Academy Staff

Pastor

My family (Rick, Shayla & Lukas) and I moved to Arizona in 2018 from Maryland.  We found Light of Christ Church and fell in love with it immediately because it's all about Jesus and serving others. 

God has really grown this ministry and I am so blessed to be a small part of it!  I couldn't be more excited to see what He has in store for us as the school continues to grow.

I’m Jessica Cooper – a blessed wife of over 19 years, boy-mom to two incredible sons, and a daughter of the King who is passionate about children, learning, and serving Jesus with my whole heart. I moved to Arizona in 2004, and I honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else – the sunsets, the mountains, and the wide-open spaces still take my breath away. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University and primarily served in educational administration. I love building systems and teams that help little hearts and minds grow in wisdom, kindness, and faith. Being outdoors, trying new things, and making memories with my family is how I recharge and feel closest to the Lord.

My name is Sadie McDonald, I am a wife and mother from sunny California! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of teaching young children and watching them flourish into scholars! I love teaching at Light of Christ and watching our students walk confidently in the Lord. 

My name is Amy Snitchler. I am passionate about helping our students grow and discover their potential. I enjoy teaching at Light of Christ Christian Academy, because it is a rewarding journey to help our future generation to know Jesus and His word. It is a blessing to be an educator, as I believe a quality education is an important part of a child’s foundation. Outside of school I like to bake, and try out new recipes with my family.

I grew up in a small mountain town in California. My schooling focused on Early Childhood Studies & Elementary Education. I danced with a ballet company and a vintage ballroom company, as well as spending my life loving Girl Scouts and all the great skills I learned there as a girl, and later as a camp counselor. I have sung with many different choirs and think that movement and music are skills every child should have an opportunity to learn. I am married with three children and we have had a whirlwind life together living in different countries and different states. I have worked as a Children’s Education Director at my church, as well as an academic teacher with various grades from 2 years old to college-age, differently abled persons; much of that time Montessori-inspired and focused on multi-modality learning to have every subject reach each student.

I was born and raised in Montana, and in 2023 my husband and I felt God leading our family to Arizona. We’ve been blessed to plant our roots here with our two boys who keep us constantly on the go! When I’m not watching sports or cheering them on in soccer, baseball, or swimming, I love to work out, listen to worship music, relax at the beach, and play Mario Kart as a family.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve at LOCCA and look forward to helping and guiding students as they grow in their relationship with Christ!

My name is  Isabel Sesmas, I  was born and raised in Arizona.  

I graduated summa cum laude from ASU Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. My experience has been teaching students in various grade levels in elementary classrooms, recreation classes, and art /Spanish  classes. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, tap dancing, creating art and spending time with my family and doggies.

I love teaching children. It is always amazing to see students learn new things and grow. It is a privilege to be teaching Art and Spanish at Light of Christ.