nd & 3rd grade and 2 years Head of School at Arrows Christian Academy

1 year teaching Arrow Christian Academy Co-op

20+ years in youth ministry, including after-school programs, musical development, sports leagues, and bible studies through Joshua House

Worship Pastor of Key Church for 15 years

Co-founder of HoopsFest, Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament

Why do you love education?

I love education because it is an opportunity to help form young minds and assist in laying a strong foundation of confidence, faith, and knowledge in the lives of our future generations. 

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

I love that Arrows Christian Academy provides an atmosphere of partnership.  At Arrows, we love to partner with parents and the Holy Spirit for the strongest educational, relational, and character growth outcomes for each individual student.  I also love that Arrows Christian Academy prioritizes getting students outside the four walls of the classroom to learn via outdoor adventure days, electives, and field trips.  

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

I love spending time with my family and friends and cooking!  I also love to work out.  

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree: Pre-Med, Biology from Messiah University

Masters Degree: Health Sciences (Physician Assistant Certification) from Lock Haven University

ACSI’s LeadershipU Program for School Leaders

Professional Experience:

2 years teaching various classes for 4th through 8th grade while directing Arrows Christian Academy

1 year teaching Arrow Christian Academy Co-op

Homeschooling Mom for 3 years

14 years of youth ministry and after-school programs through Joshua House

11 years practicing physician assistant in family practice

Why do you love education?

I love education because of the opportunity to connect with students on a regular basis. Being with them every day gives me a chance to really get to know them so I can help equip them for the targets, assignments and purposes God has for them.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

Some of my favorite things in life are developing relationships (with God and others), the outdoors, and creativity...so at Arrows, I love that we get to incorporate all of those things into our rhythm of life as a school.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

Fun for me is quality time with people I love, especially when it involves being outside, taking walks, playing volleyball, or enjoying good food around the table.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree: Youth Ministry from Messiah University

Master’s Degree: Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship from Regent University

Professional Experience:

Various roles with start-up companies focusing on go-to-market strategy and revenue generation.

Why do you love education?

First, I love that I get to interact with students on a daily basis. It’s an honor to be a small part of their lives in helping shape and mold them. I also love that “it takes a village” to raise a child. Seeing parents and our staff working together to fully support students is like a beautiful symphony.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

In my role as the director of development, I get to help individuals and businesses invest their dollars wisely into the next generation through philanthropic giving and the state’s EITC program.

I’m also leading marketing efforts for one of Arrow’s largest fundraisers - HoopsFest, Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

I love to shoot my bow, archery hunt for big whitetail bucks, train for mountainous adventures and spend quality time with my beautiful bride, Mizpah, and my four kids.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University

Professional Experience:

Mrs. Weitzel has experience in the classroom as a teacher, an assistant teacher, and a behavioral therapist.

She also leads City Kids, Center City Church’s kids ministry.

Why do you love education?

I love teaching because I love learning and I enjoy being around these children who also teach me new things! I want to pass on my love for learning to the next generation.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

My favorite thing about Arrows has been our opportunity to explore and diversify our day to meet the kids right where they are at. I love the many conversations I get to have with these children.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

Quality time is super important to me so outside of school I enjoy doing fun things with family and friends. I also love being outdoors and reading a good book.

Education:

Majored in Vocal Arts at The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Bethlehem, Pa. Took four years of music theory and music history.

Professional Experience:

Arrows office secretary and taught music and art classes

Why do you love education?

Education is so crucial for young kids, as we know their minds take in everything at that age. I love to be a part of such an important stage in their lives, and simply teach the kids the truth, where there are no political agendas being pushed. For me, seeing students express their creativity and grow in their relationship with the Lord makes my efforts worth it.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

There are multiple great things I could list about Arrows, but my favorite is how the kids are surrounded by believers and can be comfortable talking about the Lord. I feel Arrows is completely unique from any other school and has endless opportunities; from competing in archery to memorizing scripture.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy a variety of hobbies, such as singing, painting, figure skating, and fishing. In my day-to-day life, I have a very close relationship with the Lord, and so I fill my cup by reading, worshiping, listening to sermons, and praying daily.

