2007-2008 Academy Staff

Mrs. Susan Gifford , Academy President
Mrs. Gifford serves as the Administrator for the school. She brings more than 20 years of business experience to her position.  Mrs. Gifford holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green State University, a Master’s from Cleveland State University and has completed coursework in Early Childhood Education at Lakeland Community College. Mrs. Gifford, her husband Russ, and daughter Emily live in Orwell.

Mrs. Heidi Curtin, Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Curtin serves as the teacher for the Preschool class. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University and earned her Early Childhood Education license at Hiram College.  She served as co-teacher for Burton Congregational Preschool prior to joining Agape and is also an experienced Reading Tutor.  Mrs. Curtin, her husband Tom, and children Abby and Brendan reside in  Burton.

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Mrs. Havilah Southern, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Southern serves as the Kindergarten teacher and is certified to teach preschool through third grade.  Prior to joining Agape, she was a teacher at Head Start.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University.  Mrs. Southern, her husband Mike, and sons Elijah and Abram reside in West Farmington.

Mrs. Esther Geletka, 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Geletka serves as the teacher for the 1st Grade class. She holds a teaching certificate in elementary education with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University . Mrs. Geletka has worked ministering to children in China and Romania.  Mrs. Geletka and her husband Brad live in Concord.

Mrs. Bethany Bess, 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Bess holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Spring Arbor University in Michigan.  She served as a substitute teacher for Agape and now serves as our 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher.  Mrs. Bess and her husband Brian reside in Chardon.

Mrs. Melissa Babic, 4th/5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Babic serves as the teacher for the 4th/5th Grade class.  She holds a  Bachelor of Arts in Education from Lake Erie College.  She is certified in Middle Childhood Education with Language Arts and Social Studies.  She taught at Painesville Christian prior to joining Agape.  Mrs. Babic, her husband Jayeson, and daughter Emma Grace reside in Montville.

Mrs. Michelle Miller, 6th/7th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Miller holds a Bachelor's degree in education from Kent State University.  She is certified in Secondary Education with a specialization in Math.  She serves as the 6th/7th Grade Teacher.  Mrs. Miller and her husband JR reside in Middlefield with their four children Chad, Shelby, Alec, and Matthew.

Mrs. Kristen Elliott, Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Elliott serves as a Administrative Assistant and is currently pursuing her Associate’s Degree.  Mrs. Elliott and her husband Michael reside in Chardon.

Mrs. Bethany Majetich, Music Teacher
Mrs. Bethany Majetich holds a Bachelor’s of Science in music education from Oral Roberts University.  During her career she taught music in a Christian school with more than 200 students, served as music director for churches, and served the Lord as a missionary.  At Agape, Mrs. Majetich teaches music class and produces the school’s Christmas program.  She resides in Burton with her husband Bob and children Justin and Josiah.

Mrs. Rebecca Yost, Art Teacher
Mrs. Rebecca Yost holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Kent State University in Art Education and taught art class at Agape for the last two years.  Before teaching at Agape, she taught art classes for the Grace Home School group.  She resides in Middlefield with her husband Neil and children Keegan and Deacon.

Mr. Mike Southern, Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Mike Southern holds a Bachelor’s of Science in education from Kent State University with a major in Middle Childhood Education.  He has experience as a football coach and substitute teacher and served as Agape’s Physical Education instructor for the last two years.  Mr. Southern is the Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor at Christ Covenant Church and is husband to Mrs. Southern, our Kindergarten teacher.

Mrs. Chris Powers, Technology Teacher
Mrs. Chris Powers holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Management from Notre Dame College of Ohio and earned her teaching licensure at Hiram College.  She holds a teaching certificate in Middle Childhood Education (Grades 4^th-9^th) in the areas of Language Arts and Reading, and Math.  Mrs. Powers has a background in business and computers and taught Fourth Grade at Huntsburg Elementary School.  She serves as Agape’s Technology teacher.  Mrs. Powers resides in Auburn with her husband Dick.