Staff
Mary Beth Avent – Head of Schools mbavent@towncreeklions.com
I’m thankful to God for the many experiences throughout my life that prepared me for the unique situation of helping start a new Christian school that includes babies all the way through high school students. I became a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ at age 20. Immediately, the Holy Spirit urged me to study God’s Word diligently and cling to His precepts. I married my husband George in 1989 and we have five children and one granddaughter. George is a counseling Pastor at Town Creek Baptist Church, and provides IT support for the school.
I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. Then I worked for 2 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the Human Resources division, before entering graduate school. I worked 2-3 jobs throughout graduate school, including a graduate assistantship in the Career Center at USC. After receiving my M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services, I accepted a position at USC-Aiken as Coordinator of Career Counseling and co-advisor of the Pacesetters. Although I loved my job, I loved my family more, listening to the Lord’s call to be a full-time mother when our first child was born.
My husband and I educated all 5 children at home, graduating 3 of them before accepting the position at TCCA. Our younger daughter graduated from TCCA in 2019 and our youngest son attends TCCA as part of the class of 2022. In addition to my previous education and busy home, I completed multiple seminary classes through Covington Theological Seminary and taught two classes for women’s studies. I am currently pursuing an M.S. in Education Leadership through Bob Jones University. When I am not teaching or studying, I enjoy spending time with my husband, rocking my grandchild, riding a motorcycle, and just playing games with the family.
I love to stop into classrooms to greet students, give high fives in the hallways, and reward the students for hiding God’s Word in their hearts. And I am always available to sit down with parents to chat about their students. So stop by for a cup of coffee!
Hilary Griffith – 4K Teacher
I am originally from Evans, GA, but I now call Beech Island home. My husband and I have been married for nearly 7 years and we have two beautiful children. Our son Wyatt is 5 years old and our little girl Charlee Ann is 2 years old. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful family.
I am not new to the TCCA family, last year I had the opportunity to serve and work in Town Creek Christian Academy Preschool. This year I am blessed to make the move over the Academy to teach 4K. My educational background includes an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University. I am excited about what God has in store for the 2018-2019 school year! Go Lions!
My life verse is Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Loretta Serago – 4K Teacher
I am so blessed to continue as the 4k teacher here at TCCA. I bring 17 years of experience working with early education. My husband Jeff and I have two married daughters. Our oldest daughter, Brittany, is an LPN and lives in Lexington SC with her husband Casey. Our youngest, Katlyn is a recent graduate and newlywed. She will be the 3rd grade teacher at Redcliffe Elementary and lives in North Augusta with her husband Avery. I am so excited to partner up with parents as we start a new journey to equip our students with a solid Biblical and strong educational foundation.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Christine Hunt – 5K Teacher
I have the pleasure of being the 5K teacher here at TCCA. I have homeschooled my children for seven years and have taught 4K for two years. I am so blessed to be able to do what God has called me to do in an amazing Christian environment. My husband, Grant, and I have three children that are truly a blessing to our family. I always look forward to teaching the children and showing them how to let their lights shine for Jesus. My life verse is Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Becca Hall – 1st Grade Teacher
I am so excited to begin my second year of teaching 1st grade at TCCA. I have spent many years working with 1st graders. They hold such a special place in my heart. I studied Church Music with a Proficiency in Voice at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, FL. Music and education are two of my most passionate pursuits, and I desire to instill a healthy balance of the two within my students. My husband and I have been married for four years. We have two children, Paisley Rae (2 years old) and Kenny Roy (5 months old). Together we serve at Breezy Hill Baptist Church, where my husband is the Associate Pastor. I am so blessed to be part of TCCA! I know that teaching here is an incredible opportunity that God graciously opened up for me. He has, and will always be, faithful.
“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1b-2
Marni Lawson – 2nd Grade Teacher
I am so excited to join the Town Creek Christian Academy family! I am a graduate of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. I grew up in Pennsylvania, but I have called South Carolina my home for the past 28 years. I have spent all those 28 years teaching for the Aiken County Public School District, where I’ve taught 1st grade for 7 years, 2nd grade for 17 years, and 3rd grade for 4 years. This past year, God spoke to my heart and led me to retire from public education and pursue my passion for teaching in a smaller, Christian environment. My husband, Kevin, and I are active members of Cedar Creek Church, where we met 20 years ago. He currently plays electric guitar for our praise team. I feel so blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the TCCA team, and I am beyond excited to start this new journey.
Jeremiah 29:11- “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.”
Melody Salas – 3rd Grade Teacher
I’ve had the privilege and joy of being the Music Teacher at TCCA for the past two years, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to teach 3rd grade this year.
I have a bachelor’s degree from Amberton University in Dallas, TX and have taught and tutored for over 12 years. I’ve been blessed to serve musically in church for over 25 years and am currently involved in the Music Ministry at Town Creek Baptist Church, serving as a pianist and worship team member.
My husband, Orin, and I have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. In addition to music, my hobbies include exercise, cooking, decorating and traveling.
Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah, Lord God! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You!”
Shelley Stone – 4th Grade Teacher
I graduated from USC-Aiken with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2005, and in 2012 I received my Masters in Educational Technology. I have been teaching since 2005 and have taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. My husband, Wil, and I were married in 2012 and were blessed with a little girl, Madeline, in 2016. We also have two dogs, Lucy and Desi. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and traveling. Town Creek Christian Academy is already an answered prayer for many, including myself. The Lord’s hand has been and will continue working in this school, in the faculty and staff, in the students, and in the community. As Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” TCCA is a work of God, and there are many good things happening here!