Education:

Bachelor of Science In Elementary Education (K-6) from Penn State University, Minor in English Literature from Penn State University

Masters in Reading with a Reading Specialist certification from Holy Family University

Professional Experience:

4 years teaching in Hawaii in Elementary Education K-3

1 year teaching Kindergarten in West Philadelphia

4 years teaching Kindergarten in Northeast Philadelphia at West Oak Lane Charter School

8 years working with staff and parents in Grades K-8 at WOLCS in the area of Reading, Literacy, Writing, Tutoring, Intervention, and State Testing as the Literacy Coach & Specialist

2 years as Administration at West Oak Lane Charter School as the Head of the Literacy Department and Literacy Specialist

1 year teaching the 3 & 4 year old Preschool class at New Life Nursery School

1 year teaching the 3 year old Preschool class at First Church of Christ

1 year as the Assistant Preschool Director at First Church of Christ

Member of Juniata Gap Elementary School PTO and Head Scholastic Bookfair chairperson

Women's Small Group Bible Study leader at First Church of Christ

Member of the Children's Ministry Department at First Church of Christ in various capacities

Stay-at-Home Mom of 3 children

Why do you love education?

I love that I get to be a part of a child's journey in learning! I love seeing that click when they learn something new and take off!! I love being a cheerleader for a child, being in their court, and encouraging them that they can learn, grow, and flourish!!

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

I love the friendly, wholesome, fun, peaceful atmosphere at Arrows that feels like a family! I love how the children are encouraged, believed in, challenged, and loved by the staff and teachers!

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

I like reading, camping, campfires, traveling, hiking, and drinking coffee, but most of all, I love quality time with my family and friends!

Education:

Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Penn State University and Schreyer Honors College. Minored in Health and Human Development with a Special Education Certificate.

Masters of Education from Saint Francis University

Professional Experience:

Prior to teaching at Arrows, I taught at Hollidaysburg Area School District for almost thirty years until God redirected my steps.

Why do you love education?

I love teaching because every single day we can make a difference in someone’s life which goes far beyond knowledge. Being an educator allows me to inspire kids to think beyond their comfort zones and challenge them to reach their fullest potential. Children have amazing ideas and perspectives, and I enjoy observing how they think, act, and interact with others.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

My favorite thing about Arrows Christian Academy is that everything we do is rooted in the Word of God. Each child that walks through our door is a precious gift of God created on purpose for a purpose. As a classroom teacher, our focus is developing the whole student: mind, body and spirit using academics and Biblical teaching. This combination allows for individual strengths, knowledge and skills to emerge that are unique to them and makes up their “character.”

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

When I am not teaching, I enjoy watching my grandchildren in all their activities. Also, I enjoy camping, boating, hiking, reading and working on crafts. These activities are always more fun when my grandchildren are involved.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) from Lock Haven University

Professional Experience:

Assistant teacher for 3rd and 4th grade at Arrows while lead teaching math

Why do you love teaching?

I love building relationships with students! My heart has always been to teach and inspire the next generations of children!

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

Arrows provides students with unique learning opportunities that you don’t find elsewhere. They value the God-given gifts and talents of each individual.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

Besides teaching, I like to journal, go for walks, and spend time with my friends and family!

Education:

High School Diploma from Altoona Area High School

Professional Experience:

4+ years of experience as an administrative assistant

Second year as an assistant teacher at Arrows

Why do you love education?

I love teaching because I love to see the excitement in the eyes of students when they understand and master something that they've been learning! No matter our age, we never stop learning and in teaching, the students aren't the only ones learning something new. They teach me new things every day. I love seeing the hunger in their eyes to learn about all the things that God has created for us to explore.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

There are so many things that are favorites of mine! I would have to say my favorite is that the foundation and culture of Arrows is built upon God and His word. Seeing the love among students, the fun and wholesomeness that is so abundant is beautiful. The freedom that the students experience in being in an environment that has been created to catapult them is something that every teacher and parent prays for. I am blessed to have the privilege of getting to be a part of what God is doing here!

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

I love spending time with my husband and my daughter. I also love to read, write stories, make DIY crafts, paint pottery, bake, and spend time with friends.

Education

General elementary and special education degree from Grace College 2021

Professional Experience

1-year teaching 2nd grade at Winona Elementary in Loveland CO

1-year assistant teaching at Penn-Mont Academy grades 1-3

Why do you love education?

