We are excited for you to meet our new teachers and staff for the 2024-2025 school year. When you see them around campus, make sure to give them a warm NRCA welcome!
Carl Brienzi | Mobile Device Specialist
I am Carl Brienzi, a dedicated educator with a Master of Education (MEd) and several years of teaching experience. Before joining North Raleigh Christian Academy, I previously taught at Endeavor Charter School. During ECS's reorganization, I felt guided by God to join NRCA, feeling assured that it was the right move for my family. I am originally from Rochester, NY, but relocated to North Carolina in 1996. My daughter, Caylyn, will be starting kindergarten at NRCA, and my son, Connor, will be entering the sixth grade. With a heart to serve, I am committed to supporting every student, parent, teacher, and administrator. A fun fact about me is my passion for rugby—I have played, coached, and refereed the sport for many years, and my favorite team is the New Zealand All Blacks.
Jacqueline Clotiaux | 8th Grade Physical Science
My name is Jacqueline Clotiaux, and I will be teaching eighth grade physical science. I received a bachelor's degree in biology from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. I was born and raised right here in Raleigh! Before joining the team here at NRCA, I worked at Thales Academy as the administrative assistant for three years, and then I taught middle school science (Life, Earth, and Physical) for three years.
My husband Sean and I met and got married last year. God has been so gracious and kind in the waiting, and we are enjoying this new season of life together. We serve in our kids' ministry at Seven Marks Church and lead the best group of second graders there!
My goal this year is to create a classroom environment that will establish deep, loving relationships in order to inspire every student so that they are confident in who they are and what their purpose is.
A few things that I love are Yankees baseball, iced coffee, bees, fresh flowers, and experiencing new things with my husband.
I am so thankful to be here and am looking forward to all that's ahead. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at the same school as my youth pastor, Jason Little. We've lived a lot of life since those days, and it is so cool that God has reconnected our paths in this way. He, his wife, and so many others have had a lasting impact on my life, and it is my prayer to do the same for students in my classes.
Molly Dean | 2nd Grade
My name is Molly Dean, and I am beyond excited to be a part of the second-grade team as an educator this year! I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC, where I attended and graduated from NRCA. I then attended East Carolina University where I earned my degree in elementary education with a concentration in reading. My husband and I met at NRCA and just celebrated our 10th anniversary this summer. We have two girls, one who will be attending kindergarten and another who is in preschool. I have taught lower elementary for many years in charter and public schools. Our family attends The Summit Church, where we are currently serving in Summit Kids. I love being outdoors with my family and two German shepherds, going to coffee shops, and enjoying the beach. Teaching is a passion of mine, and I am very blessed to be serving families this year.
Matthew Freville | 7th Grade Earth Science
Hello! My name is Matthew Freville, and I’m delighted to be a part of the NRCA family as the seventh grade Earth science teacher. My journey to NRCA has been diverse but has affirmed my passion for teaching and learning. Since earning degrees in education and criminal justice from Ohio University, I have been a juvenile correctional officer, a teacher, a behavior specialist, a school counselor, and most recently, a pastor. All these careers have deeply influenced my desire to teach and help people meet Jesus and become who they are meant to be. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife (Abbey) and daughters (Sarah and Eden). They are a constant source of joy and inspiration. I also love to discuss theology, exercise, analyze great leaders, complete house projects, and drink coffee. I can’t wait to see what Jesus has in store.
Michelle Gandy | Algebra 2
Hi, my name is Michelle Gandy, and I'm privileged to be teaching Algebra 2 this year. I have four children and five grandchildren. I'm RALEIGH born and bred and went to UNC-CH for college, majored in biostatistics, and tutored math throughout my four years. My first teaching position was homeschooling my children, then off to Cary Christian for 20 years. I then moved to Wake Forest and found my way to NRCA, for which I am grateful! Over the years, I have been a pastor's wife, youth minister, worship leader, Sunday school teacher—you name it! I love to dance too! I can't wait to be a part of my students' history! Let's GO!
Prasilla Gruver | Kindergarten
I am very excited to be joining the kindergarten team at NRCA. I have a passion for teaching reading because of the opportunities that reading opens for students. I graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, and I hold additional licensures of Special Education K-12 and Reading Specialist K-12. My teaching experience has been in teaching K-3, Special Education K-5, and Reading Intervention K-5.
My husband, Stephen, and I moved to Raleigh in 2016 and have been blessed with three children. We love learning more and more each day about how uniquely God created each of them. I feel the same about my classroom students, and I recognize the blessing it is to be able to nurture their love for learning each day. My greatest excitement for this year at NRCA is the opportunity to add prayer and biblical learning to the school day for both my children and me.
My family serves as leaders at our local church and consider the shepherding responsibility a joy. In our free time, we love planning new experiences with our children as well as visiting our favorite places in Raleigh. I am looking forward to building partnerships with NRCA families.
George Hoyle | Associate Athletic Director
My name is George Hoyle, and I am very excited to begin my role at NRCA as the Associate Athletic Director. I was born and raised in Henderson and currently live in Wake Forest with my wife, McKenzie. We actively attend Wake Forest Baptist Church, where I enjoy working with the youth group. I hold a BA in Exercise Sport Science from the University of North Carolina and a master’s degree in Sport Management from Western Carolina University.
From an early age, athletics played a significant role in my upbringing. As a result of positive experiences from sports participation, I decided to pursue a career in athletics administration. I began my career working for the University of North Carolina in Event Management and Game Operations. For the past six years, I served as the Athletic Director at fellow NCISAA member schools, Kerr-Vance Academy and Thales Academy Rolesville. I passionately believe interscholastic athletics can be instrumental in discipleship efforts and in developing well-rounded students grounded in responsibility, communication skills, and integrity.