Lisa Hanna – 5th Grade Teacher
I am so blessed to be teaching 5th grade at TCCA! I have been involved in Christian education since 2006, having my Secondary Teacher Paraprofessional certificate with an endorsement for Elementary Education through the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools. I attended the University of South Carolina for Early Childhood Education and then switched my major to Special Education. Recently, I worked on the North Walterboro Christian Academy Accreditation Team for their accomplished accreditation through SCACS. I am married to my best friend Steve who is the new Associate Pastor and Music Minister at Cornerstone Baptist Church. My husband and I are blessed with a total of four wonderful children and two beautiful granddaughters. I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for my class and TCCA!
Judy Eisenstat – Art Teacher
I am extremely blessed to be serving as an art and elementary education instructor at TCCA. I firmly believe in the importance of a Biblically based education for our youth. We need to equip our Christian children to boldly serve, witness and be ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ. My prayer is that we would be instrumental in preparing our future leaders to stand for God’s truths.
I am a graduate of University of Pennsylvania and the Academy of Fine Arts where I received a degree in Fine Arts. My husband Paul and I have been residents in Aiken for 29 years We have two grown children whom we are very proud.
I worked in the Aiken Area 1 Public Schools for 10 years as a substitute teacher in 4K through 12 grade, and a paraprofessional in special education and 4K programs.
The staff and administration are honored to prepare God’s blessed children to carry out His goal to spread the gospel. Please join us to pray and support TCCA as we serve this community and worldwide missions.
Alba Jefferson – Spanish Teacher
I come from Caracas-Venezuela, a beautiful country in South America in the north by the Caribbean. I had the great opportunity to study languages and literature in one of the most prestigious colleges in Latin America, Universidad Metropolitana. I have been teaching foreign languages for more than 30 years: Spanish, French and ESL. I have been teaching in Aiken for 14 years and I love it. My students have been wonderful and enjoy learning Spanish! I am married to Ronald Jefferson, a wonderful Georgia man. I am a proud mother of two adorable daughters and a granddaughter. I am blessed to be part of Town Creek Christian Academy.
I have to say that my life lighted up since I became part this wonderful team. I have grown spiritually and academically too. I love coming to the school everyday and share my knowledge and my culture with my students and coworkers. I am looking forward to another successful year !
Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer
Adrianne Hughes – Upper School English
What a privilege to be a part of TCCA! It is wonderful to be a part of the work God is doing with the children of TCCA. I graduated from Pensacola Christian College with both a Bachelor and Master degree in Education. During my years of teaching I have been blessed to teach Kindergarten, 3rd grade, 4rd grade, and lots of extras like music, choir, and drama.
I am excited to see what the Lord will do next through TCCA. We are in for a great year! “For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.” Psalm 135:5
Dana Foster – Upper School Science
I am extremely proud to call Town Creek Christian Academy my school home and Town Creek Baptist my home church. My family and I have attended TCBC for over 15 years. My husband, Scott, and I have three children: Shelby, Samantha, and Zachary; however, our newest job is being grandparents, and we love it!
I graduated from the University of South Carolina Aiken with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and have been teaching over a decade. I still get excited every year to get back to the classroom and meet my new students. Since I am passionate about science, sports, and anything creative, I truly love working with the middle and high school students. It’s a perfect fit for me. I love working with everyone at the Town Creek Christian Academy, and I am blessed to work in an environment that encourages me to use my faith and share my love for Christ. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love is necessary, and in 13:1 it states “The three most important things to have are faith, hope and love, but the greatest of them is LOVE.”
Michael Shaffer – Upper School Mathematics
I am thrilled to be teaching a second year at Town Creek Christian Academy! After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Florida State University in 2000, my wife and I moved to Aiken where I worked in the engineering industry until answering God’s call to vocational ministry. I currently serve as the Youth/Family Life Director of Town Creek Baptist Church. Serving the students both as Youth Minister and within an educational ministry setting is an incredible opportunity! On top of that blessing, God has gifted me with a best friend of a wife for 23 years, and we have both been blessed with four awesome boys. God is good!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be Joyful always; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Michelle Gore – Upper School Social Studies
I am so excited to be teaching upper school Social Studies this year at TCCA! My husband, Austin, and I have been married for 22 years and the Lord has blessed us with two wonderful children. Our son, Hunter, is a sophomore at Clemson University majoring in finance. Our daughter, McKenna, is a freshman at Anderson University majoring in elementary education. I home-schooled them for 9 years and have taught several co-op classes for different ages. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. I know the Lord has called me to teach at TCCA and I look forward to teaching history. We will look at every historical fact from a Biblical worldview and how we can impact our current culture for Christ daily.
“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” Proverbs 9:9
Will Griffith – Upper School Math, Athletics Director
I’m a native of Beech Island. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management and a Master in Arts and Teaching in Middle Grades Math, both from Augusta University. Before coming to TCCA, I taught middle school math and social studies in Aiken County Public Schools for 3 years. This year I took on the added role of Athletic Director and am looking forward to building the sports program here at TCCA. I have been married to my wife Hilary for 6 years and we have two children, Wyatt and Charlee Ann. My family is a blessing to me, and God has blessed us with the opportunity to work and attend school at TCCA. I am excited for what the future holds for everyone that is involved with TCCA. I know God is going to do great things in the hearts and minds of the students here. GO LIONS!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13