I love education because I get to grow alongside students. I love being a part of a classroom family and watching students mature and change throughout the year. It's an honor to be able to steward each student's individual skills, gifts, and passions.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

My favorite thing about Arrows is the community of students, parents, and staff. I love that our school is able to live out our redemptive potential each day, living in all that God has for us. I also really love our outdoor adventure days and the focus of interaction between all grades.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

I love to spend time with my family. My husband and I love to watch our little girl grow and change. I also love to run, hike, and bike.

Education:

Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English from Valencia College in Orlando, FL.

Professional Experience:

31 years as a private music instructor in piano and 12 years as a home educator

Why do you love education?

I love teaching because God has filled the world with so many rich and wonderful things to know and discover. Learning should never stop! It is my joy and privilege to keep discovering and learning alongside children.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

I have a lot of favorite things about Arrows! But, I think the top of the list is the highest value placed on partnering with families to equip the next generation to realize their true identities in Christ and to impact their communities, and even the world, for the Kingdom of God.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

For fun, my family loves to be together (preferably outdoors hiking, and camping). I love to garden and raise my chickens. And, when I am forced to be indoors, I play my piano or read something from the giant stack of books that I am working my way through.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Grove City College.

Professional Experience:

13 years as a Pastoral Elder at Midtown Church in Altoona Pennsylvania.

12 years as the Director of Living Stones Resources, a non-profit focused on making disciples domestically and around the world.

3 years as the Assistant to the International Director of FMI. FMI focuses on supporting indigenous workers as they seek to reach their own people in some of the most difficult places in the world.

16 years as a homeschool dad to five wonderful kids.

Why do you love education?

There are few things more satisfying than seeing a person's eyes brighten as they finally understand a Truth they have been longing to know. In fact, longing to know the Truth is part of what it means to be created in the image of God. To be asked to help someone in their pursuit of the Truth is among the greatest honors that are given from one person to another.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

I believe the future of education will lie with the schools that are willing to think unconventionally about curriculum, objectives, and outcomes. The most successful schools of the future will combine both the best of the tried and true methods of the past with the best of the new, innovative strategies. I believe Arrows is truly striving to be cutting-edge in this way. You can see this reflected in programs like World Impact and their persistent focus on Entrepreneurship.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

Argue about current events, play airsoft, have a deep discussion, go backpacking, or study theology.

About Gary: With over 20 years in the computer industry, Mr. Meyers has held positions in programming and computer support. He has a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Penn State University and a Masters in Homeland Security (Information Security and Forensics) from the Penn State World Campus. He has helped develop and maintain software used in the nuclear industry, worked and taught at the Grier School in Tyrone, and managed IT at a mortgage company. For the past 13 years, he has worked for Penn State’s College of Engineering providing support for everything from desktops to servers and Windows, MacOS and Linux computers. In his free time he enjoys biking the many rails-to-trail available around Pennsylvania and watching the active rail lines around Altoona.

Education

Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree from Penn State Altoona

Professional Experience

Field Service Engineer with Fives Landis Corp.

Health Safety & Environmental Representative with Fives Landis Corp.

Service Engineer with General Electric Healthcare

Stay-at-home Mom

Why do you love education?

I love seeing kids and teens learn how they can achieve even more than they ever dreamed. Life is full of exciting opportunities to build something new and they have the ability!

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

The love poured into these children.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

Woodworking and gardening. In my younger days, I did some skydiving, hang-gliding and cycling.

Education:

Penn State Altoona (Major: Early Education)

Professional Experience:

Joshua House Summer Camp leader

Why do you love education?

I love watching kids bloom! The excitement in their eyes when they learn something new is so rewarding. I enjoy it when they can’t stop talking about a book they're reading in class. I love the impact teachers make on their lives every day.

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

Arrows focus is each and every student. Their heart is to activate who God made each student to be. They truly love and care about every student, which is my favorite part.

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

Anything outside! I love going on hikes and snowboarding in the winter.

Education:

Penn State Altoona (Major: Kinesiology- Applied Exercise Health- Health and Physical Education Certificate Emphasis)

Why do you love education?:

I love education because it allows me to be a part of the next generation. I have the opportunity to inspire students by modeling that it is okay to be different and that it's good to express who they are!

What is your favorite thing about Arrows?

I love the welcoming and positive environment that has been created!

Outside of Arrows, what do you like to do for fun?

I am a player on the Penn State Altoona Women's Basketball team. I also like camping, going mudding in a side-by-side, and hanging out with my family and friends.