Alyssa Isenhour | Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Parent Relations Director
Hello! My name is Alyssa Isenhour, and I am the new Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Director of Parent Relations. My husband, Douglas, and I have been married for two years and are currently expecting our first child, a little girl! I hold a BA in Communications from NC State University. Before joining the NRCA team, I worked for Boosterthon, specifically running NRCA's program for the previous two years. I love coffee, flowers, and anything fall-related from Trader Joe's. This year is bringing a lot of new seasons to my and my husband's lives, and we are so excited that NRCA is a part of that season. Go Knights!
Jason Little | 10th Grade Bible
God has graciously given me a variety of educational and ministry opportunities. My academic journey includes a degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, and I have served as a pastor in churches in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado. I look forward to sharing the fruit of God’s work in my life with our 10th grade Bible classes this year at NRCA. My prayer and desire for our students is for them to grow in knowledge, appreciation, and practical application of the Bible. My wife, Sarah, and I were married in 1999, and God has blessed us with five children, three of whom are students at NRCA. Outside of family and ministry, I enjoy sports and outdoor activities, especially baseball, basketball, golf, and hiking.
Jennifer Swift | 6th Grade Life Science
My name is Jennifer Swift, and this will be my first year teaching at NRCA. However, I have been a parent of NRCA students since 2020! My husband, Patrick, and I have three daughters attending NRCA: Laynee is 12 and going into seventh grade, Brynlee is 10 and going into fifth grade, and Charliana is nine and going into third grade.
For the last 20 years, I have been a softball coach in collegiate athletics, most recently as the head softball coach at NC State University from 2018-2023. Prior to State, I was the head softball coach at Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania, leading them to several conference and tournament championships and the university’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win in any sport. While winning games is great, one of my biggest passions and drives in coaching and life is to help young girls and women realize that they can, and should, shatter any ceilings placed upon them with a mindset of self-belief, confidence, and grace. I am grateful to the Lord for that season of my life but so excited to begin this new journey He has led me to.
When I’m not at work or coaching my girls’ softball teams, you’ll likely still find me with my family. Just being with them, loving them, and seeing them smile is one of my greatest joys.
Reagan Reynolds | 4th Grade Science
I grew up in Wake Forest and had the privilege of attending NRCA during middle and high school (circa 2000-2003). I am celebrating 13 years of marriage this year, and we are blessed with two amazing kids who also attend NRCA (kindergarten and second grade)! My husband and I manage a mini farm with rabbits, turkey, chicken, and quail. I love to hike, read, cook, and think up fun lessons for us to explore together. Oh, and I love Jesus with all my heart and talk about Him often! It is my joy to guide my students to learn from the capital “T” Teacher who created all things.
Rachel Sirbaugh | 5th Grade History
Hi! My name is Rachel Sirbaugh, and I’m thrilled to be back at NRCA! I have lived in North Carolina since 2006 and graduated from NRCA in 2009. I attended UNC Wilmington, receiving a degree in elementary education and a love for the beach! I formerly taught at NRCA from 2016 until 2020 and helped coach the varsity cheer team as well. I then stepped away for four years to stay home with my two wonderful daughters, Elsie and Millee. I love spending time with my family, being outside, traveling, or reading a good book! I attend Richland Creek Community Church and enjoy serving in the nursery. The Lord has now brought me back to NRCA as the fifth grade history teacher. I can't wait to get started and meet all my students and families!
Joanne Taylor | 2nd Grade
I am so thankful to join the NRCA family and would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I was born and raised in New Jersey. I moved to North Carolina in 2002, but my Jersey accent still comes out every once in a while. I studied Bible and secondary English education at Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania. I have been teaching for 12 years. I spent nine years teaching middle school English, but I have found that I love teaching elementary school as well. Second grade is the best! Currently, I live in Raleigh with my husband, Lynn, and my three boys—Lucas, Alex, and Ethan. Lucas is a rising ninth grader, Alex–eighth, and Ethan–sixth. We are all here at NRCA together! What a blessing!
Fun Facts: I enjoy travel and adventure. I find cooking and baking relaxing. I love to watch my boys play soccer.
Pam Tysor | 1st Grade
My name is Pam Tysor, and I am thrilled to be teaching first grade here! I am a graduate of Meredith College. I have been in education for 18 years. I started in preschool, then went to elementary school, then to middle school, and now the Lord has brought me to first grade at NRCA. My husband, Buck, and I have two kids, Jackson and Peyton, and both are in high school here. We have two dogs and three chickens! We love serving in kids’ ministry at our church. A positive classroom culture is created when there is mutual respect, students feel safe, and students have choices. Content knowledge and mastery happens when students are engaged, empowered, and collaborative with other students and the teacher. My goal is to put God at the center of my classroom and watch Him work. I am honored and excited to be here! Go Knights!
Meredith Whisnant | 2nd Grade
My name is Meredith Whisnant, and I am excited to be joining the second-grade team! I graduated from UNC Wilmington with a degree in elementary education and NC State University with a Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology. For the last three years, I taught third grade at Thales Academy. I am looking forward to a new journey in second grade! This summer, I got married to my husband, Joseph. In our free time, we enjoy walks, traveling, and cheering for the NCSU Wolfpack! We attend The Summit Church–Capital Hills Campus with my family, and I enjoy serving on the host team. I was a student at NRCA from kindergarten through seventh grade, and I greatly appreciate the education that I received. A fun fact is that I will be teaching in the same room that I was in for second grade. I am looking forward to getting to know all my students and families while teaching at NRCA!
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